Comcast XFINITY → Re: [Speed] May have to switch to Comcast

Can anyone else verify this about their wireless?

But ok, they charge $50 for installation without wireless and $100 with it, which is odd because I assume without it, they have to run wires in the crawl space?

But hypothetically, say we didn't get wireless. They run ethernet?

Our Roku boxes are wireless only. So how do we watch streaming without them, if they run ethernet to the TV's?

What Pete was saying is don't get the Comcast Wireless Gateway - it is known to be less-than-stellar performance wise. Using YOUR OWN wireless router (no ethernet required) is perfectly OK; you just don't want the modem and router to be one unit. As far as the install fees, the $100 is if they install THEIR wireless gateway, which you DON'T want. They will NOT run ethernet anywhere, though they will give you 1 ethernet cable to plug in 1 computer next to the modem or to connect to your router, which will then provide the wireless signal to everything else. This isn't complicated really, but you may wind up having to learn a few things about networking you didn't have to know before - in the long run you'll have a network you can depend on, and hopefully save some bucks on your phone service as well. There are articles on basic networking and routers all over the internet you can peruse before making your final decision. If you are totally uncomfortable with this, find a computer-knowledgeable friend you can trust (or be prepared to pay a computer professional who comes highly recommended) who can hook all this up and get it running for you.

The good thing about getting a Comcast Digital Voice / Internet bundle is it will probably be cheaper if ordered together and you can try the CDV (they'll give you a new number) and see if you like it BEFORE you port your existing number and then cancel CenturyLink. (DO NOT cancel CenturyLink until your number is COMPLETELY ported - this can cause the porting to fail and you could lose your number)

You should be able to get great internet for your business AND entertainment needs, as well as far better phone service that does what you need, at some degree of savings; and you'll have a LOT more flexibility down the road when/if your needs change.

No, I set up this network here, myself. I'm just not so familiar with all the official terms. The difference between a gateway and a router, for example. They run the cable. At the cable ( if I dont want to rent ) I need a [....] and/or a [....] for wireless?

All I need to get right are the terms here ( and maybe the best models for me to buy? ), I know how to set the stuff up.

Just for some background on me, I have an ASET ( Associate in Science in Electronics Technology ), admittedly from 1969 which gives away my age and have held an advanced amateur radio license since then too.

So the big question is whether to let them set up the wireless for me first, then swap it out for better gear, or just get my own better gear to begin with.

Oh, and this house is about 80 feet from end to end, so if possible it would be nice to get a wireless unit with a little more power?

SO we need their cable run to the middle of the house ( I already have a shelf installed there, ready for this. ) Then we need one or two devices ( a [....] and/or a [....] ) to get from their cable to two of our Roku boxes wirelessly, and two of our PC's wirelessly, at full speed ahead.

And yes, I get excited about the prospect of totally dumping all services from CenturyLink ( which we refer to here, as "Banana Republic Phone Company ).

Update: I just called Comcast and added the phone service too, and the guy said that he didn't understand why people wouldn't think their wireless gizmo wouldn't be the best. he said I could google it - that it was rated #1 by PC Magazine, but he didn't know the model number. He said it's a wireless gateway modem, is the way he described it. Comments?

I think the reason that Comcast charges more for a "wireless" installation is that they will also setup your connected PCs to use their wireless gateway if you use their wireless gateway. Using a Comcast supplied wireless gateway is not as versatile as using a separate wireless router, but perhaps for you it may be the best choice to have Comcast install one and setup your network to use it.

If you don't get a Comcast wireless gateway, you will need to supply your own wireless router, and it will be your responsibility to setup your connected devices.

I have never heard of a Comcast installer running ethernet wiring; they generally only run coax to modems and set top boxes. Any ethernet wiring that you require will be your responsibility, and is not very likely to be done by a Comcast installer.

EDIT: to answer your question from another post, the difference between a wireless cable gateway and a wireless router, is that the wireless cable gateway has an integrated modem, whereas a wireless router is just that (and it will require that you have a separate standard cable modem). The primary advantage of using a separate cable modem and wireless router, is that most wireless cable gateways are compromises (AKA, jack of all trades and master of none).

OK, thanks for explaining that last part. I tried googling them and was still a little confused. So the cable modem hooks up to the cable, and the router goes into that somehow ( wired or wirelessly? ) and then you route all your home devices through the router?

