If fiber is a option in your area I would upgrade ASAP. As for installation, if it's FTTH they would install a ONT which handles the fiber to ethernet conversion. Then you can either rent their gateway or use any stand alone router. Modem/router combo(except the ones Cox use specailly) won't work with fiber.
So yea, kind of shady to require a upgrade for downgrade but perhaps it's a blessing in disguise.
PS. Does anyone know HOW a gateway like the Technicolor CGM4331 can work with fiber? It seems to use a ethernet connection to a LAN port but does that work WAN wise? Does it use a special config. file custom to fiber?
so I have and Orbi combo - are you saying it wouldn’t work with the Fiber Optic?
Orbi combo
Nope, won't work. Requires a router with a WAN port. You are probably better off with a stand alone router too because then you can control the firmware.
I've read subscribers with an ONT are also renting the coaxial-d Panoramic modem/router. How are they connecting this rented combo device to the ONT...via coaxial or LAN port?.
via coaxial or LAN port?.
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable into the designated port on the Panoramic Wifi Gateway. The port varies based on the gateway version, so use your gateway color listed below to determine the port.
As for how it works, I have no idea. Maybe a special config. file on the gateway that routes the coaxial WAN port to the ethernet LAN port? It's something special that doesn't work on other modem/router combos.
