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I don't post much anymore buuuttt what's a good Comcast/Xfinity router?

jimbob200521

jimbob200521

Diamond Member
Looking at upgrading my home network and doing something a little better than using the stock Comcast/Xfinity provided router. I used to be more into the whole computer/networking scene but life took effect: new job, married, yada yada yada and I have fallen behind. So anyway, long story short, I want to start by returning this stinkin Comcast provided modem/router back to them and using my own hardware.

So my drawn out question is what is a good modem that I could snag without breaking the bank? Preferably something that won't be totally outdated in 6 months so I can upgrade service without having to upgrade my modem again.

For those interested: my current setup is the Comcast provided modem/router/switch/whatever connected to my trusty old WRT-54G running Tomato. This is where everything connects. I also have another Linksys router running DD-WRT across the house as a way to expand my wireless range and add some network ports to my gaming room. Since I don't do anything but browse the net or watch Netflix over my wireless network, this has served just fine thus far...until now. I want to set up a PC workshop and will be adding some network wiring to my house and would like a better connection that the old dusty Wireless G and 10/100 but I digress, that's for another thread.

So, let me know your thoughts. I'd like to wind up with a setup that doesn't require me to pay a monthly rental fee for my hardware and down the line, Wireless N and gigabit (also plan on moving all my storage to a home file server I'm working on). Thanks in advance guys.
 
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jimbob200521 said:
Looking at upgrading my home network and doing something a little better than using the stock Comcast/Xfinity provided router. I used to be more into the whole computer/networking scene but life took effect: new job, married, yada yada yada and I have fallen behind. So anyway, long story short, I want to start by returning this stinkin Comcast provided modem/router back to them and using my own hardware.

So my drawn out question is what is a good modem that I could snag without breaking the bank? Preferably something that won't be totally outdated in 6 months so I can upgrade service without having to upgrade my modem again.

For those interested: my current setup is the Comcast provided modem/router/switch/whatever connected to my trusty old WRT-54G running Tomato. This is where everything connects. I also have another Linksys router running DD-WRT across the house as a way to expand my wireless range and add some network ports to my gaming room. Since I don't do anything but browse the net or watch Netflix over my wireless network, this has served just fine thus far...until now. I want to set up a PC workshop and will be adding some network wiring to my house and would like a better connection that the old dusty Wireless G and 10/100 but I digress, that's for another thread.

So, let me know your thoughts. I'd like to wind up with a setup that doesn't require me to pay a monthly rental fee for my hardware and down the line, Wireless N and gigabit (also plan on moving all my storage to a home file server I'm working on). Thanks in advance guys.
Click to expand...

First, you need to give a price range.

Walmart has this router for $149 if it happens to be in stock in your location.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/NETGEAR-N...12616043251144127006&affillinktype=10&veh=aff
 
jimbob200521 said:
I know I kinda trailed in my post a bit but here I'm primarily looking for a Modem that will work with Xfinity/Comcast.

As for price, I would need to stay sub $100, preferably under $75 but if it's worth it I'll pay a little more.
Click to expand...

Do you need a modem and router, or just a router? They do different things, but comcast offers an all in one.
 
realibrad said:
Do you need a modem and router, or just a router? They do different things, but comcast offers an all in one.
Click to expand...

My biggest goal is to move away from the all in one that Comcast offers, that's what we've got now. I'd like a modem that I can connect to the old WRT-54G I have (for now, until I upgrade).
 
nsafreak said:
I'd probably say the best bang for your buck would be the Arris Surfboard 6183, Amazon has it for $100
Click to expand...

Unless his is 300+, then that modem will have wasted speed with 8 channels down.

Each channel can pull in 43Mbps. That modem has 16 channels down so it can pull in 688Mbps which is likely way above his need. I have Comcast blast where I get about 88Mbps and they dont offer much faster. Unless he has a super fast connection, he can go cheaper.

Price $54.76

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Downl...69927&sr=1-46&keywords=docsis+3.0+cable+modem

That modem will offer 343Mbps down, and 143Mbps up. He will need to check his connection speed from his provider, because its likely going to be way less anyway, so more channels down wont matter.
 
realibrad said:
Unless his is 300+, then that modem will have wasted speed with 8 channels down.

Each channel can pull in 43Mbps. That modem has 16 channels down so it can pull in 688Mbps which is likely way above his need. I have Comcast blast where I get about 88Mbps and they dont offer much faster. Unless he has a super fast connection, he can go cheaper.

Price $54.76

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Downl...69927&sr=1-46&keywords=docsis+3.0+cable+modem

That modem will offer 343Mbps down, and 143Mbps up. He will need to check his connection speed from his provider, because its likely going to be way less anyway, so more channels down wont matter.
Click to expand...

It depends on your service area. In my area Comcast offers gigabit speeds for those willing to pay for it. I'm personally able to get 150 - 160 Mbps on a regular basis on my connection. The price difference really isn't that large and it's not a bad idea to future proof a bit with this kind of purchase.
 
To piggy back on this thread - might one of you recommend a good Xfinity compatible modem that also works with Comcast's phone service? I have their 150Gbps/down package.

I have a separate WIFI router so the cable modem does not need to include that feature. Would like to stay under $100 if possible.
 
jimbob200521 said:
Not sure that's for me, seems it only supports DOCSIS 2.0 and I need something that supports DOCSIS 3.1.
Click to expand...


There is nothing that is DOCSIS 3.1 right now. All devices are extensions of DOCSIS 3.0. The SB6141 is 100% a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

Big question for you - do you use Comcast's phone service? If so, you are very limited in the devices you will be able to use.

@Sho'Nuff
There is only one device you can purchase through authorized retail channels that will work with the Comcast phone service, and that is the ARRIS TG862G/CT, the all-in-one modem/router. If you want a stand alone modem with phone, you can buy them and get them to work, but you'll be on your own if anything goes wrong.
 
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jardows said:
There is nothing that is DOCSIS 3.1 right now. All devices are extensions of DOCSIS 3.0. The SB6141 is 100% a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

Big question for you - do you use Comcast's phone service? If so, you are very limited in the devices you will be able to use.

@Sho'Nuff
There is only one device you can purchase through authorized retail channels that will work with the Comcast phone service, and that is the ARRIS TG862G/CT, the all-in-one modem/router. If you want a stand alone modem with phone, you can buy them and get them to work, but you'll be on your own if anything goes wrong.
Click to expand...

Typo on my part, I meant DOCSIS 3.0. And no I don't use Comcast's phone service; all we have (or rather all we use) is Comcast's internet service. No TV, no phone, nada.
 
Don't know where you got your information about the SB6141 only supporting DOCSIS 2.0, but it was false. Unless you are paying for more than 300Mbps, it would be a great product. I'd use it myself, but I have phone service through Comcast, so have to use a different product.
 
Time Warner here. I got the SB6141. I stopped paying the rental and my speeds increased. There was a giddy moment. Unless you are paying for massive speed >300Mbps I would not get the 6183. You're going to want to upgrade your modem in 3-5 years regardless. You just need one that hits the sweet spot. For now it's the 6141.

I hate that in many cases you cannot legally purchase your own equipment. That should be illegal for ISPs to award full control over equipment. Or at least not charge us for it as you need it to get THEIR service. They hate losing a revenue stream.
 
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