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Member
Picture of konata88
posted
It seems I could get higher data rate with lower cost by changing my cable plan. Sounds like a good deal (still waiting to see what I am giving up but this seems to be beneficial only).

Anyway, I was sent a new modem. But it seems that the new modem is basically the same class as my existing modem, just an alternative offering for the same plan.

Existing one is Cisco (DPC3941T), the other is Arris (TG1682G). They both sound similar in capability. The Arris seems used - dirty and the sponge feet are misplaced.

Not sure why I needed to upgrade the modem; both supported the same speeds (and what my plan is supposed to provide).

Any recommendation - which should I keep if they are basically the same thing?

Also, any recommendation for a Comcast compatible modem that I should buy that would be clearly better than these two (more reliable, safer, faster, whatever)? Or maybe just buy one of these and just get rid of renting the device....?

How often will Comcast change something that will require me to change my modem?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Unflappable Enginerd
Picture of stoic-one
posted Hide Post
Couple months ago I replaced the same model Arris with this Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072...dt_b_product_details

I get the same speed without paying the rental fee for the Comcast provided unit. It does NOT have Wifi, but I was already using my own Wifi router so I didn't care.


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Posts: 6404 | Location: Headland, AL | Registered: April 19, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by konata88:


Not sure why I needed to upgrade the modem; both supported the same speeds (and what my plan is supposed to provide).

Any recommendation - which should I keep if they are basically the same thing?

Or maybe just buy one of these and just get rid of renting the device....?

How often will Comcast change something that will require me to change my modem?


Snipped to reveal the relevant parts.

Why change it it won't benefit you (& it sounds like this is the case as your plan hasn't changed)?
Unless ... as mentioned above you want to be free of their rental cost.
Otherwise Comcast will replace it anytime you want with another.
 
Posts: 23418 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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Thanks. I'll look into it. I don't need wifi or telephony off the cable modem. I would like two ethernet ports of the modem though. The current modem supports 4 ethernet ports and I use 2. I could get away with one but would prefer 2.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by smschulz:

Snipped to reveal the relevant parts.

Why change it it won't benefit you (& it sounds like this is the case as your plan hasn't changed)?
Unless ... as mentioned above you want to be free of their rental cost.


Yea, I'm looking for same capability, improved reliability and eliminating the rental cost.

I don't know if it's my end or their end, but I'm finding I have to hard power toggle the modem every month. Sometimes at bad times (ie - in a meeting).




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Unflappable Enginerd
Picture of stoic-one
posted Hide Post
Both of your models listed are DOCSIS 3.0 models, and it doesn't look like there is a whole lot of difference in the specs. Unless there was something wrong with the original Cisco unit, who knows.
Regardless, replacing it with the model I linked above, which is on Comcast's compatibility list BTW, would still pay for itself in a year or so depending on your rental fee for your current unit, my fee was $14/mo so less than a year.

Do you need the Wifi in the current modem? or do you already have a Wifi router? That's going to factor into this as well.

Also if you buy your own, it took me an hour+ to get Comcast to provision my replacement, it was a not too unpleasant experience via phone.


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Posts: 6404 | Location: Headland, AL | Registered: April 19, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Get my pies
outta the oven!

Picture of PASig
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I’d go with a Motorola, they are pretty rock solid.

I bought a Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 modem from Amazon for $150 that’s been great. I had recently upgraded my Xfinity Internet speed to 600 Mbps and my old modem was not capable of handling that.


Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, 6 Gbps Max Speed. Approved for Comcast Xfinity Gigabit, Cox Gigablast, and More, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072...GJFF2GA9XP433B2W2N4G


 
Posts: 35168 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: November 12, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Unflappable Enginerd
Picture of stoic-one
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by PASig:
I’d go with a Motorola, they are pretty rock solid.

I bought a Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 modem from Amazon for $150 that’s been great. I had recently upgraded my Xfinity Internet speed to 600 Mbps and my old modem was not capable of handling that.
That's the exact same model I have and linked above, the question is if he still needs the Wifi/routing capability of the existing setup, because that model doesn't have either.

Edit:
Having re-read his reply from earlier, it sounds like he is using two (2) wired ports and no Wifi. That model has 1 exposed Ethernet port (3 hidden behind the bezel cover, with one additional usable port setup for bonding) so that wont work for his application because it doesn't support routing. Starting to think he may be better off staying with the Arris they sent and see how it works for him. Otherwise he would have to buy and configure both the modem, and a router. If he can live with just 1 port, then fine, but...


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Posts: 6404 | Location: Headland, AL | Registered: April 19, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Fighting the good fight
Picture of RogueJSK
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Definitely eliminate the rental. You can buy a new model and have it effectively pay for itself within 6-12 months (at the rate you would have been paying rental fees), with all the saved rental fees from that point forward that being money that stays in your pocket.
 
