Home Networking / Router / & WiFi Gateway Help

[jettmac26]

Recently moved.  No issues at prior location with same computers and xbox.  In new home couldn't connect to xbox live.  Tech came out and moved modem from kitch (near laptop) to xbox and hardwired xbox into modem.  Great!! Can now connect to xbox live.  Laptop in kitchen now can get a connection, but when I move computer upstairs (tried it only once), I can connect.  Is this a bad modem, low signal strength?  Having tech come out again!!

[kevj]

Sounds like you have a gateway device, which is a combined modem/router. The ones supplied by Comcast do not have a good track record.

My advice:

Go buy a decent router, then call the Comcast Gateway Support team. 1-800-363-2416. Have them put the gateway in Bridge Mode, so it acts like a modem, instead of a gateway.

[jettmac26]

Thank you.  You are right; do have a gateway.  When purchasing a router, it's okay to put in Bridge mode?  Will comcast give me issues asking them to do that like they do everything else?

[kevj]

The team you will speak to at the number I provided are the Gateway support team...they are higher level engineers, not front line reps. We have directed a lot of people to them to have the gateway placed in bridge mode, and I haven't heard of any reports of them giving anyone grief...

And just to be clear...you will have them put your existing gateway in bridge mode, and you will continue to use it as a modem. You will then connect your spankin' new router to it, and use the new router to provide your LAN connectivity (wired and wireless)

[jettmac26]

Thank you very much.  I'm also guessing the router will come with instructions in order to set up a wireless connection?

[kevj]

Any router you buy from a retail store will have either a printed manual or a CD with an electronic manual that will give you the basics. Also, take a look at the sticky posts at the top of this forum for some excellent guides on how to secure your wireless network.

Advice on routers:

Netgear, Cisco/Linksys, or DLink are the most commonly recommended for everyday consumer use. There are some cheaper brands such as Belkin, but you often find that you get what you pay for...There are also more expensive brands, but they are often used by folks who are looking for advanced features, or the ability to flash alternate firmware.

You should be able to get a reasonable unit from one of the 3 manufacturers noted above for about $70 - $100.

[jettmac26]

Thank you again.  Will see what tech says when he comes out tonight.  Then will pursue purchasing own router and either requesting just a modem or having them bridge the current one.