Should You Buy Your Own Cable Modem?

[@johnvaness8445]

Great video. Excellent advice. I think you may be the ONLY guy out there who KNOWS what he is talking about!!! Thanks!

[@Volpefirm]

Thank you

[@zippymark]

Iv'e got a Modem Router that that's connected up to four routers some daisy chained all have other stuff plugged into them . Was vary easy to do & All work fabulously together.

[@Volpefirm]

Awesome to hear. Your ahead of the game.

[@billparsons7732]

Excellent information on a subject I've never considered before. Thank you!

[@Volpefirm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindaschnitzer751]

Thank you for explaining this for us. Right now your information is swimming a round in my head. I will get it sorted out by sun.

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks for watching

[@davidthecardcollector]

I am using a combo modem/router now. I added a another router to it because I had too many devices, have not had a problem with the devices split up.

[@Volpefirm]

That is great news. Thanks for the feedback.

[@verob2002]

Thank you so much!!!!!! You saved me hours and hours and hours and hours of headaches! Seriously! Thank you!

[@Volpefirm]

Thank you Verob2002

[@HonRevJoWazzoo]

I have been in the process of cutting the cable. I realized that I had paid Suddenlink > $1,000!!!!! So I bought my own replacement - exactly like I had. Brand spanking new Arris TM822g for $32.50. So 3 months pay off. Saving their fee of $10/month. Should have done this 9 years ago. :-(

[@Volpefirm]

Great 👍

[@daklakdigital3691]

My cable operator in VietNam sells modems to users and offers exchange/repair service. ONE THING: Many cable modems have carrier access, in other words, service men/women can sign in using a universal password. SO USE ETHERNET HOOK-UPS IN YOUR HOUSE, AND SWITCH WIFI OFF. I know the password to my up country carrier system so l get free WiFi from my neighbours modems!

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks for the info.

[@PilaPlanet]

Spectrum doesn’t charge for the Modem, only router. Got a router and saved a couple bucks. Should I get a modem anyway? I realized my current one Spectrum gave me is 3.0 so ima go to a store and ask for a 3.1

[@Volpefirm]

First I recommend calling Spectrum and letting them know you have a D3.0 modem and your speeds are slow. You would like a D3.1 modem since you pay for the rental and 3.1 is the latest and see if you qualify. I’ll be making a new video about why you may not want to buy a 3.1 modem soon.

[@mangakey]

Yeah most Providers have what called a supported list of third party modems they approve for their use on their networks... I have used other third party modems not on the approved list but they gave me a hard time about activation... Also in general a reason NOT to get a third party modem approved or not is that if you are having issues and call CS the first thing they will do is suspect your modem is at fault... Though it's invaluable for troubleshooting as many of the free modems you get from providers like spectrum are locked...and hide all basic diagnostic/connection data from user..

[@Volpefirm]

Very true

[@PeterSz73]

This happened to me, one month I got a notification from Xfinitiy that I'm going over my 1Tb data. Next month they said that I used 3Tb of data. An absolutely impossible claim. Before this happened I regularly used 400-600Gb. I had my own modem and they said there was no way they can look into the issue because I use a 3rd party modem. I ended up switching ISP's.

[@savelikeaprowithleah5157]

Amazing Content! Thanks for the step by step explanation! Pls keep bring in Tech info!

[@Volpefirm]

Thank you for the great feedback. Please share with anyone who might need it.

[@zombie_smut_1]

Brady the issue I described with 3.1 modems I have get signal to these the only Lowish reading is mer 37 to 28 for example. Any I have a mer below 40 I get these modems locking to 1 Meg or lower rendering them unusable.

[@premsoma1]

Excellent Demo, I really appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@Volpefirm]

Glad you like it!

[@Godfather44055]

Question, should one get a modem with higher speeds than the internet speeds one get from the internet provider?...for example i get 1gb from my ISP, im thinking a 1gb modem will bottleneck the speeds, correct?... should i get a modem higher than 1gb?.. thanks in advance

[@Volpefirm]

You are correct. You will need a modem with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port on the back if you are getting 1Gbps Internet if you want to actually use 1Gbps all at once. But under normal use cases you won't actually be using the full 1 Gbps, you will likely be using less, so a modem with a 1 Gbps port will be fine. If it were me, however I'd get the 2.5G port.

