Question 2-n-1 Cable modem/router setups, better than before?

[Phaetos]

I've always had a seperate cable modem and router until I moved into a place with Xfinity 1Gbs service. Couldn't afford the new hardware so I've been renting the XFi unit, it blows chunks. So here's the breakdown:

1) XFinity 1Gbs service
2) Wired PC
3) All other wireless devices are Apple products( iPhone XR's, iPad Pro 10.5<2017 editions>, and an Apple TV 4K) ETA: Yes, we do watch 4K streaming off Netflix and Prime.

I know the older 2-n-1 units were craptastic in years past, but I'm seeing units from Netgear Nighthawk series that look great. Only real problem I can see is if either portion of it craps out, I'm screwed.

So is the value there for 2-n-1's now, or just stick with a modem and router seperate, and if so, which options should I go with off the "approved Xfinity devices list"?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Well, my understanding is, if you have TV and internet from them, with Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 service, and "Xfi Voice Remote" capability, you HAVE to rent the "Xfi Gateway" (XB6).

I know someone that wanted to have a separate modem/router and voice modem, but Comcast is now refusing to provision multiple devices on one account, per new "guidelines".

So, yeah, unless you go internet-only, you're stuck renting it. OTOH, you're supposed to be immune to the caps if you're renting the X-fi. (Edit: I just read in another forum, that there is an additional $10/mo fee for "unlimited internet", if you are paying $15/mo already to rent the Xfi/XB6.)


This is what you want, if you have internet and phone:

NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem for XFINITY internet & Voice, Black - Walmart.com

Buy NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem for XFINITY internet & Voice, Black at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

Edit: Apparently, this is a new arrival, and an alternative to the above:

https://www.target.com/p/arris-surfboard-docsis-3-1-emta-black-t25/-/A-76485422

 

[SamirD]

If you can't afford anything new and already have a router, I'd put their gateway in straight modem mode and just use it as a modem. Then you get the wireless you want until you can just swap out their modem for your own.

 

[Phaetos]

If you can't afford anything new and already have a router, I'd put their gateway in straight modem mode and just use it as a modem. Then you get the wireless you want until you can just swap out their modem for your own.

No can do. Comcast completely locks out any end-user configuration except for SSID names and passwords, very basic DMZ and port-forwarding. You can't even choose what ip subnet block you want to use for the internal IP's. It's horrendous, otherwise I would do that for the time being.

 

[Phaetos]

Well, my understanding is, if you have TV and internet from them, with Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 service, and "Xfi Voice Remote" capability, you HAVE to rent the "Xfi Gateway" (XB6).

I know someone that wanted to have a separate modem/router and voice modem, but Comcast is now refusing to provision multiple devices on one account, per new "guidelines".

So, yeah, unless you go internet-only, you're stuck renting it. OTOH, you're supposed to be immune to the caps if you're renting the X-fi. (Edit: I just read in another forum, that there is an additional $10/mo fee for "unlimited internet", if you are paying $15/mo already to rent the Xfi/XB6.)


This is what you want, if you have internet and phone:

NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem for XFINITY internet & Voice, Black - Walmart.com

Buy NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem for XFINITY internet & Voice, Black at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

Edit: Apparently, this is a new arrival, and an alternative to the above:

https://www.target.com/p/arris-surfboard-docsis-3-1-emta-black-t25/-/A-76485422

I have the only Internet option, no voice so that doesn't matter. As for the "unlimited internet" thing, basically it's supposed to be no data cap, but you have to deal with their Advanced XFi Security crap they tag onto your account, which will block access for damn near anything they think is a threat to your network, regardless of DMZ/port-forwarding etc. Literally, I have a WD myCloud from a couple years ago. I can't use the "cloud" portion of it because their Xfi Security keeps blocking it when I try to access it from outside. I would rather ditch that and get my internet back open and control it with my router.

 

[Phaetos]

But back to the original question, are the 2-n-1 units better at being what they are intended for?

 

[mxnerd]

If you hate being blocked then you probably have to use some kind of VPN. A seperate modem / router setup will be a better solution.

There are some routers with OpenVPN server & client capabilities. There are many of them, but you have to find out yourself.

If you can have an always on PC (or a mini PC, which reduces your utility bill), you can install TeamViewer on it and remote control the PC from outside.

