Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Russ Johnson]

> On Nov 26, 2015, at 14:44, Neal  wrote:
> 
> Think of cable modems as being hooked to a hub whereas xDSL modems are
> connected to a switch. The local loop is shared among several/many cable
> modems but a xDSL modem goes directly to the ISP. Of course from there on
> they're all sharing the big internet pipe to the internet proper.

Well, sort of. The Cable companies have gotten better about isolating their 
customers from each other, but they do all share the same pipe back to the head 
end, usually at the cable office. 

A DSL line is only individual from the house to the CO. Once it gets there, it 
enters a concentrator, called a DSLAM, where it joins all the rest of the 
traffic. It could go to any number of places from there. If you DSL provider is 
not your ISP, it may go out onto the Internet before reaching your ISP. I had 
that arrangement in Aloha for a while. 

Everyone was putting down Cable because it shared the pipe from the house to 
the concentrator, but there's a bunch more bandwidth available over cable, 
since the signal is more closely related to radio over that pipe, where on DSL, 
it's closer to Ethernet and you can't mix signals on different frequencies. 

-Russ
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Neal]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 10:56 PM,  wrote:

> Ah, okay - maybe the network topology of coax setups require this?


Think of cable modems as being hooked to a hub whereas xDSL modems are
connected to a switch. The local loop is shared among several/many cable
modems but a xDSL modem goes directly to the ISP. Of course from there on
they're all sharing the big internet pipe to the internet proper.

This also makes a firewall that much more important for cable modems 'cuz
you are basically on a party line. Which explains why the network activity
light is always blinking even when you aren't sending/receiving any
packets. Exact implementation details of the network activity LED subject
to change no doubt.

NealS
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Michael Rasmussen]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 10:56:17PM -0800, j...@sdf.org wrote:
> Neal  wrote:
> > On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 8:34 PM,  wrote:
> > > Ah, okay - thanks for pointing that out.  I'm a bit surprised they would
> > > expect to be able to update firmware on hardware they don't own.
> >
> > I'm pretty sure ALL cable modems run whatever firmware the ISP deems
> > appropriate for the cable modem model. They can't let you just do anything
> > you want on their network, especially if there is bandwidth limiting
> > control at stake. They own the coax side. The ethernet side is all yours.
> 
> Ah, okay - maybe the network topology of coax setups require this?  I'm
> fine with that.  

I think that was a bit of sarcasm. 

** Warning - old fart rant ** 

Back in the day the phone companies made the same claim. You couldn't just
plug any device into their network - havoc would follow. Sometime in the
mid 70s the courts disagreed, modular plugs for phone wall connections
were mandated and we've all been plugging in whatever we've wanted
ever since.


-- 
  Michael Rasmussen, Portland Oregon  
Be Appropriate && Follow Your Curiosity
You're suddenly worried about how much is in your retirement account, 
but other people are worried about how much is on their dinner plate tonight.
~ Rick Steves on the economy March 2009
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[chris (fool) mccraw]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 5:24 PM, Russell Senior 
wrote:

> > "Larry" == Larry Brigman  writes:
>
> Larry> Arris Surfboard wifi version with 802.3AC1900.
> Larry> http://shop.surfboard.com/
>
> FWIW, even when you buy and own the cable modem it is under Comcast
> control.  The first 15 minutes after you hook it up is them loading
> their own firmware onto the thing.  Having Comcast in control of the
> wifi is suboptimal, in my opinion.  I recommend a bridging device, one
> coax, one ethernet, no wifi on the device, so that you can control the
> network on your side.  The SB6141 is such a device.  Hook up your own
> gateway and wifi router that Comcast doesn't control.


yikes, good to know, as I am getting one of these based on the
recommendations in this thread (once I found out how cheap they are
compared to the monthly rental fee...it would be insane not to!  Last time
I looked I was seeing them costing hundreds of bucks, but I was probably
looking in the wrong placeS)
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Tony Schlemmer]

