Modem + Router vs all-in-one?

Hey,

I have a stock AT&T "wireless gateway" which has a built in modem+router. The wifi is terrible. If you can connect, its fine. But most of the time, on multiple laptops, it will try and tell you the information doesn't match the network settings, forcing you to remove the network and reconnect. Somewhere between once and 5 times a week.

This is getting on my nerves, and AT&T is useless.

So, I can use the gateway as a modem for now, which should work, then purchase a separate router.

However, when I switch to TWC (more on that in a different post) I will need a modem anyways. I was wondering if it would be better to pitch the thing out the window and just buy another all in one.

What is everyone's preference on an all-in-one vs a modem + router combo?

Also, my budget would be around $80.

well, i guess it just depends on the size of your home/how many devices, but all in all, it is better to have them be separate. because if the wireless fails, you will have to replace both, regardless if the modem still works. and visa versa. 

for $80 though.....

you could get the 

motorola SB6121 modem. and a decent $40 router, but that is about the price of the motorola modem/router all-in-one.

what speed package will you be getting?

have you considered possibly renting the modem from TWC (not sure the price. maybe $5/mo?) and then buying a sold router?

Don't Rent, I know Suddenlink Locks a LOT of options in their routers if you rent. Something they cant do on a router they don't own

i meant rent the modem, and then buy a router. 

If it were me, I'd prefer the modem + router option, just because I'd have more options in 3rd party firmwares such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato. If you're not into loading up 3rd party firmwares, go with an all-in-one.

If you want performance, then bridge or DMZ the modem and get a powerful router.  Anything all in one is just crap unless it has a dual core processor in it.

I don't know if there's connection options down in the states, but here in southern Ontario I'm with a local company and they give you the option between DSL and Cable, and they suggest to rent if you're anticipating new connections or don't believe you're going to want to keep the modem after, AIO Modem/Routers are crap and this company doesn't even sell/rent them. Get a Modem, hopefully you can get it to run in bridge, and get a beefy router that you're content with it's capabilities (save if you have to) and go from there. If you can't afford a router that you really want, go straight from modem until you can afford the router. It might actually be nice to run from directly the modem if you only use wired and the modem isn't trash, just grab a switch or two and set up a wired home net if you'd like.