XB7 vs XB6 initial performance disappointment

[oldmanriver1]

Just to clarify, my two X1 4K DVR boxes are connected by coaxial cable to my drop line. They are not wireless.
I appreciate your suggestions.
I received another service credit this morning after explaining the situation clearly to an overseas billing agent. She is referring my case to a billing supervisor. I am promised a call back tomorrow.
The bottom line is that this whole process has been far too time intensive and frustrating.
I will report the outcome, however.

[semlohde]

oldmanriver1 - thanks for clarifying, that makes my decision to stay with directv easier!!! Nothing good on TV now anyway. Do you have a firestick4k or chromecast4k to connect to that huge TV? If so try a 4k show off Netflix or Google or prime. That may identify if its cable problems or both cable and wifi. If your TV shows good then its pumping OK through wifi. It also eliminates any problem with the dvr. Orrr, go to directv !!!! Hang in there, its only money :-0.

[oldmanriver1]

As I think I previously reported, we successfully use a premium Roku device to stream our video apps, often in 4K.
In regards to switching services, my goal is to stay with Comcast for the duration unless the situation becomes totally untenable.
We have been with Comcast since they took over the local cable franchise from Road Runner over twenty years ago.

[semlohde]

oldmanriver1 - all bases covered then. I put an antenna up for directv back when we could buy them from radio shack. And all the screen would say is adjust 3 degrees. Good plan, let us know what they fine.

[oldmanriver1]

Note the new development of the slower upload speed that had been clocking in just over 40 Mbps until the recent tech visits.
I had read that one strategy to lower upstream noise (without finding and eliminating its cause) is to reduce the upstrean QAM width by half at the expense of losing half the channel capacity.
I wonder if that accounts for the marked drop off in upload speeds?

[semlohde]

Oldmanriver1 - my upload tests at 40 also. If I use a switch box I test download speeds at least half of what a straight through cable tests, a reason I like the xb7 over the xb6. Hey, 1 good thing! But the 4 ports are nice and speeds are better than using a switch box. A thought I don't recall looking for is - are all 4 ports equal speeds out of the xb7? If thats how you feed the dvrs maybe move their cables to different ports. But you aren't getting the input anyway to the xb7. I'm lost on what you say on the upload.

[semlohde]

oldmanriver1 - has a tech connected to your feed in the ground to see what actually comes from the main neighborhood cable before heading to your house? I once had a bad connector there. It fed me and my neighbor, and it was bad there so they replaced that plate/face that had the connection to the cable that fed my house. Then at the house there was a splitter and it fed 1 tv and the modem. That was when I was experimenting with comcast tv, good but I didn't keep it. Now it runs to the same box on the house and a single connector runs to the xb7.

[oldmanriver1]

In regards to the upstream issue, as you can see, even when the XB7 is intermittent receiving gigabit level provisioning, the upstream speed appears to be deficient.
I was reminded by overseas advsnced repair that the speed tier is supposed to be 1000/35. Not 1000/40.
In regards to your concerns, the coax splitter and four coax lines within the house to various rooms and Comcast devices have been deemed to be well connected and without an in house noise source.

[oldmanriver1]

Of note, I also confirmed this morning that these issues are evident on an ethernet connection to my computer.

[semlohde]

oldmanriver1 - but I can hear the tech (as mine told me) and customer service say - but you won't get that gigabit speed, you're getting 608 up and that's normal. Anything to not provide what you pay for. And 22 up - good luck getting something done.

[oldmanriver1]

I don't think being cynical really helps here - although I don't doubt that you have endured many crazy-making tech responses over time, as I have also.
It's possible times are finally changing on the corporate level in Philadelphia regarding quality issues, and the local management may be reluctant to change.
How else would you explain the addition of an xFi app utility that let's you know in real time when your modem is not receiving the correct provisioning (subsequently suggesting endless meaningless restarts and on site service visits.)
Maybe they are counting on customer protests to uncover how much in marginal service issues has been allowed to be brushed under the rug on the local level.
Lastly, no one in advanced repair has counseled me to accept less than 90% of the gigabit speed tier.
At any rate, this is just a theory. No reply is necessary, my friend.

[oldmanriver1]

By way of an update, the good tech never called back on Monday or any day this week after promising to run my signal quality issues by local managers a second time. My messages were not returned, either.
The overseas billing agent or her supervisor never called back the next day as solemnly promised. Also, the token service credit she issued never appeared in my account.
There was an unplanned maintenance outage in my service earlier this evening, possibly in advance of tomorrow's scheduled service visit.
But when the Internet and cable TV service was restored, the modem power levels and DVR power levels were receiving and transmitting at even higher levels than before.
And, as you might imagine, the speed to the modem as measured by the xFi utility was still not delivering stable gigabit download speed.
It was not a good week.

