Need suggestions for replacing Comcast rental modem/router

[Bordoh]

I currently rent a cable modem/router in one from Comcast, an arris tg862, but it has horrible signal range and barely makes it from my computer room to my other devices. I also don't want to keep paying the rental fee.

I'm looking to replace it. I prefer a separate cable modem and router. The farthest it will need to travel is roughly 50 feet and through 3 walls.

My main activity is online gaming, 2 PC's hooked up through wired connection and I'll also have 5 wireless devices hooked up. My normal use will consist of one PC gaming, Netflix streaming through wireless bluray (50 feet and 3 walls away), and a tablet and phone running at the same time. On occasion I may be running up to 6 devices at once, but only 2 would require heavy bandwidth.


I was hoping to stay sub $100 on each device, total of $200, but if that's not possible while maintaining good quality I could probably swing up to $250 total for both.

Any suggestions are appreciated, thank you.

 

[Ichinisan]

Definitely agree you should have 2 separate devices instead of a combination device. Last I checked, a Cable Labs DOCSIS-certified modem does not allow end users to update firmware, so you can't even get the kind of compatibility / performance fixes you would get from your router manufacturer via firmware updates. Cable companies rarely push the latest firmware, especially for a model they didn't install.

I'd just get any DOCSIS3 standard non-WiFi modem and a decent 802.11ac router. Pretty much any "AC" router will be dual-band (AC is 5GHz only, so the 2.4 GHz band would be b/g/n-compatible and the 5.0 GHz band would be a/n/ac-compatible.

If you have T-Mobile, you can borrow a really nice high-end Asus router for as long as you're a customer.

 

[Ketchup]

Be sure to call them or check their site, to make sure you get a compatible model. You might want to call Comcast and make sure they aren't offering anything (such as a plain modem) for free. I didn't know that my cable company offered a new plan with a free modem until I called them. All I had to do was return the model I was "renting."

 

[Bordoh]

Comcast has very few approved modems listed on their site, if I don't use one of those specifically, does that mean it won't work?

 

[Ketchup]

Happened to me with Charter (interestingly, it was a model they previouly did support), so I assume Comcast would be the same.

 

[JackMDS]

Hmm.. You are complaining about the Wireless?

So leave everything as is, get a Good Wireless Router, configure it as an AP and you would have two Wireless sources.

Give them the same SSID and password, put one on Ch -1 and the other on ch-11.

If you can lay a s wire from the Room out to the hallway (even if it just by the door). Doing so the signal would be out saving one wall and you will have better Wireless through the House.

This much better than to try pushing Wireless from only one source inside a room even if the new Wireless Router is "" the bestest"".

Good Wireless Router - http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC68R-Wire...8&qid=1436396272&sr=8-8&keywords=asus+routers

Configure as an AP - Using Wireless Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[Bordoh]

Well, the problem with just getting a router means I would still be paying $7 a month to Comcast for equipment rental. So getting a cable modem would save me money over the rental fee after a period of time. Any suggestions on cable modems perhaps?

 

[Ketchup]

What models do they support? If a rented modem/router goes out, for any reason, they replace it for free, and you would have an easier time working with them if your Internet goes out. Not to mention it will be over a year before you break even, assuming everything works fine for that period of time.

Jack has some good advice here.

 

[Ichinisan]

Comcast has very few approved modems listed on their site, if I don't use one of those specifically, does that mean it won't work?

Generally, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem *should* work on their network (that's the idea of the DOCSIS compatibility standard, after all). That said, I've encountered some modems while working at my local cableco/ISP that had compatibility problems. Some were resolved by firmware updates (a customer would be very lucky to reach me to actually get one of those models updated). Others, like some Zoom brand models many years ago, just wouldn't work. Zoom would not provide a firmware update after I tried many times to contact them. I just couldn't reach anyone that understood dozens of people were buying their Zoom modems at Best Buy and getting refunds at the store after we couldn't make them work. Oh well. Their loss...