But doesn't that just add another speed bump or something to fail?

And does it cost double to buy both, instead of getting it all in the gateway?

When you say ; "compromises (AKA, jack of all trades and master of none)", is that something that I, as a home user, would be concerned about, or more for a sophisticated network guru in a workplace?

What everyone is saying is that an "all-in-one" modem+router+wifi unit is usually not as good as separate boxes. You already said the house might need a more powerful wireless transmitter so you would be better off renting just the modem from Comcast and getting your own wireless router.

So you would have 2 boxes sitting next to each other. The cable from the street would go to the Comcast modem, then a short Ethernet cable from the modem to the wireless router that you would buy and set up. If you get phone then there would be a phone jack on the Comcast modem.

The connection between a new modem and a new router would be minimum 100Mbps and most likely 1Gbps so no problem with it being a speed bump.

Oh, and as for another thing that might fail, the odds of one box going bad are pretty much the same as if you got an all-in-one and part of it going bad. Also you can replace or upgrade your own router as your needs change. If you get an all-in-one from Comcast your are stuck with what they give you.

Great, thanks!

Edit: I'm looking around and see recommendations for a Docsis 3 modem and Wireless N router.

Look at this in a refurb:

»www.amazon.com/NetGear-W ··· -catcorr

Now I'm getting somewhere. Just called Comcast and they gave me:
»mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/

Are you getting phone service as well or did you change your mind on that? Also are you getting residential or business class service?

If getting phone service I'd rent the modem from Comcast since they will replace it if there is a problem. If getting only internet now but adding phone later you'll need to decide if you want to get your own modem now that can do phone so you don't have to replace it. (a normal modem doesn't have the phone jack)

As for that router, it looks OK, although I prefer ones with external antenna. Everyone will suggest different ones, I've had good luck with Buffalo:

»www.amazon.com/Buffalo-T ··· 9&sr=1-2

Gonna try the phone service too, and we're getting the Blast! residential service, so it appears I need a DOCSIS 3.0 Telephony Modem from that recommended list? Or will any DOCSIS 3.0 Telephony Modem do?

That router looks like a fantastic deal though, but will I ever need everything it can do? Doubt it. I don't even know what all that stuff is, they say it can do. LOL!

Here's something on the Rangemax. It doesn't appear to suffer from lack of external antenna:

»support.netgear.com/app/ ··· chnology

You'll need a telephony one from that approved list. Since this is a new install maybe you should rent at first and then buy your own later to avoid the $7 a month rental fee. Especially since this is a new install, let them get everything working and if there are problems they can't tell you it's your modem that is at fault.Well, you don't need to use all the features, but it should have the power to reach everywhere in your house. And it's new with a 3 year warranty, I didn't see what the warranty was on the refurb that was only $12 cheaper.

Just found a good price on the Arris TM822G Touchstone® DOCSIS 3.0 8x4 Ultra-High Speed Telephony Modem, at Amazon, but some people up until just recently said that Comcast won't activate it, then one said they can now.

That refurbed router with RangeMax says it can reach 500 feet.

Just looked on Amazon for that modem, only available from 3rd party sellers and they look shady.

If you like that router go ahead, you could get it now, set it up by plugging it into your DSL setup and get everything connected to it, then when Comcast is installed plug the router into the cable modem. That's what I did when switching from DSL to Comcast HSI, made the switch pretty quick and seamless.

Comcast only allows user owned telephony modems that are purchased from one of their authorized dealers (I think Bestbuy is one, but I doubt that Amazon is). As others have suggested, you may want to try using a Comcast supplied telephony modem first, and let the install tech get everything working properly with that modem. You can always replace it later with your own telephony modem from an authorized dealer to save the $7.00 per month equipment rental fee (and yes, Comcast can know if it was purchased from an authorized dealer by the serial number and the MAC address). The reason for that suggestion is that if you start out with your own modem, and there is any problem at all during the install, guess where Comcast is going to place the blame?

Oh ok, good idea. And if it works great, I may as well just buy one exactly like it and replace it.

Thanks!

Melissa, not to complicate things (just the opposite) - a few "points?"

1. If you are getting internet only then bying your own modem makes a lot of sense. Buy either the Zoom 5341J (best recommendation) or the Motorola SB6121 (very close second). At any rate, you only want a Docsis 3.0 modem, and yes, it needs to be on Comcast's approved list. (even if someone says it "should" work...even if they are from Comcast...take that with a grain of salt!)

