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ISO recommendations for broadband modem/wifi for use with xfinity

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boomfizzle:
Comcaster since 2007 here; wanted to share that mydeviceinfo.xfinity.com will always show the current list of approved retail devices by zip code; you can filter by speed if that helps you narrow it down.

morst:
You are really asking two different questions here, with an implied third option...
1 - what cable modem (docsis) gateway will work best with the connection?
2 - what wifi router or mesh system suits your needs?
and the implied question is
3- is there an all-in-one solution where one box can perform the function of the cable modem gateway as well as providing a usable local area WIFI connection?


Personally I would advise against an all-in-one solution, because if you switch to a fibre connection some day then you're stuck powering a gateway you don't need, or replacing the whole device.


As for the Cable Gateway...
The specification is called DOCSIS and it appears that version 3.1 is probably the most suitable speed range. You could get something newer but the limiting factor might still be your cable company connection speed (your allocated bandwidth is set via "provisioning" at the network level in their central office.)
v3.0 may not be noticeably slower on wifi, but if you plug in via ethernet hard line, the 200 Mbit/s max might be slower than your cable modem WAN connection. That's why I'd advise v3.1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS#Comparison


Others have mentioned affordable mesh systems. I am still running a single WIFI A/C router for a two story single family house and it's adequate, although there are spots where reception is not great.
I run a second wifi router to fill the hole near my room, but the advantage of a mesh system would become apparent in a situation like being on a video call via the additional router, but wandering into the rest of the house where it doesn't cover.
A mesh system allows for smooth handoff between access points.
Separate networks like I am running do not.
If you have a small place, or don't wander around with mobile devices on wifi, a mesh system might be overkill.


I will remind you that if you want to use wired ethernet nodes, the network switch for that ("Fast Ethernet" is 1/10 the speed of Gigabit, get Gigabit!) needs to be part of, or plugged into to your router, in order for devices to "see" each other between wired and wireless.
Some mesh systems lack ethernet output ports, some have them. Shop with care.


I'll stop now, but feel free to hit me with questions in PM if you don't wanna talk network on a taper board!?

--- Quote from: voltronic on August 13, 2020, 04:29:02 PM ---I have Xfinity 300mpbs service.  I use the Arris Surfboard 6183.If you have a gigabit plan, the Motorola MB8600 is a good choice.
--- End quote ---

That Arris is docsis 3.0, the motorola is 3.1!

Chilly Brioschi:
I have a 100 foot CAT 6 cable that I drag behind me all around the house.
It's fast, secure, and when I answer to door to religious solicitors I tell them it's my tail and that I worship Satan.





<not really>

rigpimp:
I have Xfinity Gigabit service and bought my own modem. It is a Netgear CM-1100.  It works just fine and feeds my Orbi RBR750 Mesh system.  I added unlimited bandwidth because I am a data whore.

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