Cable modem replacement

[JAGGUY]

So Charter lets me know that my modem lease rate is going up $2 a month. I have payed for the modem many times over so I want to buy one to replace what I have.
If I get the exact same modem that I have can I just change it out or do I need to program it to work?
I'm not good at making this kind of thing work unless it's plug & play.
Thanks for any help.

[rogers017]

If its the exact same modem than you should be gtg. If you get a different model, installing drivers is easy. Follow the instructions, put the cd in when you need to. Practically does everything else by itself.

Oh you will need to call your cable company and give them the MAC address on the modem.

Eta: The same modem might still need the drivers installed, the new modem might be a different version of software.

[JAGGUY]

OK, what is the MAC address and where do I find it?
Thanks....

[G1500]

There is a sticker on the back that says MAC Address. You cant miss it.

Here is an example, it is the HFC MAC address at the very bottom, ignore the red outlined item.

[Riflelover]

When you purchase it you will need to take your old one back to charter then they will give you a phone number to call. Pretty much just set up your new modem according to the instructions provided, then call charter with your mac #. Easy process, its what I did to avoid their stupid lease scam.

[G1500]

Installing new modem:

1. Remove from packaging
2. Screw in coax cable
3. Plug in AC power
4. Plug in patch cord from modem to router/device
5. ????
6. Profit

[ChrisTKHarris]

If it's a MODEM you won't need to do anything but plug and play. If it's a new router you will need to set it up. Most routers are very easy with step by step on screen instructions.

[altxf4]

Not to threadjack, but sort of pertinent to the op. Is it worth it to get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem...any ISP using 3.0 yet? I think all current modems support at least DOCSIS 2.0.

I have a Linksys BEFCMU10 Ver. 4 and I love it.

[sd_shooter]

Buying your equipment is a great idea. I have a Motorola Surfboard and got it before signing up for Cox here in SD.

Same thing applies for cable, satellite TV, DVRs. There's always a way to buy the box and avoid the monthly fees.

[high_revs]

weird... i had an original cable modem i bought and the installer had to call it in to get it recognized/setup on comcast network. i took comcast digital voice as part of a heavily discounted package and installer (again) had to call comcast to setup the modem on the network. i stopped digital voice, returned the modem unit to comast, and put my original modem back and i called comcast to let them know.

the sequence of events above tell me it's not quite plug-n-play. have to get the modem recognized to be on their network, unlike a dsl modem. so that means at least a phone call to charter to let them know you're switching modems. supposedly, comcast knows when i disconnect my modem/power-off as there might be monitoring behind it.

[JAGGUY]

Lots of great information, thanks!

One way or the other I will get this done.

-greg

[G1500]

weird... i had an original cable modem i bought and the installer had to call it in to get it recognized/setup on comcast network. i took comcast digital voice as part of a heavily discounted package and installer (again) had to call comcast to setup the modem on the network. i stopped digital voice, returned the modem unit to comast, and put my original modem back and i called comcast to let them know.

the sequence of events above tell me it's not quite plug-n-play. have to get the modem recognized to be on their network, unlike a dsl modem. so that means at least a phone call to charter to let them know you're switching modems. supposedly, comcast knows when i disconnect my modem/power-off as there might be monitoring behind it.

If they have your modem information, they can tell you if your modem is on or off, and whether or not it is getting a signal. They have a lot of information at their fingertips, yet they are not too bright when it comes to actually using it.

[altxf4]

weird... i had an original cable modem i bought and the installer had to call it in to get it recognized/setup on comcast network. i took comcast digital voice as part of a heavily discounted package and installer (again) had to call comcast to setup the modem on the network. i stopped digital voice, returned the modem unit to comast, and put my original modem back and i called comcast to let them know.

the sequence of events above tell me it's not quite plug-n-play. have to get the modem recognized to be on their network, unlike a dsl modem. so that means at least a phone call to charter to let them know you're switching modems. supposedly, comcast knows when i disconnect my modem/power-off as there might be monitoring behind it.

Yeah you generally have to call your ISP to give them the MAC, or sometimes after the switch they will but you in a "walled garden" where you can enter in your MAC, and register the modem there...although it is most of the time not successful.