S

Visitor

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5 Messages

Saturday, August 20th, 2022 11:46 PM

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Activate and configure XFi router/bridge/modem from browser connection

Hello.

I am not so interested in using the XFinity app to activate and configure my router/bridge/modem.  I would like to connect to it directly from my computer with an ethernet cable via its IP address and configure it that way by talking to the firmware directly.  In the manner that was common for connecting to network hardware in the past.

How do I do this?

Accepted Solution

Contributor

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153 Messages

3 years ago

Depending upon how the Xfinity network is set up where you live, you'll probably have a similar experience like I had two months ago when I upgraded my Xfinity gateway and had to activate.  After the modem boots up, check available networks and look for the printed credential SSID and click on it.  You'll then be prompted to put in the printed password.  Now comes the fun.

Your browser may open immediately or you may have to open it.  The only thing you see is a notice to download the Xfinity app in order for you to name your network and put in your own password and finish activation.  Going to 10.0.0.1 will not work.  I had to call Comcast and dance around the phone tree, pressing all sorts of buttons until the darn thing got confused and put me through to a CSR.  By the way, I was using an ethernet connection (my desktop).  I added my wireless devices after I finished with the call with Comcast.

I explained to the CSR that I don't have a smartphone and need to activate a new modem.  The CSR got into my account, asked me what name I wanted for the network and the password I wanted to use.  The entire process took a couple of minutes.  Take note that with the demise of the xFi website, there are only a very few settings that you can make by way of your online account.  Also, depending upon your location, a lot of settings in 10.0.0.1 are grayed out and cannot be changed by the user.  You've got to call Comcast to do it.  This is, of course, if you don't have the app.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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728 Messages

@flaboy​ Are you at least able to enable/disable bridge mode in the app? Just curious. My app isn't showing those setting as I'm already in bridge mode. Also, what modem did you upgrade to? Perhaps this is modem specific.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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728 Messages

3 years ago

@sgolux Xfinity recently discontinued the ability to configure the router using a browser. You must use the app now. They have been sending out emails warning about this for months now.

(edited)

Visitor

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5 Messages

@DreamSayerZ​ - I would be a new customer, but this is just silly.  I know it isn't YOUR decision, but what if my Mother (who refuses to get a Smartphone) wanted XFinity internet service?  I guess I'll be looking for my own hardware.  Strikes me as a really dumb choice!  But thanks for your response.

Problem Solver

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728 Messages

@sgolux I just checked and was able to login to my modem using IP 10.0.0.1 using the admin login. Are you unable to login to your modem using the info printed on the bottom of your device? We should still be able to do that to enable bridge mode, configure other settings and troubleshooting.

Honestly not sure what the web site allowed us to do as I never used it. Might have been to change network name and password and get usage data etc.

(edited)

Visitor

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5 Messages

Thanks @DreamSayerZ for trying this for me, very grateful.  I won't be activating my network for another week, but I looked at the bottom of my brand new XFinity Router/Bridge/Modem, and does not seem to have admin credentials printed there.  It has only a SSID and password, which I assume could be used to connect wirelessly "right out of the box", but no credentials to enter a setup mode.  But I'll try going to 10.0.01.  We'll see how it works!

Problem Solver

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728 Messages

@sgolux​ Good luck! Also, you should read @flaboy comments below. He was not able to get to the admin page. Said depends how the Xfinity network is setup in your area. Looks like Xfinity is locking down and tightening control on how people can access the modem settings/firmware.

Contributor

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153 Messages

3 years ago

@DreamSayerZ    Sorry, but I know nothing about the app.  I don't have a smartphone so I can't use it.  Bridge mode setting does show up in 10.0.0.1 which can be accessed after the network is activated.  Whether the user can put the modem in bridge mode, or, whether a call to Comcast is needed I can't tell as I don't use it.  You are correct.  They are tightening down what the user can do.  I don't have my network split.  If I want to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz (add the 6GHz band for the new XB8), I have to call Comcast and have them do it.  I did upgrade to the XB8 and that behaves differently from XB7, at least with my city's Comcast infrastructure.  Quick example as not to get off topic -- my gig speed works great but speed tests have become wonky.  All of the usual, popular ones show roughly 940Mbps via ethernet and that's correct.  However, WiFi results immediately hit upper 900s and then drop down to anywhere between 500 and 850Mbps.  The only speed test I've found that's accurate, in my case, is speedsmart.net.  A techie friend thinks it has something to do with the XB8 because it's a common issue where I am.  With speedsmart.net, the WiFi speeds are where they should be with WiFi 6 (ax) devices -- upper 900s to 1.2 gig.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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728 Messages

@flaboy​ Thanks for the info. So you do have the XB8. I thought that might be the case. I have an XB7. Wow, can't believe you have to call if you want to separate bands. Ah well.. not something I would do anyway but still..

Contributor

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153 Messages

I just edited my response right above your latest message, adding info about the XB8.

Visitor

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5 Messages

Wow, thanks @flaboy - that sounds grim.  Looks like I may be acquiring my own bridge and router.  Further question though... Xfinity says their backup system to keep you online through the cell network if the cable service goes down won't function (of course) if you supply your own equipment.  Fair enough.  But does that imply that if cable service goes down because of a power outage that network service will continue because of some battery backup in the router?  In other words, does a power outage take you offline anyway?

Contributor

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153 Messages

3 years ago

@sgolux   I'm not in bridge mode and I don't have Comcast's phone service, there is no battery backup in my gateway.  If I had the Comcast voice service, the battery only keeps the voice service going in the event of a power failure and that's only if the network itself is still up and running.  When I get power outages, all of my services are down.  I have one friend who has Comcast voice service and has the battery backup in his gateway (I don't know which one).  If there's a power failure, his phone still works but no TV and no internet,  The battery is only for the phone service (again only if the network is still up and running).

(edited)

Visitor

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5 Messages

@flaboy​ thanks.  You have saved me hours and I owe you a beer.  I also took the time to read reviews of the app at the Xfinity play store.  Recent reviews pan the app almost exclusively.  And on thinking about it, it makes sense if the trouble you are trying to solve requires that you have a wifi connection (through your cell phone) to the device which is in trouble.  I'm marking your initial post the answer.

Contributor

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153 Messages

Best of luck to you!

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