2. If you are going to get voice and internet...rent Comcast's eMTA modem...buying is very, very limited, and it is at best a crapshoot that you will save any money over renting. BTW, there is no guarantee that the Arris TM822g can be provisioned for Comcast. The only user-owned eMTA currently allowed is the Arris TM722G, and only if bought from an authorized Comcast re-seller such as select Best Buy stores - and it really is not all that good a deal.

3. Whether you go "wireless" or not, Comcast hooks you up to one cable entry point...there will be no additional cabling supplied past that point.

4. As you have already run your own network, setting up one for a Comcast connection is duck soup! As they say "So easy, even a cave man (woman) could do it!"

5. Along that line: I recommend avoiding refurb routers. Yes, you will spend a few more bucks on a new router, but keep in mind what an important role that router plays in your network (precisely why wireless gateways are such losers!). You have a lot of info flowing through your network for internet access, t.v. and movies, etc. If you want an absolute no-brainer, quality set up, consider the Linksys EA2700, 3500, or 4500 routers. Just my opinion, but do it once, do it right, and you will have no regrets later.

I know, logic would make you think that a single device such as a wireless gateway would simplify your set up and ensure more stable operation, being one less device in the chain...it is just the opposite!

If you stick with a separate modem (or eMTA if you have voice) and a stand alone router, you will find that you have better range, easier trouble-shooting if you do ever have an issue, and all around better flexibility to get the best set up for your home environment.

Pete,

I guess I resent that they only have a list of very old modems that are "approved" AND I have to buy them only at absolute retail price from an "approved" dealer? Sounds like they're trying as hard as they can, to make it where you HAVE to rent from them instead of buying. Yes, the prices on their older model "approved" modems may be quadruple what something like that TM822g sells for. What a coincidence.

Well if a cave man could do it, maybe a 63 year old electronics tech could even do it. LOL

And yes on the router! BUT it appears from the reviews, that in this one case ( NetGear WNR3500L-100NAS Rangemax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB (Factory Refurbished) ), you're getting new and wonderful guts in a refurbed router AND the Rangemax apparently means a 500 foot range, without an external antenna! Whoa!

So if I want that router, and voice, I guess I just rent their darned modem and use my own router like this one.

I called Comcast. Bless them, they're open 24/7 here in Denver.
They said I don't have to buy from an authorized dealer, just make sure not to buy a used one where someone hasn't paid their bill and it cant be activated, so only buy new and from their list. If it's not on their list and I call for troubleshooting, I'm SOL. So that's good to know.

So I just spent half an hour calling Best Buy and getting transferred all over the place. It seems that they don't carry Comcast modems in all their stores and only one store in the area has a Comcast specialist. I called that store, she was busy, but will call me back.

But one guy said I need to make sure that whatever modem I get, not only has voice, but battery backup for it, so we don't lose phones if the power goes out. hadn't thought of that. Now I need to find one on their list that does all that.

On their list at »mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/
what do IMS NCS or SIP mean?

I cant reach the "Specialist" at Best Buy, she won't call me back. I cant deal with them, which is why I never shop there.

Can someone please recommend a good lower cost readily available modem with voice and L-ion backup battery, from the above list?

The information you got from the Comcast rep likely only applies to standard cable modems, not to emta voice modems (and that has always been true for standard cable modems). Unless Comcast has very, very recently changed their policy, you can only use an emta voice modem with their CDV service if you obtain it from them, or from one of their authorized resellers (such as Bestbuy..and as you have found out, not all Bestbuy stores are authorized Comcast resellers).

I think that most (if not all) emta modems come with an internal battery backup, but even if you found one that you can use that does not have an internal battery backup, you can always use an external UPS* device to power it. I have several UPS boxes for all of my modems, routers, switches, servers, cordless phone base station, etc, and I keep a charged spare UPS and several charged spare batteries.

* Uninterruptible Power Source

Yeah that's true, and yes I know what a UPS is. LOL

Don't know what EMTA is though, just that I seem to need one...

Sorry, I thought that acronym had already been defined in this thread

EMTA = Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter

And here are definitions for some of the other acronyms from your previous post that you added after I replied:

IMS = IP Multimedia Subsystem

SIP = Session Initiation Protocol

This one may or may not apply to your question; it would help to know exactly where you saw the acronym used:

NCS = Network Control System

EDIT: Damn, my links keep disappearing, hopefully they are all still there now.

