Xfinity Modem and Router Setup

Comcast offers Xfinity subscribers a wide range of modems and routers depending on your local market. Comcast can supply you with a modem and router combo if you need wireless capabilities, or just a cable modem if you already own a router. If your residence is already wired for cable TV, installing your modem consists of connecting your modem to a cable and power outlet, and then connecting your computer to the wireless network or by Ethernet cable.

If you've received a self-install kit from Comcast for Xfinity services, your first step is to connect the modem and router to your cable TV outlet. The installation kit should have come with coaxial cable. Connect one end of the cable to your cable TV coax outlet and the other to the cable connector on the back of your modem or gateway. Once complete, plug the modem into a power outlet using the supplied power adapter. The modem should turn on and attempt to sync with the Xfinity network. The "Online" light on the front of the device illuminates once your modem has connected.

You have the option of connecting your computers by Ethernet cord or wirelessly depending on the modem or router supplied to you by Comcast. If you are only using one computer to connect to the Internet and it's located close to the cable modem, you can connect using the Ethernet cord supplied in your Xfinity self-install kit. If you are connecting multiple computers and Internet-connected devices, use a combination of Ethernet and wireless connections. You can choose to connect all devices wirelessly, as well.

Xfinity modem and router combo devices come with a preset network name and password. You'll find this information located on a sticker on the bottom of your device. The Network Name, or SSID, will be the first field on the label. When searching for wireless networks on your computer, ensure you are connecting to the correct SSID. Once connected, you'll be prompted to enter the network key, also found on the label on the bottom of your device. Enter this information on any device you want to connect to the wireless network. Any computers you connect by Ethernet will not require a password for the connection.

If you'd like to change the name of your network and password, you can do so by logging in to "http://10.0.0.1." The default username and password to log in to the router settings is "admin" for the username and "password" for the password field. Once logged in, you can change your network's SSID and password. This overrides the default network name and password found on the bottom label of your router. If you forget your network password in the future, you'll have to complete a factory reset to return to the default settings.

If you don't already subscribe to Xfinity services and your home is not prewired for cable TV, Comcast may need to send a technician to your home to connect you. Check with Comcast directly to see if this applies to you before ordering a self-install kit.