Trying to get internet at new apartment.

[Krynn72]

So this is more a case of me being inexperienced with this stuff than something not working right. Basically I just moved into a new apartment, which has basic cable included in rent from Comcast, but not internet. I've been trying to set up internet here for a week and a half now, but Comcast is being terrible with their customer service, as usual.

So right now I'm scheduled to have a tech come over to do the "installation" on Thursday, but I would like to avoid as much interaction with Comcast as possible, and maybe save me that installation fee. I figured that since I already have some kind of cable coming in for my tv, the line must already be active, right? So I hooked up my splitter to the coax from the wall, and connected the other end to my modem/router. All the indicator lights on it come on and blink for a few seconds until they become steady.

I connect my laptop to the WiFi and Windows says I'm connected and have internet access. I can successfully ping websites, but I can't browse or connect with things like steam or Skype. Same thing when I connect my desktop via Ethernet, and when I connect my ps3 it fails the internet connectivity test. I feel like I'm really close to being able to cancel that appointment, but am missing one step that I'm just not aware of since I'm not familiar with doing this kind of stuff. I'm going someone can point me in the right direction, or let me know if I even can do this. Thanks in advance!

 

[Markverhyden]

Generally speaking ISP's allow third party modems. You need to go to Comcast's site and see what is allowed for compatible modems. You then need to register the MAC address of the modem with Comcast.

DOCSIS Devices

 

[Krynn72]

I've got the NetGear c3000 which is on that list. I just call them to resister the Mac address? Do I just call the normal phone number?

 

[Markverhyden]

I've got the NetGear c3000 which is on that list. I just call them to resister the Mac address? Do I just call the normal phone number?

From what I have seen just the regular support number. Tell them that you are using your own modem and it's on the accepted list.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I have no idea about Comcast but around here the two local Cable companies that I deal with will not activate your line until you hit a special in house registration page first. CableONE will redirect you on any web attempt but Suddenlink just sits at blank pages until you try the proper IP address which is different depending on what part of town you connect to. Gotta have tech support help to get there.

 

[Krynn72]

Guess I will have to just let their tech figure it out. Tried calling them and they said they've never had anyone order service from this location so there's no active drop here. Strange considering there's an xfinity box I can get tv from already set up lol. Maybe my landlord is doing something sketchy to get that cable to me oh well guess I'll have to wait and pay that fee :-(

 

[cypress]

Did you get their self install kit? After installing it, you can either activate online or call them. I setup a couple for some clients of mine. One I was able to do online just fine and the other I had to call in and had to add them modem in manually. The modems the client used were the all in one gateway. Although I had advised against it they wanted to use it, oh well lol.

Comcast can be a pain, but if you already have cable tv service then you should be able to save yourself the $40 or so and do it yourself.

 

[Markverhyden]

Guess I will have to just let their tech figure it out. Tried calling them and they said they've never had anyone order service from this location so there's no active drop here. Strange considering there's an xfinity box I can get tv from already set up lol. Maybe my landlord is doing something sketchy to get that cable to me oh well guess I'll have to wait and pay that fee :-(

Ahhh.... An apartment complex. I've been to a few large complexes in my area where Comcast was the sole provider. Turns out they have a "corporate" contract. Calling regular support does not work.

And on a side note Rory just won the PGA!

 

[layoric]

My vote as well for registering the mac. If it's what they sent, that should already be done, however.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Yes, when we had charter, it seemed like if you even got a new modem/router you had to call them to provision it. It seems like it happened when I would buy my own routers to hook to their modem. I got around that issue by just cloning the IP address to the computer's IP. But yeah, call them tell them you've got everything hooked up and just need it provisioned, they should be able to get the mac address and activate it.