From Issue #2 , Page #15
Comcast consumers—it's your lucky day. The company recently launched Comcast Home Networking service. Not just a way to share printers, files and other peripherals, the company promises that customers will reap the benefits of a wired (actually wireless) world filled with gaming, music, streaming video and much more.
Designed as a "simple" solution, it requires no knowledge of networking jargon. "We are seeking to simplify home networking," says Jeanne Russo, director of corporate communications for Comcast Online. "Our new home networking option is designed to provide all of the benefits of a connected home, without any of the technology challenges." The service is the first home networking platform to be certified under the CableHome specification. CableHome is a CableLabs-managed initiative that provides consumers with a secure and managed residential gateway that can be connected to the cable network in a plug-and-play fashion.
The service promises enhanced speeds of up to 4 Mbps downstream and 384 Kbps upstream. The package includes a wireless home gateway device, a built-in firewall and wireless security, and gear to connect up to five devices in the home. Comcast will handle setup, troubleshooting and system management.
The service is currently available for a monthly fee of $65.95 for Comcast customers and $80.95 for non-Comcast customers. Installation rates start at $99.99, and vary based on the number of computers you want to connect.
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I'd have to say the moment i ordered this package I just went out and bought a modem and a router myself. The New modem is horrible than regular modem they offer. The modem connected to main computer at my house constantly disconects every five minutes. Plus the cable goes out and won't reconnect if you don't manualy restart the modem. Now this can get annoying becuase the Wirless portion of this deal in my opinion is very very horrible. The wirless goes out as much as the main computer does so what i had to do was constantly go to the newtwork connection and disable and enable. This would work for five minutes untill i would have to repeat t he process and if i was lucky it wouldnt have to do this for 10 minutes yay!!!. So honesty your either better off buying a modem for yourself and a router or just lease a modem from them and buy a router. Much easier to deal with then the home networking modem they offer.
I agree. This is way over priced. It seems only targeted at people who don't have the time or knowledge to figure this out on their own, but obviously have money to waste on such an over priced item. I wouldn't get it especially based on my experience with Comcast.
Why do I need this service? I already pay Comcast $42.95 for my broadband service. There's $40 home networking software available to help with my home networking, and I only have to pay for it once. I bought a product called HomeNet Manager recently at CompUSA and it works just fine, I linked four computers and a wireless gateway in under an hour. Is it just me, or does it seem unreasonable to spend nearly $800 per year for Comcast's service? Seems a little steep to me.