I’m an Xfinity wifi user attempting to set up a mesh wifi network at home, but I’m having trouble figuring out what type of internet connection I have (e.g. dynamic IP, static IP, PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, DS-Lite) and how to configure it. What is the best way for me to get this information? I am unable to contact an Xfinity representative, the online assistance is ineffective, and I am unable to locate the information in my online account.
What is Comcast’s internet connection type?
I should precede this by emphasizing that networking is difficult, and no one should feel horrible about themselves if they struggle with it.
While it may appear that adding a router to a network, even a home network, is a simple task, there are many subtleties that are sometimes ignored. Internet speed concerns, connectivity troubles, and even being hacked are all caused by these gaps. Networking, wireless, and security are all evolving and changing at a rapid pace, making it even more complex.
If you’re not familiar with IP addresses, the distinction between public and private IP addresses (more broadly, WAN versus LAN), DHCP, the difference between http and https, and/or firewalls, I strongly advise you to hire someone to assist you with this portion of the project. Before you ask, Comcast will not assist you with this unless you disable the wireless on their device and place it in bridged mode. You, or whomever you employ, are in charge of everything on your router.
If you still want to try it on your own, feel free to do so by following the simple instructions below. Keep in mind that because this is a basic overview, you’ll need to be able to interpret some of these procedures in a way that’s appropriate for the equipment you’re using.
Basic Connectivity
In general, your Comcast coax cable is inserted into the DOCSIS modem’s F-Type connector. Unless you’re compelled to rent it, buying your own (new) modem is a significantly more cost-effective and safe choice.
If the modem you bought just has one Ethernet port, it will be your connection between the modem and the WAN port on your router. If not, make sure you’re patching between your router’s WAN port and one of the modem’s LAN ports.
Connect your computer (or tablet or phone) to one of your router’s LAN ports using either wireless or (ideally) an ethernet connection.
Connect the router to the modem only after you’ve adjusted the router’s default settings.
Last but not least, there’s the matter of location. If you’re going to use this router to provide wireless for your apartment or home, make sure it’s in a location that assures a solid, strong signal everywhere you want to use it. If not, you may need to try installing a second wireless access point. Remember that the Ethernet connection connecting your router to the modem can be up to 100 meters long, giving you plenty of room to position the router in relation to the modem.
Setup
- Connect the router and turn it on.
- Connect your phone or tablet to the network using either wireless or (better yet) an Ethernet connection.
- Look for the router’s default IP address in the documentation or by looking at the IP information on your device.
- Feel free to adjust the LAN’s IP address ranges if you know how, or leave them alone if you don’t.
- For both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, change the Wireless SSID and Passwords.
- If there are any guest wireless networks set up by default, alter or disable them to suit your needs.
- Check to check what IP address your router’s WAN Port received. If it’s in one of the private IP address ranges (such as 10.1.10.x or 192.168.100.x), you’ll have to log into the modem and make the necessary changes.
- You can now link your router’s WAN port to the DOCSIS modem’s LAN port.
- Change the default username and/or password right away (sometimes you can only change the password).
- Turn off any wifi on the modem if there is any. Locate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and turn them off. If it’s a Comcast-owned/leased modem, call them and ask them to turn off all wireless, because you’ll only be able to shut the LAN-side wifi, not the free wireless they provide to everyone (named Xfinity) via the internet connection you’re paying for.
- Disable DHCP on the LAN now.
- Finally, set the modem to Fully Bridged mode (this is a Comcast phrase; everyone else calls it bridged mode). Comcast modems offer both a “Bridged mode, which isn’t truly bridged, and a “Fully Bridged mode, which is actually bridged.
- As needed, save and apply the changes.
- Examine your router. The DHCP lease on the WAN port may need to be renewed.
- Make sure it’s getting a public IP address. If it isn’t, double-check the router and make sure it’s in bridged mode before proceeding with troubleshooting.
- Change the WAN DNS servers to anything that isn’t on Comcast’s servers for a variety of reasons; just do it. Google’s free public DNS servers, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, are the easiest to remember.
- Check for and install firmware upgrades for your router after confirming that you have full internet connectivity.
- If you feel it’s necessary, add a static route to allow you to manage the modem, but make sure you can also restrict that access with a security policy on the router’s firewall, especially since Comcast modems don’t protect you against hacking from inside your network (including malware/virus infections, phishing, neighbors or guests (wanted or otherwise) connecting on wireless, and so on).
- Last but not least, regardless of what Comcast tech support says, never reset the Comcast modem to factory defaults, since this would undo any adjustments you’ve done. You may only need to reboot the modem and/or router at most (better routers will almost never have to be rebooted, except when their firmware is being upgraded).