(Embedded-Multimedia Terminal Adapter) A device that combines a DOCSIS cable modem and analog telephone adapter. The cable modem provides the data interface, and the telephone adapter provides the voice over IP (VoIP) interface for one or more analog telephones. The terminal adapter provides the conversion between analog voice signals and IP packets, delivers dial tone and manages the call setup.

I second NetFixer's and mrs schultz's advice. Go with the Comcast supplied EMTA for the install. There's plenty of time to purchase one later, after everything is running smoothly.

Thanks. I just called Comcast tech supt and they told me emta just means it does data and voice. Duh, huh?

They said that on their list, they recommend the TM722G and the SMCD3G-CCR, which would probably be the ones they'd bring out and install if I have them do it. Yay!

Did you decide to go with the business class service after all?

The SMCD3G-CCR is their business class (non-wireless) gateway router, and I have never seen it used for a residential install. If you are still going to get the residential service, the TM722G by itself (along with your own NAT router) should be all you would need.

FWIW, some users have had problems using the SMCD3G-CCR with dynamic IP address accounts (its NAT implementation does have some problems with some applications, and it works best with static IP accounts, with another better quality NAT router behind it). Having given the obligatory SMCD3G-CCR warning message, allow me to say that I use mine both ways. I have some devices behind my SMCD3G-CCR using public static IP addresses directly, I have another NAT router (with a public static IP on its WAN) for most of my non-server devices, and I use the SMCD3G's NAT in front of my Vonage VoIP router (just so that particular IP address is not wasted)

Oh ok, didn't know that. No I'm doing their Blast residential service.

Just talked to them. If I want them to install the equipment too, they will only install the gateway, not separate modem / router.

So I gotta decide - either buy my own TM 722G and wireless router, or accept their wireless gateway. AND if the router isn't theirs, they won't support that either, if I have problems.

Looks like we have to rethink this whole thing now. I just called to make sure everything was lined up for next Friday and the woman I talked to earlier was seeing if they could lock in some 6 month price breaks for us. Well now it turned out that they reneged on the whole price break deal. This rep just told me that they "have no promotions" and will be charging $120 a month for HSI and voice, which is $30 more than we even pay CenturyLink for phone and DSL now! And no 6 month break, right from the start!

This stinks!

No promotions at all or just for Blast? If you just want to stream HD you would do fine on Performance (16/2 here). There's almost always a promotion on for that level.

Not sure what 16/2 is.

They told me they have 3 meg service and 20-24meg service ( the Blast ) and that's it. ( Oh, they said they have 12 meg service too, but it isn't fast enough for streaming movies. Huh? ) They told me I need 20-24 megs to do streaming movies, which sounds weird.

I've been watching streaming HDTV on 3 megs, though it's a pain because it skips at times. But CenturyLink told me all I need is 5 megs for streaming HDTV, which they cant provide here because of old phone lines. So I THOUGHT even 5 megs from Comcast would do it, but they say we need 20 megs for streaming movies in HD. Something sounds wrong somewhere, but I just canceled the install.

After all this trouble, no promotions and $120 a month?!

We pay $90 a month now, with tax, for phone & DSL with CenturyLink.

It was a mistake to think we could try Comcast again.

Update:

This is insane. I started digging at their site:

Performance - Special Offer

Get download speeds up to 20 Mbps and uploads up to 4 Mbps with PowerBoost®!

Download music, share photos, and stream video clips at super fast speeds.

XFINITY is the fastest Internet provider in the nation according to PC Mag!
Constant Guard™ - the most comprehensive online protection (a $360 value). Get Norton™ Security Suite and much more.
XFINITY Connect with 7 e-mail accounts, each with 10GB of storage.
More than 3,500 live games on xfinity.com/espn3.
Backed by the 30-Day Money-Back Comcast Customer Guarantee.

***This special price is for new customers who currently aren't subscribed to any XFINITY services.***

Special Offer!
$29.99 per month
for the first 6 months

So WTF ( what the frack ) guys?!

This is just nuts dealing with these people!

I called back the local office and told them about this and they said I'd have to buy it online then, because they don't have access to any promotions at this office. This is like dealing with Dr. StrangeLove, where the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is even doing.

