(also posted at IP)

One of the zillion things I hate about Comcast are their infernal "gateway" cable/telephony modems. We always encourage clients to source their own.

While it's easy to source one's own DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem (i.e. broadband only), it's getting harder and harder to find DOCSIS 3.0 cable/telephony (broadband and VoIP) modems, like the Arris TM722g and TM822g. These used to be reasonably available via Amazon, but it's no longer that easy.

Has anyone found a reliable source for sanctioned E-MTA's?

[Link: bestbuy.com]

Make you verify with your ISP about the the model number you are about to purchase. Otherwise, you might get screwed with an incomparable model.

Huh? Just looking for a cable/telephony modem, not a gateway.

Gateway = Modem.

Their cheaper at Sears, granted its a refurbish. [Link: sears.com]

Then there's this one with out the built in wireless router. [Link: sears.com]

KOT

Sorry, but I don't agree.

Gateway = Modem + Router + often WiFi + often VoIP, with all from one box.

A cable modem (with or without VoIP) allows me to use the router and WiFi infrastructure I want, while a gateway does not, or at least not without setting it to be a bridge (vs. a router).

(Here in the SF Bay Area, Comcast's gateways come with public WiFi hotspots that are difficult to disable, even with set to bridge mode and its own WiFi (what's intended for the homeowner) turned off. That's one of many reasons we always prefer supplying our own broadband interface.)

Lets not forget if you buy your own it is subject to their firmware updates. The reason they are on the list. Are you really accomplishing much. Very least bridge and use own router

Comcast's gateways are subject to the public wifi no matter where. So if you're in a place where your nearest neighbor is a mile away, the client can still have that public wifi.

Now, you can get in contact with Comcast and have them disable that. But, apparently, on the next firmware update. It's automatically enabled.

Question is, and thecapnredfish brought it up, will owning your own gateway give you the ability to have that public wifi disabled all the time?

But having the Arris TM822G available from Sears is your best option for now. Having this modem, as you know already, gives you the ability to use the telephone and the ability to use your own router. So Comcast will not have the ability to enable public wifi.

There is a problem with the Arris TM822G though... It's only a 8x4 channel bonding. So whatever Comcast's top tier is in your clients area. make sure it doesn't go over it's speed. Other wise your client will be tossing money out of the window due to physical limitations of the modem.

KOT

I also posted on IP and looking for a VOIP modem only. Not a full gateway. Already have a surfboard I installed that is for the internet. Looking for a VOIP modem, strictly for his phone, so he can stop paying Comcast a monthly fee for their gateway for the phone service.

The one way to also ensure no Xfinity Public Wifi Access is to supply your own Modem's (no gateways with Wifi). Thus, no way for Comcast to turn back on or broadcast anything publically anyway, since no Wifi built in.

Buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, and then supply your router, switches, AP's.

Let the xFinity tech place the VOIP crap in service for phone network only.

Every time I don't do this and either try and place their all in one in bridge mode (to our router) or forward ports, or just about any other config changes, Comcast wipes the settings out with firmware. Thats even when we have them bridge it.

Why not have your client purchase Ooma devices, or any other other devices?

So it'll just plug into the router or what not. Not only do they not have to pay Comcast a monthly fee for a telephony modem, they also don't have to pay Comcast for phone service.

KOT

As mentioned, if your modem doesn't do telephony, then the client has to still rent the $10 gateway from Comcast just for phone. $120 a year extra for a landline.

But I agree, more and more the gateway doesn't go quietly into bridge mode, and even when it does, you still have the issue of the Xfinity WiFi in your space.