You're looking to set up a new house with a fresh network and a modem.
You're looking to set up a new house with a fresh network and a modem.
You're considering two 3.1 modems with 32x8 channel bonding. It's good to know specs aren't everything. Besides performance, the main difference lies in accessing your Ubiquity modem via the control panel. The $110 model offers a noticeable upgrade that could help with future upgrades like cameras, an NVR, or a new PC. While it's not life-changing on its own, it might be worth the investment if you plan to expand your setup. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget and long-term needs.
There are three main versions of Docsis 3.1 modems available. Version 1 includes a Gigabit port and delivers roughly 940 Mbps. Version 2 features a 2.5 Gbps port, which is currently the top choice for speed in the market. Version 3 is similar to version 2 but supports mid-range speeds, resulting in quicker uploads. I’m aware that Comcast has very limited retail options, allowing only certain models on premium upload tiers. It would be wise to consider a more affordable model if you’re looking to upgrade to the latest capabilities. There’s no specific timeline mentioned for these changes. The areas being upgraded seem to align with Node +0 rollouts, affecting only a few regions. Recent updates suggest Comcast is testing AMP devices capable of handling Docsis 4 and beyond.
The setup includes a gigabit port while the widespread availability comes with a 2.5 gigabit connection. Regarding upgrades, it’s a yes and a no. I’m choosing this configuration because it will be simple to expand or upgrade, and it offers solid, dependable hardware that delivers a smooth experience without requiring much adjustment. This is essentially about building a reliable home internet solution—not a project for casual experimentation. Concerning Comcast selecting my area among their chosen markets, I’m skeptical. Previously, in a competitive neighborhood with many ISPs, things were different. Last year I relocated to a smaller community of under 4,000 residents, which feels cozy and satisfying.
The main focus should be on whether you prioritize the quickest connections or affordability. Keep in mind that Docsis 4 is just around the corner, so Docsis 3.1 will probably remain in service for a long time. It’s not practical to modify cable modems yourself—firmware updates are handled by your ISP. Essentially, a cable modem only provides signal statistics and logs.
I own an Arris modem which serves as the core for my $4k+ Ubquiti station. It’s clearly the most vulnerable part, yet it performs quite dependably. I bought it roughly six months ago, making it tough for me to upgrade to the UCI, though I’m determined to find any excuse possible. I chose the S33 model, which isn’t much more expensive than the S8200. However, it features a 2.5Gbps port and handles mid-split speeds for downloads. Upload remains extremely limited—so limited that it’s almost unusable in many situations. I was even temporarily upgraded to a mid-split plan, but my upload speed stayed capped at 25 Mbps. My plan got downgraded automatically too. Apparently, they require a specific mid-split package, which I haven’t selected yet because I doubt the S33 can exceed 40 Mbps upload. Since I pay for an 800 Mbps down connection and routinely achieve over 1 Gbps with the S33, it works well for most users except me. My Plex streaming outside the house suffers greatly due to bandwidth constraints. In summary… opt for the S33—it’s better suited for your overall setup. The UCI will be a hassle to install and won’t integrate smoothly with your other Unifi gear; it’s built for racks, not home use.
Beyond the provided gateways, it seems there may be one or two retail modems that Comcast has approved for use. Most of the current Docsis 3.1 devices probably won’t handle improved uploads.
They currently have around five devices on their Next Gen Speed Tier list. I usually include this list when it appears. Some people say the UCI also backs NGST speeds, or that they upload speeds over 40 Mbps, but I think it would be great if it appeared there. The UCI is listed as the final option for recommended devices. This document is nearly a year old now. I hope they refresh it. https://assets.xfinity.com/assets/dotcom...2023.11.22 Full List of Compatible Devices.pdf @Legeis I’m not sure about the time frame, but all these modems will be cheaper at Black Friday. For reference, the S33 costs $200 today, whereas I bought it for $130 last year. It’s even tougher to reach the UCI now. I didn’t notice the UCI last year, maybe they’ll have a sale soon? Not sure. Ubquiti doesn’t typically offer discounts; they usually require buying multiple items with one reduced price.
They say the UCI handles those high latency bursts better when your internet is shifting bandwidth. It seems my modem struggled during the day while Comcast’s network was under heavy load. You noticed I was working hard after midnight and my S33 performed well. Are the yellow areas obvious? Not really. I’m not sure how the UCI can make a difference, but I’m just repeating what others say. There’s actually very little about the UCI. If I hadn’t found the S33 first, I might have just installed it to fit in my rack. You can see the upload speed is much stronger than download—purple lines versus blue ones. For everyday use, the main advantage is the extra upload bandwidth that isn’t listed, just the people on Reddit who claim it speeds up.
I was talking about the overall setup, not just the modem. But yeah, I get it. I’m wrapping up the new house project by Thursday and expect to move in soon. For now, I can manage with my phone and cellular service, but I need to install the main components—gateway, AP, and modem—and get internet up and running quickly. Honestly, fiber would be great if it were available at the new place, but it isn’t. Xfinity is the only option right now. For Black Friday, I still plan to set up cameras and some other gear, though I’ll limit my shopping to essentials since I have several upcoming expenses for the house (maybe a roof or solar panels). I might still buy a lot of stuff during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The system I originally designed was larger, but that doesn’t matter now. There’s a big closet in the bedroom I intend to use as an office, and I’m okay with mounting components there. It’s just 1U and will fit perfectly. If it doesn’t, that’s when the 3D printer comes in!
Well..... The price varies based on several things and your budget. They provide Fiber Home internet, formerly known as Gigabit Pro, which is quite expensive. You’d pay around $500 for installation, another $500 for activation, and then about $299 each month. It’s currently around 6 Gbps speed.