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I wonder if a modem is required to be programmed when using with an internet provider? If yes, what is the purpose of programming a modem?
Do both a DSL and a cable ISP both require a modem to be used in an individual home?
For example, I have a Motorola modem
SURFboard Model:SB5101,
Customer S/N: xxx
S/N? xxx
HFC MAC ID: xxx
USB CPE MAC ID: xxx
a coil of cable and a splitter from Comcast High-Speed internet Self-Installation Kit, which were bought 5 years ago, when I purchased Comcast internet service from its retailer www.comcastoffers.com. With them, I was hoping to reduce the amount of fee by avoiding to ask Comcast people to come over to install. But I remember at that time Comcast sent its technician here, dismissed my idea of self-installation, saying they needed to use their own modem and charging me a hefty fee, and so my equipments have never been used.
I haven't been using Comcast for a long time. I wonder if my modem, cable and splitter (brand new, never used) are still good to use with an internet provider such as Comcast? If needed, we can ignore their policy and just consider the technology side?
Or they are not good to use and I must throw them away like trash?
Thanks and regards!
I will confirm this, as I just had Comcast connected. The SURFboards should be supported devices and you can make sure by checking their list http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net. Self install is an option, so do not let them try to tell you otherwise. There is no reason to pay for something you can do yourself.
– jb11 – 2012-07-03T14:27:48.183Thanks! (1) What kind of information will be downloaded? What is the purpose of programming? (2) Does DSL also need a modem? Is it different from a modem for cable internet? – Tim – 2012-07-03T14:28:28.400
@Tim
@jb11: Thanks! Five years ago, my local Comcast told me I was not allowed to do it myself. They perhaps just tried to get money from my pocket. If do it yourself, how do you connect the cable from the outside to the inside of the house? – Tim – 2012-07-03T14:34:12.657
@Tim Sorry, I was assuming that your residence was set up for cable. If you do not have cable running to your house from the nearest relay, you may need to have them do that. If it runs to your house but not inside, they could probably do it more efficiently but I know people that have wired their own houses. You need to make sure that they service your area. – jb11 – 2012-07-03T14:37:26.533
@jb11: Yes, they service my area. Do you mean if previous residents have installed Comcast, then it is likely to have the cable already in the house connecting to the outside? – Tim – 2012-07-03T14:44:39.680
Also, if you are getting a connection with more than 30Mbps, you will want to invest in a DOCSIS 3 modem. – kobaltz – 2012-07-03T14:50:34.413
@Tim The easiest way to check is to look for cable wall jacks on your walls (for the coax). If you have them, the house most likely had some sort of cable service and all you need to do is make sure it is Comcast by calling them (They can also tell you if the previous owner had their service). If so, then all you should have to do is plug in the modem, connect the coax, and call Comcast to turn on the service. If there are no jacks, then it could be one of the two previous options I mentioned. – jb11 – 2012-07-03T15:02:07.923
Wouldn't be surprised when Comcast tries to screw people over. They're one of the lowest rated companies for customer service in the country. – BBlake – 2012-07-03T16:34:41.660
@BBlake: What is your recommendation over Comcast, supposing the region is not considered? – Tim – 2012-07-03T16:57:54.040
My area is served by TimeWarner, Insight, AT&T U-Verse and Wow-way. Of those four that I have experience with, U-Verse is far and away superior to all of them. I don't have personal experience with ComCast as it doesn't exist in my area, but I saw a customer service survey last week that listed ComCast as the worst customer service of any company in America (not just cable/internet providers). – BBlake – 2012-07-04T02:41:58.973