Looking to downgrade my Comcast service... looking for advice for cable modem, et. al.

[Jetster]

Remove your TV from cable service, that would save you a lot. Nothing interesting on TV you cannot obtain from internet anyway

Live sports

 

[1freedude]

And I use https://antennaweb.org/
Also, try craigslist for modem. I did that here in Oregon, and in Virginia. The key to getting it from from craigslist is to call in the activation BEFORE paying for it. That way, you know if they support it.

Also, I've been meaning to post my HDHR3-CC for sale...

I've quit all internet and TV providers coming in over a wire.

 

[OneMoar]

depending on your coverage could just cell gateway to run the security system and home phone/voip

 

[xkm1948]

Live sports

Fair enough.

I don't watch sports tho. More time for WORK!

 

[Sasqui]

Ok, cable modem question... I think I've got 150mbps download service. Would it be crazy to get the ceapest, simplest slowest Docsis modem? The lowest common denominator for internet and WAN access is still the ISP speed, right?

I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019...nity+modem&dpPl=1&dpID=31kG7QEK8jL&ref=plSrch

 

[newtekie1]

Ok, cable modem question... I think I've got 150mbps download service. Would it be crazy to get the ceapest, simplest slowest Docsis modem? The lowest common denominator for internet and WAN access is still the ISP speed, right?

I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019...nity+modem&dpPl=1&dpID=31kG7QEK8jL&ref=plSrch

It's not crazy, but I always would prefer to get something a little better just in case you upgrade your speed in the future.

 

[OneMoar]

that modem will work but really you need to ignore the speed rating on the modem
what matters is the amount of channels, if you are in a congested area or have less then spectacular snr you need more channels
its all about channel bonding
crap 4 x 4 (60mbs)
ok = 8x 4 (100Mbs if you have low node congestion)
good = 16 x 4 (200Mbs)
better 16 x 8 (300Mbs +)
best 32 x 16(1000Mbs and beyond)

 

[Sasqui]

that modem will work but really you need to ignore the speed rating on the modem
what matters is the amount of channels, if you are in a congested area or have less then spectacular snr you need more channels
its all about channel bonding
crap 4 x 4 (60mbs)
ok = 8x 4 (100Mbs if you have low node congestion)
good = 16 x 4 (200Mbs)
better 16 x 8 (300Mbs +)
best 32 x 16(1000Mbs and beyond)

Here's a Motorola 24x8 1000Mbs https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MB7...077BL65HS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

...the bad reviews aren't relevant

Any reason to go with Arris vs. Motorola?

 

[eidairaman1]

Here's a Motorola 24x8 1000Mbs https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MB7...077BL65HS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

...the bad reviews aren't relevant

Any reason to go with Arris vs. Motorola?

They are the same nowadays.

 

[OneMoar]

arris is motorola there is no difference

 

[Aquinus]

ok = 8x 4 (100Mbs if you have low node congestion)

I have 8x4 on my Motorola SB6141 and I get 200-230Mbps over wireless.

 

[Sasqui]

I have 8x4 on my Motorola SB6141 and I get 200-230Mbps over wireless.

That model seems to be the defacto standard for years. They can be had for $40 New on Amazon

 

[Sasqui]

With Ooma, you buy the box for $100, and then all they charge you monthly is the taxes and fees for having a phone number, so it amounts to less than $5 a month for a land line. It is a pretty good service.

Glad you suggested Ooma. I shopped around, looked at 1-VoIP, Phone Power and Vonage... and Ooma has by far the best plans. And if you look on Amazon, they sell the unit right now for $87 HERE Ratings are really good ...the monthly bill for basic unlimited is going to be about $4.10, the only other charge I'll incur is $40 for porting my phone number over. They give you a temporary number for free while that takes place. The only other thing is calls to Canada are $0.014/min (about $1.00 for an hour of talk) and that requires a $10 deposit for international calls, no big deal for me.

The unit will plug into my existing house phone wiring (the way I have Comcast voice setup now). It's a no-brainer.

1-VoIP, Phone Power and Vonage all had good 1st year plans, but then they go up to anywhere from $15 to $29 / month in the second year. Bait and switch!!!

Drop the modem Rental drop VoIP VoIP requires battery backup anyway all you need is a DOCSIS 3 Gateway or tandalone modem, surfboard or netgear...

