| Q1. Do I have to download Comcast Software to use the Comcast
Network? No, you do not. You can use any browser, mail client, FTP client, or
other software, that you want to use, as long as that software does not place you in
violation of the Terms of Service (TOS.) Essentially, this means that your software
does not offer database, web, or other public services to the internet.
Comcast does recommend the download of their HSI software. Comcast says that the
customer will not be able to take full advantage of the service without it. This
would include the Comcast support utility that is part of the service.
It is clear that some Forum members do not like the software, do not load it, and have
no hesitation about advising others to not load it. We have no way of ascertaining
what percentage of the whole that constitutes. It should be obvious that people who
use the software without problem would have little reason to comment on that point in the
Forum. You should weigh these facts when making your own decision.
In most cases, when this question is asked in the CompuClues Forums,
the response by other members is always to not load software. Members who might say,
"go ahead and load the software" could possibly be detered from making that
statement or not. Again, we have no figures on this. You should make your own
decision. On the other hand, if you were not already inclined to not load the
software, you probably wouldn't be asking the question. So here's the answer: you do
not have to download the Comcast software and use it. Most relatively recent
browsers and mail clients should work. As far as we can tell, members who have not
loaded the software, do not feel that they have reduced service. If you have a
question about a specific program that you wish to use instead, one of our members may
already be using it and can tell you how it works for them. If you have loaded the
software, one of our members may also have loaded the software and can tell you how it
works for them.
Further discussion on this topic is not appropriate to this FAQ
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Q2. Can I get a fixed IP address with a Comcast Account?
Not with Comcast residential grade service. On the other hand, the IP address you
get will probably be somewhat stable, particularly if you employ a CM (cable modem) and
host (a DHCP client) that you never turn off. For many of us, that DHCP client that
never gets turned off is a router with a firewall of some sort.
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Q3. Why does my "speed of access" seem to drop during
peak usage hours?
Comcast blames bottlenecks on "the Internet." Considering that many
members have seen better performance with other cable network implementations, it's
possible that the bottleneck could be Comcast equipment or Comcast's connections to the
Internet. It's clear from the Comcast response that Comcast doesn't want to claim
responsibility for this. CompuClues Forums and its members have no way, at present,
of determining what the true root cause of this problem is, nor do we have any suggestions
on how it can or should be improved. (February 20, 2003: This response remains
generally the same, but the following comments are notable. While some members can
notice a slow-down during "rush hours", others do not. One or two people
have reported severe problems in the last 5 months, but those seem to be localized.
Judging by lower forum activity for this topic, in general, accessibility during peak
usage hours seems to have improved.)
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Q4. How fast is the connection to Comcast?
An informal analysis, based on hearsay on these forums, indicates that this varies.
It appears that the reliable readable "speed" is 900 kbps to 1200 kbps
for a norm (See update at the bottom of this question for 1500 kbps.)
Anything slower should get the somewhat immediate attention of Comcast following your call
to support.
In various Comcast documents, it seems that Comcast will not commit to a low speed
though the low threshold appears to be above ISDN (128 kbps.) Comcast often promises
"better than DSL" (640 kbps), and often advertises "50 times 28.8k"
(1440 kbps) which is expressed as "1500k" by some technical representatives.
Prior to "transition" (Feb 28, 2002), Comcast advertising promised "50
times 56k". The non-delivery of "50 times 56k" (2800 kbps),
post-transition, is a sore point with some CompuClues Forums
members. The key phrase, employed by Comcast, when advertising 1500k, is "up
to" meaning that Comcast is only responsible for providing something unspecified
"down around." We've never heard of anybody getting a reading of 1500 kbps
on a DOCSIS modem... ...until recently (See update at the bottom of this
question.)
Some members of CompuClues
Forums have cable modem equipment that has delivered 3000 kbps to 5000 kbps in the
past--the limitation appears to not be the equipment. Mostly, the limitation to
1500 kbps is enforced by Comcast programming. The bandwidth available varies with
traffic and seems to be the result of Comcast configuration specifications for the
equipment. In general, it appears that traffic bottlenecks, in the network
configured, can be responsible for "speed" readings as low as 800 kbps.
This seems to indicate that Comcast has specified (sized) their equipment to be capable of
producing no more than the limits that they program. Readings lower than 800 kbps
should be immediately brought to the attention of Comcast, and Comcast should be doing,
for you, what is technically possible to improve that. Your threshold of acceptance
may vary.
Update (9/26/2002): Lately, over the last 2-3 months, a significant number
of CompuClues
Forums members have been reporting "speed" figures in the 1500 kbps
range. It appears that in some areas Comcast has tweaked it's performance parameters
with a resultant improvement.
