Instead, I opted to go for an Arris Surfboard SB6190 modem and paired it with a TP-Link AC1750 router. After doing some research, however, I had noticed that this device had horrible reviews due to a number of problems working with Comcast’s network through firmware updates (or, lack of). The customer support tech I had spoke to previously had recommended a now obsolete Motorola gateway. Comcast recently upgraded their network to DOCSIS 3.1, but it is backwards compatible to previous generation DOCSIS model modems (e.g. There is a list of Xfinity supported cable modems that are compatible and supported with their network (and many modems are compatible even if not supported). Not to mention, this setup is often more reliable, based on reviews of gateways.
It will work the same, but buying separately allows you to replace one half of the combo if you want to upgrade more cheaply in the future, versus the entire (more expensive) device.
You can go with a cable modem and pair it with a wireless router. You do not need to buy a 2-in-1 gateway device (modem + router in 1 device), such as the one Comcast commonly supplies and brands as “xFi”. Buy an Xfinity Compatible Modem & Router or a Gateway to Replace your Comcast Modem I will specifically detail how I replaced a Comcast modem with my own, but this should be applicable to other ISPs as well. Here is How to Replace a Comcast Modem with your Own, in 4 Easy Steps: Update: I’ve also written more broadly on how to get rid of your ISP modem rental fee (if you’re not a Comcast customer). Now, I am no longer paying the ridiculous $14 per month rental fee for a Comcast modem – and I want to share how you can do the same. Don’t let Comcast fool you – anyone can do this on their own. So, I decided to replace the Comcast-owned gateway, with my own, at a current cost savings of $168 per year. And, Xfinity is even using leased modems as WiFi hotspots ( but you can opt out). I hated seeing a device with a little “ Xfinity” logo on it sitting next to my computer. And, when you get a discount on your modem rental, it leaves you with little leverage to negotiate bigger discounts on the cost of the internet service. In such cases, you may have to call them and ask them to "reprovision" your modem.I had successfully tried the Comcast negotiation route before – but it’s easy to forget to call in to negotiate every 6 months or so. Note that this menu may not be available on all devices, or it may only be available to be provisioned by your ISP. This should let you enter your own MAC address, it is designed to clone the MAC address of your network card. Find the correct menu to change your MAC address It is usually in "Setup > Advanced", you're looking for a menu called " MAC Address Clone". Some of the most common IPs are: Motorola SB modems: 192.168.100.1 Other modems/routers: 192.168.1.1 You can also lookup the default IP and login information of your device in our hardware database. If you're connected to it, you can drop to command prompt and type: ipconfig (the IP address of your "Default Gateway" should be the router/modem's IP).
You will have to find your router/modem's IP address. Get to the web admin interface of your device. Here are the necessary steps to change the MAC address on your device: 1. Below is a general guideline on how to do so on many routers/gateways and ADSL/VoIP/cable modems. Sometimes it is necessary to change that id and use a particular MAC address to be able to connect to your ISP. It helps identify the device on the network. All network hardware is assigned a special unique identifier, the Media Access Control ( MAC) address during production by its manufacturer.