Our network has been upgraded now and I haven't encountered an incompatible modem in a very long time. Motorola, Arris, Netgear, even Zoom -- they all seem to work. It has been a while since I've spoken with anyone purchasing a Cisco or Linksys modem. I wouldn't expect Cisco to get out of that business since they purchased Scientific Atlanta. It might make sense if Linksys doesn't do it since they're owned by Belkin now.

 

[Ichinisan]

What models do they support? If a rented modem/router goes out, for any reason, they replace it for free, and you would have an easier time working with them if your Internet goes out. Not to mention it will be over a year before you break even, assuming everything works fine for that period of time.

Jack has some good advice here.

This. We've had a *lot* of storms in my area recently, and lots of damaged modems too.

 

[Bordoh]

http://mynewmodem.comcast.net

That's a listing of their approved modems, I was considering the $90 Motorola surfboard one, gets good reviews on Amazon.

Would take 13 months to make up the price of renting. How often do modems go bad usually? I've rented them for about 10 years now and only had 1 go bad, I may just be lucky though?

 

[ImDonly1]

http://mynewmodem.comcast.net

That's a listing of their approved modems, I was considering the $90 Motorola surfboard one, gets good reviews on Amazon.

Would take 13 months to make up the price of renting. How often do modems go bad usually? I've rented them for about 10 years now and only had 1 go bad, I may just be lucky though?

The SB6141 is good, but not sure if I'd pay $90 for it...
http://slickdeals.net/f/7889233-mot...le-modem-new-radio-shack-b-m-49-99-live-again

The 5341J is comparable to the 6141 also
http://slickdeals.net/f/7938437-war...0-cable-modem-62-99-ac-fs-before-tax-best-buy

The Cisco dpc3008-cc is also comparable and can be found for cheap, like $30-40 on ebay or amazon.

Just make sure you buy a comcast compatible version. The dpc3008 is sold is a comcast (dpc3008-cc) and non-comcast (dpc3008) version.

 

[boomerang]

http://mynewmodem.comcast.net That's a listing of their approved modems, I was considering the $90 Motorola surfboard one, gets good reviews on Amazon.

That site shows only the modems available through their marketing partners. Here is a more complete list. http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/ Be sure to select the speed tier you currently have (or anticipate having) in order to get a modem that will provide the speed you are paying for.

Comcast in both Michigan and Florida (I have two residences) is charging $10 per month for modem rental. This pricing went into effect on Jan 1 of this year. Anyone on contract is going to be in for a surprise when their contract expires.

I have to add that those of you suggesting getting a modem not on Comcast's approved list are doing the OP a disservice.

Lastly, when returning your modem/router combo to Comcast, be sure to get a receipt to document the return and check your bill to make sure you are not still getting charged for the rental. Comcast has a habit of "forgetting" to take that charge off your account.

 

[C2bcool]

Modem: ARRIS / Motorola SurfBoard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

It is the newest one and supports 16 Down x 4 Upload Bonding

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorol...orola+SurfBoard+SB6183+DOCSIS+3.0+Cable+Modem

The SB6141 only supports 8x4. So the 6183 will be the most future proof.

As for the Wifi Router they are quite a few good ones. I am partial to ASUS and Linkseys myself. Just make sure you consider what devices you have and if its worth getting one of the newest (expenisive) routers because your devices may not make use of it.

 

[ImDonly1]

Modem: ARRIS / Motorola SurfBoard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

It is the newest one and supports 16 Down x 4 Upload Bonding

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorol...orola+SurfBoard+SB6183+DOCSIS+3.0+Cable+Modem

The SB6141 only supports 8x4. So the 6183 will be the most future proof.

As for the Wifi Router they are quite a few good ones. I am partial to ASUS and Linkseys myself. Just make sure you consider what devices you have and if its worth getting one of the newest (expenisive) routers because your devices may not make use of it.

The 6183 is expensive and I'm not so sure about future proof when comcast is going to roll out docsis 3.1 in 2016 and you will need docsis 3.1 modems then.

 

[Ketchup]

Just remember that the signal from a new dedicated router may not extend much further than what you have now, so you may still find yourself in need of another router /extender.