[@AaronSchmidt52]

Would love to see are review of the Arris SB8200 cable modem as well. Thinking about purchasing one of these in the near future.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Aaron. I have this video in progress.

[@Volpefirm]

Let me elaborate. I’m doing so because there are some issues with one version is the SB8200. So if you buy one online you won’t know what you are getting.

[@AaronSchmidt52]

Awesome, can't wait for the review to come out. Thanks for the heads up, was literally just about to head to Amazon to purchase one when I say this comment.

[@curtflirt2]

@@Volpefirm For some reason, it seems to be a very faulty Router but a good thing now is that Arris has a new router out.

[@JbHomestead]

I negotiate with xfinity and got their router and unlimited data for $15 and they also send me their 2x pod mesh for free because Wi-Fi won’t reach to some of my camera that’s about 200ft away. If you can get a good deal y’all should rent due to not having to worry about repair and new technology.

[@Volpefirm]

True. There are good reasons to rent.

[@returrn5758]

Thanks btw I’m a little confused can I connect my router that I’m getting to my modem if I get it?

[@Volpefirm]

Hi @return5758 yes you can connect your router to your modem. Your router will act as a firewall and handout NAT'd IPs to your modem. You can also change your modem settings into "bridge" mode so that your modem passes all traffic directly to your router. This allows your router to be your firewall and the modem becomes a "dumb" device. In most cases you can turn on bridge modem in the modem, but in some cases you may need to contact your cable operator to enable bridge mode. I do recommend that you read up on bridge mode and also make certain that you want to take control of all security on your end. This may be way outside of what you are looking to do.

[@sailingyemaya9781]

I have to reboot the Wave/aspound modem at least weekly.

[@Volpefirm]

Sorry to hear.

[@tweedeldee8122]

TY. How are you able to use/access the spectrum analyzer. I just downloaded the user manual and see no reference.

[@Volpefirm]

Provided it is not locked by your ISP, you can Google your type of modem for specific instructions

[@tweedeldee8122]

@@Volpefirm Thank you. I had a old Zoom 3.0 modem that was acting up. I learned Spectrum doesn't charge anything for a modem. Went and picked one up and it is 3.1. It's a UDM-Pro and Spectrum Technicolor ET2251.

[@Omardottcom]

I just signed up with spectrum for their 1 gig plan, and the max I get is for 400 something, but mostly averaging 200 something, WTF? I could easily get that or better on my T mobile Home internet. I’m wondering if I have to buy my own modem and router. This stuff is supposed to be Wi-Fi 6 and fast, but it’s not living up to the hype for me.

[@Volpefirm]

Definitely call them. But yeah, I don’t disagree with you.

[@marsflee3815]

I did buy my own cable modem, but modems today don't have the signal stabiliser, my cable company told me this. I thought they were lying to me just to get that rental fee, but when it arrived, my speed went from 90Mbs, to a whooping 400Mbs! We tested it again and my old one, sometimes, would go up to 400Mps, but for a few seconds then it would go down to 90Mbs. The cable modem from my ISP has a steady 400Mbs. What's up with that? I researched the signal stabiliser and no one mentioned this on their cable modem. That signal stabilizer makes the difference whether you get fast Internet, or NOT.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Mars, "signal stabiliser". Wow, that is really interesting. It's certainly not in the DOCSIS specification. :) I think it may be some marketing hype. More likely what is happening is there is an IP route in place to ensure your speed test traffic is directed to the cable operators speed test located in their headend... But there is no such thing as a signal stabilizer.

[@YONAHDAD]

Is the CM1200 a much better option than this one?

[@Volpefirm]

I have both. I wouldn't say "much" better, but if cost is similar, I would go with the CM1200

[@ianroz1359]

Do you think going with a third party modem would resolve packet loss issues and improve my ethernet/download speeds?

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Ian, unless you have an old DOCSIS 2.0 modem, I don't believe that a third party modem will resolve packet loss issues. Packet loss issues are typically caused by damaged coax cable or connectors in the home or bad cable, connectors or equipment i the outside plant (the portion where you not longer can see the cable to the cable operators headend office). Always inspect your in-home wiring first. Replace anything that looks damaged or suspect. If that doesn't solve it, patiently work with the cable operator to solve it.

[@ianroz1359]

@@Volpefirm thank you so much for the response! this helps narrow down the weak points in my home network. currently only seeing 1mbps download vs 6-8 via wifi 6 on a spectrum 400 mb plan

[@JohnTheD0n2025]

Which mesh do you recommend? I've been doing research but can't find a product for me

[@Volpefirm]

I have been happy with the UniFi products. They are not perfect but work well for me.

[@amirthompson1900]

Why do you advise to never plug devices directly into the modem?

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Amir, I say this as general advice without knowing the type of cable modem you may have. If your modem has an internal router with a built-in firewall, my comment is not necessary as the modem + router protects your computer. On the other hand, there are many modems that do not have an internal router and firewall. In this case, I would recommend you add and external router (i.e. Linksys or similar) with built-in firewall to protect your computer from being directly exposed to the Internet.

[@SwarmDZN_]

My cable operator right now is Tmobile and im looking for a Cable Modem what do you suggest i get?

[@Volpefirm]

I did not know Tmobile was in the cable modem business. If so, I would check with them to see which modems they support.

[@JJFlores197]

Are you 100% sure? T-Mobile is a cell phone carrier company. They don't offer cable internet service. They do offer wireless home internet service.

[@SwarmDZN_]

@@JJFlores197 idk, i only have it.m.

[@JJFlores197]

@@SwarmDZN_ If you do have T-Mobile, then you don't have cable internet. You may hay T-Mobile home internet which is a round device that connects via 5G/4G and gives you wifi and ethernet.

[@Atrainswrld]

I'm going to switch from At@t to comcast to get a higher speed of 400mbps. Comcast wants me to pay $12 a month to rent a modem from them. Do suggest buying my own modem or renting one? Comcast said when I get there modem I can plug it in and it will just work. If I bought a modem, how would it know to use comcast and not at@t because I haven't cancelled the at@t yet? I told at@t I'm cancelling service but it will still on til the end of the billing cycle for the month.

[@Atrainswrld]

My fiancee says we don't have alot of money. And the 25mbps we get is working ok for what we use it for. But we are paying 50 for that and Comcast is 50 for 400mbps. Plus modem rental. I feel like I'm getting ripped off.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Aaron. I do recommend that you make certain you are not locked in to any contracts with Comcast. They are very hard to exit without penalties. As for buying a modem, I personally prefer this, but expect to pay $100+ for a Comcast supported modem. You will want to find out what modems are support in your area. This should be available on the website or by calling Comcast. Get a model they recommend and you will be fine. Provided you keep their service longer than the monthly rental cost (you should ask how much this is) then you will pay for the modem you bought.

[@crazygravy437]

My service is with Xfinity and using their modem gave me the option of having unlimited data. I cannot imagine trying to stream live TV without having unlimited data! Other than that, I would prefer my own cable modem. Actually I had one but kept getting into going over my data plan until I opted to use their modem.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Crazy Gravy - thanks for the update. I didn't know Comcast was know doing this, but great news they are. It is definitely a good reason to stay with the Comcast modem.

[@ArtLenLa]

I've never been given that option. Did you tell them you wanted to use your own modem?

[@Ryan-qn1wr]

What does the modem have to do with unlimited data? They don't offer an unlimited plan if you use your own modem? I never had unlimited data even when I used their modem, though the limit was very high, and I never reached it anyways.

[@JbHomestead]

The unlimited data itself is $30 but if you call in and bundle it. Router and data it cost $15.

[@troy028]

I have my own modem and unlimited internet with Comcast.

[@sampeper7310]

Very informative video Thank you!!

[@Volpefirm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DKLGalactus5]

yeah get the modem because you don't have to pay the fee or the attached TAXES, it, will pay for themselves first year then its free. WOOT!

[@bitTorrenter]

4:25 - Why would a DOCSIS 3.1 modem be any better than DOCSIS 3.0 modem if you can only get 1Gb, at best?! I think the CM600 should be fine for most. It doesn't have that Intel Puma chipset, after all!