OK, are you ready for bizarro? This has been like dealing with a different planet! Here's my chat logs just now, with their agent!:

Chat log from 5-27-12 around 9 PM

Chris: Thank you for answering my questions. Based on the information you have provided, the Performance - Special Offer would suit your needs.

You: They said we could get HSI with no contract, and even add voice to it

Chris: The Performance plan is a great upgrade from DSL, and it offers value with faster Internet speeds so you can enjoy chatting with friends and downloading your favorite music and movies!Chris: Our Performance plan gives you up to 20 Mbps downloads with up to 4 Mbps upload with PowerBoost.

Chris: Our Performance Internet at this time has a promotion for the first 6 months at $29.99/month for New Customers!

Chris: When you continue using our Performance Internet from months 7 - 12 the pricing would be $44.99/month.

Chris: From months 13 and on the pricing of our Performance Internet is around $62.95/month stand alone.

Chris: The good thing about this plan is that it is not under contract which gives you the flexibility to modify your plan anytime and still take advantage of this offer while it is still available.

Chris: How does that sound?

Chris: May I ask if you usually make long distance calls or calls outside of the U.S?

You: We make LD calls, but not outside the U.S.
You: Usually under 200 minutes a month

Chris: Thank you for answering my questions. Based on the information you have provided, I would recommend our Performance Internet & XFINITY Unlimited bundle.

Chris: This bundle includes Performance Internet service (download speeds up to 20mbps and upload speeds up to 4mbps with PowerBoost) and our Comcast Unlimited phone service.

You: ok...

Chris: With the XFINITY Unlimited plan, you will receive unlimited local and long distance calling including 12 popular calling features for one flat monthly rate.

Chris: Unlimited local and long distance calling will include the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada and certain other U.S. territories.Chris: Our Performance Internet with Xfinity Unlimited plan is $39.99/month for the first 12 months with a 2 year contract.

Chris: After the first 12 months, monthly charges are $59.99/month for months 13-24.
Chris: After 24 months, regular rates apply and is around $94.90 - $96.90/month depending on the area.

Chris: How does that sound?

You: Wonderful!

Chris: Let's go ahead and get you started.

Chris: What questions can I answer for you before we get started with the order process?

You: From what I found out from your local people, they'd come over & install a internet/voice gateway. We need wireless to all these devices, the 2 PC's and 2 rokus

You: How much is install?

Chris: There is a one-time installation fee of around $34.99 for professional installation.

Chris: Your installation includes our professional technician setting up both services.

You: Wow! For wireless like this? Again the local people were telling me much more

Chris: An EMTA modem device will be required for Digital Voice service and needs to be connected your cable outlet.

Chris: This fee covers the cost of setting up the EMTA Modem in your home and testing your phones.

You: great!

Chris: You would need to lease our modem for only $7 a month to lease our XFINITY Wireless Gateway which includes a router, cable modem and voice adapter in one device.

Chris: It allows multiple devices in the house to access the Internet at the same time with reliably fast speeds!

Chris: What additional questions can I answer for you before we get started with the order process?

You: yes I know, thanks
__________

CONCLUSION: DO NOT, REPEAT NOT DEAL WITH THEIR LOCAL OFFICE, ONLY ORDER ONLINE!!!

My Wireless Device is a combination 4 port Router and Wireless Access Point.

It is an ancient Netgear WGR614v9 [b/g], bought it new for under $40 in 2008. It still does all I want, otherwise I would replace it with one, that others are mentioning.

Currently I am in a 1700 sq ft Condo and I have coverage throughout, including outside without problem.

In the past, I have had it setup on a lower floor of a two story 3000 sq ft farmhouse at one time. Bedrooms were upstairs where the laptops were.

»www.speedtest.net/ and others consistently give 12/3+ in d/l speeds or whatever package I am signed up with. I do not take a speed hit with this unit.

Here is the kicker - in the summer months I travel and stay with friends and relatives. I bring it with me. All I need is an open port on their router or switch and a place to plug into 120v. Once that is done, I am connected. I do not have to worry about setup with friends/relative's AP protocols, SSID or Security. Just an open port with RJ45 and a patch cable.

Reading your posts, over the last couple of days, me thinks you are over thinking your setup.

Edit: Once I upgrade my ancient 6 year old, Latitude D610, I will update my Router/Wireless Access Point to that of a dual band that includes b/g/n and any other emerging technology.

The interchanges from everyone here, plus me being an old electronics tech, got me doing that.