You need a buggy whip to go with that horse, Calvin?

Since I started this thread, I thought I would chime back in with the results. Comcast came out today and said it was a bad modem (just like Jack said). they replaced it with a Motorolla SB4200 Surfboard and things are working fine. My speed was 5200 download and 350 upload which wasnt as good as some of your results but I'm relieved to be online and have things working. Even YouTube videos play mostly stutter free. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions.

I have one final comment about Comcast. Prior to installation of my service, I asked for suggestions from MacGroup and everyone warned me not to install any of their software. The installer insisted I would have to install it as did the first of their phone technicians. (a 2nd phone tech agreed that no software was necessary for a Mac) I refused to install anything and now things are working fine after they finally gave me a 2nd modem. But what about those Mac users not fortunate enough to belong to MacGroup and get their wise advice? Many people would do what Comcast told them and they would install the software. What kind of problems would they be in for? I wish there was some way to get Comcast phone techs better trained so they wouldnt recommend the installation of that software.

The software is all for Windows, so it would just be taking up disk space.

There is a major problem with Comcast, Macs, and Motorola modems, and some websites that document it. Supposedly, OS 10.4.8 addresses some of these issues, but I won't install an update that also causes other problems when I don't need it.

Having said that, Comcast replaced my Motorola modem after a brownout with a Scientific Atlanta DPC2100. My speed immediately tripled.

Highly suggest the modem change.

Putting a router in the mix solves any incompatibilities between modems and Macs. There are also advantages, such as the firewall protection and more stable connection (since you can leave the router always on). If you aren't using one, you should be.

10.4.8 has been very stable for me on 10 different systems. I always recommend upgrading to the latest update soon (not necessarily immediately) after it comes out. As soon as you have some system problem, the first advice from Apple (and me) will be to update your system anyway. There are generally a lot of fixes that don't get publicized in each of those updates.

I agree with Jack 110%. There are many advantages in running a router and too many disadvantages in not doing so. Why anyone would have a broadband connection and no Router/Firewall is beyond me.

Do an economic analysis.

$12.95/month =~ $150 every year.
$34.95/month =~ $420 every year.

$50 for a router should no more than $15 every year.

More security from external influences = "priceless".

quote:

Do an economic analysis.

$12.95/month =~ $150 every year.
$34.95/month =~ $420 every year.

$50 for a router should no more than $15 every year.

Huh???? Ya lost me.

Paul said

quote:

Why anyone would have a broadband connection and no Router/Firewall is beyond me.

Some people don't buy routers because they think $50 to $75 is too expensive. The analysis shows that it is a minor cost compared to the connection, so there is no real economic argument for NOT having a router.

Numbers for router assumes at least a three or four year lifetime.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: James R. Cutler,

Ah... sorry. Misunderstood you.

I have a NetGear ProSafe Firewall. So I guess I really went overboard! LOL!!

Actually, if I had my way and could afford it, I'd buy myself a really good SonicWall for both VPN and Firewall protection.

We just got a new modem today from Comcast (Scientific Atlanta), what a difference! Download speed is now 17500 kbps (the old modem download speed was 4029 kbps)

We had been having connection problems for awhile. They said the one we had was not being used by them anymore as it has older technology in it and we should get upgraded to the current model they are using. We had the old one for at least 5 years I think.

quote:

Originally posted by Rich Kermode:

quote:

Originally posted by Bibo:
We just got a new modem today from Comcast ...

Did your old modem fail and you received a new one as a replacement or did you just ask to trade-in/up for a new model...?

COMCAST: ah yes, where do I begin. I purchased the Motorola Surfboard SB5120 Model over 15 months ago at CompUSA. Everything went well until I decided to get HDTV. Comcast had to completely replace all the wiring for the HDTV signal and sold me the phone line as well. The new ARRIS model modem entered my wired network. It worked most of the time, except when there was lots of rain. Need I say more. I had no phone land line for 5 weeks, which also affected my modem for some reason. Also we had a very wet Christmas last season.... no internet to speak of. (Hmmmmm)

Yes, there are hardware issues related to Comcasts exostructure and the age of the materials (but you'll never hear that from them). Calls to their tech dept. were hit and miss. They sincerely attempted to assist me, but it took 5 weeks to release my land line back to ATT; and for them to take back the intermittently operational ARRIS modem.

I'm back to surfing with the Motorola Surfboard SB5120. The grass was NOT greener for me with the triple play deal and HDTV. My comcast infrastructure was grandfathered into the condo community over 18 years ago and it sometimes acts like it.

I accept that I will get slower reception around dinner time and when it rains it sometimes fades to a standstill. The good thing about Comcast is, no arguments about credits for days of inactivity. Someday they'll get it right. I have no other options at the moment, SBC can't install in my area. Good luck to you using comcast. Document the problems and ask for credit.

Ah yes, since I've gone wireless and it hasn't rained too torrentially .... everything humms.

Cheers, Chris

"People will forget how fast you did a job, but they will always remember how well you did it." Howard Newton