Posts: 33464 | Location: Northwest Arkansas | Registered: January 06, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of swampdog
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The Arris is a fine modem. They actually acquired Motorola Home years ago. Buying either new would be good stuff. Like the other guys I’m big on buying my own gear and not paying the $14 a month to the ISP for hardware that starts around $60 to own. As for the modem being dirty, it’s most probably used. They reuse their rental gear.

If you go the route of buying a new one yourself, make sure to check its on Comcast supported list and supports the speeds you are looking to move up to and that it has the multiple ports you are looking for. You could always just get the single port modem and purchase a router or all in one modem/router and disable the WiFi if it’s not used, thus giving yourself extra routing ports for another computer or such.

Also if you buy a modem, all you have to do is call them and tell them and they’ll have you read the MAC address off the bottom of the modem and you’ll be in business. Pretty straightforward.
 
Posts: 591 | Location: Colorado via South Louisiana | Registered: September 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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Thanks. Ok bottom line:

Buy a modem.
Moto or arris is okay (models above).
See if I can get a two port version of something above. Otherwise make do with one port.
Don’t need WiFi or telephony on the modem. Just 2 ports.
No need to future proof. But another modem when my plan gets upgraded.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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Okay. I looked at Moto (familiar brand; I'm not familiar with Arris; if Arris is better, let me know).

Narrowed choices down to these three:
1) MG8702 docsis 3.1 $269. This seems overkill for what I need and my service plan. Maybe a little future proofing?

2) MT7711 docsis 3.0 $187. Seems like a good parity replacement. Has 2 phone lines which I don't really need (at least now).

3) MG7700 docsis 3.0 $169. Also seems like a good parity replacement. Similar to #2 w/o phone lines?

I'm inclined to #1. Any thoughts? Or should I just stick to parity (ie - #3)

Also, Moto "buy" link goes to amazon pages w/ seller = mtrlc llc. Is this legit and good to go? I assume yes but not sure.....




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
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If it were me I'd buy the cable modem sans the Wi-Fi.
WIFI technology is changing faster than the ISP connection technology.
Plus your WiFi signal will be generated from the where it comes into your house which may or may not be idea for your environment.
It does cost more up front to go a la carte with separates but if anything it helps when changing out for future proofing as you say.
Good Luck.
 
Posts: 23418 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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I don’t need the WiFi on the modem. But to get multiple Ethernet ports, needed a version that supports WiFi. Planning to turn off WiFi. But if my router tanks suddenly, at least temporarily I can get back online with the modem WiFi; it’ll serve as backup.

Mostly: should I buy docsis 3.1 even though I don’t need it now? Or pay the $100 and just get it now. One thing about that model is that it assured US based customer service in English.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
quote:
I don’t need the WiFi on the modem. But to get multiple Ethernet ports


Just buy a small GB switch (inexpensive) plus if you get one with POE you can power a cam or an AP.
Just a suggestion.

quote:
should I buy docsis 3.1 even though I don’t need it now?


Read > THIS

I don't see a big reason for 3.1 until over GB DL speeds are possible.
Additionally, that might be a while as normal LAN speeds are GB anyway so you up for buying 10GB equipment? Those prices will shock you and totally unnecessary today and even the near future.
 
Posts: 23418 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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Thanks. looks like docsis 3.0 will fit my needs for the next several years.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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Okay, I've got the Moto modem up and running. Pretty painless - provisioned by ISP online. Surprisingly easy in fact.

Problem: I wanted to customize some settings and turn off the modem wifi. But I can't log in. The account and password in the manual doesn't work. I've reset the modem to factory defaults and still can't get in.

Any tips here?


ETA: never mind. i got it to reset. was able to disable wifi. not sure what other settings i should change.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of henryaz
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quote:
Originally posted by konata88:
ETA: never mind. i got it to reset. was able to disable wifi. not sure what other settings i should change.

Disable DHCP as well, and let your router handle that. I don't have cable, but CenturyLink VDSL, which comes with a modem. I have everything disabled to make it just a modem. I've set it to transparent bridging over to my router for routing functions. Being a modem is its main purpose in life, so that's all I let it do. Other functions are handled by devices meant to handle them (router for routing, DNS, and DHCP, and access points for wi-fi).



When in doubt, mumble
 
Posts: 10887 | Location: South Congress AZ | Registered: May 27, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by konata88:
Okay, I've got the Moto modem up and running. Pretty painless - provisioned by ISP online. Surprisingly easy in fact.

Problem: I wanted to customize some settings and turn off the modem wifi. But I can't log in. The account and password in the manual doesn't work. I've reset the modem to factory defaults and still can't get in.

Any tips here?


ETA: never mind. I got it to reset. was able to disable WIFI. not sure what other settings i should change.


Why didn't you just get the modem sans the WI-Fi?
 
Posts: 23418 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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The netgear is a bit flaky. I need to restart it frequently. I think having the wifi in the modem is a good backup just in case the netgear fails suddenly. Cheap PRC crap. $20 for insurance. And the annoyance was minimal (just the admin password failing and going through the reset process) - not bad for a new device.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13223 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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