Visitor
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13 Messages
Stable, robust and low-latency user-owned modem for 300/40 Mbps service ?
Hello, I'm looking to get a new low-latency and stable modem for my 300/40 Mbps service - and the key property of the modem I'm looking for is rock-solid stability with Xfinity's service, where I don't have to periodically reboot it or otherwise deal with it. Especially with my plan having no data cap, I might be using up to 2 - 3 TB of data per month. Therefore, with the 300 Mbps service, but with 2-3 TB of data use per month - which modem would you recommend based on your experience with your Xfinity-approved but user-owned modem ?
My current TP-link modem often starts having higher than normal latency (30 - 100 ms) after 3-4 days of use, after few 10's-100's gigabytes may have flowed through it. I then have to reboot it to restore the latency to 10-15 ms that it always gets with a freshly rebooted connection.
I will probably never go over gigabit speed for my service even if I upgrade my bandwidth above 300 Mbps. So I don't need high-bandwidth capable one - but instead need a robust one that doesn't degrade the service over time and after flow of data through it - and needing reboots.
Would appreciate experience-based recommendations ?
Accepted Solution
EG
Expert
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117.5K Messages
10 hours ago
If you are determined to lower the attenuation, and there nothing more that you can do, you may consider getting a tech out to investigate as it may be up the line somewhere. Good luck getting a tech out because they may say that it's fine and is unnecessary. As far as trying an amp again, you would need one that is designed for mid-split systems such as the Antronix MRAM 1 15-G2;
https://www.antronix.com/products/residential-amplifiers/midsplits
Bear in mind that amps are to be used only as a last resort (band-aid) fix as sometimes they can actually make things worse if there is noise on the line, (garbage in equals even more garbage out).
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user_ohuy6s
Visitor
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2 Messages
10 days ago
If you got to https://www.xfinity.com/support/internet/customerowned it will actually give you a list of ones you can use based on the services on your account.
Typically I recommend though if your using your own equipment to have a separate modem and router. The issue with the all in one dealios is they are trying to be a bunch of things for a low price, modem, router, ethernet switch, firewall, and I find they typically just burn out after a while.
If you want to do an all in one solution I've used the https://www.bestbuy.com/product/netgear-nighthawk-ac1900-router-with-docsis-3-0-cable-modem-black/J2VY7YTZHG before and it worked great.
If you do want to go the separate router I usually recommend something like the https://www.bestbuy.com/product/arris-surfboard-sb6190-32-x-8-docsis-3-0-cable-modem-white/JX7YCY49XC and then you can pick up whichever router floats your boat. I have a pretty complicated Unifi network but I use an eero mesh system for my grandparents which is just a good value basic mesh Wi-Fi system that works really well for them.
Most Coax modems will advertise right on the box what ISPs they support and you just want to match the advertised DOCSIS speed to make sure its enough for the plan level you have.
I would also recommend checking in with support though, if the speeds are slowing down after a few days your modem might be loosing lock on some of the DOCSIS channels which reduces your avalible bandwidth.
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XfinityThomasA
Official Employee
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3.4K Messages
10 days ago
Have you considered using an Xfinity Gateway? This is a great time to do so, especially since our newer internet plans now include the cost of the Xfinity Gateway; an incredible value built right in. Xfinity Gateways combine a modem and a high‑performance WiFi router into one convenient device, helping reduce cable clutter and making setup simple and stress‑free.
You’ll also enjoy Xfinity Advanced Security at no additional cost, which works around the clock to monitor your network and help protect against malware, phishing scams, and suspicious access attempts. Plus, renting a gateway gives you access to millions of Xfinity WiFi Hotspots nationwide, so you can save on mobile data when you’re on the go.
You can pick up a gateway at a nearby Xfinity Service Center, and if that’s not convenient, we’re more than happy to help arrange shipping as well. Just let us know what works best for you—we’re here to help every step of the way!
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user_bees
Visitor
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13 Messages
2 days ago
Hello @BruceW - Would you have any specific recommendation - since you are are a regular, helpful member of the forum (but not an Xfinity employee who can't really recommend any specific user-owned modem) ?
Just looking for a robust modem for marginal and problematic signals at my location, without degrading latency ? Here are my signal levels:
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BruceW
Gold Problem Solver
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27.3K Messages
1 day ago
I do not. Just about any device on the "customer owned" list should provide near-zero latency. Significant latency and instability are more often due to problems with your connection to Comcast/Xfinity's lines, the path to the destination, and the destination equipment, not so much your modem or gateway. The most capable modem in the world can't compensate for serious problems in the signal path.
Pick a device that's in your price range, perhaps with speed ratings that give you a little room to grow. If latency and instability continue to be problems, you might find help in https://forums.xfinity.com/conversations/your-home-network/connection-troubleshooting-tips/602da777c5375f08cdea3db9. And if that doesn't help, you might need to have a premise tech take a look at your lines.
Good luck!
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EG
Expert
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117.5K Messages
13 hours ago
@user_bees
Best practice. Stay away from modems that use the Intel Puma 5, Puma 6, or Puma 7 chipsets. They have well-known latency / performance issues. Devices with Broadcom chipsets are industry-preferred.
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EG
Expert
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117.5K Messages
11 hours ago
Although 5.5 is a tad on the weak side, it's within spec as long as it remains stable. Is there anything that you can do to lower the line attenuation to strengthen that downstream power more ?
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