 

[Bordoh]

The 6183 is expensive and I'm not so sure about future proof when comcast is going to roll out docsis 3.1 in 2016 and you will need docsis 3.1 modems then.

With the "16x" speed thing vs the 8x on the surfboard modems, this wouldn't speed up my connection if I only pay for 50 mbit anyway right? Or would there be a difference between these 2 modems with 50mbit service?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

When I signed up for Comcast, I got a SB-6121 and an ASUS RT-AC66U as a router. I'm not repeating xfinity signals for other people, I'm in near-total control of my LAN, it's nice.

With the "16x" speed thing vs the 8x on the surfboard modems, this wouldn't speed up my connection if I only pay for 50 mbit anyway right? Or would there be a difference between these 2 modems with 50mbit service?

I don't think there would be - the 3.1 DOCSIS standard should work fine at lower speeds with a 3.0 modem.

 

[ImDonly1]

With the "16x" speed thing vs the 8x on the surfboard modems, this wouldn't speed up my connection if I only pay for 50 mbit anyway right? Or would there be a difference between these 2 modems with 50mbit service?

The 8x modem can handle 343 mbps. So you are fine. That and not all areas on Comcast are even upgraded to 16 channels.

 

[C2bcool]

the 16x bonding helps when there is more internet traffic. Your max speed will probably be around the same, but your AVG speed should be higher (particularly during high traffic periods).

Also I did not say it was future proof (i.e. the 3.1 coming) as everything eventually gets outdated/needs to be upgraded. I did say it is "most future proof" compared to the SB6141. Comcast is also slow to adopt the newest tech as well. Basically the SB6183 will have a longer useful life then the SB6141.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

the 16x bonding helps when there is more internet traffic. Your max speed will probably be around the same, but your AVG speed should be higher (particularly during high traffic periods).

Also I did not say it was future proof (i.e. the 3.1 coming) as everything eventually gets outdated/needs to be upgraded. I did say it is "most future proof" compared to the SB6141. Comcast is also slow to adopt the newest tech as well. Basically the SB6183 will have a longer useful life then the SB6141.

I've never had a cable modem survive longer than 5 years. Eventually, a poiwer surge or something takes them out, or I move and switch ISPs.

So as sympathetic as I generally am to "nerd-boner," I'm not sure that future-proofing is really a useful strategy, although people like to use it as an excuse to buy fancy hardware they don't need.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Lightning just killed my 6141. So I got a 6121, which is now Docsis 3.0 but cheaper and maxes out at 179 Mbps. Which for my 50 down Comcast is good enough for now. I also purchased a 5341J as a backup for $19.95 on Amazon as a backup. Got a great discount for getting an Amazon Visa CC on that purchase. The 6121 works great and gives me the same download/upload speeds as the 6141 it replaced which is 59 down and 6 up.

 

[C2bcool]

The 6183 is expensive and I'm not so sure about future proof when comcast is going to roll out docsis 3.1 in 2016 and you will need docsis 3.1 modems then.

well its a $40 difference @ $130 vs $90. Not a big deal IMHO for a better modem. However, if his area only has 8 channel bonding and he gets a used 6142 then by all means that would be a better deal.

I've never had a cable modem survive longer than 5 years. Eventually, a poiwer surge or something takes them out, or I move and switch ISPs.

Also, I've had an arris722 in service since ~2010. Not issue with it at all other then 4 channel bonding (area supports 8). My parents now use it at their place. And I live in FL and lightning has not taken it out yet. Maybe I'm Just lucky. Would get him an 822 (8 channel bonding), but there is now a 1602 (16 channel) that is not yet available in my area.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I bought a Surfboard 6141 in 2013. It pays off within no time. And to think that we've been "renting" since 2001.....

For what speeds do you need DOCSIS 3.1? 3.0 has been around forever.

They're upgrading Blast to 75/5 right now and I just got it. Shouldn't 3.0 be good til 300mbps at least? But honestly, at the rate they're upgrading speeds, I've gone from 25mbps to 75mbps. Most places in my house I can't even get that good wireless signal!