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Old 10-29-2019, 03:47 PM
 
Location: marietta GA
204 posts, read 143,799 times
Reputation: 130

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Okay....so tomorrow I have xfinity internet being installed at home....I chose the performance plan of just internet....Xfinity was once set up here where I reside....they were using a Motorola surfboard modem sb5101u.....it's about 4 yrs old....so not sure if it's good or if I need another???? They also had a linksys router WRT120N CISCO....it's about same age as modem.....I'm taking over house of a family member........I opted to use the modem and router already here......but hoping they are not outdated as I'm not computer savy....and if I need new ones are they hard to install....can I just unplug old ones and swap in new ones easy.......what's good brands not super expensive if it comes to that???? Any advice is greatly appreciated......just getting a heads up.......
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Old 10-29-2019, 06:09 PM
 
10,924 posts, read 21,930,136 times
Reputation: 10567
That modem is a lot older than 4 years, it is highly likely they won't even allow you to use it as it is Docsis 2, and also not capable of the speed you'll be paying for. Also that router is close to 10 years old, you can use it but I wouldn't as it also isn't capable of the speed you're paying for. Get yourself some new equipment.

A good modem for the cost is the Surfboard 6183, and pretty much any current dual band router should work well. You could also get a gateway which is the modem and router in one, but I'm not a fan of those.

Physical install is unplug old and plug in new, but you'll need to call Comcast and provide the modem MAC so they can activate it if you get it after the install.
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Old 10-30-2019, 07:26 AM
 
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
16,502 posts, read 19,571,735 times
Reputation: 13216
To paraphrase:

Yea, it's too old.

Get this: https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Surfboa...2441824&sr=8-4

and this: https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Dual-...2441882&sr=8-7

Plug em in per the easy directions in the Linksys box.

Call Spectrum and read the number on the back of the Motorola (the MAC) to them.
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Old 10-31-2019, 10:07 AM
 
Location: marietta GA
204 posts, read 143,799 times
Reputation: 130
Default Xfinity response

Thanx for the 411 on modem and router it gave me some direction simply. Went and got the surfboard model from best buy....and a dual band router...netgear ac1000.....So went ahead installed modem and reset old router just to see it's performance.....I missed my tech appointment yesterday....but internet connection came through and xfinity account site walk me through.......I just have the performance speed.....it's a little choppy on youtube..and live..I did a speed test on desktop it's showing 41.3mbps for download speed says "good" speed......May go up a level later.....or would new router make difference??...... So if service is showing would I still need tech to come Friday or should I cancel and will I still be charged tech fee anyway??? From previous family member they had xfinity here...so I'm guessing that's why it reconnected possibly?

Last edited by ellisjay2; 10-31-2019 at 10:40 AM..
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Old 10-31-2019, 12:07 PM
 
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
16,502 posts, read 19,571,735 times
Reputation: 13216
Cable internet is very easy to configure. That's why it worked so easily.


40 is fine for watching YT. You shouldn't see choppiness. Routers CAN make a difference but it sounds like yours is decent.
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Old 10-31-2019, 02:27 PM
 
Location: marietta GA
204 posts, read 143,799 times
Reputation: 130
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrine View Post
Cable internet is very easy to configure. That's why it worked so easily.


40 is fine for watching YT. You shouldn't see choppiness. Routers CAN make a difference but it sounds like yours is decent.
The video play is like slow by split seconds...picture freezes slightly...but audio continues to go....it's noticeable but going.....

So would the tech come tomorrow and do anything different or pretty much nothing at this point...I'd cancel tech if it avoids the fee......
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Old 10-31-2019, 05:15 PM
 
10,924 posts, read 21,930,136 times
Reputation: 10567
Go to https://www.speedtest.net and run a test and post back the results.
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Old 10-31-2019, 10:26 PM
 
Location: marietta GA
204 posts, read 143,799 times
Reputation: 130
Quote:
Originally Posted by NHDave View Post
Go to https://www.speedtest.net and run a test and post back the results.
41.3mbps for download speeds
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Old 11-01-2019, 07:57 AM
 
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
16,502 posts, read 19,571,735 times
Reputation: 13216
What speed are you paying for? Again 40 is fine for streaming just one YouTube stream. You could probably stream 4 or 5 different videos on that connection on normal quality. Are you close to the router when doing this? How old is your computer? What browser are you using?
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Old 11-01-2019, 10:23 AM
 
Location: marietta GA
204 posts, read 143,799 times
Reputation: 130
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrine View Post
What speed are you paying for? Again 40 is fine for streaming just one YouTube stream. You could probably stream 4 or 5 different videos on that connection on normal quality. Are you close to the router when doing this? How old is your computer? What browser are you using?
Not sure of the speed....but it's the performance plan for internet.....computer not sure if exact age...but it's an hp...about 5yrs..6yrs old I think.....using Google chrome mainly....can update if needed I guess......router and modem is next to desktop......
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