Since this site is geared towards mounts for mobile electronics devices like smartphones and tablets, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one that ran into issues with Comcast and the lack of reliability of their wireless router / modem. This article will show you how I fixed the issue permanently.
The problem is unique to the wireless router / modem combination box they graciously lease to you for $10 per month. This box is a huge piece of junk and is the reason for many issues with Comcast internet service. The problem manifests itself when you connect a lot of devices to your wireless network. In my case, between WeMo Switches and home security cameras, plus out usual smartphone and tablet mix, I would routinely exceed ten devices at a time.
My wireless connectivity would routinely stop on all devices. I would need to power the router off and on. All devices would return. At least for the next few days. Then they would drop again. This went on for months. Calling Comcast, to no surprise, was a worthless experience.
I then read in a few forums that others had a similar issue. All were like me. Lots of devices.
Here’s what I did to fix it. Replaced their router. To do that you need a new modem and a good wireless router. I’ll talk about the devices I used. I have not run into a single occurrence of my issue since implementing these devices. It’s been over a year.
I replaced the modem with an ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem. This works just like the one from Comcast only it doesn’t drop connections, and in fact, might be faster. When connecting it, be sure that you have online access to your account to let Comcast know the serial number of the new modem. You can also call them to provide the details. Make sure they enter it onto to your account. I had to call a few times to get them to do it correctly.
On the router end, I use the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router. This is a great router. That’s what’s in the photo that accompanies this article. It was so great, I even installed one in my other home that uses Cablevision. I also recommended it to my sister and a friend. I have in excess of a ten wireless connections going simultaneously and it never dropped a connection. The router has a lot of nice features like support of Apple AirPrint so that you can print directly from your iPhone or iPad. You may also notice a significant improvement in speed.
Between the modem and router replacement, no problems at all in two years of use. We’re talking about improved reliability and a faster connection. There are a variety of modem and router configurations that will solve your installation problems. These are the two that worked for me.
By the way, I now save $10 per month on my Comcast bill. I returned their router / modem combo and do not get billed for that device any longer. Be sure to do something that I didn’t and that’s to get a receipt from the Comcast store. They kept billing me and claimed the modem wasn’t returned. Fortunately, I was able to get that removed but not without the usual painful series of phone calls.