Comcast's xFi Advanced Gateway modem is now available nationwide
It's no secret that modems provided by your ISP can leave a lot to be desired. While we generally recommend you use your own hardware when it comes to your internet connection, plenty of people just go with the standard default modem and router. Comcast is making that process just a little bit easier thanks to the xFi Advanced Gateway modem and router. The modem, which the company is billing as the most advanced device it's ever made, made its debut back in May, but starting today it's available in every market that Comcast offers gigabit internet.
The company's goal with this new modem/router is to make setting up, connecting to and using the internet as simple as possible. Comcast's SVP of Hardware Development, Fraser Stirling, told Engadget: "I want your parents to stop phoning you about their internet connection." That was one of the primary goals when designing the interface of xFi app, which we've previously covered in detail. It allows you to set up your WiFi, change and customize settings, set up profiles for use and more. If you want to turn off the WiFi to your kids' devices at 9PM, you can easily do that in the xFi app.
Does it deliver greater Xfinity speeds to Anonymous Leechers? Yes it does.
Also at Digital Trends, CNET, USA Today, and FierceCable.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday December 08 2017, @02:32PM (3 children)
I just wish these "apps" actually connected to the local device and didn't have to go to the internet to store preferences on some else's server. Or allowed for you to change the local IP address so that people with a clue can use 'smart' hardware without having to change their own network (or isolate the offending vendor controlled gear).
The smarter and more convenient it is, the less control there is. but hey, your parents will only resume calling when they ask how to get rid of those ads that started when this thing was installed..in-line http injection is profitable, and uh well. net neutrality isn't needed if there is no intent to be neutral about how the relationship is going to be between comcast and its customers, right?
(Score: 3, Interesting) by TheRaven on Saturday December 09 2017, @12:02PM (2 children)
sudo mod me up
(Score: 2) by frojack on Saturday December 09 2017, @07:00PM (1 child)
You don't have to rent the box from Comcast. Just go buy your own.
https://stickystatic.com/tech/best-modem-cable-internet [stickystatic.com]
These things start at around $50, and "future proofed" DOCSIS 3.1 Modem only units at $150.
These pay for themselves in under a year. I'm betting you already have everthing you need to go with it. (router/Wifi/switch), and most of them are approved for all the major cable modem companies.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 10 2017, @05:56PM
thanks guys -- it sounds like the old ways are still the best... 'set up a server' and 'own your own hardware'.
i just wish there were options for many modern conveniences. it seems that there are few applications one can serve on a server these days. most stuff requires an internet connection to talk to the device in your other hand.
(Score: 4, Touché) by Nerdfest on Friday December 08 2017, @03:13PM (2 children)
I'm sure the device will be exceptionally secure, and will never allow random internet strangers to snoop or MITM your network. I'm also certain it's not gathering any personal information and sending it to Comcast. These things are unthinkable.
(Score: 2) by frojack on Saturday December 09 2017, @07:02PM (1 child)
Chuckle. Why would they build those capabilities into the modem, when it all goes through their own head-end?
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 10 2017, @05:16PM
To allow access to 'authorized' consumers (ex-wives, girlfriends, etc.).
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Friday December 08 2017, @06:22PM (5 children)
I welcome infrastructure improvement by Comcast, because Comcast has done something that all you dick-kneading "community mesh" morons never could: provide ubiquitous free connectivity everywhere.
Wherever there is a business district or residential neighborhood, there is xfinitywifi. When Comcast rolled out xfinitywifi, where was your community mesh, EFFing morons? When Comcast rolled out IPv6 on xfinitywifi, where was your community mesh, EFFing morons? When are you going to pull your cocks out of each others asses and build your community mesh, EFFing morons?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 09 2017, @12:05AM (4 children)
You still have to be a paying Comcast customer to use xfinitywifi...
(Score: 2) by takyon on Saturday December 09 2017, @12:41AM (3 children)
Hahahahah.
https://mtechnogeek.com/how-to-hack-xfinity-wi-fi-hotspots/ [mtechnogeek.com]
Xfinity anon probably has a better method.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 09 2017, @05:55AM
There are many methods because xfinitywifi is full of holes.
When I'm feeling extra lazy, I just use DroidVPN and let it do a UDP port scan until it finds an open port.
Anything is better than MAC spoofing which is the stupid method favored by knuckle dragging mouth breathing cretins.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 10 2017, @06:29PM (1 child)
i visited that site and it's hilarious
its like contributing to the deliquency of a minor. nothing seriously wrong there but nothing i wouldn't go out of my way to get in trouble about.
and that xfinity thing, classic. 'change your mac address'. that's not hacking, but i guess it is when some stupid company makes whitelists based on who you aren't.
i guess you can't secure a public system very well, so I shouldn't laugh. but that people are willing to change their mac address to get an hour of free wifi... it's a lot easier to just get a cantenna or something and aim it at the nearest place that offers free wifi for customers in the area. even banks generally have a 2 hour limit or so, and many of them are even using comcast anyway and just rebranding it as their own.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Sunday December 10 2017, @07:00PM
Did you even read the other reply?
I just picked the first link I found on how to get free xfinity, but there are better ways to do it.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]