On 11/25/2015 06:23 PM, chris (fool) mccraw wrote:
> On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 5:24 PM, Russell Senior 
> wrote:
>
>>> "Larry" == Larry Brigman  writes:
>> Larry> Arris Surfboard wifi version with 802.3AC1900.
>> Larry> http://shop.surfboard.com/
>>
>> FWIW, even when you buy and own the cable modem it is under Comcast
>> control.  The first 15 minutes after you hook it up is them loading
>> their own firmware onto the thing.  Having Comcast in control of the
>> wifi is suboptimal, in my opinion.  I recommend a bridging device, one
>> coax, one ethernet, no wifi on the device, so that you can control the
>> network on your side.  The SB6141 is such a device.  Hook up your own
>> gateway and wifi router that Comcast doesn't control.
>
> yikes, good to know, as I am getting one of these based on the
> recommendations in this thread (once I found out how cheap they are
> compared to the monthly rental fee...it would be insane not to!  Last time
> I looked I was seeing them costing hundreds of bucks, but I was probably
> looking in the wrong placeS)
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
I had issues when I bought my own DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, Comcast 
charged me rent even though I bought the modem myself. Be sure you check 
you bill carefully since I had to follow up three times before they took 
it off my bill.

Tony

___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[eric . maillist]

I was going to suggest that too, but you gotta see if they're in your area.  

Frontier fiber has been solid for me.  Locked in at $30/mo for 2 years.  30 
mbit down. Free modem/wi-fi router/install when I got on board earlier this 
year. 

Nov 24, 2015 11:52 PM、wes  のメッセージ:

> you're not going to be any happier with comcast. you should move into
> frontier territory.
> 
> -wes
> 
>> On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 7:52 PM,  wrote:
>> 
>> Hey - Got fed up with CenturyLink's crappy service and signed up for
>> Comcast/Xfinity 10Mbps service.  I need to buy a modem and was looking
>> for suggestions.  I would be maintaining a LAN behind a router of
>> some sort so a modem/router combo unit might be the better option,
>> ideally with WiFi.
>> 
>> Jeff
>> ___
>> PLUG mailing list
>> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
>> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[wes]

yeah, I was suggesting he change areas of residence :)

since there's basically nowhere that centurylink and frontier are both
available...

-wes

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 11:04 AM,  wrote:

> I was going to suggest that too, but you gotta see if they're in your area.
>
> Frontier fiber has been solid for me.  Locked in at $30/mo for 2 years.
> 30 mbit down. Free modem/wi-fi router/install when I got on board earlier
> this year.
>
> Nov 24, 2015 11:52 PM、wes  のメッセージ:
>
> > you're not going to be any happier with comcast. you should move into
> > frontier territory.
> >
> > -wes
> >
> >> On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 7:52 PM,  wrote:
> >>
> >> Hey - Got fed up with CenturyLink's crappy service and signed up for
> >> Comcast/Xfinity 10Mbps service.  I need to buy a modem and was looking
> >> for suggestions.  I would be maintaining a LAN behind a router of
> >> some sort so a modem/router combo unit might be the better option,
> >> ideally with WiFi.
> >>
> >> Jeff
> >> ___
> >> PLUG mailing list
> >> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> >> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> > ___
> > PLUG mailing list
> > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[wes]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 1:14 PM, Rich Shepard 
wrote:

> On Wed, 25 Nov 2015, wes wrote:
>
> > since there's basically nowhere that centurylink and frontier are both
> > available...
>
> wes,
>
>What's Frontier's policy on hosting servers such as smtp and http?
>
> Rich
>
>
they don't have one, as far as I'm aware.

-wes
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Rich Shepard]

On Wed, 25 Nov 2015, wes wrote:

> they don't have one, as far as I'm aware.

wes,

   Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Rich
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Rich Shepard]

On Wed, 25 Nov 2015, wes wrote:

> since there's basically nowhere that centurylink and frontier are both
> available...

wes,

   What's Frontier's policy on hosting servers such as smtp and http?

Rich
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Neal]

On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 9:14 PM, Stephen Price  wrote:

> LIke Larry, I'd recommend an Arris (formerly Motorola) Surfboard:
> ARRIS SURFboard SB6141
>

Thirded. $70 at your friendly local Costco.

NealS
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Neal]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2015 at 8:34 PM,  wrote:

> Ah, okay - thanks for pointing that out.  I'm a bit surprised they would
> expect to be able to update firmware on hardware they don't own.
>

I'm pretty sure ALL cable modems run whatever firmware the ISP deems
appropriate for the cable modem model. They can't let you just do anything
you want on their network, especially if there is bandwidth limiting
control at stake. They own the coax side. The ethernet side is all yours.

Make sure whatever you hook up to it has a firewall!

