OK. So I finally have decided to "roll my own" cable modem because Comcast is too screwed up and for some reason cannot/will not keep my current Broadband Telephony modem in BRIDGED mode so I can do things my way via my pfSense router. I don't need any routing or WiFi functionality from the modem.
I have their Triple Play package - cable/internet/VOIP so here are my questions and concerns. I currently have the BURST level broadband speed in that package.
Question #1 -
Should I go with an all-in-one modem or should I buy a modem that will handle internet and a gateway to handle just VOIP? Please be specific in your answer and mention make/model #s so I can research properly.
I know for example that the ARRIS / Motorola SurfBoard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 is highly recommended but it does not offer telephony. It is affordable and if I could get a VOIP gateway (like the ARRIS TM602G DOCSIS 2.0) for around $50 that would be great. I would not mind having a splitter and two boxes. That is how many of the local businesses I service are setup - two boxes. An Arris broadband modem and an Arris or UBEE VOIP modem.
I have also read that the Arris TM822G Touchstone DOCSIS 3.0 is a very good performer (and I believe this was actually my old modem before it died and they gave me the new Technicolor TC830 something piece of junk). This would be perfect for me and the price is around $150 which makes it even better but I am concerned that this model is a little long in the tooth. Of course, there is the newer version - Arris TG862G DOCSIS 3.0 Residential Gateway but it is $200 and that price is a little scary for a first timer doing this.
We don't use our VOIP phone much so as long as it works, I don't think I will care or need a high end gateway.
QUESTION #2 -
Am I correct in thinking that I will be able to access the firmware of my own modem and be able to put it into bridged mode, etc. or config it as needed if necessary? Or will Comcast take it over too and install their own firmware and put me back into the same boat I am in now?
Any advice or corrections of flawed logic would be appreciated . Thanks!
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