[oldmanriver1]

What can I say about these new, even higher (possibly detrimental) power levels after yesterday's local maintenance outage?
The far right OFDM channel 159 might have something to do with the disappointing wifi6 capability of the XB7 modem and it's intermittent provisioning fluctuations.
I have been told many times by techs and supervisors that due to the sheer distance of my residence from the plant, that there is nothing they can do about the tilt, or how the higher frequency channels' power levels become increasingly high, in an unwanted manner, as you go up the frequency ladder.
I can't explain why the upstream channels jumped up above 50 dbmv even without the splitter installed. Someone once said this is akin to the XB7 modem screaming its brains out to be heard on the transmit level.

[oldmanriver1]

One more Saturday morning round of directed restarts and remeasurement of the Comcast speed delivered to my XB7 modem on the gigabit Internet plan.
The speed tier is supposed to be 1000/35.

[semlohde]

Oldmanriver1 - they sure don't seem interested. I find your info on the channels interesting, I've only checked how busy they seem and pick one. Haven't looked what channel I'm using. But they say pick one less used. BY WHO!? Its only me and wife, and the signals are so weak I can't get a workable 5ghz signal downstairs on dvr or firestick! But here's my check to the gateway this morning. Yesterday after a 400 down test, a restart, it went to somewhere around 650 to my ethernet computer - that normally is 850 to 940. Good luck.

[oldmanriver1]

I was not talking about best (most powerful, less overlapped) channels on the 2.4 and 5 GHz wifi network, my friend.
I was showing the high power levels on the bonded channels that comprise the download and upload internet connections.
Download signals above 7 dbmv and upstream signals above 50 dbmv may cause issues. There's a possibility our Internet issues (and our X1 DVR tuner power issues that can effect image clarity on premium channels on a very large screen) may be the root of our chronic problematic experience.
(I avoid much discussion of the wifi situation until the erratic modem provisioning issue can be addressed for obvious reasons.)
The evidence is tending to suggest that on my leg of the Memphis RF cable network, it may not be able to be made right.

[Ericstuckey]

I tried to bypass the XB7 wifi and hooked up a ASUS 3100 router and the XB7 refused to pass along the internet signal to the ASUS. One thing is for sure , with a TPLink wifi 6 extender my XB7’s wifi is still trash.
The wifi standing from 3 feet from the XB7 is 200mbs , go 25 feet and I get 60mbs , get next to the extender and I get 140-160 Mbs. Move 10 feet from the extender and it is only 70-80 mbs.
NOW , I was in the phone with Xfinity over the weekend and the operator told me that the XB7 should ALWAYS be a tech instal because the technician will turn up the radio band all the way ! I was like uh? It isn’t turn up all the way by default???
So now I have to wait a month so I don’t get charged $70 to have a tech come out to freaking turn up the radio power. Shame on you Xfinity

[semlohde]

oldmanriver1 - Interesting the techs who have been there didn't adjust it. I swapped mine,, didn't get a tech out for awhile but remember LOTS of calls to the Phillipines and 3 xb7 keeping the last one.. Guess the techs you've had didn't know it either. I wonder where it gets set. Good luck, smells to me but will be good to learn.. Happy Thanksgiving should we not communicate for awhile..

[semlohde]

Erickstuckey - Sorry I replied to oldmanriver1!!! Been a regular chat with him for so long I didn't look. I just recently found the test to the gateway and when I check it taps the 1gigabit speed, so what I get by ethernet or wifi is set and I live with it. But I say the xb7 wifi isn't what the xb6 was. And the attached is what feeds my xb7 and thats what I'm paying for. Let us hear what they finally say, but having to wait ?? Call again and ask for a waiver because of continuing problems. Never know...

[NYC_HDL]

Trying to upgrade from the XB6 to the XB7 was a dismal failure.  Getting the XB7 connected and recognized worked as expected.  The speed wasn't any better though (with Ethernet cable connection or with Wi-Fi)...

The REAL PROBLEMS emerged when I needed to update the Port Forwards; it wasn't clear why the Port Forwards in the XB6 weren't imported, but trying to set them up in the XB7 was IMPOSSIBLE.