I got NETGEAR CM500-1AZNAS (16x4) DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, Max download speeds of 686Mbps, Certified for Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision & more for $59 at Amazon HERE

 

[dirtyferret]

• What kind of cable modem should I consider getting?
• I have Amazon Prime, but don't currently have Netflix (would probably get that). Any other recommendations for content?

cable modem
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-cable-modem/

I have PS Vue for the wife (TLC, Food network) and kids (Disney Jr) and they love it. In fact I find it much easier to use then optimums cable whcih we ditched three years ago. We then have Amazon Prime and rotate through netflix, hulu, HBO, and showtime depending on what shows we want to watch. So for January - March I may have HBO and catch up on some shows, then switch to Netflix for April & May, etc., etc.,

 

[FatLeeAdama]

I would just like to add, you will want to avoid Intel chipsets. They have an issue that increases latency. As far as VOIP services, I am really liking Ooma. For $5 nationwide calling. Cant be beaten.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/09/intel_puma_modem_woes/

I have Comcast and I got this modem last November and I like it so far 24x8 Netgear CM-600. Don't get the CM-700 that one has the Intel chipset. The CM-600 has the Broadcom.

 

[Sasqui]

cable modem
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-cable-modem/

I have PS Vue for the wife (TLC, Food network) and kids (Disney Jr) and they love it. In fact I find it much easier to use then optimums cable whcih we ditched three years ago. We then have Amazon Prime and rotate through netflix, hulu, HBO, and showtime depending on what shows we want to watch. So for January - March I may have HBO and catch up on some shows, then switch to Netflix for April & May, etc., etc.,

I got the CM500, their top pick, that was luck of the draw, well see how she fares after I get the Ooma up and running.

I'm really curious how my OTA channels will come in with the rooftop cable antenna. It's the old school type on a mast.

I would just like to add, you will want to avoid Intel chipsets. They have an issue that increases latency. As far as VOIP services, I am really liking Ooma. For $5 nationwide calling. Cant be beaten.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/09/intel_puma_modem_woes/

I have Comcast and I got this modem last November and I like it so far 24x8 Netgear CM-600. Don't get the CM-700 that one has the Intel chipset. The CM-600 has the Broadcom.

Any idea what the CM500 has?

 

[dir_d]

I was like the OP but i cut the cord. I got a hdhomerun extend, a freenas server with plex, Hulu/Amazon/Netflix and i bought my own modem so i wouldn't get charged from comcast. I pay around 80 dollars a month to comcast for internet, basic cable and HBO. It was cheaper to bundle HBO and basic cable then to pay for internet alone. The HBO i watch though HBO go App and i have an antenna so i dont watch the basic cable. I have a stay at home wife and 3 kids and they are happy with the set up. Overall i still save even though now the streaming companies are slowly raising their rates.

 

[dirtyferret]

CM 500 uses a broadcom BCM33843

Let us know how well Ooma works, I need a new Voip service

 

[Sasqui]

CM 500 uses a broadcom BCM33843

Let us know how well Ooma works, I need a new Voip service

I just found the same thing here about the CM500: http://www.mbreviews.com/motorola-arris-surfboard-sb6183-vs-netgear-cm500/

The Ooma arrives Friday, will post my thoughts about that as well. I'm not going to try and activate the CM500 until I have Ooma going, since my home security system is monitored over the "land line" and that's my main priority for the time being.

After I get internet and VoIP going, I'm going to work with my OTA antenna to see what I can get. I've got some cabling work to do, there's only one OTA cable feed to my kitchen at the moment.

After that, take stock of the OTA channels, cut down cable to the bare minimum and subscribe to Netflix ...I already have Amazon Prime

 

[FatLeeAdama]

I am curious how your modem performs compared to the Comcast provided equipment. I have never had Comcast and we just moved into our new house in November. I had some friends say how bad their equipment is.

 

[Sasqui]

I am curious how your modem performs compared to the Comcast provided equipment. I have never had Comcast and we just moved into our new house in November. I had some friends say how bad their equipment is.

I have 200/50 speeds now but only get 150/25... they said I needed a modem upgrade. I declined just 2 weeks ago only because I'm ditching the rental. In hindsight, I wish I had taken it. I'll post back my findings either way.

 

[FatLeeAdama]

It is going to be worth it in the long run. You will save the rental fee. The modem will pay for itself. I did mine with the self-service installation option they have. Didn't even need to call them. Wish I had the 200/50 speed. I am stuck with their 100/10 now. What I hate is the data-cap. I wonder if you will have any issues with hitting the data cap with the cable cutting? I know with our family of 4 we consistently use 700GB of data a month with all the netflix, amazon and YouTube we watch. I hate having a data-cap.

 

[Sasqui]

I hate having a data-cap.

So far, no mention of any data caps for Comcast here. After net-neutrality ends in April, who knows what shit they'll pull.

 

[newtekie1]

I would just like to add, you will want to avoid Intel chipsets.

This was more of an issue with Gateways(or Modem/Router combos) than with straight modems. Plus the issue has been fixed on the modem only devices, at least it has been on my SB6190.

 

[FatLeeAdama]

This was more of an issue with Gateways(or Modem/Router combos) than with straight modems. Plus the issue has been fixed on the modem only devices, at least it has been on my SB6190.

OK. Wasnt aware they had a patch for it yet. So was this Comcast that pushed it to your modem?