Jane, here. Have a dilemma, a time limit, and no brain.
We’ve been having problems with our modem. I have to take it apart, blow on the contacts and reset it every few days. We got a notice from Comcast that our modem was outdated. I ordered the replacement and it arrived, and…guess what? It’s a modem/router combo. A 2.4GH router. I already have a really good Linksys dual router.
Has anyone out there used this comcast combo? Is it any good? Is there any reason I couldn’t simply use it as a modem and plug it into my old router?
Some advice w/b really welcome. CJC has passed her crud on to me and feel like doggie doodoo right now and not up to lots of research and/or trial and error.
I’ll call comcast if I must, but I had a hard enough time getting it through to them the last time that we already HAD voice and they didn’t need to send someone out (for $$) to put it in.
Answer attempted at Jane’s blog, not knowing the model’s features.
Most combo router/modems can be turned into dumb modems (which is good, as their router features are usually terrible). But as BlueCatShip implies, we’d need the exact model # to be certain or tell you how.
I consider myself a computer geek. I began programming in 1966, built my own personal computer (and my own 300b acoustic coupler) in 1976.
I still use a modem, because I still have just dial-up POTS connection. “Modem” derives from “modulator-demodulator”, i.e. turns digital into analog for transmission and back again. Now, is that what you have? Or are you using the term “modem” to mean “external interface”, as many people do. I don’t have enough information to understand your “lash-up”. Can you be more explicit about the transmission service you have and what pieces, in what connections, you use to get there?
should be no problem using the new modem as “modem-only”. disable the WIFI if possible in the control panel/web interface to avoid any radio interference. fi you can’t do that, set a strong password and ignore it, continue to use the one you have.
might have to call Comcast and have them reset the IP address when you install the new box
I think I’ve got my answers/game plan. Thanks everybody!
I was afraid that the router feature might be garbage…was hoping someone had personal experience with the ComCast krittur.
The modem/router model # TC8305C
In a few days, when I’m feeling better, I’ll give a go at setting it up and seeing how it works. If it doesn’t, I’ll look into setting it as a “bridge.” That’s not an option listed in the “quick start” but they wouldn’t, their equipment being, of course, the best you could possibly ask for. I’ll know more when I get up to the control panel.
If you intend to use your own router, you might have to contact Comcast (yeah, I know) and get them to enable “Bridge Mode” on the 8305C modem/router. Otherwise, the 8305C will block internet access from anything connected to your own router.
Reports are mixed if there is any way to make this modem work without using its routing / WiFi features. If you really don’t want them, I’d call Comcast and tell them to give you a different modem model.
Just saw this…. you’re getting DHCP contention between the modem/router and Linksys router, they’re both trying to give out IP addresses in the same range (192.168.0.* or 192.168.1.*). Go into the settings of the Linksys and tell it to give out IP addresses in a different range (I’m partial to 192.168.42.*) one simple change that fixes everything. Modem gives Linksys a single (WAN) IP in original subnet (0 or 1), Linksys hands out IP’s in subnet 42 to everything connected to it.
Retrying my response. What’s happening is contention between DCHP servers (the modem/router and the Linksys) trying to give out IP addresses (to connected devices) in the same subnet, either 192.168.0.* or 192.168.1.* — “Bridging” sometimes disables other features needed on the device, a better solution would be to go into the LINKSYS setup page and tell it to issue IP addresses in a different subnet (MUST be in 192.168.X.* — I’m partial to X=42). The modem will have one connection (to the Linksys, unless you plug something else directly into the modem), the Linksys will have everything else in its subnet.
Looks like the post I didn’t think went thru actually did. Rather keep this version I think.
Modem setup page will typically be found at hxxp://192.168.Y.254 (where Y=0 or 1), router page at hxxp://192.168.Y.1 — if these don’t work, consult the labels on the devices, they usually specify how to access setup interfaces. If they both have the same *.*.*.1 address, leave a computer plugged into the Linksys but disconnect the modemLinksys cable, so you are talking ONLY to the Linksys.
If the Comcast combo is also a wifi, you may want to go into its settings and disable the wifi, so that you can use the Linksys exclusively for that. ISP-provided routers frequently don’t allow (presumed stupid) users to change the access passwords or otherwise customize security.