===

But according to

Use Xfinity xFi Advanced Security

Learn more about using Xfinity xFi Advanced Security. xFi Advanced Security helps prevent customers from accidentally accessing risky sites, blocks remote access to smart devices from known dangerous sources and monitors network activity in real time to prevent security risks.

www.xfinity.com

You should be able to disable Xfi Advanced Security.

 

[Phaetos]

Why is no one answering the actual questions in the OP?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Why is no one answering the actual questions in the OP?

It's often a matter of preference.

2-in-1 from ISP (gateway) - generally bottom of the barrel, not meant for people who demand more from their network gear

2-in-1 you purchase - likely a better product.

Preference: You like gateway's or separate modem / router, up to you.

Xfinity's highest speed for homes is 1Gbps, from their support device page...here's two gateway's on the list that will support that speed. If you want a lower speed one, check out the supported device page for other options:

 

[Phaetos]

It's often a matter of preference.

2-in-1 from ISP (gateway) - generally bottom of the barrel, not meant for people who demand more from their network gear

2-in-1 you purchase - likely a better product.

Preference: You like gateway's or separate modem / router, up to you.

Xfinity's highest speed for homes is 1Gbps, from their support device page...here's two gateway's on the list that will support that speed. If you want a lower speed one, check out the supported device page for other options:

Yep, the Netgear one they list as "compatible" is $340 on Amazon. Value wise, I think I will be better off with the Arris SB8200 and a Nighthawk AC1900, around $250 together on Amazon.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Yep, the Netgear one they list as "compatible" is $340 on Amazon. Value wise, I think I will be better off with the Arris SB8200 and a Nighthawk AC1900, around $250 together on Amazon.

I personally like the flexibility of having modem and router separate. For non technical people, just lease the gateway, if it dies then Comcast replaces it.

 

[SamirD]

I have the only Internet option, no voice so that doesn't matter. As for the "unlimited internet" thing, basically it's supposed to be no data cap, but you have to deal with their Advanced XFi Security crap they tag onto your account, which will block access for damn near anything they think is a threat to your network, regardless of DMZ/port-forwarding etc. Literally, I have a WD myCloud from a couple years ago. I can't use the "cloud" portion of it because their Xfi Security keeps blocking it when I try to access it from outside. I would rather ditch that and get my internet back open and control it with my router.

Oh man, that's awful. Well, this will probably help you decide against a combo unit--it works the exact same as the provided one, including all the restrictions. I thought getting one would get rid of the damn hidden hotspots, but nope, as soon as their config was loaded into the unit, it was another zombie drone. And I don't think this has changed at all from your experience (and seems to have gotten worse). Get a separate modem and router and have peace again.

 

[mv2devnull]

It's often a matter of preference.

This.

My preference is to have modem, router, switch, and access points separate. Don't like all-in-1.

 

[mindless1]

No can do. Comcast completely locks out any end-user configuration except for SSID names and passwords, very basic DMZ and port-forwarding. You can't even choose what ip subnet block you want to use for the internal IP's. It's horrendous, otherwise I would do that for the time being.

That does not necessarily matter. You're merely going to assign your own router to be the only client to the modem/router (on it's wan port), then your own router handles your LAN.

Having a separate router is highly desirable to me because it (if you choose one that's supported) allows putting custom DD-WRT/Tomato/etc firmware on it for more configuration.

 

[Phaetos]

If you hate being blocked then you probably have to use some kind of VPN. A seperate modem / router setup will be a better solution.

There are some routers with OpenVPN server & client capabilities. There are many of them, but you have to find out yourself.

If you can have an always on PC (or a mini PC, which reduces your utility bill), you can install TeamViewer on it and remote control the PC from outside.

===

But according to

Use Xfinity xFi Advanced Security

Learn more about using Xfinity xFi Advanced Security. xFi Advanced Security helps prevent customers from accidentally accessing risky sites, blocks remote access to smart devices from known dangerous sources and monitors network activity in real time to prevent security risks.

www.xfinity.com

You should be able to disable Xfi Advanced Security.

i did according to the web login/acct info. It still blocks stuff.

 

[Phaetos]

That does not necessarily matter. You're merely going to assign your own router to be the only client to the modem/router (on it's wan port), then your own router handles your LAN.

Having a separate router is highly desirable to me because it (if you choose one that's supported) allows putting custom DD-WRT/Tomato/etc firmware on it for more configuration.

Any recommendations on good newer routers that will handle AC wireless and support did-wrt or such? I can’t ever seem to get that matched up.