I used to have the rectangular black vertical cable modem (if you have one of these, then pay attention,) but long story short, I got a new modem that looks like the picture above (the XB8 or whatever it’s called) a few weeks ago from the Comcast store. I brought it home, plugged it in and it just automatically worked. I thought it was kind of odd that I didn’t have to chat into Xfinity for them to switch the modem from a router to a bridge.
It worked just fine for a few weeks until one day, it would drop it’s connection for 30-60s every hour or so randomly. After a few days, I contacted Xfinity to come out who after testing my connection, said it’s probably because I didn’t activate the modem to my account. Well then. But that’s not the lesson learned here although it could be. I got to talking to the tech and I asked him why I didn’t need to chat in to get the router to work as a bridge and he said that these new routers are smart enough to act both ways automatically. Sure enough, he was right – the Xfinity cable modem has its own WIFI network and my Google mesh router, plugged into the LAN port, also has its own network. This is great because if you ever need a 2nd IP, you can switch from your router’s WIFI to the cable modem’s WIFI.
Now why am I using/renting the Comcast modem? Because with their stupid new account promo, I get free unlimited internet if I use their modem and the rental is free, so there’s no reason to use my own cable modem anymore. So yeah, if you are using an older cable modem, I suggest you get their newer one (should be a free upgrade.)
EDIT – Okay per the comments, the 2nd WIFI doesn’t give you a different external IP. HOWEVER, these new routers also have the public Xfinity hotspot built in, which you can connect to for free since you’re an Xfinity customer, and that gives you a new IP.
Are you saying that you get free internet when you rent their modem, and the modem itself is free too? Do you have more details on this? I couldn’t find anything like that.
Just to be clear, your two private networks will share the same public IP address. The internal LAN one never matters to the outside world. Check ipleak.net to verify what the internet sees you as.
Now the default publicly accessible WiFi networks for Xfinity (XfinityWiFi) and the password protected ones (Comcast, XFINITY, Xfinity Mobile) will give you a different IP address, but you will need to sign in with your Xfinity credentials. Or you can use your phone’s hotspot as well. Again, always check ipleak.net just to be sure.
Agreed their promo of needing to use their modem is stupid. I switched to T-Mobile home internet since I was tired of trying to chase a new promo, flat $30 a month, no price increases and truly unlimited. Sometimes I wish it was a tad faster but 99% of the time the speed is sufficient.
You’re right. The different WIFI didn’t give me a different external IP. At least the hotspot it creates gives you a different IP.
I tried Tmobile home internet but the signal isn’t great at my house so I returned it.
You should put your XB8 (or XB7) gateway into bridge mode if you’re using your own router. You really don’t want multiple networks because that’s really not what you are getting. You should Google Xfinity Gateways, Bridge mode, double natting for lots of information.
Agreed, double NATs can be problematic. Last time I knew, XB8 didn’t allow bridge mode but I think it’s possible to DMZ one IP. I never tried that as I just ended up using their WiFi when I had it and adding routers in bridge mode for extra WiFi coverage. Google’s WiFi does have a bridge mode, but the speed test feature stops working when enabled.
@Matthew. Def does. Been doing it for probably 4+ years, I think (not sure) it can still be accessed from the “advanced settings” in the Xfinity app and if not def from the web interface (10.0.0.1 admin/admin if not changed).
That’s odd cuz I was talking to the rep that came out that I had to chat to put the older black one into bridge mode, but he said the new one doesn’t need it because apparently when the Apple Airport (?) came out, it had problems and so these new ones you don’t have to put into bridge mode.
But yeah you’re right, let me enable bridge mode anyway. Thanks.