Update (2/20/2003): Speed readings have varied in the last 5 months, but some of that,
at least, appears to be due to reconfiguration of the network as reported by Comcast.
Though there have been intermittant problems with connections in some areas, our
regulars are complaining about speed issues, as an ongoing problem, less.
That doesn't mean necessarily that our members like the current level, but the service
does seem to have stabilized somewhat, and we may be tired of ragging on the same old
story. Comcast reports upgrading of their equipment.
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Q5. Can I fax documents through the Comcast network?
Comcast does not operate a FAX server.
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Q6. Can I put more than one computer on my Comcast connection to
the Internet?
Yes. There are two methods of doing this.
You can employ a router that uses a single IP address to do the work of providing you
access to the internet. See the FAQ section, of a general nature, on Routers, on
this page below this section. Use of a router depending on configuration and capability
may restrict some usage of the internet (but not much), but meets the requirements of most
people needing access for more than one system. Due to the restriction on bandwidth
imposed by Comcast, using more than one system will not increase the bandwidth that you
can use. Understand that Comcast should be able to predict your approximate
bandwidth usage within a range--this is the only reasonable way that they can size their
equipment and remain profitable. If you have unusual bandwidth requirements, you
should probably be looking at either a professional account or a business account.
Another method is to order additional IP addresses from Comcast. There are limits
and charges involved with this and they could possibly change. Therefore the
quantitative information you read here could change. At this writing, you can get up
to 3 IP addresses at $6.95 per month additional charge per address per month for addresses
above the one they give you. Comcast will charge additional installation fees if a
Comcast technician comes to your residence to make this installation.
While there have been no questions about home networking services as offered by Comcast
on our forums, we are aware that Comcast was offering installation of home networking
solutions on a trial basis in some areas. As of February, 2003, Comcast was reported
to be preparing a full launch of this product, but no details were available.
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Q7. Do I need a separate access line to use both Internet and TV?
Usually not. It is remotely possible, given certain unfortunate technical
conditions that you would need either an improved physical connection or another access
line to be able to get reasonable reception for both TV and Internet. If you are
having problems, report them to Comcast.
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Q8. Can I use VPN with my Comcast Account?
Read through this whole answer. This is not clear, but the status appears to have
changed. At one time, it seemed that Comcast did not allow VPN usage on a
residential account without making an explicit statement about that, but VPN was clearly
allowed and advertised for a professional account. Roughly, you could expect to pay
about double for a professional account. Prices may vary--don't hold us to the
estimate and your total bill may depend on what other services you purchase from Comcast.
We quote here the latest statement that we have from Comcast: "Comcast allows
customers to utilize VPN software in accordance with our Acceptable Use Policy and other
terms of service; however, we do not provide technical support for them. To
get support, please contact your software company's system administrator." We
interpret this to mean that you can use VPN with your Comcast Account. If you have
any questions about this, we, also, suggest you approach your company's system
administrator.
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Q9. Can I use video conferencing with my Comcast Account?
Yes.
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Q10. Can I operate a web server on a Comcast Account connection?
No. At least not on a residential or professional account. Comcast's Business division
can sell you a business account that will allow you to run a server.
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Q11. Can I configure and program my own cable modem?
Not by the TOS (terms of service) imposed by Comcast (and every other cable company.)
In general, a DOCSIS compliant modem doesn't allow this.
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Q12. Should I buy or rent a Cable modem?
This is pretty much a question about preference, cost, troubleshooting, maintenance,
and your level of confidence. There hasn't been much input on this from the members
of CompuClues
Forums. Recent changes in rates, however, may make renting a more viable option
than it once was. People who tend to change jobs and living accomodations frequently
have a high incentive to rent. This answer to this question really depends on the
current market. Clearly, Comcast has buying power and will buy the same modem you
can buy at lower cost, and will attempt to make a profit on the margin. To gain that
buying power, they may or may not have to make an agreement to not sell below some
determined market average. You don't know and we don't know either. Comcast
also gains an advantage by being able to standardize a large portion of their support.
Please note that no static document, such as this, can make a recommendation based
on any criteria--this industry moves too fast. You should do the research and get
the numbers when acquisition time rolls around for you.
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Q13. Which is better to use, a cable modem that connects through
a NIC, or a cable modem that connects through a USB port?
The consensus is that a NIC (network interface card) interface is more reliable, less
problematic, more portable across most operating systems, more common, and easier to
troubleshoot if the interface becomes a problem. The NIC and cable modem, combined,
are also less expensive than cable modems with a USB (Universal Serial Bus)
interface.
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