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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 3:22 pm Post subject: Comcast 2nd modem

My wireless is spotty, the modem/router is on the other side of the house (cant be cabled effectively) and can't be moved and power line adapters don't work.

Soooo... Getting all of those suggestions out of the way, I see the best option as getting a second comcast modem near the booth for a wired connection.

I have a tweet into Comcast to see if they allow me more than one MAC address, but I'm wondering if anyone has done it before.
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cyclometh · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 3:43 pm Post subject:

I use a single Comcast wired modem and a Cisco/Linksys WLAN dual-band router. Has a 2.4 and 5 GHz band, so you can mix and match (the 5 GHz goes faster but penetrates a shorter distance). I also like that I can set priority on specific devices- I give my PC top billing over the other devices, so it always gets more bandwidth if I need it.

Another option to consider is a "wireless bridge", where you have a router that's configured to bridge traffic transparently to the existing network, thereby extending your range. You have to hack the router's firmware to do it, though.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 4:36 pm Post subject:

Not looking for a new wireless solution. I also want the option of source connect with a wired setup.
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cyclometh · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 4:47 pm Post subject:

I don't know if Comcast supports multiple MACs; my first instinct is that it won't work that way. I have been proven wrong before, though.

If you're looking at getting a second comcast modem near the booth, why not make that the primary and use a wireless router from there for the rest of the devices you need to connect? Would that work?
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 4:48 pm Post subject:

Just run the wire. It's possible in any house...just gotta do the work. Run it under the trim, pull carpet and score the flooring, cut a hole and then get it patched. Is the modem in a cement outbuilding or something? One thing I learned installing commercial fire alarm systems was that EVERYTHING can be wired. Just depends on if you're willing to work for it. I had to run cable from my basement to my second story bedroom...there is always a way.

heyguido · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 5:31 pm Post subject:

What Jason said. Cat 5 is cheap.... and dependable.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 11:32 pm Post subject:

The problem with running wire is that It's a daunting task because it needs to go from one end of the house on the ground floor to the other end on the second floor. That means going up walls into the attic and the dropping it down between walls.

I don't know how to do it and I know I just never will.

And no, Corey, I can't just move the modem. The DirectTV install plugs into the router, so moving it would mean I'd need to run cable for that, too.
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cyclometh · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 1:03 am Post subject:

Heh. That brings back memories. Somewhere around here I still have a bunch of cat 5 cable and a crimper and punch for the RJ-45 connectors and wiring closet connectors. Back in the late '90s I ran wire for a while. Nasty work, you get nice and dirty doing it.
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Jen Gosnell · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 1:08 am Post subject:

Jeff, we had some guys come out to do exactly that sort of thing when we bought our house in Seattle, then again when we moved here. They can drill and patch and whatever is needed, they've seen it all before and they'll get it done for a few hundred bucks. Sounds to me like a well-justified business expense! I say call them and don't look back. Smile

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ballenberg · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:15 am Post subject:

Plus another +1 on the wiring--Hard for regular folks, piece o'cake for good electrician. Cable to basement studio from second floor office where modem lives--Through basement, then up through garage workbench, into attic and into office, and they didn't break a sweat or my bankbook. Studio used to be wireless connection--needless to say, it's way, way faster and more reliable now

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:27 am Post subject:

Wish I lived close... I'd come help ya. You could hire an electrician or LV guy to just run the wire, and add a couple jacks. It shouldn't be too expensive.

heyguido · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:15 am Post subject:

Dude....

Aren't you in the Seattle area? Seems like you could hit a geek with a pizza box....

Just sayin'..... Wink

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Bish · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:40 am Post subject:

You're sort of painted into a corner here. If Comcast will only supply a single MAC device, power-line adapters won't work and the wireless is bad, there are very few options open to you. If wireless is not wanted (hard wired is always better anyway), then you're looking only one of two options.

1) Run it... pay whatever is needed if you don't want to do it yourself... hang it out the window and wrap it around the house if you have to!
2) Order a new line. Specify the new location and have Comcast (or the local alternative if you have one) install it with a totally separate (internet only) service. It's a write-off, so that'll help with the cost.

I never have a problem spending other people's money, but if you need a hard-wired connection, you have to extend what you have, or put in a separate "business" line. For me, getting a separate, additional internet service would be around $30 per month, $22 or so after deducting it.
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:05 pm Post subject:

Copper... Quick and dirty, crude but effective..... Exterior run.

Two holes in walls, cable and attachments. Over the roof if needed (I've done it). I wouldn't recommend it for long term if exposed. It will fail when the Christmas light guy runs a staple through it. With good cable and well protected (channel, conduit and or tucked well under eves) it will last.

I have done this many times to get by when trying to troubleshoot an interior problem. Including through the windows, 6 stories. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Put up a wanted ad on craigslist looking for a wire guy. Any electrician, alarm, telephone or computer wire guy can do it. You'll find a guy with the skills that will do it on the side for less. Barter... Cable guys work on the side all the time.

Bob
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KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

You could buy another router and set it up as an access point. It is still "wireless" as it connects to the other router, but it solves some of your issues.
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