How important is modem model?

[Martini]

Last Friday I got rid of my Verizon DSL service and switched to Comcast cable.

They gave me a modem but neglected to tell me that I am leasing it for $3 a month. I'm not sure if I'll be sticking with Comcast long enough (I may switch back to Verizon when my year contract is up, especially if FIOS is available in my hood by then) to save any money by buying my own, but just in case I decide to, I have a few questions.

Besides compatibility, what should I look for when buying a modem? Will my choice affect down or speed up download/upload speeds?

I found this (http://media2.comcast.net/anon.comcastonline2/support/help/misc/cmclist.htm) link which lists modems compatible with Comcast service.

I went to newegg.com and typed 'modem' in to the search button and the first modem on the list was compatible. It is a LINKSYS BEFCMU10 for $40.99 after mail-in rebate.

The modem Comcast is leasing to me is an Arris TM502G.


P.S. Comcast is also charging me $2.95 per month for Service Protection Plan I didn't ask for. Does anyone know what this covers and if I can drop it? If not, I'll call and ask.

[classicsoftware]

I would stick with the Comcast modem especially if you may switch. The modem that works with cable will probably NOT work with FIOS. As for the protection plan, you have to ask what that entails. I personally leas the modem. When Comcast switched technologies, they gave me a new one. If it breaks they replace it. They will even come and install it for N/C. Well worth it to me.

[PrntRhd]

That Arris modem is one for Comcast Digital Voice (VOIP phone) as well as HSI.
Is that the service you are contracting?
I would go with their modem simply because you can create account billing issues that are problematic to resolve if you provide your own, it is easy to get into a position where the ISP loses track of the returned modem and tries to bill you for it as unreturned later. Should not occur but I monitor some Comcast help forums and it sometimes happens. If you do switch back be certain to get and save the receipt for the returned modem.

[Martini]

That Arris modem is one for Comcast Digital Voice (VOIP phone) as well as HSI.
Is that the service you are contracting?
No, just regular internet service.

[PrntRhd]

Must be a new vendor for them, I have a Motorolla Surfboard 5120 from them.

[Martini]

Do you know if my internet speed will change if I buy the LINKSYS BEFCMU10 or if there are any other issues that could get better or worse?

[PrntRhd]

I don't know if it causes issues, try searching for a Comcast support forum on Google.
I sometimes use this one since many Comcast support personnel are there:
http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/comcast

[saphalline]

We went all-out and bought our own high-end cable modem. It cost a lot more than $40.99, though :p so don't try and think it will save you money! We bought our own because we knew we would always have cable internet access (the higher throughput of 8Mb/1.5Mb can't be beat in our area! :D) and we knew the extra features would never be of any use to us. Even so, a firmware upgrade would likely fix many things since this sucker is so insanely sweet! :cool: Did I mention it was expensive? ;)

As to any thoughts of a higher quality connection, yes and no. There are advantages to going into the contract with your own modem, as long as it's a much higher end model than the included modem, but if you like to switch ISP's a lot and shop around for the best price then buying your own would be a horrible investment. We have found much improved performance (mostly stability, actually) related to online gaming with our own modem, but you have to analyze your own usage requirements. Do you honestly need better UDP stability?? :p

There are areas of computers where you don't skimp, and then there are choices in components that are high end. $100+ on a modem that would actually make a difference is probably not worth it for you.