View Full Version : Comcast WiFi Gateway
BladesNBarrels
12-01-2014, 09:20
I received an email a couple of months ago to change my Comcast Modem to a new Comcast WiFi Gateway.
Dutifully, I sent the required email and a new piece of gear arrived via UPS.
I searched the internet to see what the difference between a Gateway and a Router might be, and I found out the Gateway replaces the Modem and Router.
I installed the new Gateway.
Now, my internet speed is much slower than it was before and today it is overwhelmed.
Anyone besides me having similar problems?
[Dunno]
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 09:57
Is it the arris, technicolor or cisco gateway? They are both 802.11n so su-mimo. The arris and technicolor are single band but the cisco is a dual band. So if your devices will pick up the 5 Ghz networks I would swap it out for a cisco at the office if it's not. If it's the arris or technicolor I would see what channel the other networks in your area are running on and manually set it on an off channel like 8 or 3, it can make a huge difference depending on your interference level, the 2.4 GHz band is pretty overused. As far as the gateway it's self the technicolor and cisco are the best but arris is ok, they are both 8 channel down modems and capable of whatever speed you want to pay for. You could also get a netgear nighthawk 802.11ac router and plug it into that gateway. If they mailed you the SMC gateway I would go swap it out immediately!
One more note, if you know all your wifi devices are N and not G you can change the gateway to N only and go from 22mhz wide channels to 40, but any non-N devices won't connect, it will bump your speed.
Yep. I ended up pluggin my old router into the comcast gateway to get my speeds back. Comcast wanted you to change it out so they could operate their "Xfinity Anywhere" wifi signal on your cable. They CLAIM this doesn't affect speeds or limit your connection, but I'm skeptical, as there is only a limited amount of bandwidth to begin with, and they are allocating a portion of it to their open wifi network. Of course, you get to pay for the electricity to run it as well. My informal tests using 3 different laptops shows a 30-40% drop in throughput using their wifi gateway versus my 802.11n router.
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 10:54
Yep. I ended up pluggin my old router into the comcast gateway to get my speeds back. Comcast wanted you to change it out so they could operate their "Xfinity Anywhere" wifi signal on your cable. They CLAIM this doesn't affect speeds or limit your connection, but I'm skeptical, as there is only a limited amount of bandwidth to begin with, and they are allocating a portion of it to their open wifi network. Of course, you get to pay for the electricity to run it as well. My informal tests using 3 different laptops shows a 30-40% drop in throughput using their wifi gateway versus my 802.11n router.
Just out of curiosity which brand of gateway do you have and which router?
I received the same message, change out my device. A new device is $80, I don't see a reason to change it out when it is working just fine. I don't wi-fi so I don't care about that.
WMM slows down the gateway's wireless pretty good. I like to disable it. I can turn off the public Xfinity wifi for you if you would like. It should not impact your speed, as the public stuff is on separate carriers.
Travis, do the resi XB3's need a MOCA filter?
Just out of curiosity which brand of gateway do you have and which router?
Arris TG862G/CT gateway/modem
My shitty old router is a Netgear WNR1000 V2 N150
I received the same message, change out my device. A new device is $80, I don't see a reason to change it out when it is working just fine. I don't wi-fi so I don't care about that.
What modem are you using?
So Comcast sends you a new modem/router unit that allocates part of your bandwidth to an open WiFi hot spot, and then charges you a monthly rental fee for the equipment?
That sound about right?
So Comcast sends you a new modem/router unit that allocates part of your bandwidth to an open WiFi hot spot, and then charges you a monthly rental fee for the equipment?
That sound about right?
You can have it disabled. My account>users and prefernces>manage xfinity wifi
Again, it should not impact your speeds since the modem uses a separate set of downstream and upstream carriers for the public end.
RblDiver
12-01-2014, 12:45
I have my new modem from them. It's still sitting in the box as I'm too lazy to install it :P (Plus I'll likely get rid of it after December; my apartment complex is getting a dedicated T1 line that'll be shared, speeds should stay the same at a minimum and the monthly fee will go from my current $65/month down to $20).
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 17:34
I have my new modem from them. It's still sitting in the box as I'm too lazy to install it :P (Plus I'll likely get rid of it after December; my apartment complex is getting a dedicated T1 line that'll be shared, speeds should stay the same at a minimum and the monthly fee will go from my current $65/month down to $20).
A T1?
The the public wifi does not slow down your connection guaranteed. I have installed dozens of the residential and business versions and you still get what you pay for.
cfortune
12-01-2014, 17:38
I have my new modem from them. It's still sitting in the box as I'm too lazy to install it :P (Plus I'll likely get rid of it after December; my apartment complex is getting a dedicated T1 line that'll be shared, speeds should stay the same at a minimum and the monthly fee will go from my current $65/month down to $20).
You realize a T1 is 1.544 Mbps right? This isn't the 90's, T1's are next to worthless.
And you're sending your traffic across the apartment's network...
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 17:47
WMM slows down the gateway's wireless pretty good. I like to disable it. I can turn off the public Xfinity wifi for you if you would like. It should not impact your speed, as the public stuff is on separate carriers.
Travis, do the resi XB3's need a MOCA filter?
The MOCA is turned off by default, I still use a filter sometimes but at this point it is just for experimentation.
Not exactly on-topic, but what modem should I use for Comcast? I am currently using one of their modems (Arris WBM760), but I am tired of basically paying for a new modem every year via the leasing fee.
I am running an Asus RT N66U Dark Knight router. Thanks in advance for any input.
cfortune
12-01-2014, 18:06
Not exactly on-topic, but what modem should I use for Comcast? I am currently using one of their modems (Arris WBM760), but I am tired of basically paying for a new modem every year via the leasing fee.
I am running an Asus RT N66U Dark Knight router. Thanks in advance for any input.
When I bought mine, they had a list of supported modems... Unfortunately I found said list after buying mine and it wasn't on it. It works though.
http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 18:06
Not exactly on-topic, but what modem should I use for Comcast? I am currently using one of their modems (Arris WBM760), but I am tired of basically paying for a new modem every year via the leasing fee.
I am running an Asus RT N66U Dark Knight router. Thanks in advance for any input.
They have a list on comcast.com of the compatible modems I believe. It needs to be a D3 (docsis 3) to be able to bond channels for the speed. I would look for one that at least bonds 16x4, I think most of our systems are at 8x3 now but not for long. Motorola is hit or miss anymore on quality I used to always recommend them but not sure anymore. I really don't see enough customer owned modems to get a feel for them, Motorola is probably the most common.
i got beat haha
I add Motorola (or arris branded) Surfboards to accounts the most. 6141 is a hit, and what I own. I would steer clear of the gateway units with wifi built in though.
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 18:28
I add Motorola (or arris branded) Surfboards to accounts the most. 6141 is a hit, and what I own. I would steer clear of the gateway units with wifi built in though.
biggest problem I see is the technology and antenna system on the new gateways vs the devices most people use. For most devices a single antenna simple router will yield the best results.
What modem are you using?
A Linksys DM100 Cable Modem. Thank you for asking.
Thanks cfortune and trlcavscout.
So based on this:
I would look for one that at least bonds 16x4, I think most of our systems are at 8x3 now but not for long. it would be worth 2x the cost to go with the SB6183 (16x4) over the SB6141 (8x4)?
ETA: My bill just says "High Speed Internet", not any of the service tiers listed on the device chart. I don't game, but we do stream movies.
cableguy11
12-01-2014, 18:55
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorola-surfboard-docsis-3-0-high-speed-cable-modem/7534146.p?id=1218849840013&skuId=7534146 Motorola SURFboard 6141, but I got it at Costco 74.99 I think...consistently get 60Mbps down/15Mbps up...Still have the Comcast gateway Arris POS, but it's on the way out as soon as my number is ported over.
-Art
My SB 6120 is still working great. I own the modem, but Comcast stops there. The rest of my network is MINE. [Coffee]
OOtec, what are you hearing about DOCSIS 3.1, especially as it relates to the Denver market?