In seeking some Tech Support, the Comcast obtuse telephone menu system kept sending RESET signals to the Gateway, and there was absolutely no way to get through to a Human Being.  I eventually posted a summary of the issues on the "@ComcastCares" Twitter account, and they immediately opened a Ticket that triggered daily phone calls from Comcast Tech Support, sometimes 3 a day...  In speaking with about 10 Techs, all but two were misinformed about the Apps, and kept telling me to use the xFi App, which Comcast had replaced with the Xfinity App some time ago; they also weren't aware that Comcast had disbled the "Advanced > Port Forwarding" page on the Admin web App (which is accessed via the Router's IP Address).

The Xfinity App does have a page for the Port Forwards, and it pretends to let you edit them, BUT it displays "Something Went Wrong" when you try to save the updates.  Likewise, the Admin App refers you to "xfinity.com/myxfi", which also pretends to let you edit the Port Forwards, but fails similarly when trying to save the changes.  Both methods also fail when trying to delete existing Port Forwards, which I tried so I could enter the data new.

After more than 30 hours, I simply went back to the old XB6, which had retained the correct Port Forwards.

Throughout this, the Team at ComcastCares maintained a constant, constructive dialog with me, which was just about the only positive part of this experience.

What 'genius' at Comcast decided to remove the Port Forward editing capability from the Admin App?

[fromjusttheking]

Hello, I'm new on this site, and pretty new to Comcast/Xfinity. I thought that I'd give a little background to my interest in this discussion on the XB7 vs XB6. I live in the eastern panhandle of WV. I've waited for about 12 years to get some kind of decent internet speeds, starting with dial-up, then WildBlue satellite, then finally Frontier Communications which bought out about 26 states worth of Verizon's DSL internet, which I later heard were all the sites that had the worst of Verizon's capability that Frontier was supposed to upgrade, but at least in my area they never did until about 2 years ago, when their DSL service went from 750KBps to 1.5MBps DN and about 700KBps UP to 18MBps DN and 1MBps UP. 

Right in back of our home is a large new development of homes and townhouses that all are connected to Comcast/Xfinity. They all have cable. Our road has absolutely none at all. So I  contacted the head guy at this development to get the name of the Comcast guy I could talk to about getting their services to my home since since we were so close. Long and short of it was, not enough homes to make it worth their while, in other words, ROI, Comcast's Return On Investment. So, no they wouldn't do it.

Finally, I and a group of neighbors got together to contact Comcast to take us as a group that would pay an additional fee to get their services along our road. And after months and months of negotiations, they finally agreed. This past January, they finally completed installations of fiber and copper to the road and our homes. I immediately signed up for 1GBps on day one, and they provisioned me with an XB6 gateway. I found the XB6 WiFi to be poor coverage wise, so I switched to Bridge mode to use my Linksys EA9500-AC5400 1GB router for WiFi, which seems to have far better WiFi coverage, and leave the XB6 strictly as a modem, and for land line phone service.

My initial speeds to me, have been excellent, considering what I've had to deal with for the last 12 years. Using Ookla's SpeedTest, I measured repetively about 960MBps DN and 42MBps UP. For that I can't complain, at least so far.

In my area, an new Xfinity store just opened up and I asked about getting an XB7 gateway which was not available to me back in January, and they said yes, they had them and if I brought my XB6 in, the would give me a new XB7 at no cost to me. However, I also decided to do a little investigation and reviews of the XB7, and WOW, all I found was negative comments, and to stick with my working XB6, and NOT to get the XB7. I came across this forum's discussion on the XB7 vs XB6 and decided to weigh in and get your opinions. I don't want to wind up "downgrading" thinking that the XB7 would be an improvement due to my lack of knowledge. I would appreciate any and all advice as to what my best recommendations would be. Thanks in advance.

[adammusic22]

How do I disable “Client Isolation” on the XB7-T?

I just did a network test with lifx using an app called RouteThis trying to figure out why my bulb keeps disconnecting.
It listed 2 issues.Client Isolation is enabled and needs to be turned off apparently.
And interference.

So I think i fixed my lifx bulbs disconnecting though.
I changed 2.4 channel selection from auto (11) to manual (1).
And disabled UPnP.

Now when I do that network test (routethis app), no issues come up. Client isolation is no longer listed as an issue. Interference is no longer listed as an issue.


Is UPnP considered Client Isolation?


I dont know if disabling upnp or manually selecting channel fixed it but my bulb connected right away.


2.4 auto channel was always on channel 11. Maybe there is as interference on 11.

Is there anything a tech can do to
fix interference on a specific channel?

Or was there a bug with UPnP?

