Comcast has started the project of swapping out home Wi-Fi routers and replacing them with ones that can double as public hotspots. As of June the company has already done this to 3 million home devices and plans on converting another 5 million before the end of the year. As of now this project has spread across the United States. Boston, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle are just a few of the cities expected to have new Comcast home routers installed. Although some may have their doubts, representatives from Comcast insist that families shouldn’t experience any conflict resulting from this update. They also offer an opt out policy where, at the customer’s request, they will deactivate the public hotspot router.
Security:
Each of the new routers has two separate antennae so people can’t gain access to your personal network. The hotspot has its own network and antenna. The strength of the router will stay the same, people will have to be inside your home or business to access the network. Everyone using the hotspot must sign in with his or her own Xfinity account.
Connection Speed:
Since each network has its own antenna, people using the hotspot wont slow down your personal Internet connection. The private network will continue to run at 25 megabits per second while the hotspot will run at 15 and will only support five people using it at one time.
Benefit of Updated Comcast Home Routers:
If you have an Xfinity account with Comcast you can register your devices and be continuously connected no matter your location. Whether you are waiting in the lobby at the doctor’s office, or at your friend’s house watching the game you no longer need to ask for the passwords to connect to the internet.
Disadvantage of Updated Comcast Home Routers:
When you add another access point to the network there is always an increase in security risk. While Comcast is opening up an access point for people to use the Internet, they are also opening an access point to network hackers. Even though Comcast is sure in their security measures, there’s always a chance.
Is this advancement in router technology something you would take advantage of?
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/16/technology/security/comcast-wifi-hotspot/