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1. Basic Comcast things·Can the cable modem work on any cable jack in the house?
·Can I connect to VPN using my service?
·Can I run servers (FTP, e-mail, etc) using my service?
·Does Comcast block service to any websites?
·How can I find my Local Payment Center?
·How can I find out if Comcast is available to me?
·How can I limit disclosure of my name and address by Comcast?
·How can I obtain a Comcast HSI Self Install Kit?
·How do I access the My Account?
·Official FAQs for Comcast HSI?
·What are the actual Provisioned Speeds?
·What comes in the Comcast Self Install Kit?
·What is Comcast's Walled Garden?
·What is PowerBoost?
·What is the email address for Comcast Support?
·What operating systems does Comcast support?
·Why does the light on my modem blink all the time?
·Why does uploading slow my connection?
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Yes; any active cable jack will work with your cable modem providing it has acceptable signal levels. See this FAQ: Signal Levels
Note: Depending on how many splitters are installed, some cable jacks will not have acceptable signal levels due to the number of times it is split.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by Damien21  edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:33:58 |
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Comcast now allows the use of VPN on all of the connection tier plans.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:34:38 |
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According to the Terms of Service, you cannot run a server on any Comcast residential account for the purpose of external usage. This includes FTP, HTTP, POP3/SMTP, telnet or any other service that users can access via the Internet.
You may set up any server you wish for your LAN.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by draven edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:34:13 |
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No; Comcast does not block or censor any webpages. The site you are trying to visit may be down, or have possible DNS issues. Your firewall or HOSTS file may also be blocking access to the site.
To access the HOSTS file browse to this location in Windows Explorer:
For Windows XP: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
For Windows 2K: C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
For Win 98\ME : C:\WINDOWS
You can look at the HOSTS file in Notepad and see if the website you were trying to visit is listed. If so, erase that entry (you may want to erase the whole file if a program loaded a bogus HOSTS file) and save it in Notepad. You should then be able to view the website.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:35:02 |
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From the Comcast.com home page:
1) Enter Username (your e-mail address) & Password / Click "Sign In"
You will be directed to "Manage My Account"
2) Hover over "Customers" and click "Payment Centers".
That will direct you to "Find a Payment Center"
Without signing in, you can also click this direct link to go to: Looking for Products and Prices
1) Enter your Street Address and Zip Code in the boxes.
2) Hover over "Customers" and click "Payment Centers".
That will direct you to "Find a Payment Center"
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by oldTDNickell edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:35:19 |
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Go to Residential Products
Choose the service you are interested in and see if it's available.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:35:32 |
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Call 1-800-COMCAST to opt in or opt out of receiving other promotional information and material from or on behalf of Comcast, and to prohibit or limit Comcast's disclosure of your name and address as discussed in the Information Use and Disclosure section of the Privacy Policy.
Source: http://www.comcast.net/privacy/#choice
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by nozero edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:35:48 |
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A. The Comcast HSI Self Install Kit may be obtained from many different sources. If you would like one delivered to your door, simply call 1-888-COMCAST and they will be happy to ship one to you. Or, you may pick one up at a local Comcast Payment Center. Sign in to »www.comcast.com to find your local Payment Center. Additionally, Comcast has teamed with many retail outlets both national and locally. Their national retail partners include Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Ritz Camera and Wireless Retailers. Check with stores for availability.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by oldTDNickell edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:36:13 |
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To get on "My Account" to add or change e-mail accounts, set up newsgroups, and customize the portal of comcast.net
• Go to: www.comcast.net and log in as the primary account.
• Click on "My Account"( it may ask you to sign in again). You will see all of the options for your account there. If you are on the primary account, you can add e-mail addresses, newsgroup support, and web sharing.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:36:28 |
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Comcast maintains FAQs at Comcast.net. To visit the often updated site click: Help & Support.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-02 09:15:56 |
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There are Ten current HSI tiers.
