Xfinity cable modem suggestions

[Noyoustupid]

I have a ubiquity dream machine and a few cameras/access points. I want to upgrade my modem (currently using a Netgear modem/router combo). I see that ubiquity makes a modem, but reddit finds it unimpressive.

 

Any suggestions for a modem only that's under $200? Like the title states I am with Xfinity(no fiber in the neighborhood).

 

Is it even worth switching from a combo to a dedicated modem?

[YoungBlade]

The advantage of having a separate modem and router is that you no longer have a single point of failure and you can upgrade them independently. Generally, a modem will outlive a router - both in terms of the router being more likely to have a failure and in it becoming outdated from a technical perspective first.

 

However, you can generally disable the routing capabilities on a combo unit and just use it as a modem if it's sufficient for your Internet connection. Then, you can just buy a router and keep using it as your modem only.

 

What is your current modem/router combo's model and how fast is your Internet connection?

[Donut417]

6 hours ago, Noyoustupid said:

I have a ubiquity dream machine and a few cameras/access points. I want to upgrade my modem (currently using a Netgear modem/router combo). I see that ubiquity makes a modem, but reddit finds it unimpressive.

 

Any suggestions for a modem only that's under $200? Like the title states I am with Xfinity(no fiber in the neighborhood).

 

Is it even worth switching from a combo to a dedicated modem?

The biggest reason we decided to buy our own modem is so we didnt have to give Xfinity money each month for rentals. At the time it was $10 a month, now they want $15. If you own the combo unit then putting it in to bridge mode is just as good.

 

That all being said. You didnt state what model the combo unit was. With the upgrades going on around the country your combo might not do the latest speeds.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want the potential to have faster upload speeds, only applicable if your area is upgraded you need something on the top list. The bottom list will only do the current slow ass upload speeds.

Edited June 13, 2024 by Donut417
Fixed images not showing up

[Noyoustupid]

4 hours ago, YoungBlade said:

The advantage of having a separate modem and router is that you no longer have a single point of failure and you can upgrade them independently. Generally, a modem will outlive a router - both in terms of the router being more likely to have a failure and in it becoming outdated from a technical perspective first.

 

However, you can generally disable the routing capabilities on a combo unit and just use it as a modem if it's sufficient for your Internet connection. Then, you can just buy a router and keep using it as your modem only.

 

What is your current modem/router combo's model and how fast is your Internet connection?

I got home and looked, I have a Netgear c7800, I got a 500mb down.

[Donut417]

4 minutes ago, Noyoustupid said:

I got home and looked, I have a Netgear c7800, I got a 500mb down.

So I fixed in the images in my post. Thats the current recommend device list from Comcast. Keep in mind that the list on the bottom are for modems that wont support faster uploads, but that are not in all areas yet.

 

Id only replace what you have if you plan on doing the higher uploads when released to your area (who knows when that will happen) or if you need speeds faster than Gigabit Down.

[johnt]

6 hours ago, Noyoustupid said:

I see that ubiquity makes a modem, but reddit finds it unimpressive.

The forums are mixed about the UCI. Anything over six months old post unimpressive findings. The rebuttals within the past 3 to 6 months are much more promising, but far and few in between the angry early adopters. And if Comcast acknowledges the speeds on this list @Donut417 posted, then the UCI has progressed from where it was six months ago. Although I remember reading Comcast would not fully open symmetric speeds or anything crazy without DOCSIS 4.0 devices. I'm on the struggle train also because my S33 keeps losing connection on hot days. It overheats and my Unifi console constantly reports high lag. Maybe it's my fault for stuffing it into my rack cage, but it is nicely ventilated. I mean $300 for a solid modem isn't a terrible investment for the utility these devices provide, not to mention, the constant 24/7 operation. But still I find myself on the fence as well about the UCI as well. I would love those higher upload speeds though. Comcast reports my upload bandwidth is 100 mbps, but my S33 limits me to 25 mbps. What in the actual **** modem makers!

 

The only advantage it has is that it comes from a company who provides constant updates and software support. It is their only modem, so product segmentation hasn't fully kicked into the product cycle yet. Whereas the UCI 2 might be a piece of bark with a coax plug on it, and the UCI Max Pro Max Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Max Max will be a top of the line $500 device similar to the existing offering, but it will be the only one with a matching screen like the other devices. Mark my words! haha

[Donut417]

4 minutes ago, johnt said:

I'm on the struggle train also because my S33 keeps losing connection on hot days.

That could be the S33 overheating OR it could be a signal issue. The hotter it gets the weaker the signal can become because the coax actually expands on the poles and sags.

 

8 minutes ago, johnt said:

Although I remember reading Comcast would not fully open symmetric speeds or anything crazy without DOCSIS 4.0 devices.

Its not really clear how D4.0 is going to be deployed nation wide, sounds like Commscope who makes amps and such for cable providers was having issues and now the equipment is finally coming out. Comcast upgraded areas that were Node+0 I believe, but other areas needed upgraded Amps and such. Another interesting fact is there are no retail D4.0 cable modems on the market yet.

[johnt]

43 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

That could be the S33 overheating OR it could be a signal issue. The hotter it gets the weaker the signal can become because the coax actually expands on the poles and sags.

 

Its not really clear how D4.0 is going to be deployed nation wide, sounds like Commscope who makes amps and such for cable providers was having issues and now the equipment is finally coming out. Comcast upgraded areas that were Node+0 I believe, but other areas needed upgraded Amps and such. Another interesting fact is there are no retail D4.0 cable modems on the market yet.

All the utility lines in my area are underground. Generally tends to happen during hot days and when we are putting a high demand on it (streaming, downloading, etc.) at the same time.

 

Yeah I was surprised to come across the article. I swear it was on a Comcast website that I found it. I can see them dropping all support for faster uploads when D4.0 is released just because it's more better and it's just somehow easier for them to put full support into one technology. Anything to rent their Comcast branded modems for a monthly fee with an upgrade possibility every three years. So $540 ($15/mo) to $900 ($25/mo) for their modem rentals over three years. The UCI somehow looks cheap.

[Donut417]

9 minutes ago, johnt said:

more better and it's just somehow easier for them to put full support into one technology.

Except it’s going to take years for them to do upgrades. Like I said Commscope whom makes the equipment Comcast needed Network wise just started to release Amps. Comcast gave up on Node +0, so they had to wait for D4 compatible Amps and such. 
 

11 minutes ago, johnt said:

Anything to rent their Comcast branded modems for a monthly fee with an upgrade possibility every three years. So $540 ($15/mo) to $900 ($25/mo) for their modem rentals over three years.

Legally speaking they can’t force you to rent modems because of FCC mandates allowing customer owned modems. The $25 rental fee is for if you have “unlimited data” which they decided to not enforce any caps on D4.0. Like I said earlier the rental fees have also been killed on D4.0 modems from them as well.