Upgrade and purchase a new Modem
Want to purchase a new modem, seems Cox only wants me to buy the modem/router combo. Not interested. Interested in purchasing an Arris Surfboard TG1682 or TM3402 (honestly not sure which is the bet...
Forum Discussion
Cox provided modems such as the models you've mentioned are for rental only. In the unlikely event you're able to misappropriate one through one means or another, they will not activate it. You'll need to purchase a device available via retail of your choosing if you prefer to own your equipment. There are plenty of options available which are not Cox provided, see the following link for a good list:
https://www.cox.com/residential/support/cox-certified-cable-modems.html
So......buy one of the modems listed via Amazon, Best Buy, etc. etc. and Cox has no problem with that?
If so, for basic internet use - no gaming or computer streaming - which of the 2 following modems would you recommend/prefer:
Arris Surfboard TM3402 or TG1682?
Either one is better than my +/- 6 year old ArrisTouchstone CM8200?
Thanks
I prefer keeping the modem and router(s) separate. An Arris SB8200 is about $115 at Best Buy right now and is straightforward to set up and reliable. Note that it is easiest to stop by the local Cox "store" with the MAC and Serial Number, or call in with them for activation, because you can't typically install it and then run the activation remotely from your desktop. Cox won't give you any issues with the activation, and they will automatically update the firmware. Some other ISPs apparently don't do firmware upgrades to user supplied devices which is a challenge.
Really appreciate the thorough response.
It appears it will be necessary to stop by a brick and mortar store for a simple modem upgrade. In the past, have not had success trying to make changes over the phone with Cox.
Think I'm reading too much into your response - have an iMAC so taking the MAC into the store is impractical. Giving them the serial number is no problem.
"Some other ISPs apparently don't do firmware upgrades to user supplied devices which is a challenge." - forgive my ignorance but what does this mean? Some ISPs?Possible Cox could upgrade my existing modem by calling them (oooh man, another phone call to Cox).
Really appreciate all the time you have expended responding to this issue,
Bob
If you buy a 1682 or a 3402 off of amazon or Ebay, Cox will NOT allow the modem to be put online. Both of those modems are IP Phone capable and Cox doesn't allow personally owened or 3rd part phone capable modems to be activated on their network.
Thank you for the info, it is appreciated. It is also stunning info since those 2 modems were taken directly from the list of 'approved' modems provided by Cox!!!
Cox is not easy to work with....
Thanks again,
Bob
Is there a reason you keep referring back to these two options? Do you have phone service through Cox by chance? If so, a device such as the TM3402 would be a free rental, you just can't own the device. This would allow you to attach your own wifi router to distribute Internet throughout your home.
