The Xfinity hotspot is an open WiFi signal, no WiFi security. But it goes to a login page where you then have to provide your Xfinity user name and password. I have no idea what IP address is attached to it. One huge reason I purchased my own modern and router is to have 100% control.
My cable box is provided by Spectrum and I use their Arris TG862 as the combo modem/router.
@Caledon Ken
I have one as a paid add on to my subscription to Bitdefender Total Security which is compatible with all my computer devices, Phones & Tablets.
I also have a hardware VPN Solution, from, Liberty Shield which provides me with a seperate router attached to my main router, this is used to protect data going to and from Smart TV's, Media Centres and Set Top Boxes etc. It is also bringing out individual apps for Windows Mac, IOS Android, Fire TV & Android TV, even MAG STBs so my replace the Bitdefender when that runs out at the end of 2020, unless I keep the Bitdefender VPN for work
Hmm...
I see in some of these posts, that it can be circumvented via a software tweak - That's great!
Unfortunately, not the "freebie" routers that I have been exposed to.
Once reset, they are provisioned back with no entry into the area of the router to enable sharing.
FWIW.
Thanks. When I Googled Spectrum Free Wifi there are some services offered.
I think the best approach is for you to call Spectrum and ask them if their router, as configured today, provides WIFI access to other Spectrum clients as a WIFI hotspot or does it only supply services to your residence.
I would ensure you get a clear, concise answer, these folks are trained in double speak.
With this information you can then decide if you want to leave the WIFI on or even if you wish to put their router into "Bridge" mode.
Maybe this question would help you decide.
If you are creating this mesh with your Asus routers how do you see using the wired or wireless connections on the Spectrum router. If you don't have a good use case throw it into Bridge mode and concentrate on your mesh.
(Thanks Nigel ( @Barman58 )on VPN info. I think this is where I have to go next, that is VPN. Just bought a one year license with Malwarebytes)
I did setup a Asus Mesh system with two of there units designed to form such a system. Currently, it hasn't given me what I was told that it would. I am providing info on this system to Asus and for the last couple of days, I have received request from them regarding this system. They have stated that they are going through this info to determine why my system, which the node is 36 ft. from the master, is not working as it should.
Therefore, my cable system WiFI, at times, performs with a stronger signal.
I also installed a range extender which I can see is alive, but I have not received any benefit to the overall performance to my household WiFi system. Recently, there was an upgrade to the firmware, which installed over WiFI without a problem, so it must be alive and still does not provide any benefit.
In short, until the people at Asus can help me make this Mesh system work, I don't think it would be a good idea to cut off the WiFI that I also receive from Spectrum.
My original question still stands and still looking for an answer which is am I better off putting the cable modem/router in Bridge mode or not and what are the advantages or disadvantages in doing this>
@cyclone3211 -
I prefer discrete components if at all possible.
Your ISP may or may not let you into the modem/router configuration settings.
AFAIK, Bridge mode will only work if you’re using a single Wifi device. If you’re creating a mesh network with multiple devices, your router or primary Wifi point cannot be in Bridge mode.
I do have the password to get into the cable modem/router. I thought that if I were to bridge that it would turn the unit into a modem only. That if doing this would be a benefit. Is my understanding of doing a bridge in the cable companies unit to turn it into a modem only not correct?
Putting the modem/router in bridge mode will disable the router functions and should also turn off it's WiFi. It should be in bridge mode in your setup. One big reason is the WiFi signal from the modem/router being in very close proximity to your Asus router/WiFi access point is likely interfering with it. The less WiFi signals you have floating around, the better the remaining WiFi signals will work. You should do a WiFi survey using an app such as Netgear WiFi Analytics for Android (not sure if IOS version is available). That will display the WiFi signals and channels in the area and then you set your router to use the clearest and cleanest channel.
Are you suggesting that I disable the cable WiFi which I can. Then the only WiFi that I would be betting is from my Asus Router. What do you suggest?
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