Swapping out a Comcast router

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-22-2015, 05:31 AM

Have had a phone-internet Comcast package for years. Dropped the phone recently and found that they upped the internet router equipment fee to $12.95/month and then started charging for the phone router, $9.95 that we just cancelled.

Can I just get another internet router and plug it in and return the Comcast router?

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Do you have a separate cable modem, or is it integrated into their router?

I have Comcast and I purchased my own DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and have my own router as well. I bypassed all of the monthly equipment fees to Comcast.

biosurfer1 · 10-22-2015, 05:46 AM

Yep, the hardest part will be finding someone competent at Comcast to enable the new cable modem.

You can easily buy a new cable modem for $50-60 that will work with Comcast. When you call, they will need the MAC address from the new modem and thats about it. Once I got a hold of someone who knew what they were doing, it was up and running in less than 5 minutes.

The modem rental is the biggest scam Comcast has running right now, and thats saying A LOT for a company like Comcast.

stomachmonkey · 10-22-2015, 05:56 AM

Compatible devices and self install here.

Just don't buy off the Amazon list of devices as it looks to be Comcasts store.

DOCSIS Devices

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-22-2015, 05:58 AM

Thanks guys. Bio, absolutely. Years ago they said I couldn't have my own modem. Just talked and talked and got transferred, etc. with Comcast and they gave me DOCSIS Devices to find a modem that will work.

Getting one today so they can pick it all up on Monday. That's $155 savings per year!

stomachmonkey · 10-22-2015, 06:00 AM

One reason to get your own device is to eliminate Comcasts Hotspots.

Comcast configures with an additional SSID / WIFI Network that is available as a roaming hotspot for other customers.

Basically they let others piggyback off your network.

Neilk · 10-22-2015, 06:27 AM

I wish there was a way to do that with AT&T's Uverse!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-22-2015, 06:33 AM

Looks like this will work

DPC3008 : Networking, Modems : Micro Center

biosurfer1 · 10-22-2015, 07:15 AM

If you have a Sams Club membership:
ARRIS SurfBoard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem - Sam's Club

Otherwise:
https://jet.com/product/DOCSIS-30-Cable-Modem/dee0486c9a984fe3a1040109eb6b3958

Be aware Comcast uses a router/cable modem combo so you'll have to get a WIFI router if you don't already have one.
Their combo is a locked down piece of crap anyways so you're better off anyways.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 08:49 AM

Thanks. I have a netgear wireless N router that I use 50/50 with ethernet cable. Never tested if there was a speed difference, don't think there is.

I'm going to get the Cisco at MicroCenter tonight so I'm done with it and the Comcast guy can pick up both devices, phone and internet, on Monday. They price match so I have to find it a little cheaper online.

On a different note, why has this information not gone viral? Everyone in the country should do this.

gacook · gacook's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Thanks. I have a netgear wireless N router that I use 50/50 with ethernet cable. Never tested if there was a speed difference, don't think there is.

I'm going to get the Cisco at MicroCenter tonight so I'm done with it and the Comcast guy can pick up both devices, phone and internet, on Monday. They price match so I have to find it a little cheaper online.

On a different note, why has this information not gone viral? Everyone in the country should do this.

I kinda thought everyone already knew this...I haven't used the cable company's modem/router (Cox, for me) in over 10 years.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-22-2015, 11:17 AM

The last time I called them Guy, years ago, they said I couldn't use my own router. So I figure I've paid in well over $500 for a $70 router.

stomachmonkey · 10-22-2015, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

On a different note, why has this information not gone viral? Everyone in the country should do this.

Because most people don't feel it's worth the hassle or like to play IT.

If it breaks they want to call and have a guy come sort it out.

Or they ask their "techie" friends and get all sorts of confusing expensive convoluted advice and end of day say f' it.

dan88911 · 10-22-2015, 11:43 AM

I purchased a Docsis 3.0 router from costco a while back it works great.

Neilk · 10-22-2015, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

The last time I called them Guy, years ago, they said I couldn't use my own router. So I figure I've paid in well over $500 for a $70 router.

Which is complete BS why ATT won't let you buy your own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pcardude · 10-22-2015, 01:28 PM

Yes you can. Cable modems are about 100 bucks at bestbuy then u need a rooter for another 100ish

flatbutt · 10-22-2015, 03:53 PM

I just use a Cisco Linksys E2500. But most of what you guys said was over myhead.

72doug2,2S · 72doug2,2S's Garage

I got a Motorola combo modem/router for $130 at best buy. It works well with my Comcast cable. The only thing I don't like about it is the internal antenna. It has a limited range and I can't plug in an external antenna.

dad911 · 10-22-2015, 05:54 PM

I use NETGEAR N600 Wi-Fi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3700) with Comcast. Amazon about $110

David · David's Garage

I installed my own cable modem/router with Comcast. It was pretty easy.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR BILL FOR A FEW MONTHS AFTER YOU INSTALL IT!!!!!

Comcast started charging me again claiming I didn't register the new device which is of course total bs since you have to give them the number to make it work.