Topic: Calling all IT guys/gals.

[ts]

Comcast says my home system is in need of a major upgrade. My current modem/router is close to ten years old and cannot handle the speeds Comcast has me on.. They keep pushing the XFi on me with mesh but I don't know enough about it. I refuse to rent. My current setup is a combo unit with one range extender. I'm leaning towards doing the same and maybe adding more range extenders? I'm not sold on mesh. Prior to my current combo unit I had separates and was never fond of the setup process. I'm sure it's better today, but I like the ease of setup with combos. Appreciate any recs and advice.  Thanks!

[DavidPuddy]

I’m not a tech expert, but we bought a TPLink mesh system a few years ago and have been very happy with it. Signal is great throughout the house and speed is good, although obviously not as fast as a direct connection. We use the Comcast tower router, so I can’t comment on that portion of your question.

Maybe Gordon will chime in 

[ts]

So do mesh systems play better with a straight modem or modem/router? I'm in need of a new modem. Current one can't handle my speed plan. I'm not totally against mesh, just don't understand it that well. Reading things like mesh systems cut speeds in half.

[dyneq]

If you go to their support, they have information about how to use a supported modem:
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

If you're happy with your extenders, I would just stick with those (vs mesh). Pick up a supported modem using the article above and hook it up to a separate 802.11ax / WiFi 6 router. If you do pick up a new router, you may need a different extender brand/model.

[BlueSky71]

Best thing to do is buy a modem, without a router in it. If you use a mesh system, its best to turn off the router in a modem anyways. Then go to FB marketplace and but eero plus used for 60 bucks or so, if your house is particularly large maybe a few eero's. otherwise 1 or 2 will do usually.

Frontier uses Eero (standard router in my market)
WOW uses    Eero (optional upgrade)

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=eero+mesh+wifi+system&crid=2TVMUY8SJFFF4&sprefix=eero%2Caps%2C113&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_4

Range extenders suck IMO, just another thing to not work and cause variables.

[rigpimp]

Buy your own modem at a minimum. Mesh works well if you have a lot of square footage in your living space or dead spots where a hand-off occurs. Other than that any WiFi 6 router will suffice.

We have 3000 feet and use an Orbi Wifi 6 mesh system that blankets all 3 floors and hands-off like a champ.

[ts]

So I see my options as:

1. Do nothing. Not a good option as my current modem/router plus one range extender is quite old and not capable of handling the speed I have from Comcast.

2. Replace my current setup with a Comcast compatible modem/router and a new range extender. This should probably work however I really could use an additional range extender but reading using more than one can be very tricky.

3. Comcast compatible modem only with a mesh system. I would need at least 3 mesh units and this can be costly.

4. Last but not least. A separate modem and gaming router which would have the largest coverage range. Another costly option but one worth exploring?

The big thing is the cost and how long until the new equipment becomes to old. Entering 10 years on my current setup. 

[BlueSky71]

Look for eero systems on FB marketplace. They come up dirt cheap and they work great! No handoff issues at all.

[grawk]

Look for eero systems on FB marketplace. They come up dirt cheap and they work great! No handoff issues at all.

And every amazon alexa device now acts as a member of the mesh.

[Craig T]

I have an Eero Pro 6 mesh system and it works great.  3 antennas provide great coverage across my 2,500 sf single story plus front and back yards.  I tried a cheap range extender and the mesh is way better for coverage and speed.

[RyanJ]

I have comcast as well and do not use their equipment. I have a Motorola MB8611 for my modem and it works very well. I then have the Google Nest Wifi Pros throughout the house. I've never been happier with my internet.

[ts]

Anyone using a netgear modem and mesh?

[rigpimp]

Anyone who sing netgear modem and mesh?

Me. I use a Netgear CM1100 cable modem and a Netgear Orbi mesh

[ts]

Anyone who sing netgear modem and mesh?

Me. I use a Netgear CM1100 cable modem and a Netgear Orbi mesh

I’m looking at the nighthawk cm1200 modem and tri band mesh 3 pack. Wifi 6. Counting the backyard pool area, second floor and basement, I got a lot of square feet to cover. I could cut out the basement, but nothing else. Hard wire the one Roku that’s down there.

[rigpimp]

Anyone who sing netgear modem and mesh?

Me. I use a Netgear CM1100 cable modem and a Netgear Orbi mesh

I’m looking at the nighthawk cm1200 modem and tri band mesh 3 pack. Wifi 6. Counting the backyard pool area, second floor and basement, I got a lot of square feet to cover. I could cut out the basement, but nothing else. Hard wire the one Roku that’s down there.

I have a lot to cover here too with 3000 square feet over 3 stories. If you can afford it, I would splurge a little and get a higher-end quad-band Wifi 6e like the 960.

If you end up with a Netgear Orbi mesh you can always add extra [older] satellites later. Netgear has a cool chart showing which older satellites would be compatible with a newer system. https://kb.netgear.com/000065169/Which-Orbi-routers-and-satellites-are-compatible