- Do yourself a favor and ditch it. Nothing but trouble.
- Ok for a few nearby cams but beyond that, upgrade.
- I’ve used one for years and it’s sufficient for my IoT needs.
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I prefer to use my own cable modem and WiFi router so I have more control over my home network.
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You definitely gain that.
I started with a couple Cam v2s in late 2018 for testing and the ISP router seemed ok back then. By late 2020 I had increased to eight cams and bought a two node mesh router. That started out “ok” and improved to “good+” as the manufacturer made many non-trivial feature improvements requested by customers, eg:
Whenever I have a choice I opt for my own modem and router. As @StevenA said, I like to have more control over my network.
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I have fiber from my ISP. I am using their ONT, but it is only operating as the Optical to electrical interface. From there into my own router. I am NOT using a consumer grade router, but rather a small office router with FAR more capability than any consumer router. The router does not have WiFi. For WiFi, I am using Meraki enterprise grade WiFi with five access points. There is no way I would even consider using the ISP router or WiFi.
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There are certainly a lot of issues with ISP routers, and it’s not just that their device limiting connectivity can be bad, but a lot of them also harvest all your data and resell it without your permission. They will also use their default DNS in order to manipulate your traffic and in some cases even alter your traffic to some degree. They will also throttle you on purpose if you’re doing something with some kind of competition.
The only time I really tell somebody it’s okay if they use there. ISP modem is if they are nearly completely tech illiterate and don’t really have somebody who will help them out. Then, using the default ISP router can be better for some of those people only because then when they call the ISP for help they can check and fix everything for them, and a lot of people need that kind of help.
Otherwise, if you’re not completely tech illiterate, You are paying a lot more money for equipment that is inferior and works way. Wes than something you could get from almost literally any other company, and you can own it instead of paying monthly fees to your ISP for something that totally sucks.
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The modem is technically a component of the ISP’s network, and they maintain complete control over it, despite the fact that you own it.
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Mostly true, but with important caveats. If you own the modem, the ISP’s control is significantly reduced. With an ISP-provided modem, they often retain remote access and permissions you might not want to approve. I had an ISP remotely access my modem and change its NAT configuration without my consent, which broke my network. I had set up my router to handle NAT, but they switched the modem to do it instead, causing double NAT issues and connectivity problems. It took me a while to diagnose, and when I confronted them, they admitted to making the change remotely without my consent.
When you purchase and use your own modem, the ISP no longer has full control. You can usually access more settings, disable remote management protocols like TR-069, and even block firmware updates. This gives you better security and autonomy.
Most ISPs publish lists of approved modems, and in the U.S., they can’t legally prevent you from using your own device if it meets technical standards (per FCC rules). You can configure IP settings, swap models, and, most importantly, lock down the device to prevent interference like what they did to me.
You can also block ISP access through firewall rules, monitor changes via syslog servers or SNMP, and set up alerts for WAN IP changes or provisioning events.
But honestly, the best option is to put your modem into bridge mode. This passes all traffic directly to your router or server, letting your own equipment handle NAT, DHCP, and firewall rules. If you own the modem and disable remote access, the ISP has no control and no visibility into your internal network.
So, I still maintain that owning your own modem can be pretty important because I experienced firsthand what they can do without your permission. I thought it didn’t matter too much because I had my own personal router and configured everything the way I wanted without their meddling or their DNS or other settings, but because I was still using their modem, I found out they still messed with my network. That’s when I learned that getting your own modem instead of the ISP modem can also be as important as getting your own router instead of the ISP router. Then just make sure to lock them out of it and put it in bridge mode. Problem solved.
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Comcast / Xfinity uses residential connections as WiFi hotspots. Call me selfish, but I would rather use my bandwidth for myself.
https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi/hotspot-map-mobile
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Use your own router for total control.
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As @carverofchoice said, I put my modem in a dumb mode so it only passes the public IP to my router. Remote access to the modem can only be accessed through a single MAC address of a computer on my network through a VPN connection. I also use CloudFlare and Google DNS servers.
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I had a different, cheap reason to get my own modem. My previous ISP was charging for its router rental. Buying my own router wasn’t simple, however. The ISP made sure to use a modem with only one output port, and it’s a 2.5g port.
Which meant I had to get a 2.5g-capable router, which at the time, cost double regular routers with 1g ports. You have to wonder why an ISP that only provides 1g download speeds would use a modem with only a 2.5g port.
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I have a better one for you. My new ISP is offering 2Gbps download speed but their modem also has only one 2.5GB out of four ports. So you are forced to pony up for switch as the other ports are useless if you want to harness their advertised speeds.
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You get a WiFi router like GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) which has 2x2.5Gbps ethernet ports, or the GL.iNet GL-BE9300(Flint 3), which has 5x 2.5Gbps ports. You link the WAN port to the ISPs modem and you are guaranteed to get the 2Gbps. Then you connect ALL your devices to your GL.iNet router.
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I know how to do it, my point is the ISPs logic behind their offerings. I use my own modem and router anyways.
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How much would a skilled pro charge this homeowner to:
- Provide a suitable good quality WiFi router
- Provide a suitable good quality modem
- Set up their new network for best connectivity, privacy and security?
Y’know. Ballpark.
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@bryonhu would most likely not charge you anything if you converted to Reolinks. 
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Challenge Accepted 
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I don’t know, I’ve always done it for my friends and family for free.
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This is a good neighborhood. Plenty of nice folk willing to lend others a hand. 
I ballparked "up to $1K. " I may not be the best person to ask. 