[@Volpefirm]

Hi bitTorrenter, the CableLabs DOCSIS 3.1 specification requirements for the physical layer hardware that vendors much adhere to for are more stringent for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem than a DOCSIS 3.0 modems. An example of this is that a D3.1 modem must transmit at 60 dBmV @ 8 bonded upstream channels vs a D3.0 modem which will only transmit at 48 dBmV @ 8 bonded upstream channels. D3.1 modems have better downstream and upstream receivers. The are future proof when your cable operator migrates to DOCSIS 3.1. But that being said, they are a lot more expensive. So if you need none of what I just said... stay with a D3.0 modem. :)_

[@sapentiae]

How can I build my own cable modem in my home lab?

[@Volpefirm]

It's pretty work intensive, difficult and you need software, firmware and specialized parts that are not available to consumers.

[@MOongooSE-c6g]

Can u plug an console ethernet cord straight from the back of the modem

[@Volpefirm]

Typically yes, but I don’t recommend it. It’s best to always have a router between (like a Lynksys router) because it gives you a tiny bit of isolation from hackers. Not a lot, but better than having your device directly exposed to the internet.

[@MOongooSE-c6g]

@@Volpefirm ok thanks

[@badassuchiha4875]

I wish I can show you my Blog but it's not worth buying the 3.1 Docsis unless your willing to pay Extra for the Gig Plan but why is my Downstream light Blue when my Upstream is Green can this be my Coaxial Cable or the Equipment itself or my ISP

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Badass. :) Depending on your modem, your downstream is likely blue indicating it is locked to a DOCSIS 3.1 (OFDM) downstream, but still using legacy DOCSIS 3.0 upstreams. This is very typical currently (as of 2020/2021). Cable operators are just starting to experiment with OFDMA in the upstream and its a bit tricky to get working correctly.

[@amineb88]

Has Netgear patched the Cable Haunt vulnerability on this Modem? I believe Comcast they currently use a specific MIB to close the port of the SA on the CM LAN interface.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Amine Cable Haunt impacts any modem with a Broadcom chipset, not just NETGEAR. Cable Haunt is in the hardware of the chipset and is not something that Netgear or any other vendor can fix other Broadcom in their newer chips. The proper patch is applying the MIBs as Comcast has indicated.

[@gamenrage5998]

I never got a dam updated cable modem from spectrum for over five years so what up with that and they up my price dubble

[@hxrsey8123]

All I have is WiFi from spectrum we don’t pay for cable tv so if we switch and buy are own modem do we have to pay for cable every month?

[@Volpefirm]

Hi Hxrsey, When you say that you have WiFi from Spectrum, I believe you mean that you are getting high speed data (i.e. DOCSIS Internet Service) from Spectrum. The DOCSIS modem you have has a. built-in WiFi access point and you get your WiFi from that DOCSIS cable modem. If you buy your own cable modem, you will still need to pay Spectrum for the high speed Internet, but you will likely no longer need to pay the rental fee for the cable modem that Spectrum is providing to you. Keep in mind that you will also need to get a cable modem with a built-in Wifi access point or an extern Wifi access point and you will be responsible for managing these. If you are comfortable with this then this may be a good option for you. If you are not comfortable managing Wifi access points and connecting them to the cable modem, perhaps you may be better suited letting Spectrum continue to do this for you.

[@1luxuryliner440]

Man i subbed for sure

[@Volpefirm]

Thank you

[@DAWNWDF]

so i was planning to cancel my plan i pay over 259$ and i was planning to buy my own modem and router i don't know if it a good idea or if it gonna backfire could you help me out

[@Volpefirm]

Wow. $259 is a lot. Is that per month? What is your upload and download speed? How much is your modem rental per month? Is video subscription included?

[@DAWNWDF]

@@Volpefirm it for internet and cable pre month and we rent our own modem

[@DAWNWDF]

@@Volpefirm not the best upload and download speed but we deal with it just trying to find out how I can save money every month I planning to buy my own modem and router to see if that will save me money

[@JbHomestead]

@@DAWNWDF have some else in the family to sign up for new service. You always get better deal as “new customer” vs old customer.

