Hi guys,

I don't have Comcast/Xfinity here in my area, but the cable co's we do have allow you to activate your own modem along side the cable company's gateway (running phone, and internet) Anybody know if Comcast allows this?

A friend in the western burbs of Chicago wants to "own" his data network. Landline and Comcast security are in play here so he wants to keep that stuff going.

Any advise would be helpful.

Yes, you can do it with Xfinity.  They even have Xfinity "approved" modems/routers at BestBuy.  (Labeled as such in the networking aisle).  In reality, all they need to be is Docsis 3 compatible. 

He can do that. But he is still going to have rent the modem for the phone and security portion.

Also I suggest that you do this through the CXI program. The normal Comcast people will say you can’t do this.

Personally, since he has to rent the modem anyway for the phone and security I would just put it in Bridge mode and do your own network.

I am not sure how the security is dealt with. But if the client decides to purchase their own modem for internet. They wouldn’t have to rent the “gateway” for the phone service. As I’ve activated a customer own modem for internet, and left the gateway for the phone. Just disabled the internet on the gateway.

But this was 2 years ago when I was at Comcast.

KOT

Historically people have complained because after a time, it will take itself back out of bridge mode again. Which causes all kind of problems then for the network.
I actually haven't seen that in my area but I have very few done that way. Usually I get them a 'customer supplied modem' and go that route.

Note for everyone: If you don't already know, it isn't just about getting a DOCSIS 3.0 modem (or even the new 3.1). You need to look at how many channels it can bond. Comcast in my area is stepping up to 300-500Mbps speeds now. And I have to use minimum of 16x4 bonded channel modem. An 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem will NOT cut it anymore for my area! I have actually been getting the $99 ARRIS 32x8 in case Comcast steps up to Gigabit service over coax in a few years.