Don't allow Comcast to use your internet connection at a wifi hotspot for other customers. They claim that any illegal activity that is done will be tied to the other users Comcast account. Even though the networks are segmented there is still the chance at theft and gaining access to your network. Second, to get away from this Call Comcast and ask them to put your new modem/router in "bridge Mode" which will turn off the router function.
Don't allow Comcast to use your internet connection at a wifi hotspot for other customers. They claim that any illegal activity that is done will be tied to the other users Comcast account. Even though the networks are segmented there is still the chance at theft and gaining access to your network. Second, to get away from this Call Comcast and ask them to put your new modem/router in "bridge Mode" which will turn off the router function.
Yeah what happens if knucklehead war-driver goes and torrents some kiddie porn while driving by your house? You will be the one who looses... spending thousands of dollars defending yourself because you are NOT innocent until proven guilty... and then you will be stuck trying to recoup the money you are out. And of course you won't be able to get blood out of a turnip.
A Linksys DM100 Cable Modem. Thank you for asking.
Thats an older docsis 2 modem. They are being phased out. It may work for 5 more years, might be 5 months. Youll know when you go to buy something from the trading post and you get the walled garden page.
Thanks cfortune and trlcavscout.
So based on this: it would be worth 2x the cost to go with the SB6183 (16x4) over the SB6141 (8x4)?
ETA: My bill just says "High Speed Internet", not any of the service tiers listed on the device chart. I don't game, but we do stream movies.
If blast isnt listed on your bill, you're probably in the 25mbps tier. (performance)
OOtec, what are you hearing about DOCSIS 3.1, especially as it relates to the Denver market?
Nothing honestly. Docsis 3 has quite a bit of headroom and Denver isn't one of the typical test markets. Comcast just went through upgrading their modems, so I dont forsee anything soon other than maybe a 25mbps bump somewhere down the road.
USMC88-93
12-01-2014, 21:37
To the specific speed question in the OP, your modem is likely slow because you need to either go through the automated setup process or call customer service to activate the modem on your account. (It needs to be provisioned with the correct speed tier and boot file). You can try www.comcast.com/activate or call in.
Here is how to disable that wifi shiz.
http://bgr.com/2014/06/11/how-to-disable-comcast-xfinity-wi-fi-hotspot/
It worked, I verified that the hotspot went away with my phone.
gnihcraes
12-01-2014, 21:56
I just installed this new device at my parents this morning. I've not gone back to turn off the unwanted stuff. Thanks for all the info guys. I really dislike comcast. ymmv
Thats an older docsis 2 modem. They are being phased out. It may work for 5 more years, might be 5 months. Youll know when you go to buy something from the trading post and you get the walled garden page.
Thank you for the information. I'll start shopping.
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 22:06
Thank you for the information. I'll start shopping.
The system has been shutting off the older D2/D1 modems now and then so if it quits working and you call in and they reprovision it to make it work that's why. And not because they really care but because so many dingle berries are still useing D1 1mbps modems and calling in to complain about their speeds.
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 22:17
Thanks cfortune and trlcavscout.
So based on this: it would be worth 2x the cost to go with the SB6183 (16x4) over the SB6141 (8x4)?
ETA: My bill just says "High Speed Internet", not any of the service tiers listed on the device chart. I don't game, but we do stream movies.
heres the thing, speeds will be doubling soon and the way technology goes that 8x4 will be outdated and not capable of the speeds in a couple years. The 16x4 will be a longer term investment. Their is already work on the 4th upstream and they have moved the QAM's so my guess 10-12 down streams are not that far out and then 16 will follow. The speeds we will have in a couple years even on the affordable residential side are a far cry from what we have today. I have seen a glimpse into the near future. They replaced the 8x4 modems with more expensive dual band 16x4's after only useing the 8x4's for what a year or maybe 2? So that right their means their is something in the wind :)
Thats an older docsis 2 modem. They are being phased out. It may work for 5 more years, might be 5 months. Youll know when you go to buy something from the trading post and you get the walled garden page.
