Find support for your Comcast device or get guidance on setting it up correctly.
Find support for your Comcast device or get guidance on setting it up correctly.
I’m sharing this here because I think it should be moved to another area. I wasn’t sure there was a specific forum for this issue. Looking online, I found several routers and modems from our ISP (Comcast) that we’re currently getting 9-10 Mbps speeds. We’re hoping to replace the leased modem/router combo. Here’s the question—what would be the best router choice for a family of four with a 4K security system and around ten devices? Thanks in advance, DD.
I would choose this section first. This helps ensure the right configuration from the start. Configuring a modem or router for Gigabit is straightforward. To achieve speeds beyond Gigabit, your investment will increase significantly (most routers only offer Gigabit ports). How big is your home? Are there multiple floors? How many of these devices are connected wired versus wireless? Do you require Power over Ethernet for your cameras?
1. it is a 2 floor home (ground floor and basment) (on a 1/8 or 1/4 lot) 2. We have a spliter currently that splits up the 10 connected plugs that goes to the plugs that have them but to my knowledge only 4/5 rooms actually are connected and active to my knowledge (my parents own the home i'm just helping with the computer stuff) but there is 10 or so wireless devices in the home I think (3 phones 2 TV's, sprinklers and I think 1 or 2 roku's and 2 laptops) but that wireless goes up or down depending if we have people over or not and their phones (can be upto 10-15 people if its a group project my folks are having or if its gathering) but its normally just 3 people in the home 3. the cameras are all powered off a the security box and that is on its own system (I didn't buy it it was recommended to us by a neighbor who does that sort of work) but it is also hard lined into the network from the security box so the cams just are all on one line essentially
I reviewed it but it's hard to find this specific part because it's the top choice everyone uses. It's the one most people rely on instead of sifting through lots of technical details.
Review all technical details to identify the suitable option. Purchase a modem, then select a wireless router or access point. Alternatively, use the ISP's modem in bridge mode and install your own router. This effectively converts the rented wireless gateway into a modem. You may also disable Wi-Fi on the ISP equipment and connect a personal router instead if you prefer not to use bridge mode.
I’m still figuring out how to simplify this enough for someone with limited tech experience. Even though I can explain basic steps, it feels like a lot of information is outdated. Most of what I do involves simple Windows support, and networking isn’t my area of strength. I could help locate something online, but breaking down technical details makes it hard for older users to grasp. My understanding seems limited compared to what’s needed right now.
Are you covering those costs? Have you tested speeds using WiFi or directly connected to your ISP device? I’d like to propose delaying a modem upgrade to a third-party model. Let Comcast or xFinity handle the gateway upgrade when they increase your speeds to +1Gbps and observe the results. For additional ports, simply add a switch. This approach helps you manage network hardware yourself once you own the equipment. If specs are unclear, confusion may grow during troubleshooting. If you remain unsatisfied or prefer your own gear, invest in your own modem, router, and/or AP(s). Check this site for xFinity modem picks and explore other router/AP/mesh guides available online. Each home setup is unique, making it hard to give a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Are you connecting via network cable or coaxial cable? The DongKnows site linked above is a valuable guide for modems and routers. I’ve relied on it often. You might manage with one wireless connection (as noted, each home differs), but even in my modest house, I used two access points. There are no dead zones, and both 5 and 6 GHz bands provide strong signals. I suspect Comcast may list approved modems (my local provider does), though they likely require an address or login. Before switching to fiber, I used a Motorola MB8611 with my provider, which had a 2.5 GbE port out. At that time, few offered more than one or two of these high-speed ports (generally priced over $600). My setup involved pfSense as the router, paired with 2.5 GbE switches and a couple of wireless access points. Since my home is already fully wired for networking, you can observe how exceeding gigabit speeds quickly adds up—especially since cable modems can be pricey. This is when considering provider equipment makes sense, particularly if you prefer not to manage complex configurations. For me, owning the gear eliminated monthly rental costs (though it doesn’t always pay off) and gave me control over modifications. I could add fans to keep devices cool and maintain stable speeds during long downloads.