These are the Advertised Rates of service as follows:
Economy: 768 kbps / 384 kbps
Performance Lite: 4000 kbps / 384 kbps ( Soon to be eliminated )
Performance: 6000 kbps / 384 kbps ( Soon to be eliminated )
Performance Plus: 8000 kbps / 768 kbps ( Soon to be eliminated )
Select areas
*Performance: 6000 kbps / 1000 kbps ( Is being upgraded to 12000/2000 )
*Performance Plus: 8000 kbps / 2000 kbps ( Is being upgraded to 16000/2000 )
Performance: 12000 kbps / 2000 kbps ( New Upgrade )
Blast!: 16000 kbps / 2000 kbps
Ultra: 22000 kbps / 5000 kbps ( DOCSIS 3.0 tier )
Extreme: 50000 kbps / 10000 kbps ( DOCSIS 3.0 tier )
The Provisioned Rates which are the overhead/caps are as follows:
768 kbps / 384 kbps
Downstream: 844.80 kbps
Upstream: 384 kbps
This translates into about 105.6 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 48 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
4000 kbps / 384 kbps
Downstream: 4400 kbps
Upstream: 384 kbps
This translates into about 550 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 48 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
6000 kbps / 384 kbps
Downstream: 6600 kbps
Upstream: 384 kbps
This translates into about 825 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 48 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
*6000 kbps / 1000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 6600 kbps
Upstream: 1100 kbps
This translates into about 825 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 137.50 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
8000 kbps / 768 kbps
Downstream: 8800 kbps
Upstream: 768 kbps
This translates into about 1100 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 96 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
*8000 kbps / 2000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 8800 kbps
Upstream: 2200 kbps
This translates into about 1100 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 275 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
12000 kbps / 2000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 13200 kbps
Upstream: 2200 kbps
This translates into about 1650 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 275 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
16000 kbps / 2000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 17600 kbps
Upstream: 2200 kbps
This translates into about 2200 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 275 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
22000 kbps / 5000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 24200 kbps
Upstream: 5500 kbps
This translates into about 3025 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 687.5 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
50000 kbps / 10000 kbps (Select areas)
Downstream: 55000 kbps
Upstream: 11000 kbps
This translates into about 6875 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are downloading and about 1375 KB/sec maximum transfer rate when you are uploading.
*These provisioned rates do not reflect PowerBoost
*Acceptable download/upload speeds by opinion are 80% of your advertised rates.
*Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed.
*If you are running a home network, keep in mind that this bandwidth is shared amongst each computer. A computer accessing the home network at the same time as another computer, will not get the full bandwidth. It will be distributed between the computers.
Note:
B = Bytes
b = bits
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-15 11:54:08 |
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The Self-Install Kit includes the following:
• Welcome Kit envelope
• Cable splitter
• 3-foot coaxial cable(to go from the cable outlet to the splitter)
• 25-foot coaxial cable to go between the splitter and your modem
• Nail-in cable clips to secure the cable to the wall
• 5-foot Cat-5E (Category 5,Enhanced) cable to go between your cable modem and your computer's Ethernet port
The Welcome Kit envelope contains these items:
• Easy-to-follow three-step guide to connecting your system
• Welcome letter from Comcast
• Comcast HSI Install Wizard CD
• Comcast HSI Subscriber Agreement
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by oldTDNickell edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:37:18 |
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A "Walled Garden" refers to a browsing environment that controls the information and Web sites the user is able to access. Comcast will provide the walledgarden.cfg file to your modem until the system has validated it thru a process called provisioning. With that configuration, the system restricts your ability to access other resources.
What is Provisioning for a cable modem
Comcast Cable Internet uses the MAC number of the cable modem to identify the user to the system. This means that no password or login is required. To tell Comcast that a particular modem is for your account, the Comcast system must be told about your modem, so that the modem can be served by the cable system. The cable system will download a configuration file to your modem based on the class of service you are subscribed to. See Cable Modem Provisioning FAQ.
This will need to be done if you are a new customer, or if you switch to a different modem. If you have a deluxe install, the installer normally does this for you.
How does DNS spoofing work?