[semlohde]

fromjusttheking - congrats on getting comcast to run your group cable, I would never imagine that happening. I've heard of bridging working better also but don't want to drop the coin to experiment. You say your test is 960 down, ethernet to xb6 or wireless? My wireless on xb6 or xb7 to s10+ have always dropped almost half being right by the wifi, so I'll assume ethernet speed. I get that on 2 desktops ethernet sometimes, mostly 860-940 or so and 40 up. Downstairs, xb7 upstairs, maybe 30-35 feet away my s10+ gets 200d41u on speedtest.net. when I went to the xb7 they wanted my xb6 turned in to. I tried to keep it but nnnoooo, so I bit and lost it forever. I tried 3 xb7 , the wifi does not have the same range as the xb6 - to my experience. The wifi6 on the xb7 is a joke, limited devices, and if you're out of the room with the modem/wifi the wifi6 drops considerably. If you ask for a xb7 to be delivered you have to turn in the xb6, but at least you can swap with the xb7 and compare. I got tired of trying. Had to move the xb7 so it's wifi would reach my downstairs tv and dvr. Had to change from 5ghz to 2.4 for the range - I named each channel so I could direct the device rather than let it swap on its own as I would constantly lose wifi, 5ghz only shows 2 bars. Go outside and I have terrible reception, can't see how xfinitywifi benefits anyone as it doesn't leave my yard. I can't say anything about the xb7 is better than xb6, nothing. I've thought of a modem other than comcast - nope nope, can you imagine the headache with maintenance!! But we could change settings without those horrible lock us out apps that xfinity put out. Those are horrible as the other poster mentioned nyc_hdl I believe. He posts before you about ports, thats beyond me, but I believe he said he went with his xb6 that was still set right. If you let your working xb6 out of your hands, its a lot if time wasted trying to find a working solution. Hope I gave ideas and didn't rattle aimlessly..

[semlohde]

nyc_hdl - I'm not familiar with Port forwarding but do get miffed with these worthless apps from xfinity to lock us out. It was so easy and straight forward when we could just sign in to the modem and change what we want. But I suggest the xb7 is not the quality of the xb6, and the apps lock out too much, and the techs, some are head strong and talk down to me, some are so wanting to help, and are positive they fixed it, or will forward it to a supervisor - and it goes to the Phillipines twilight zone. Good luck, but I see the xb6 as a stronger wifi, the xb7 wifi6 worthless and weaker 5 and 2.4 signals, and the lock us out xfinity apps- not useful for me either.

[semlohde]

adammusic22 - ya lost me with the pop stuff!! But my 2.4 shows channels 1 through 14, suggests 12,13,14 are better and I manually selected ch 1 awhile back. Who knows how xfinity allows the auto select to work. I have an app, wifi analyzer, and it shows the channel usage and makes the suggestion. I would think the auto upnp would work right, don't know and your change has the light working. I don't know about the client stuff, sorry but maybe someone will chime in..

[adammusic22]

What wifi analyzer app do u use?
Ios or android?

I think you have to be jailbroken to use one on ios.

Is there a wifi analyzer i could use on desktop?

[semlohde]

adammusic22 - android, shows farproc and installed in the pic. I gave up on Apple years ago. Not aware of a desktop version. It shows strength of the wifis it sees, 2.4 and 5 ghz, and suggests better channels to use. There are many apps but its a guess which is best, I like this one. I'd post a pic of it suggesting channels but it shows its address and I don't want to post that.

[fromjusttheking]

Bridging is really simple to do. Just go into the XB6/7 gateway, typically: http://10.0.0.1 and that will let you access the gateway's home page. You will have to login of course. Once in you should see "Gateway > At a Glance". Below the blue "Wi-Fi Configuration" bar you should see "Bridge Mode: Enable - Disable". It will be Enabled. To switch to Bridge Mode, click on DISABLE, which will disable the router function of the gateway, and turn it into a straight Modem without WiFi which your external router will then have to provide. This is what I did. Normally you wouldn't have two routers with WiFi functioning at the same time. To expand ethernet connectivity you can connect an ethernet switch that will allow more devices to be connected to your system, with your router providing all WiFi signals.

I just ran Ookla SpeedTest (ethernet direct, no WiFi):
Tests: 44 (Average between 2/15/2020 and today, 11/20/2020)
Highest Speed: 951.74
Average Speed: 871.07
11-20-2020 test: 944.96 DN 42.30 UP
11-19-2020 test: 950.33 DN 42.57 UP
11-19-2020 test: 943.47 DN 42.08 UP
11-15-2020 test: 946.23 DN 42.02

So the speeds with the XB6 still seem to be holding up very well so far.