Good Luck!
In a nutshell, the actions outlined above will enable you to get started. Keep in mind that there are a lot of DOCSIS modems on the market, as well as a lot of routers. Because they’re all different, you’ll have to adapt the instructions above to fit your individual hardware and software.
Additionally, the techniques outlined above will not work with Comcast’s static IP addresses. That’s a completely other set of skills. If you have Comcast Static IP addresses, you should hire an IT specialist that is familiar with networks and has experience with information security to assist you.
How do I know if I have Xfinity 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?
Xfinity xFi is a service provided by Xfinity.
- Select the Connect option from the drop-down menu.
- On the Xfinity app, tap See Network, or go to the xFi website and tap See Network.
- Advanced Options should be selected.
- Choose between 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi.
Windows Users
Assign the following values to your TCP/IP settings:
Users of Windows XP:
- Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu.
- Select Network and Internet Connections from the drop-down menu.
- Select Network Connections from the drop-down menu.
- Select Properties from the right-click menu for the icon that indicates your network connection.
Users using Windows 2000:
- To access the Control Panel, go to Windows Start > Settings > Control Panel.
- Network and Dial-up Connections should be double-clicked.
- Select Properties after double-clicking Local Area Connections.
Users of Windows Me, 98, and 95:
- Network should be double-clicked.
- Select the Configuration tab from the drop-down menu.
Users of Windows NT:
- Select Protocols from the drop-down menu.
- Click Properties on the TCP/IP entry for your modem network adapter.
- If the Automatically obtain an IP address option is chosen, your IP address will be assigned dynamically, and your WAN type will most likely be Dynamic IP Address.
- You have a static IP address if the Use the following IP address option is chosen, and your WAN type is most likely Static IP Address. Examine and write down the value of each property since you’ll need it in the Setup Wizard. You must alter your computer to use a dynamic IP address, which it acquires from the router, if you have a static IP address WAN type.
- Select Click OK to get an IP address automatically.
- To close the Network Properties window, click OK once more if necessary.
- If your computer is asked to restart, select Yes.
Macintosh Users
- Users of Mac OS X: Change the Show option to Built-in Ethernet in Apple> System Preferences > Network.
Users of Macintosh OS 9.x: Change the Connect through option to Ethernet by going to Apple > Control Panels > TCP/IP.
- Your IP address is allocated dynamically if the Configure: option is set to Using DHCP, and your WAN type is most likely Dynamic IP Address.
You have a static IP address if the Configure: option is not set to Using DHCP, and your WAN type is most likely Static IP Address. Examine and record the values of each TCP/IP property since you’ll need them in the Setup Wizard. You must alter your computer to use a dynamic IP address, which it acquires from the router, if you have a static IP address WAN type.
- Set the Using DHCP option in the Configure: option.
- Close the TCP/IP or Network window by clicking Save.
What is the PPPoE WAN type?
This could indicate that your router has detected a Static IP address. Have you requested a Static IP from your Internet Service Provider?
What is your current configuration, as well? And, do you have problems connecting to the internet?
PPPoE (Point-to-Point-Protocol over Ethernet) is the acronym for Point-to-Point-Protocol over Ethernet. PPPoE is based on two commonly used protocols: PPP and Ethernet. It’s a standard for connecting Ethernet users to the Internet using a common broadband connection, such as a single DSL line, a wireless device, or a cable modem. Because all Ethernet users share the same connection, the Ethernet principles that enable many users in a LAN combine with the PPP principles that apply to serial connections.
Is Comcast DSL or Broadband?
For many people looking for high-speed internet, Xfinity is a no-brainer because it’s their only alternative besides a significantly slower digital subscriber line (DSL) service.
Is Comcast’s IP address static or dynamic?
All of Comcast’s consumer internet plans are flexible. This does not imply that the IP address will change; rather, it implies that it may change. This is unaffected by the modem. Comcast has influence over whether you have a dynamic or static IP address, and they usually relate static IPs to business plans.
Is Comcast a DHCP provider?
Comcast uses native IPv6 that uses DHCP for a standalone PC or a router’s WAN IP address, along with a router advertisment prefix delegation for a router’s LAN — and you must use DHCP to get a valid IPv6 connection using Comcast (they have recently begun to allow static IPv6 address assignments for business class
How can I figure out what frequency my WiFi operates on?
If you have an Android phone, you can tell if the network is 2.4G or 5G for sure.
- Set up a network connection.
- To access WiFi, go to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi. Choose the network properties you want (tap the gear icon or menu icon).
- Take note of the frequency setting.