Through the use of DNS spoofing when you open up Internet Explorer (if your modem has the walledgarden.cfg file) it will take you to the registration page. To the customer the `walled garden' is a page with a bold header "Account Information Not Found" it will then tell you to either use the latest CD or click HERE to download the software. walled garden:
DNS stands for Domain Name Service; this service is a critical part of how the Internet operates. Without it, it would be much harder to `surf' the web. DNS resolves hostnames like dslreports.com or google.com into an IP (Internet Protocol) address in which the web server is located so you can view the page. For example to reach Google you can go to either www.google.com (using DNS) or go to the IP address of Google 216.239.39.99/ (without DNS). DNS spoofing comes into play with Comcast's new self provisioning platform. If your modem receives the `walled garden' configuration file no matter what website you type in, the DNS server will re-direct you to the Self Provisioning page. So when your homepage of google.com contacts Comcast's DNS server it will resolve to the registration page rather then Google's IP.
Can I avoid Comcast branding after provisioning? What if I don't want Comcast's branding on my comuter?
You could use a different computer, or restore your computer's state after performing the provisioning.
You will have to use the software provided if you want to register your modem yourself. As many customers dislike having their Internet Explorer or Outlook Express branded (or anything actually installed on their box) there may be an option in the future to opt out of software installs. At this point in time the actual downloading of the software and installation takes place last in the provisioning process. Although not confirmed it is rumored that you may be able to complete a successful registration by ditching the registration after you create your primary username. To remove branding from your computer you can use either of these two links in DSL report's FAQs.
»Comcast High Speed Internet »How do I remove the Comcast branding from Internet Explorer?
»/faq/11025
If you do not use a supported computer configuration, you will need to phone in.
What if installation fails?
If you are using the current software and your registration fails (yet you have a valid IP) you will need to contact Comcast's Technical support at 1-888-COMCAST (open 24/7).
What are the minimum system requirements to run the Comcast High-Speed Internet Service?
The minimum system requirements needed to run the Comcast High-Speed Internet Service are as follows:
PC Based Computers
Operating Systems: Windows 2000, XP SP2, Vista
Processor Speed: 300 MHz or higher
Memory: 256 MB
Hard Drive Space: 150 MB of available space
Input Device: CD-ROM
Ethernet: Recommended
USB Port: Optional
Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Firefox 1.0.7 or higher
Macintosh Based Computers
Operating Systems: Mac OS 10.4 and higher
Processor Speed: PowerPC G3, G4, G5 for OS 10.x
Memory: 256 MB
Hard Drive Space: 100 MB of available space
Input Device: CD-ROM
Ethernet: Recommended
USB Port: Optional
Browser: Firefox 1.0.7 or higher, Safari 2.0
If you do not meet the MSRs, the software will prompt you to upgrade existing software (Such as IE or Windows). If using an unsupported system such as Linux, you will need to contact Comcast Technical support at 1-888-COMCAST to be provisioned. In addition to the MSRs, you must be using a Comcast certified cable modem. To see a list of Comcast approved modems click here: Approved Modems
Historical notes
Comcast used to provision the modems based on a phone call to customer support. ATTBI used a provisioning system called SAS to automate the process.
The SAS provisioning system was handed down to Comcast with the purchase of ATTBI. This created two major problems with Comcast's systems. "Classic" or legacy markets were on a completely separate registration and provisioning platform from that of "new" Comcast (formerly ATTBI); this impeded Comcast from easily being able to deploy new market technology and upgrades easily. Secondly the former SAS provisioning system was un-user-friendly and had its problems.
Comcast created a new system with a project called Bedrock. The new system of self provisioning should provide better reliability and will enable Comcast to roll out new services more easily.
The information for this FAQ was originally drawn from Joebob38's 2004-09-18 post.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by StillLearn edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:37:38 |
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What is PowerBoost?
PowerBoost is a patent-pending Comcast network technology that enables you to experience faster connection speeds while you are downloading and uploading large files to the Internet. PowerBoost leverages an additional capacity that is already built into Comcast's advanced network.
How long does the PowerBoost burst last?
PowerBoost provides bursts for the first 20 MB downloading and the first 10 MB uploading of a file respectively on Comcast's 6Mbps, 8Mbps & 16 Mbps High-Speed Internet services.