As far as WiFi was concerned, I found my XB6 to be relatively poor. My existing Linksys EA9500-AC5400 1GB router was far better. That was why I switched to Bridge Mode on the XB6, and have never changed back. I can get WiFi pretty much anywhere in the house (3 storey). WiFi signals from my Linksys router to my Note 10+ measure in the vicinity of 400-450 on the low side to 600 to 650 on the high side using 5GHz, and of course is VERY dependent on location in the house and the number of users on the internet. So the values can be rather widespread. Using 2.4GHz they are lower, but work somewhat further away. I have any TV's that I can stream from hardwired to my router or ethernet switch to maintain higher speeds. I also use a TP-Link WiFi Extender in my detached garage which barely works on 2.4 due to the distance from my router in the house. But it works, and THAT is the name of the game. I use my ROKU on a TV in the garage, and for control of WiFi on a window A/C unit that I can control remotely.

Once Comcast/Xfinity got me connected I measured typically up to 960 MBps DN and 40 Mbps Up. That of course was using direct ethernet connection from XB6 to my router to my desktop computer, NO WiFi. The DN speeds of course did vary dependent on the number of users connected to the same node I'm connected to that were using the internet at the same time I was. More or less, I always got around 350 to 500 DN even at the worse times. Still way better than I ever had withOUT Comcast/Xfinity.

As far as Port Forwarding goes, I also use that for a video surveillance camera system. Port forwarding data is entered in my Linksys router configuration page, which I have been using from day one, way before Comcast/Xfinity ever was here. It's used to allow me to monitor and playback videos from the cameras remotely either on my desktop computer monitor or my cellphone anywhere. I never tried to do port forwarding on the XB6 since I switched to Bridge Mode, and wasn't using the gateway for anything but a modem.

Based on all that I have been reading on this community forum, DSL Reports and any other various and sundry sites, it's pretty clear to me to NOT let go of this XB6 gateway, period! As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And it isn't broke! So I will keep it.

On another note, I thought I saw that there was a new software upgrade for the XB7. Or was that for the XB6? If there is one for the XB7, is there a new update for the XB6? My current software version (and the one that came with it as far as I know) is:

eMTA & DOCSIS Software Version: 7.2.2.0.104
Software Image Name: TG3482PC2_4.2p14s1_PROD_sey
Advanced Services: TG3482G

My System Hardware is:

Model: TG3482G
Vendor: ARRIS Group, Inc.
Hardware Revision: 14
Serial Number: 9992H19GBExxxx
Processor Speed: 3999.78 MHz
DRAM Total Memory: 671 MB
DRAM Used Memory: 459 MB
DRAM Available Memory: 212 MB
Flash Total Memory: 12427 MB
Flash Used Memory: 12389 MB
Flash Available Memory: 38 MB

One question: Can you add or attach photos, and if so, how do you do that, not involving using a URL. Like copy and paste, etc. Thanks

Anyway that's what I've got for the moment. I hope it's of interest.

[oldmanriver1]

Yes. This all goes back to my poor choice to let go of the XB6 for the potentially dubious marketing department claims of superiority for the troublesome XB7.
I have been following these detailed new posts, and I will continue to do so even after I no longer will be able to log in.
I made it official today with the billing department that when my paid up service ends in early December, my twenty plus years as a Comcast subscriber will be terminated.
Those that have skim read this thread from the beginning will understand that I have lost faith regarding the integrity/quality of the Memphis RF cable network (unresolved chronic signal issues) and the seemingly unresponsive local maintenance department.
My first few days with my new gigabit fiber Internet service have given me confidence that I made the right decision.
Thanks to all who have read or made comments. I hold no bitter feelings.
Good bye!

[semlohde]

fromjusttheking - thanks for the informative post. I do use a wireless wifi, ampedwireless, that receives the xb7 wireless signal, amps it, and sends it out 4 antennas. I have it in a back bedroom in the back window to feed that area and the back yard. IT WORKS, but no great speeds. AT&T 4G is as good but I feed my bedroom old SlingPlayer box and shed from it . Xb7 is in the front upstairs bedroom. As for the attach a pic, on my s10+ it shows below where I'm typing now a block with - Browse files to attach. Click on the browse and I select My Files to pic the photo whether from camera or screenshot. I was looking for my firmware version and get lost in the clicking!! But you are right about keeping the xb6. You may read where oldmanriver1 has had enough and leaving.

[oldmanriver1]

P.S. I notice that my most recent critical posts were deleted by the powers that be at Comcast.

[semlohde]

Oldmanriver1 - censorship!?! Say it isn't so.. Hold on for the new order comrad, it'll get worse..