Will I be able to use my Airport Extreme model A1143 with Xfinity's ARRIS model TG862G/CT wireless modem? If so, how? I want to keep my airport network setting if possible.

Question

Comcast has been hounding me to upgrade to their newer modem in order to obtain maximum bandwidth with changes they've made. They sent me an ARRIS Wi-Fi modem (model TG862G/CT). I was not expecting the modem to have wireless and would prefer using my Airport Extreme (model A1143). I have not attempted to connect the new ARRIS yet. Should I send the ARRIS back or is there an easy way to make use of it while keeping my Airport Extreme fully functional?

Answer 1

Thanks, I will look up "bridge mode" after I log off here. In the mean time, what if I were to simply buy the newest AE—will I still be able to use "bridge mode"? I imagine Comcast would prefer that I use their equipment and will eventually leave me no choice, but until that happens I would prefer to use Apple's AE. What is your expert take on this?
Any AE will be able to do bridge. There is actually very little difference between your ancient AE and the latest AE in terms of functionality.. Apple is minimalist.. so change can be avoided.. no need to add functions that were always missing.
I was thinking the printers are USB?? Is that incorrect.. are they wireless or ethernet? Any native network printer can be simply connected to any router.. it will perhaps be slightly easier in an Apple environment to use them on an apple router but the difference should not be huge..
USB on the other hand is tricky.. you will need to use some router that allows print serving from USB.. that still works fine whether the AE is bridged or in router mode.
Netflix is no problem either.. (assuming you are not trying to bust a geo-block).. the actual netflix login is stored in the TV.. the only security info on the AE is the wireless connection and that can be swapped to any wireless router. No biggie.. geoblocking is a biggie.. tell me if that is the case.
It is really up to you.
1. Do nothing.. let Comcast squark all they like.. they are still providing you a service you can use. They are not going to cut you off if you still keep paying the bills.
2. Change the modem for the new one they sent.. this involves a lot of network modification .. but in view of the age of the current devices.. will have to happen in the near future regardless.
3. Return the modem router and request a pure modem.. to give you as little network impact as possible. You will simply change old modem for new one. However at some point the Gen1 or 2 AE will die.. and the rest of the network will need updating.. you are putting off d-day. Modern wireless routers have come a long way since Gen1 or 2 AE.
Take your pick.. Bob says 3. I say 2 or 3. It makes little difference as at some point the network needs a refresh.