What hardware do I need for Comcast?

[wheeler08]

Thinking of switching to Comcast cable, from Verizon DSL, always getting disconnected and can't get back on, and since a month ago after having it for a year, I can't get my xbox360 online anymore.

So I got confused with what hardware I need to switch to cable. I think I want to go wireless this time because I'm gonna get my wife a laptop for xmas. And I want to be able to hook up my computer and the 360.

Any suggestions on what hardware I need?

Thanks

 

[JackMDS]

Comcast would give you a Modem.

Then you need to buy a Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

Each wired computer needs a Network Card, Each Wireless Computer needs a Wireless Network Card.

Wireless Cable/DSL Router, is a device (size of a book) that connects between the Internet's Modem and the networked computers.

This device Routes (direct) the Internet to the appropriate computer.

You can plug in 4 computers with cable, and many computers can connect wirelessly to the Internet and between them self (Network Sharing).

The system would be connected like this, http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

More about Routers here, http://www.ezlan.net/routers1.html

What to buy? See here, http://www.ezlan.net/buffalo.html

Currently the best for the price, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

 

[wheeler08]

Wow, thanks for the great info! Looks like Buffalo router is the way to go. Thanks again

 

[wheels619]

the cable companies usually charge for cable modem rentals, so if one of your buddies have a spare one, try to borrow it.

 

[wheeler08]

I don't know if I still have it or not, but I had Comcast cable about 3 years ago and might still have the modem that I had then. Would it still work ok, or has it changed much in the past 3 years and I should get a new one?

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: wheeler08
I don't know if I still have it or not, but I had Comcast cable about 3 years ago and might still have the modem that I had then. Would it still work ok, or has it changed much in the past 3 years and I should get a new one?

I'm not positive on this but I'll take a stab: it depends on your area and upgrades that have been done to the network. To be safe pickup a new modem or rent one from Comcast. If you want to use your old modem you may want to ask Comcast's tech support line if they still support it.

 

[jonmcc33]

Everyone I know that has Comcast hates the service.

Here's some crap that SWFL has had to deal with...

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/...le.asp?articleid=10971

http://www.naplesnews.com/news...t_service_much_lehigh/

 

[Fardringle]

The only times I have ever had trouble with Comcast in the 5 or so years I've used their broadband service were when my modem failed (replaced by Comcast the next day) and when a severe lightning storm knocked out the local access point for a couple of days. They don't even change my IP address more than once a year...

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: jonmcc33
Everyone I know that has Comcast hates the service.

Here's some crap that SWFL has had to deal with...

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/...le.asp?articleid=10971

http://www.naplesnews.com/news...t_service_much_lehigh/

So Vandals cut the Cable and it is Comcast fault???

Good Call!!!

 

[yuppiejr]

I would suggest stopping by Circuit City to see what sorts of special offers they have for first-time Comcast sign-ups. When I first set-up my service I got a free modem (after rebate), $100 cash back and heavily discounted service for the first 6 months. First time setup is always the best time to negotiate for the best deals so I suggest you shop around before making the jump.

I've been on Comcast in 2 homes for almost 4 years, the only issues I've had were related to signal quality caused by a neighbor's errant shovel which was quickly identified and resolved by a Comcast tech. I'm on their 8 meg down/768k plan behind a D-Link DGL-4300 wireless router and haven't had to touch the modem or router in 6 months (when I was adding some cabling to my patch panel for additional stations in the house).

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: jonmcc33
Everyone I know that has Comcast hates the service.

Here's some crap that SWFL has had to deal with...

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/...le.asp?articleid=10971

http://www.naplesnews.com/news...t_service_much_lehigh/

So Vandals cut the Cable and it is Comcast fault???

Good Call!!!

No, that was the one in Lehigh Acres. That cut off service for 95% of their customers. So what does that tell you? It wasn't some random vandal, of which there is plenty of crime in Lehigh trust me. It was someone that knew exactly where the line into the city went into. He not only hacked the line but hacked the extra pull so they couldn't just patch the cable. They had to run new cable. So it was someone with networking knowledge from within the company.

The other link was for Cape Coral, which is on the other side of Fort Myers. That was about service that just went down for an entire day and Comcast didn't even answer their phones.

Got it now?

 

[jersiq]

Originally posted by: jonmcc33

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: jonmcc33
Everyone I know that has Comcast hates the service.

Here's some crap that SWFL has had to deal with...

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/...le.asp?articleid=10971

http://www.naplesnews.com/news...t_service_much_lehigh/

So Vandals cut the Cable and it is Comcast fault???

Good Call!!!

No, that was the one in Lehigh Acres. That cut off service for 95% of their customers. So what does that tell you? It wasn't some random vandal, of which there is plenty of crime in Lehigh trust me. It was someone that knew exactly where the line into the city went into. He not only hacked the line but hacked the extra pull so they couldn't just patch the cable. They had to run new cable. So it was someone with networking knowledge from within the company.

The other link was for Cape Coral, which is on the other side of Fort Myers. That was about service that just went down for an entire day and Comcast didn't even answer their phones.

Got it now?

And I suppose it couldn't have been a former disgruntled employee? No it had to be someone currently working there. What a great staff meeting that would have been:
Organizer: Well now it seems that our customers have been having too much fun with the internets. What shall we do?
Dispatcher: I will advise the nearest tech to stop by Home Depot, purchase an auger, and send him to a non-redundant link that will bring this city to it's knees!
Organizer: Sounds good, meeting adjourned.


Take the hatred to off-topic, or broadbandreports.com I highly doubt you will dissuade the OP from his choice of broadband provider.
[/soapbox]

Not to derail the OP, as it seems that you have all your questions answered.

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: jersiq
Take the hatred to off-topic, or broadbandreports.com I highly doubt you will dissuade the OP from his choice of broadband provider.
[/soapbox]

Not to derail the OP, as it seems that you have all your questions answered.

I have no hatred as I have never used Comcast. Take your misunderstanding of my post to PM, thanks!

I'm just helping the OP know that he might have complaints now but he might have more with Comcast. That's informing the user and not derailing anything. Got it?