If blast isnt listed on your bill, you're probably in the 25mbps tier. (performance)
Nothing honestly. Docsis 3 has quite a bit of headroom and Denver isn't one of the typical test markets. Comcast just went through upgrading their modems, so I dont forsee anything soon other than maybe a 25mbps bump somewhere down the road.
look at the speed capabilities of the dpc 3939 :) and 3941 :)
That being said I live in the sticks, I am a knuckle dragging DSL guy haha 8 down and 768 up
The system has been shutting off the older D2/D1 modems now and then so if it quits working and you call in and they reprovision it to make it work that's why. And not because they really care but because so many dingle berries are still useing D1 1mbps modems and calling in to complain about their speeds.
Yup. If I recall correctly, all of the D1.1 devices were nuked end of last year.
Salt Lake is one of the areas to keep an eye on to see what's coming. Gotta compete with Google Fiber out there and all.
trlcavscout
12-01-2014, 23:02
Fiber to the home in Erie now.
USMC88-93
12-01-2014, 23:07
Their is already work on the 4th upstream and they have moved the QAM's so my guess 10-12 down streams are not that far out and then 16 will follow.
trlcavscout<-----You work for Comcast?
Nobody works for Comcast here... [gohome]
USMC88-93
12-01-2014, 23:33
Yup. If I recall correctly, all of the D1.1 devices were nuked end of last year.
Salt Lake is one of the areas to keep an eye on to see what's coming. Gotta compete with Google Fiber out there and all.
Google is actually in Provo, several from our office went out there when we were pushing the X1 stuff into all the homes to compete with Google.
Nobody works for Comcast here... [gohome]
So does that make three of us or two of us?
Google is actually in Provo, several from our office went out there when we were pushing the X1 stuff into all the homes to compete with Google.
So does that make three of us or two of us?
As I recall, there's more than that... .biz DOJ here.
I was in Arizona and they have a fair amount of Centrylink Prism. I'd hold out for that. It is gonna really get the speeds up. Centrylink is putting in fiber at a rate I've never seen. Tons of contractors all over. Id you see blue and orange tubes sticking up on a busy street, thats them. Cox is offering 1 Ghz down in some places. Get the Docis 3 modem and a decent router, you'll be fine. Comcast is buying new CMTS gear but it goes into hoods that need it first to address capacity. I think the new gear is good for 32 DS QAMs. Though I call them Quads as a tip of the hat to Don Cheadle's stereo sales pitch in Boogy Nights.
RblDiver
12-02-2014, 10:48
You realize a T1 is 1.544 Mbps right? This isn't the 90's, T1's are next to worthless.
I probably used the wrong term then. It's a 1Gbps connection they're hooking us up to, I thought that was T1 :P
...my apartment complex is getting a dedicated T1 line that'll be shared, speeds should stay the same at a minimum and the monthly fee will go from my current $65/month down to $20).
Even at 1 Gbps, how many units are sharing this connection? Do they plan to limit residents so you don't have a few folks hogging most of the bandwidth?
BladesNBarrels
12-02-2014, 11:24
To the specific speed question in the OP, your modem is likely slow because you need to either go through the automated setup process or call customer service to activate the modem on your account. (It needs to be provisioned with the correct speed tier and boot file). You can try www.comcast.com/activate (http://www.comcast.com/activate) or call in.
The technical jargon has me lost, but I had originally performed all of the steps in the guide that came with the Gateway. I followed your link and did it again. I received the message "All of your devices are already activated".
I was originally thinking everything was slowed down due to the internet activity associated with Cyber Monday, etc. But, I keep losing websites and have to resend the URL's.
Also my printers and computers keep losing communication. I have to reboot the printers a number of times to get them to print or send a scan to the computers. I run 2 laptops, 2 printers, and 2 desktops at different times.
:confused:
RblDiver
12-02-2014, 12:01
Even at 1 Gbps, how many units are sharing this connection? Do they plan to limit residents so you don't have a few folks hogging most of the bandwidth?
