4 Disadvantages of Using All-in-One Modem-Router Combos

Your router is an essential part of your home Internet network. While it may be tempting to take the easy way out and choose one of the many all-in-one modem-router combinations, this approach has major drawbacks compared to setting up a modem and router separately. Of course, this decision gets even trickier when you start looking at the US government’s latest ban on wireless routers, because you’ll also want to make sure you’re getting something that will be supported for years to come.

While many may prefer a two-device network setup, if you’re considering going with an all-in-one combination, you should be aware of the downsides of using a single-device setup. While it’s technically easier to set up and use, having to replace the entire network and deal with issues like limited options for where you can connect can be extremely annoying and limit the range of your network’s coverage.

This is perhaps one of the biggest problems with using an all-in-one modem and router combination. No matter how good the technology is, there’s always the chance that something will go wrong and it will end up experiencing technical issues or just dying altogether. When this happens with an all-in-one modem, you can’t just replace the broken part. Instead, you have to replace the whole thing. This means getting a new modem/router, or even speaking with your Internet service provider to get one if you’re using one they provided.

Of course, this isn’t the most annoying problem, especially since you can get a newer device in most cases, or even plug in a new router if that’s what’s failing. However, this means that your entire network configuration will likely change, from the wireless network name, to the configuration settings you may have configured on your router, to even the password you set.

This also means you may have to get used to a new user interface if you work within the router settings. The worst part is that even if you could replace the part that’s no longer working, it’s hard to tell whether the modem or router is the part that’s having problems because you can’t do one of the first troubleshooting steps recommended by ISPs, like unplugging the router from the modem and resetting it.

Another drawback you may encounter with a modem and router combination is that the location in your home will depend on where the ISP installed your system. Some companies rely on your home’s incoming cable connections, while others, like AT&T, actually install a special gateway into your home. This locks down where your connection enters the home, and if your gateway or cable connections aren’t located in ideal areas of your home, you could end up with spotty service in some rooms.

Many router manufacturers like ASUS recommend placing your router in the center of your service area. This provides the most coverage throughout your home. It’s also recommended to keep your router away from devices that may interfere with its wireless signals, as they can create slower, less reliable connections on your network.

Overall, choosing a combo unit means you have less control over where your device goes. If you have a large home, this can definitely affect your bandwidth performance, especially if the signal has to pass through multiple walls or ceilings to reach your other devices.

If you live in a large home or want to extend your Internet coverage throughout your home, you may have difficulty expanding your network coverage when using a combo unit. This is because you will have to rely on the installed router and the extender products it supports. While wireless extenders can get the job done, each iteration of your network running on these devices is weaker, meaning you’re not getting the full benefit of what you’re paying for.

One of the best ways to expand your network without losing speed or reliability is to use a mesh network. However, these networks require routers designed to work as part of a mesh network. This means that the router built into a combo unit probably can’t do this. Instead, you’ll need to plug the mesh router you purchase into the cable router, set it up in hotspot mode, and then connect the rest of your system through it. Sure, it works, but it also leaves you with the same drawbacks we mentioned above, like the single point of failure that requires you to replace the entire setup if something goes wrong.

While not everyone takes the opportunity to customize their network, some users prefer to have more control over their wireless network configuration. For example, if you want to use VLANs, you may need to purchase a router separate from your modem and router combo to do so. This is the recommendation some users have received when looking to configure VLANs on routers provided by their ISP.

Additionally, port forwarding and changing router settings may be more difficult depending on the combo unit provided by your ISP. Keep this in mind if you want to run custom DNS on your router, as some users have experienced issues configuring custom DNS options on some ISPs’ routers. These limitations may also get worse depending on your Internet type and ISP. So it’s always good to know what you could give up, just in case you need it. If you want to take full advantage of all the great features of your router, you’ll need separate modems and routers, instead of an all-in-one.