[@shannonconley2730]

That’s funny because I have the same modem! Lol

[@Volpefirm]

Great. Hope you like it.

[@btwenty3093]

great video man. subscribed.

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks for the sub!

[@btwenty3093]

thank you bunches!! So yeah I went with the CM2000 for the 2.5Gbps port! That way there I can pull as high as 1200 Mbps down on my GIGABIT INTERNET plan cuz Xfinity allocates 20% overhead on their plans! So far so good. No problems. No connect issues. Excellent coverage throughout my house. Speeds blazing fast.

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks b twenty for the feedback. Glad to hear you are getting good results on the CM2000. I'll pick one up.

[@hhectorlector]

Great vid!

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks!

[@matthewmcwane9569]

Thank you

[@Volpefirm]

You're welcome

[@gr33n83]

i find it a design flaw that u cant update the firmware by yourself.

[@Volpefirm]

Hi @gr33n I don’t disagree with you. I see this as a challenge that Android phones also deal with where some users have outdated and unpatched phones. The same happens with many cable modems. This is something I hope CableLabs will consider addressing for the Industry.

[@jakethomas2519]

The only problem with owning ur own modem is the company ur with. I have the network cm1200 and spectrum refuses to upgrade the firmware. They say it's not there responsible. Spectrum is the worst internet provider in the country when it comes to updating any modern they don't use. So u have to keep upgrading ur modem model so u don't get so far behind you start seeing problems. So if u spectrum good luck.

[@Volpefirm]

It is a good idea to check what modems are supported by your cable operator before buying a modem. It maybe impossible for a cable operator to get firmware for all modems available on the market so they choose a set number and then focus on supporting those devices.

[@jakethomas2519]

@@Volpefirm I did and my modern out performed the ones they use. The best one they have is an arris . Arris is a decent brand but the model they use can't compete with the netgear modem I am using and some of the ones below it.

[@Volpefirm]

Yes indeed this a true statement. You can upgrade your own firmware but it does require you get your own CMTS and learn a bit about ISC DHCP and TFPT plus you need to contact the vendor and see if they will give you access updated firmware. It’s totally possible. I do it regularly but it’s a complicated process

[@jakethomas2519]

I have have to look into that. Thanks for the info.

[@ColeForAssembly]

Now I understand. Thx

[@Volpefirm]

Thank you

[@adiravikumar1209]

Can any body have any idea about Hitron coda 4589 modem

[@Volpefirm]

I don't have the best experience with these.

[@subbernh5192]

@@Volpefirm have to agree. Breezeline installed one of these for a promo and we've had countless losses of both our internet and tv.

[@octowboy]

FCC does not allow providers to charge for modems.. only routers.

[@Volpefirm]

Thanks

[@tman1990]

This is a load of garbage. Spectrum charges for “Wifi modem” and I am paying $7.00 a month for this service. I recently dropped my land line phone and only have internet for my tv and internet so I am buying my own moderm and mesh network to increase reliability of my wireless network.

[@octowboy]

@@tman1990 WiFi not modem.. they are different

[@zombie_smut_1]

3.1 modems lock up to below 1Mbps be aware of what ur doing you could lose access to internet on doc 3.1 modems

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

Bs cabel modems only get firmware and mostly never. Get a 1200 model. Dont look back

[@Volpefirm]

This is a sticky situation. When modems don't get firmware updates - kinda like Android phones, it does cause problems. Currently many operators don't have a good solution. A better way would be for modem vendors to push the software.

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

@@Volpefirm its my exp that the only time carrier modems get updates is to do a hard reset on the modem then let it retrain. Most of the equipment in the field is refurbished and mismatched the over subscribed to only get good bandwidth at off peek hours. But since subscribers dont keep foe many years its basically a waste of time to push fw updates. Easier to just send a replacement. Centurylink did a pilot on it and found it to cause more problems than its worth. Just send a replacement and move on.

[@Volpefirm]

Per the DOCSIS specification, all cable modems must be able to be remotely upgraded without a hard reboot. A soft reboot is permitted but this is done remotely via SNMP. As an end user you may experience a momentary outage but cable operators typically perform this at night.