I've had Spectrum(formerly Bright House) internet service for several years.
They provide a wireless modem/router combo unit for a monthly rental fee.

Are you wanting to purchase your own wireless modem/router combo unit so you don't have to pay a monthly fee?
If that's your intent, you need to make sure it's a brand and model that Spectrum supports.

-------------------------------------------------

 

Thanks.

 

ISP isn't a consideration. All this really boils down to is your budget.

You can also have Spectrum provide a router, although I believe there is a rental fee ($5 I think).

 

ISP isn't a consideration. All this really boils down to is your budget.

You can also have Spectrum provide a router, although I believe there is a rental fee ($5 I think).

Thanks.

 

What is the best, most economical (least expensive) router

You have two mutually exclusive concepts here; best and least expensive. A router is just like any part; you get what you pay for. With that said, you do not need a $400 gaming router. A decent linksys should work fine for you. Here is an example;
Linksys WRT1900ACS Open Source Ready Smart Wi-Fi Gigabit Router Supported by DD-WRT, eSATA / USB 3.0 (WRT1900ACS) - Newegg.com
I ran a linksys wrt1900 for years with no problem at all. I do change routers approx every 5yr since routers do not last forever.
In fact I still have the linksys as a backup router in case my current router fails.

 

My home is one floor, 1440 square ft, with up to 10 devices connected at any one time.

No where did you say you need wireless support. Routers are wired only. Period. That is, technically, there is NO SUCH THING as a "wireless router". That is a [inaccurate] "marketing term" for an integrated device that includes a router, an Ethernet switch (typically 4-port), and a WAP (wireless access point) - 3 discrete network devices that just happen to share a common case, circuit board and power supply.

So do you need wireless support?

Assuming you do, and you are looking for a "wireless router", one floor and 1440 square feet means your coverage is spread out. Distance and barriers (walls) are your enemy here.

You definitely want this wireless router centrally located in the middle of the house. And with 10 devices, you need to look for "simultaneous dual band" support. This means the router will support connected devices on the 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band. The 5GHz band can be used by the devices (if they support 5GHz) closest to the wireless router, and the 2.4GHz for the distant devices.

up to 10 devices connected at any one time.

And what will these devices be doing? If you will have multiple devices streaming videos (YouTube and Netflix, for example) at the same time, then - to keep peace in the household - you will need to invest (spend $$$) on a good, high end, fast Wifi 6 wireless router.

I may not need a $400 gaming router, but don't go budget either. I would prepare to spend between $200 - $300. More if you have a herd of teenage kids in the house and YOU (or the better half) want to stream Netflix without buffering too.

 

After you get your gateway and install it check the wireless connection speed in different rooms. Speedtest is one of the best web sites (also offers phone app and browser extension). If it drops a lot, a mesh system should minimize the problem. I replaced my range extender with Deco mesh. (3 satelite units.) The difference was amazing. With $20 coupon it is $109 at Amazon now. Sure, there are more and better (and very costly) alternatives.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Deco...25DJFRWF&keywords=deco+mesh+wifi&qid=1648299065&sprefix=deco+mes,aps,267&sr=8-4

 

Thank you so much. This is very valuable information for me. I appreciate it. 👍

 

After you get your gateway and install it check the wireless connection speed in different rooms. Speedtest is one of the best web sites (also offers phone app and browser extension). If it drops a lot, a mesh system should minimize the problem. I replaced my range extender with Deco mesh. (3 satelite units.) The difference was amazing. With $20 coupon it is $109 at Amazon now. Sure, there are more and better (and very costly) alternatives.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Deco-Replacement-S4-3-Pack/dp/B084GTH5LL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2G77225DJFRWF&keywords=deco+mesh+wifi&qid=1648299065&sprefix=deco+mes,aps,267&sr=8-4

Thank you. 👍