Does Linksys work with Xfinity?
Yes, it does depending on the Linksys model you have. If you are looking for a way to escape monthly router fees then purchasing your own equipment is the ideal option. The good news is there several routers and modems in the market including those from Linksys that you can use with Comcast Xfinity.
To know whether your modem/router is compatible you may want to head to the Xfinity website and chick at my device info.
Table of Contents
Why you should opt for your own router
One of the key reasons to have your own router/modem than renting out from an ISP provider is you completely eliminate monthly router rental fees. If you total up all your monthly fees you will realize it can buy you a new router. Most ISP companies charge a monthly fee of $10 which totals up to $120 annually. The benefits of owning your router include the ability to directly access and control the network. You can also circumvent through tech support and make necessary adjustments to your router settings.
Do I need a modem/router or both?
The other question posed by consumers is whether they need to buy a modem, router or both. Firstly, you need to understand how both work. When signals are sent from your ISP they need to be converted into a format that your computer can understand. The modem is crucial for this conversion. Comcast Xfinity insists on a compatible modem for this. The next device you will need is a router that helps in creation of a private network for transmission of the internet signals. The router will allow your phone, laptop, smart TV and devices access your network.
The most convenient form of gateway access is getting a unit that combines the router and modem. For routers most will work with Xfinity the problem is the modems.
Top routers that are compatible with Xfinity
Model |
Xfinity Compatible |
Speed |
Linksys CG7500 |
Yes |
857Mbps |
ARRIS SBG7580-AC |
Yes |
921Mbps |
Motorola MG7540 |
Yes |
375Mbps |
Netgear C6300 |
Yes |
360Mbps |
Linksys CG7500
- Combines a AC1900 Wi Fi Router with DOCSIS 3.0 24x8 modem into a 2 in 1 space saving, high performance...
- Eliminate monthly rental fees
The Linksys CG7500 is one of the latest routers that works with Xfinity. The modem leverages on the DOCSIS 3.0 standard and is compatible with some of the top ISPs like Comcast, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Due to the use of the latest modem standards it is capable of supporting speeds of up to 300Mbps. Since this is a router/modem combo it uses 802.11ac technology that gives you tip to 1900mb/s bandwidth. This router will support both light and heavy Wi-Fi usage.
The Linksys CG7500 comes in a stylish design that is appealing and complements your home décor. The Linksys operates as both a modem and router so expect lots of components on it to enhance efficiency. Configuration has being simplified, if you are connected to Xfinity then you use the provided coaxial cable for connection. You will find your Wi-Fi network name and password written on a sticker at the back of the router. The Linksys modem has the power to bond up to 25 channels for download and for upload 8 channels. Collectively it will support speeds of up to 300Mbps for download and 100Mbps for upload.
Besides, the modem functionalities, you can use this device as a router on the 802.11ac technology. This means the router can support total bandwidth of 1.9GHz broken down into 1.3Gps on the 5GHz channel and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz channel. The best part is the router can bond on both channels meaning you can get the provided bandwidth of 1.9Gbps. If you are wondering which channel to go with, it operates in this way. The 5GHz has more bandwidth but it is shorter while the 2.4GHz has less bandwidth but is longer. The 2.4GHz ensures you do not get a dropped connection while the 5GHz is ideal when you require a lot of bandwidth for streaming.
The Linksys CG7500 uses a Puma 6 chipset that is ideal for cable filtering. This means you get a clear signal as it is cleaned by the chipset. This filtering works well when you are using old cables or live in rural areas where reception is not that good. The only downside to the router/modem is that it seems not to have some latest router technologies like MIMO which would have helped in creating multiple networks. With the technology heavy users do not necessarily slow down the network.
Linksys CM3024
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more; Requires Cable...
- Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
If you are looking for the option of a modem for Xfinity from Linksys you can also try out the Linksys CM3024. Since this is a modem only option without a router, this model is inexpensive. The modem will support download and upload speeds of up to 960Mbps. This is quite adequate for supporting high bandwidth video streaming, browsing and downloading. The modem supports 24 channels for download and 8 for uploads.
Conclusion
When you get connected to a ISP provider you get the option of renting out a modem/router from the service provider or purchasing your own equipment. Most ISPs companies charge a rental fee of $10 to rent modems/routers. When you do the math of rental then it makes more sense to purchase your own router. However, not all routers are compatible with the ISP. In the case of Xfinity one great router/modem you can purchase from Linksys that offers compatibility is the CG7500. The unit operates as both a modem and router.
FAQ
How do I know that a router/modem is Xfinity compatible?
The first thing is to check the router model number that is often printed on the back of the device. You can then head to the Comcast Xfinity website for a list of compatible devices under their My Device Info section.
Is it cheaper to rent or purchase modem/router for internet?
The decision will vary on how long you plan to be with the service provider. If it is for a short time then renting may make more economical sense to you, however, if you plan on being with the service provider for the long term and are going to need the router for multiple connections then purchase your own.
