Home Networking / Router / & WiFi Gateway Help

[TomIrish]

I have been using a Linksys modem BEFGMU10 for more years than I can remember. Seven years ago I upgraded my router to a Linksys BEFSR81 which is an 8 port router. I have also added a wireless access point to one of the hardwired outlets.

I have read that I can get better speed by upgrading my modem to a Cisco dpc3008.

My question is if I do the upgrade to the new modem will I get a speed boost and will I have to get a new router to maximize the improvement in speed? If yes how do I get a new router? Linksys does not sell 8 port routers anymore. They seem to have gone 100% wireless.

I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks

[PeteC2 · Accepted solution]

What Comcast tier are you on now?  If not Performance/Blast/Extreme, you won't see much if any difference by changing modems.  If you are on one of those tiers, and your area has gone Docsis 3.0, then yes you would experience a difference.

Since you are running everything hard-wired now, if you get any service below 100Mbps, and you do not desire wireless, your current router should be fine.

[TomIrish]

Thanks for your help

Tom

[EG]

FWIW, which hardware version of that model modem are you using ? All except version 4 have been classified as being "end of life" on their Approved Modems list.

[TomIrish]

The sticker on the bottom of the modem after the model # says ver. 2. Is that why I periodically have short interruptions of service?  What getting the new Cisco modem help?

[PeteC2]

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TomIrish wrote:

The sticker on the bottom of the modem after the model # says ver. 2. Is that why I periodically have short interruptions of service?  What getting the new Cisco modem help?

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Assuming that you are in a Docsis 3.0 area, yes, the Cisco DPC 3008 would certainly be a worthy upgrade.  If you own your own modem, I would recommend buying the Zoom 5341J (J version only!), which can be found for around $79.  If you are renting your modem, yes, I would call Comcast and ask for a replacement, which might be the Cisco DPC 3008, but may be a different nodem as well.

[TomIrish]

I own my modem so I will have to buy one. Do you have a problem with Cisco/Linksys  DPC3008. I have been partial to their products and never had a significant problem with them. That modem would cost about $88.

Will my 8 port wired Linksys Router BEFSR 81 work well with this new modem?

Tom

[PeteC2]

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TomIrish wrote:

I own my modem so I will have to buy one. Do you have a problem with Cisco/Linksys  DPC3008. I have been partial to their products and never had a significant problem with them. That modem would cost about $88.

Will my 8 port wired Linksys Router BEFSR 81 work well with this new modem?

Tom

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Actually no, there is nopthing wrong with the Cisco DPC 3008, I had one briefly (I am on a voice system so now have an eMTA modem) and it worked just fine.

Only issue is that as you may know, Comcast dictates the firmware, and the firmware on the Cisco 3008 allows you access to very little information on the modem...not life and death, but a bit of a bummer.

No reason that it should not work with your router, but I have no first hand experience...just no reason that it should not coexist.

[EG]

OP, just an FYI. See this thread for some info about the DPC3008;

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivity-and-Modem-Help/Problems-with-Cisco-dpc3008-dropping-connec...

[PeteC2]

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EG wrote:

OP, just an FYI. See this thread for some info about the DPC3008;

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivity-and-Modem-Help/Problems-with-Cisco-dpc3008-dropping-connec...

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IMHO though, a lot of what I read in that thread was questionable as far as what issues the DPC 3008 may have had, excluding the firmware issue, which was legit, and was resolved. Everytime someone has a connectivity issue, the modem is first to take the blame regardless of whether or not it actually was the problem.  Even Comcast loves to "blame the modem" before assessing other equally likely connectivity issues.

No question that the Zoom 5341J has the widest range of positive comments amongst retail-available D3 modems, and if I did not have an eMTA, it would be my first choice, but the DPC 3008 is a competent modem as well.

On a side note: Some mention that the Zoom runs a little "hot", but while I had the DPC 3008, I would characterize that as a fairly hot running modem as well, so no real difference there.

[TomIrish]

I hope I made the correct decission but I just ordered the Linksys DPC 3008 from Linksys. It was $5.00 more than Amazon but offers a 90 day no questions asked return policy. This way I can give it  a try and if it does not work well I will return it and get the Zoom 5341J

Thanks, everyone, for your help.

Tom

[PeteC2]

Tom, not knocking Amazon, but good choice to go "retail" on the modem.  There are far, far too many stories about folks who thought they bought "clean" modems only to find that they were stolen property and Comcast would not provision them.

I think that the DPC 3008 is a good choice, just saying that the Zoom 5341J certainly has a very strong following here.

Best of luck!

[TomIrish]

I installed the Linksys DPC 3800 5 days ago. It was manufactured 5/12. I have not had a single droped signal since I installed it and it is faster than the old Linksys I replaced. So far so good. I guess I should knock on wood.

Tom

[PeteC2]

Great, glad that you are enjoying good results!