New Internet service -- some simple (?) advice?

my set up runs from the cable co's entry point. coax from there to the wifi router, so, it depends on the distance.
i have a hundred feet of rg-6

 

I don't think you need anything. The combo router-modem unit you provided will be directly connected to the highspeed internet cable from the pole which is the coax cable coming through the wall. The cable installer will have to verify the MAC address of the unit to connect to the service, but after that, home WiFi will take care of the connection to your laptop. Unless you intend to use a wired connection to the laptop. Then you will need a long enough LAN Ethernet cable.

 

My cable/internet service provider claims that the only way they can diagnose a problem is if you have their router and their version of the firmware. I had mine (exact model and rev) installed and they insisted I have theirs. Sometimes you just can't fight.

cable from outside the house. Depending on the size and construction of the house, you may need nothing and all you do is test to make sure the signal is good everywhere you will use it. I have one in the basement of a 5 bedroom house and there is nowhere I don't have a good wifi signal that supports three computers, two cell phones and two tablets all simultaneously. If that isn't your case after a test, there are extenders, amplifiers, boosters and extenders. A best buy should be able to sell you one. The Best Wireless Range Extenders for 2020 | PCMag but don't buy one before you test.

 

I've had a Netgear AC1900 router (router only: no modem capability) for years. It's a reputable device from a reputable company, but make sure you get the latest firmware for it: they issue security updates from time to time. And read up on the best settings to use: the defaults are not necessary what you want.

 

Hi Stevewoods,
We recently did the same thing. However, to say you a lot of time and frustration, I would ask your grandkids if they know anyone who knows how to set up a wifi cable modem. Its fairly simple. Don't call the company anymore. You are like "fresh meat" to them and as long as you don't know how to ask the right questions, they will insist you HAVE to rent their modem. You don't!

I am not too familiar with the laws, but if you google your options, you may see that you don't have to use their router and they can't force you.

 

That would be my concern. You might want to ask before you buy something they won't let you use or that they won't support.

 

I have Spectrum Cable. Their modem sucks. We had a TV service with DirecTV that went through their modem. We dropped DirecTV and Spectrum said we could keep the modem as it is more than paid for. I kept the modem, bought an extender that you hook up directly to the Spectrum modem and the directions showed me how to get their modem to find and connect to Spectrum's IP address. Once that was done, I now have a more powerful modem with a wider range.
He may have to use their modem to get their IP address, thats why I suggested his grandkids finding someone who can do this. They would hook up a spare modem, then their laptop and know how to do all this. We should be able to just get access to the internet and let the consumer decide on what quality router and modem they want.

 

We've had Charter/Spectrum for almost 17 years. Had our own modem for many of those years, but when we upgraded to 100Mbps down we needed a new one, and now we have theirs, and I don't see that we're paying for it. Whenever I've checked the speed it's been a little better than the promised 100Mbps down/10Mbps up. Only 3 or 4 outages in those 16+ years, one of which was when the gas co. dug up the cable.

 

UNLESS there is some kind of minimum rental period for the modem,
I suggest that it would be a MUCH better plan to actually pay the rent for a few months and then
switch over to your own later.
A happy wife makes for a happy life.

 

I searched my providers' support site for supported modems (with wifi) and then searched for better prices. I went with a very cheap (like $25 bucks) used one from flea-bay and it worked fine for years. Once I got over their scare tactics, I went with a much better (higher spec) modern unit that can handle 4k, multiple heavy users, etc.

I think their scare tactics work better on those of us who lived through the dial-up modem daze.....

 

If your cable service is anything like mine, he will supply coax cable to reach your modem from the point of entry at your wall. It is best to keep this coax cable short, so, chances are, he will install your cable modem/router near the point of entry at the wall. If you do not have an existing coax cable coming through the wall, he will drill a hole and install the point of entry into the house where you want to install the modem/router. In any case, you should not need anything.

 

If you need any "switches" (basically powered Ethernet splitters) make sure the latest, capable of 10/100/1000 speed. If your service is high speed old switches can be a bottleneck.

 

That’s fine for home use, of course, but the latest Ethernet switches operate at 400 Gb/s (400000).

Tubes were considerably more fun, though.

 

Still are:

@ internet advice:
K.I.S.S.

Good Luck!

 

The length of the coaxial cable inside the premises shouldn't make any significant difference: you'd be adding 50ft or less to a cable system that's probably already miles long.

That Netgear cable modem/router device has four Gigabit Ethernet ports in addition to the WiFi capability, so run Cat5 or better Ethernet cables wherever you can, rather than rely on WiFi -- much more difficult to hack your connections and steal info.

 

Which is EXACTLY why I think it is IMPORTANT that you let "the guy" give you fully functional service before he leaves.
EVEN if that means you paying a few extra bucks for a couple of months.
Equipment lease plans are designed for those who "have no clue".

Note: Cable and DSL modems have always been on a "leased" basis but you didn't know that because the lease charge was included in the monthly service fee without being listed separately.

 

Installers in my beloved company are judged by the customer, and the number of stars ARE counted!!!

I'm pretty sure that "Big Cable" works the same way because like many of my contemporaries I work for Big Phone, but I am a customer of Big Cable.
My particular cable provider does not charge for the use of their modem, but rather it's a part of their $44 monthly fee.
My particular cable provider also provides for either a DIY (self install) or a full install for a fee - but here's the thing:

1. The internet provider WANTS your business.
2. Your installer WANTS you to give him or her a passing grade on the install - which is 100%.

So...USUALLY the customer is in the driver's seat where the install process is concerned - and IF they drive the install there is no reason that you or your CFO should be left with figuring out cables and modems.
This is most especially true when and where there are more than one internet providers where you happen to be at the time.
(Just sayin' )