How to Choose and Setup a Cable Modem and Router

This Instructable will guide you from start to finish on selecting a cable modem and router, through the configuration and setup of them, and finally, optimizing your router.

Ethernet Cable

Cell Phone with Data Plan

Coaxial Cable

Router

Modem

Laptop or Desktop

The first step in the process of setting up your home network is choosing the right equipment. This step takes us to the Xfinity Device Compatibility page.

http://mydeviceinfo.xfinity.com/

Once you reach this page, You need to enter in your service address, a zip code in the box on the left and choose your speed tier for internet using the dropdown box on the right. Alternatively, you can just “Sign In” to your Xfinity account.

After you make your selections you can then click “Find Devices” to submit the search.

When you click “Find Devices” you are presented with a list of devices that are compatible with your internet plan.

I would recommend getting a device that is just a cable modem. For instance, the model that I own is the ARRIS SB8200. I then pair that with an Orbi AX6000 Mesh Wi-Fi system.

If you are living in a very small apartment and are not someone who uses the internet you can get away with a modem/router combination unit, but generally a separate modem and router are recommended.

You also have a filter box to narrow down your results based on your specific needs.

These next pictures illustrate the steps you need to take to set up your modem.

First, you locate the Coaxial jack in your home.

Second, you would take your coaxial cable and line it up with the jack.

Finally, screw the coaxial cable tightly into the wall jack.

Next, you have to screw the coaxial cable into the modem and ensure that you have no ethernet cables connected.

You will also plug in the DC-In connector/power cord into the modem.

Finally, you would then plug your modem into the wall.

After, the modem is plugged in and starting up, you can plug an ethernet cable into one of the top ports and proceed to activate your modem.

To activate your modem, you will need your MAC address and Serial Number and you will either need to download the Xfinity my account app or call in to Xfinity to activate your modem.

I have attached the link to the Comcast guide on how to activate your modem.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/activate-internet-gateway-modem

Or call to activate 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) or 1-800-COMCAST(1-800-266-2278)

In this diagram, you can see the differences in coverage between a stand-alone Wi-Fi router, mesh system, or a single router and range extender.

For applications where you do not need a lot of coverage like a smaller apartment, you would be best served by a single router.

If you need more coverage, range extenders are a horrible option. The best option for additional coverage is to opt for a mesh network.

Range extenders should NOT be used in typical circumstances and should ONLY be used as a way to bridge the gap between when you can actually transition into a mesh system or to temporarily fill a coverage gap.

If you need to have lots of devices connected simultaneously a mesh system would also be your best choice.

My personal setup is currently using an Orbi AX6000 Mesh Wi-Fi system for our 2 story townhouse plus basement. This is able to cover my entire townhome with room to spare and handle a larger number of devices.

Pick a location that is central to your home on a higher area if you are only using a single router. If you are using a mesh system, place the individual mesh points on each floor alternating corners of your home, or in the central areas you plan on using the Wi-Fi the most.

The first step is plugging in the router power supply.

The next step is to plug the cable into the DC-in jack and ensure the router is switched in the ON position and starting up.

Next, you would plug the Ethernet cable coming from your modem into the internet/WAN port on your router.

Next, If you have any wired devices, you can connect them directly to your router via the remaining ethernet ports.

You can also use these as a way to connect your computer directly to configure the router.

I will be showing the steps assuming your computer is directly connected to the router.

First, you will want to go to the URL below or 192.168.1.1 to enter the configuration panel.

After you enter the URL, you will want to agree to the Linksys setup information terms of use, then click "next".

The box below is where you would enter the password for the router, which in this case is “admin”.

This can vary, so it is best to look at the bottom of your router or the quick start guide for the info on how to access configuration.

This is the configuration screen. Typically, it would say internet is connected with everything is setup correctly. It will also display your wireless network info and number of connected devices.

In this next step, You would select the gear icon on the left bar and you would have to set the time zone, while ensuring that the router is set to automatically update firmware. You would also set the new password to access the configuration screen and decide if you want to see lights on the router or not. All of the fields are circled.

Next, you have to click on the “Local Network” tab. Once you enter this screen, you will set your router name and your DNS addresses. These fields are indicated by the red circles.

In the pictures, are the DNS servers for Google and Cloud Flare so you can choose one to best fit your needs and improve your speed and reliability.

This step, you will set all of your Wi-Fi information. You will name your 2.4GHz (slow) and 5GHz (fast) Wi-Fi names as well as set the corresponding passwords. You can also adjust the channel the network is broadcasting on, but for now we can leave that on “Auto” (we will address this further in part 7). You also can choose the power at which your Wi-Fi signal is broadcast. This is useful if you have a mesh network and they are too close. You can adjust the signal for optimal coverage and the least amount of overlap. The fields are circled that you should focus on. Leave the security settings at WPA2 personal or WPA3(there may be some compatibility issues with older devices). I have circled all of the fields in red.

First, you will want to go to the URL below or 192.168.1.1 to enter the configuration panel.

You will be prompted for a username and password and it will likely be Username: "admin" and Password: "password". This can vary, so it is best to look at the bottom of your router or the quick start guide for the info on how to access configuration.

This is the configuration screen. Typically, it would say internet is connected with everything is setup correctly. It will also display your wireless network info and number of connected devices.

Next you have to click on “Wireless” to access the next settings pane.

This step, you will set all of your Wi-Fi information. You will name your 2.4GHz (slow) and 5GHz (fast) Wi-Fi names as well as set the corresponding passwords. You can also adjust the channel the network is broadcasting on, but for now we can leave that on “Auto” (we will address this further in part 7). You also can choose the power at which your Wi-Fi signal is broadcast. This is useful if you have a mesh network and they are too close. You can adjust the signal for optimal coverage and the least amount of overlap. The fields are circled that you should focus on.

For the next step you need to select “Setup” then “Internet Setup” from the Left bar under “ADVANCED”. This will bring up the “Internet Setup” page.

In the boxes, circled on the above and below diagrams, you would input your desired DNS settings. For example, in my second diagram you can see I have input the DNS settings for Cloud Flare DNS. After making these changes, click save and then apply.

In the pictures, are the DNS servers for Google and Cloud Flare so you can choose one to best fit your needs and improve your speed and reliability.

For this part, you need an app like Wifi Analyzer to help identity the optimal channels to select and to see where the spectrum overlaps.

In these two panes, you can see the channel overlap in my neighborhood on both the 5 GHz Spectrum and 2.4 GHz. Your goal is to have your Wi-Fi bands not overlap and be stronger than all of the others in your area.

In these panes, you can see what, if any suggestions there are for you to choose a better and less congested channel.