Will PowerBoost work with all customers' modems?
Comcast PowerBoost technology is compatible with DOCSIS 1.1 cable modems and above. DOCSIS 1.1 cable modems have been a standard for a number of years.
Will PowerBoost increase my monthly rate?
No; PowerBoost is FREE to all 6Mbps, 8Mbps & 16 Mbps residential Comcast High-Speed Internet subscribers.
Will my eMTA work with PowerBoost?
As long as you are a 6Mbps, 8Mbps or 16 Mbps Comcast High-Speed Internet subscriber, you will have the PowerBoost enhancement. PowerBoost will work on your eMTA/CDV device just as it would on a standard DOCSIS 1.1 modem.
What happens after the PowerBoost burst?
Once the PowerBoost burst is complete, your download will continue at your normal provisioned speed of up to 6Mbps, 8Mbps or 16 Mbps.
What do I need to do to get PowerBoost?
Nothing. PowerBoost has already been deployed in your area. If you suspect that you are not getting PowerBoost, simply reset your modem by unplugging it for 60 seconds and plugging it back in.
Where is PowerBoost available?
PowerBoost is currently being deployed on a market-by-market basis.
Is PowerBoost available with the 4 Mbps service?
PowerBoost is not available with the 4 Mbps service.
How will customers know that they have experienced the PowerBoost speed enhancement?
Customers will notice an increase in speed when they are downloading and uploading large files such as software, games, music, and photos.
Will Comcast do anything for PowerBoost customers who own older modems?
For customers who lease modems from Comcast, they will swap your old modem for a newer one, free of charge.
Also, please see these threads for discussions on PowerBoost in the Comcast HSI forum:
»Post about PowerBoost and other speed increases here
»Upload PowerBoost! - See Where It's At
»[News] PowerBoost General Discussion
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by Big_D edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:37:58 |
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Send your support question or problem to: care_customer@cable.comcast.com>
You will receive a response and a unique tracking number for your support issue.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by nozero edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:38:10 |
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PC Based Computers
Windows 2000
Windows XP SP2
Vista
Macintosh Based Computers
Mac OS 10.4 and higher
Note
Many other Operating Systems will work, but are not supported by Comcast.
Just set up everything DHCP in the Network or TCP/IP control panel.
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by File Quit edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:38:26 |
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Many cable modems have an LED labeled Cable or Data. Often, this LED flashes or blinks even when your PC is idle or turned off. Legitimate network data (most often DHCP and ARP traffic) is generated by Comcast, causing this behavior. This traffic should not be cause for worry, and should not affect your bandwidth.
thanks to oldTDNickell
Definitions of terms: DHCP & ARP
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.
ARP: Address Resolution Protocol. It’s a protocol that allows the OS to associate an ip address (layer 3) with an ethernet MAC address (layer 2).
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by Big_D edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:38:39 |
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It is due to Traffic shaping algorithms: Leaky Bucket & Token Bucket implementation.
Two predominant methods for shaping traffic exist: a leaky bucket implementation and a token bucket implementation. Sometimes the leaky bucket and token bucket algorithms are mistakenly lumped together under the same name. Both these schemes have distinctly different properties and are used for distinctly different purposes [1]. They differ principally in that the leaky bucket imposes a hard limit on the data transmission rate, whereas the token bucket allows a certain amount of burstiness while imposing a limit on the average data transmission rate.
The token bucket is a control mechanism that dictates when traffic can be transmitted, based on the presence of tokens in the bucket. The token bucket contains tokens, each of which can represent a unit of bytes. The network administrator specifies how many tokens are needed to transmit however many number of bytes; when tokens are present, a flow is allowed to transmit traffic. If there are no tokens in the bucket, a flow cannot transmit its packets. Therefore, a flow can transmit traffic up to its peak burst rate if there are adequate tokens in the bucket and if the burst threshold is configured appropriately.
Further information is found here: Traffic shaping
*This FAQ is based on user knowledge from a volunteer core of BroadbandReports' members. This FAQ in no way constitutes official information from Comcast or any of its affiliates.
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by sortofageek edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-11-01 14:39:02 |