Total 179 units, of which 144 currently have internet provided by someone. They said they don't plan on needing to limit people initially unless someone turns out to be a bandwidth hog and really clogs stuff up. I guess I'll see what happens (though since I'll more than likely be moving out within 6 months to a year, it won't affect me for too long). I'd be more worried if they were including the businesses in the building in the agreement, but for now it's just the residents.
trlcavscout
12-04-2014, 01:00
The technical jargon has me lost, but I had originally performed all of the steps in the guide that came with the Gateway. I followed your link and did it again. I received the message "All of your devices are already activated".
I was originally thinking everything was slowed down due to the internet activity associated with Cyber Monday, etc. But, I keep losing websites and have to resend the URL's.
Also my printers and computers keep losing communication. I have to reboot the printers a number of times to get them to print or send a scan to the computers. I run 2 laptops, 2 printers, and 2 desktops at different times.
:confused:
if you don't already have it I would recommend downloading a wifi app especially if you have a droid phone, one that shows what channel all the surrounding wifi devices are on. The 2.4 networks are really overused, but your gateway by default will switch from channel 1 to 6 to 11 just like almost every other router around you, so use the app to see what channels aren't being used as much then log into your router and manually set it to a channel with less use. It's easy to do and generally improves the operation a lot. But I would suggest getting the dual band gateway from comcast or purchasing a stand alone dual band router, one of the new "AC" routers will get the best performance.
My favorite analyzer...
Android app name: Wifi Analyzer
More info: http://market.android.com/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer
My favorite analyzer...
Android app name: Wifi Analyzer
More info: http://market.android.com/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer
That's the same app I use. Just have to remember that our US channel selection ends at 11.
That's the same app I use. Just have to remember that our US channel selection ends at 11.
Done that.. Haha
Set my router to 14, then spent a while wondering why nothing would connect..
Even at 1 Gbps, how many units are sharing this connection? Do they plan to limit residents so you don't have a few folks hogging most of the bandwidth?
Even with 100 simultaneous connections, that still works out to ~10 Mb per connection, which is way more download bandwidth than any website will give you on upload.
trlcavscout
12-04-2014, 16:04
Google is actually in Provo, several from our office went out there when we were pushing the X1 stuff into all the homes to compete with Google.
So does that make three of us or two of us?
I work in Greeley.
avandelay
12-04-2014, 16:55
Fiber to the home in Erie now.
What company and what area? Centurylink is the only other option here north of the golf course and the speed available to me does not indicate a fiber connection.
Unless you are in Fort Collins, keep an eye on your Comcast internet on 12/16. If you are using a docsis 2 device, i would upgrade by then or you will not see the benefit. Just reboot your modem on the 16th.
RblDiver
12-09-2014, 14:13
Something to note for Comcast people, the new router/modem they sent out (at least the one they sent to me) doesn't support VPN (makes no sense to me). Since I need that to access my work, they're sending me out a new one to use. So if you too use VPN and it doesn't suddenly work, might be the new device they sent ya.
To not support VPN pass-through by default in this day and age isn't the wisest choice, IMO.
trlcavscout
12-09-2014, 16:05
Something to note for Comcast people, the new router/modem they sent out (at least the one they sent to me) doesn't support VPN (makes no sense to me). Since I need that to access my work, they're sending me out a new one to use. So if you too use VPN and it doesn't suddenly work, might be the new device they sent ya.
Which modem did they send you? I wasn't aware any of them weren't VPN compatible, but I generally deal with business class devices. But any of the newer modems and gateways should have been compatible.
RblDiver
12-09-2014, 20:42
Which modem did they send you? I wasn't aware any of them weren't VPN compatible, but I generally deal with business class devices. But any of the newer modems and gateways should have been compatible.
The VPN bit is what the service rep told me. As for the device, it is a technicolor model TC8305C.
The VPN bit is what the service rep told me. As for the device, it is a technicolor model TC8305C. I have same modem, same problem. No VPN on wireless. Odd part is I can VPN through my Netgear router. Hooked up to the gateway that dosen't work with it. Comcast is going to offer a work ethernet at home product soon which as far as I can tell is a permanent VPN type product. You can sign up for it, I'm sure it is a fantastic product even at twicw the price. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/comcast-business-reinvents-telework-ethernet-170000975.html
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