What is the make and model number of the Comcast supplied modem ? Are you happy with it ? Are you saying that you no longer wish to rent one from Comcast and that you want to purchase one of your own ?
I'm not unhappy with it. Maybe I should rephrase my question, or give more detail.
My modem is in my basement. The router has to be plugged in to the ethernet slot. I thought perhaps I should get a different modem that can sit on my desk closer to the router.
LOL..I said I know absolutely nothing about this. I didn't even know until yesterday that the router and the modem are two different things!
your new Cisco Router should plug into your existing modem. (Power cycle the modem each time you atach a different device to it)
If you have a Cable TV outlet upstairs, you could just move the modem upstairs and connect it up with a coax cable and then set it on your desk with the Router plugged in to it.
Or
You could call comcast and have them come out and move it for you.