NealS
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[jgw]

Russell Senior  wrote:

> > "Larry" == Larry Brigman  writes:
>
> Larry> Arris Surfboard wifi version with 802.3AC1900.
> Larry> http://shop.surfboard.com/
>
> FWIW, even when you buy and own the cable modem it is under Comcast
> control.  The first 15 minutes after you hook it up is them loading
> their own firmware onto the thing.  Having Comcast in control of the
> wifi is suboptimal, in my opinion.  I recommend a bridging device, one
> coax, one ethernet, no wifi on the device, so that you can control the
> network on your side.  The SB6141 is such a device.  Hook up your own
> gateway and wifi router that Comcast doesn't control.

Ah, okay - thanks for pointing that out.  I'm a bit surprised they would
expect to be able to update firmware on hardware they don't own.  I had
more or less decided I'd go the descrete component route anyway simply
because I have most of the other bits already; now I'd another good reason
to do so.  I'll be cheking out a craigslist find tomorrow, an Arris TM822G,
that seems new enough, is just a modem, and even has a backup battery.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Jeff
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Russell Senior]

> "jgw" == jgw   writes:

Larry> Arris Surfboard wifi version with 802.3AC1900.
Larry> http://shop.surfboard.com/
>> 
>> FWIW, even when you buy and own the cable modem it is under Comcast
>> control.  The first 15 minutes after you hook it up is them loading
>> their own firmware onto the thing.  Having Comcast in control of the
>> wifi is suboptimal, in my opinion.  I recommend a bridging device,
>> one coax, one ethernet, no wifi on the device, so that you can
>> control the network on your side.  The SB6141 is such a device.  Hook
>> up your own gateway and wifi router that Comcast doesn't control.

jgw> Ah, okay - thanks for pointing that out.  I'm a bit surprised they
jgw> would expect to be able to update firmware on hardware they don't
jgw> own.  I had more or less decided I'd go the descrete component
jgw> route anyway simply because I have most of the other bits already;
jgw> now I'd another good reason to do so.  I'll be cheking out a
jgw> craigslist find tomorrow, an Arris TM822G, that seems new enough,
jgw> is just a modem, and even has a backup battery.

jgw> Thanks for the suggestions!

The other upside is that when you want to implement IPv6, it is
relatively easy when you control the gateway router at the IP level.
The interface they provide on their routing cable modems is not very
featureful.

And another this is if the cable modem doesn't have wifi, they can't turn
on their annoying xfinitywifi piggyback gimmick.


-- 
Russell Senior, President
russ...@personaltelco.net
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[wes]

you're not going to be any happier with comcast. you should move into
frontier territory.

-wes

On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 7:52 PM,  wrote:

> Hey - Got fed up with CenturyLink's crappy service and signed up for
> Comcast/Xfinity 10Mbps service.  I need to buy a modem and was looking
> for suggestions.  I would be maintaining a LAN behind a router of
> some sort so a modem/router combo unit might be the better option,
> ideally with WiFi.
>
> Jeff
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

[PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[jgw]

Hey - Got fed up with CenturyLink's crappy service and signed up for
Comcast/Xfinity 10Mbps service.  I need to buy a modem and was looking
for suggestions.  I would be maintaining a LAN behind a router of
some sort so a modem/router combo unit might be the better option,
ideally with WiFi.

Jeff
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug

Re: [PLUG] Xfinity cable modem suggestions?

[Stephen Price]

LIke Larry, I'd recommend an Arris (formerly Motorola) Surfboard:
ARRIS SURFboard SB6141

Note that this is just a modem. Trying to buy an all-in-one usually leaves
you with a substandard experience. I'd recommend getting that modem and a
separate router with wifi.

On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 8:52 PM Larry Brigman 
wrote:

> Arris Surfboard wifi version with 802.3AC1900.
> http://shop.surfboard.com/
>
>
> On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 7:52 PM,  wrote:
>
> > Hey - Got fed up with CenturyLink's crappy service and signed up for
> > Comcast/Xfinity 10Mbps service.  I need to buy a modem and was looking
> > for suggestions.  I would be maintaining a LAN behind a router of
> > some sort so a modem/router combo unit might be the better option,
> > ideally with WiFi.
> >
> > Jeff
> > ___
> > PLUG mailing list
> > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> >
> ___
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>
___
PLUG mailing list
PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug