Switching to Cable

[strat1219]

I am going to be transitioning to cable internet soon, I have a pretty good grasp, just want to make sure of some things.

We are looking at 26Mbps, provider will be COX. They offer 50Mbps which I will upgrade to if I decide I need the bandwidth. I have been researching DOCSIS, and the word on the street (the Best Buy guy trying to make a sale) was that COX is still distributing DOCSIS 2.0 modems. So, I have been looking online at DOCSIS 3.0 modems and for any kind of explanation of the speed of different modems, and the documentation seemes littered with verbiage.

Anyway, I will be calling later today and I guess I need to know what questions I need to ask the rep to ensure that I purchase the best hardware for the best speed possible with the service I am paying for.

[Urbanfox]

Just let them handle it.

All you need to worry about is once it's set up that you get the speed you were sold. If not, support ticket.

(I'm assuming they provide the modem; most places provide a combo modem & 10/100/1000 router combo with speeds that high)

[strat1219]

They make users rent it or buy one from them. So again, Id rather not buy overpriced, outdated hardware from them when I can use my own instead. I have this feeling that they will sell me one running DOCSIS 2.0 and then when I call and complain about speed they will say "Well, you need a modem with DOCSIS 3, which we dont sell..."

I am weary when it comes to ISPs.

[WordMasterRice]

You are better off renting one from them. The price does add up quickly, but they also have a tendency to die. Better off having them on the hook rather than you.

[strat1219]

Originally Posted by WordMasterRice

You are better off renting one from them. The price does add up quickly, but they also have a tendency to die. Better off having them on the hook rather than you.

Alright, thanks man, point noted.

I would still like some feedback on the modem options available, if anyone is in the know. If not, no worries, I will just ask more questions on the phone with some rep who is really just as in the dark as I am.

[species8472]

Originally Posted by strat1219

Alright, thanks man, point noted.

I would still like some feedback on the modem options available, if anyone is in the know. If not, no worries, I will just ask more questions on the phone with some rep who is really just as in the dark as I am.

You might start with asking cox if they have a reccomended/supported modem list.

Additional Comment:

Here's their supported device list:

http://ww2.cox.com/residential/sandi...-000000000000}

[Dholby5150]

Depends on where you are. Here in San Diego North county we have had 3.0 for a couple years. I know southern OC has it as well. They have had it for more than 3 years.
I have been running a Motorola Docsis 3.0 for 2 years.

From what I have read you can see a 4x speed increase. Not that you will ever get that speed advertised from anyone right now. I bought the modem just to have the latest tech out there. It's been very reliable.

I would say go with the docsis 3.0. Stay away from brands like zoom.

Hope someone else can give you more info on here.

[strat1219]

Originally Posted by species8472

You might start with asking cox if they have a reccomended/supported modem list.

Additional Comment:

Here's their supported device list:

http://ww2.cox.com/residential/sandi...-000000000000}

Oh, nice! Thanks man.

[ZJChaser]

You "should" get a 3.0 modem from them if you get the 26meg plan. On residential accounts you are allowed to use your own approved modem from the list. On their business plans you have to use their provided modem. They provided me a Cisco docsis 3 modem with my 25/2 plan. I pull steady 30meg+ on it.

[strat1219]

Originally Posted by ZJChaser

You "should" get a 3.0 modem from them if you get the 26meg plan. On residential accounts you are allowed to use your own approved modem from the list. On their business plans you have to use their provided modem. They provided me a Cisco docsis 3 modem with my 25/2 plan. I pull steady 30meg+ on it.

I called and asked last night, and they "allow you to purchase a discounted docsis 2.0" modem for the 26meg plan. "Discounted" to the tune of $65, so I am just going to spring for my own. Probably end up picking the motorola docsis 3 one up from best buy.

[ZJChaser]

Ya in that case get your own for sure

[hostage67]

Once you get your new cable I also suggest running a few tests just to confirm what you are actually getting...

1. Speedtest - This should give you the overall upload and download speeds. I use www.speedtest.net, keep in mind that some servers are limited in speed so you may need to try several before finding a good one (keep to the ones nearby).

2. Jitter - The jitter test is basically looking for any delays between sending packets. Ideally you want a 0 jitter returned, if you get a lot of jitter it will drastically impact your performance, particularly in gaming.

3. Pingplotter - I found this useful tool a while back and has helped me to get my ISP functioning well. This gives a graph that can be used to track each jump to a specific address. They have a free trial on their standard version for something like 30 days. Very useful, will show you information that none of the other tests can track as they are all short term tests. This tool can be used to monitor for days if needed.

These tools are all useful for providing hard information to your ISP if you are having issues with your connection. I have a killer internet connection that registered extremely well on all of the normal tests (speed, jitter etc...) but I was still getting regular lag spikes every few minutes in games. In my search for some way to figure out what was going on I ran across pingplotter. This gave me the evidence and information necessary to take back to my ISP to track down the issues. My internet is now not only fast, but completely lag free. Calling them up and saying you have lag issues doesn't really help them in any way, tracking this stuff down is extremely difficult. But using pingplotter they can see exactly when the lag spikes occurred and check logs (to the second) to figure out what was happening at the time. Calling them up and saying you have a lag issue will most likely result in absolutely nothing happening. But contact them and give them a visual graph not only proving the issue exists, but giving them an exact timeline for the issues results in them being able to identify and resolve the issues.

[strat1219]

Originally Posted by hostage67

Once you get your new cable I also suggest running a few tests just to confirm what you are actually getting...

Oh, I planned on it. I have record of a rep telling me I will get listed speed or higher at all times... we will see how that goes.

Should be setting up later today. Ill post with some results of whatever I end up with.

Additional Comment:

Update:

I ended up getting the docsis 3 surfboard by motorola.

Speeds are about what I am supposed to be getting. Speed tests dont seem accurate as they read about 78Mb, which is not correct, but downloads are about 21-22 which is what im paying for. Pings have been super low, ~45ms, which is an improvement for me. I didnt try the jitter test, but I havent noticed any issue in gaming!