Comcast Router Box ?

Robert11 · 03 Nov 2015

Hi,

Have what is probably a dumb question on Routers, but will blame it on old age now.

We have a Comcast box feeding a Cisco Router that I installed probably about 5 or 6 yrs ago for our home.
All works fine with our desktop PC, and iPhone using.

Comcast has been sending me letters wanting me, or them, to install a new Router which will supposedly allow for their (now) increased interned speeds. Apparently it combines their (old) cable box with
the new Router in a single unit.
True ?

Got to thinking about this a bit, and was wondering about our WiFi connection "name".
The Home-Network name that comes up when we connect to it with our iPhone is really weird;
something I never would have picked.

a. So, who probably decided on this name ? Comcast ?
Or, our cel carrier, Verizon ? Or,...?
Will I have to pick another new one now for this new "box" ?

b. I read somewhere about their new boxes now serving as free and public WiFi Hotspots.
Ugh.
Any way of disabling this ? Easy to do ?

Since our old Router and Comcast box works fine, am reluctant to change.
But, faster speeds, of course, sounds nice. Worth, in your opinions, changing ?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

AddRAM · 03 Nov 2015

Yes, they now have a wireless router, you don`t need the modem anymore, it will be free so I`d do it. (don`t let them charge you for it) (don`t buy it or rent it, it should be free)

We got a new Quantum Gateway from Verizon free when I upgraded/renewed our contract. (sells for $199)

As long as you enable wireless security on the wireless router, people can not use it without first entering the password, which only you will know.

I`ve never looked into changing the network name on the router, never cared to, as long as you know the name that`s all that matters, but I`m sure you could change it if you wanted to.

I`m sure Comcast chooses the name, it`s nothing to worry about. You can change it and the password if you really want to, but they print it right on the label on the router so I see no reason to change it, and the password should be real long which is good.

Ours

strollin · 03 Nov 2015

Comcast charges a $10/month rental fee for the router/modem combo. You can save save that $10/month if you buy your own router/combo but it will take quite a few months of use to break even. I recently bought my own and turned in the Comcast rental. It will take me almost 30 months to break even but the purchased router is a "better" router. It also is dual band 2.4/5Ghz whereas the rental unit only supported 2.4Ghz.

Faster downloads speed would definitely be worth it to me, can't answer that for you.

Comcast chose the SSID (name) of your wifi. You can change it by accessing the admin control panel of the router. If you need to ask how to access the control panel then you're probably better off leaving it alone.

plodr · 03 Nov 2015

I have Comcast and always buy my own separate modem and router. They have been bugging me to update my modem. My old Motorola Surfboard is DOCSIS 2. I bought a new model Motorola Surfboard modem which is DOCSIS 3 at Bestbuy. The model is approved by Comcast SB6121.
I choose to stay with Motorola because my old modem has worked fine for more than 11 years.

You can attach your current router to a new modem and make Comcast happy. You do not want a Gateway device (modem and router in one) for 2 reasons: 1. yes your wifi signal can be used as a hotspot for others and you can't turn it off 2. you will overpay, now at $10/month and likely to increase so currently you'd pay $120 in a year for a new modem/router when a new router costs about $70 and your current router still works.

AddRAM · 03 Nov 2015

Once again, others can only use your wireless signal if they know the wep key, which they won`t.

And yes you can turn the wireless signal off if you wanted to.

We had Comcast for years, switched to Verizon, much better IMO :)

How does the new XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot work?
Your wireless gateway broadcasts an additional xfinitywifi network signal for use with XFINITY WiFi. This creates an extension of the XFINITY WiFi network right in your home that any XFINITY Internet subscriber can use to sign in and connect. This XFINITY WiFi service is completely separate from your secure home WiFi network.

How do I disable/enable the XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot feature? What happens if I choose to disable it?
We encourage all subscribers to keep this feature enabled as it allows more people to enjoy the benefits of XFINITY WiFi around the neighborhood. You will always have the ability to disable the XFINITY WiFi feature on your wireless gateway by contacting us. You can also visit My Account, click on My Services, and then select Manage your home hotspot under the XFINITY Internet tab. See XFINITY WiFi: Enable or Disable Home Hotspot in My Account for step-by-step instructions.

XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspots Frequently Asked Questions

And it`s not like someone is gonna pull up in their car in front of your house and use your WiFi

Also, if they increase your speed they increase your bill (sometimes) you just have to talk to them.

If you are nervous I would buy your own new modem as the others have suggested.