Bring your own modem (BYOM)
Astound Broadband provides full support for Astound-supplied equipment to ensure that our services function at optimal levels; however, you may wish to bring your own modem.
In this article, learn answers to your questions about bringing your own modem and the equipment specs that apply in different scenarios.
What to know when you BYOM
Can I bring my own modem?
Broadband internet customers can bring their own modem in Astound service areas. Fiber-to-the-home or Ethernet internet customers with symmetrical speeds, learn more about symmetrical internet connection and specs.
What should I be aware of with my own modem?
DOCSIS 3.1 is compatible with all of our available speed tiers and offers optimal performance. For speed tiers above 1000 Mbps Astound recommends a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5GE port to provide a physical port that can pass more than 1000 Mbps.
Modems without a 2.5GE port are sometimes capable of passing more than 1000 Mbps across WiFi and multiple physical ports simultaneously.
If you purchase a standalone modem and separate WiFi standalone router, a 2.5GE port capable WiFi router is required to get speeds over 1000 Mbps.
Also be aware that at certain times we may provide automatic speed upgrades. If your modem is not capable of receiving the upgraded speeds, you will need to purchase a new modem to receive those speeds.
If you wish to use your own equipment, please see our minimum recommendations and also check your manufacturer’s website for technical specifications.
Please note that while some manufacturers indicate they provide and support a specific range of internet speeds, we strongly recommend certain specifications in order to receive optimal Astound Broadband internet speeds, ensure compatibility with your service and allow for future speed upgrades.
As technology evolves and network improvements are made, our recommendations could correspondingly change at any time. We may not always be able to notify you in advance of changes to these requirements, and we reserve the right to update these requirements as needed.
I am a current Internet customer. How do I switch to BYOM?
Purchase a modem from a retailer. Once you properly connect your new modem to the coax cable in your home, contact an Astound Broadband support representative at 1.800.427.8686 and let us know the MAC address from the new modem.
To avoid monthly rental charges, simply return your Astound Broadband cable modem to your closest local Astound office.
If you are unable to install the modem yourself, you will be charged a fee to have a technician professionally install the new modem and retrieve the Astound Broadband modem from your home.
Can Astound Broadband Digital Phone customers have BYOM?
Yes. Customers who use both services can bring their own modem, however, they will still need an Astound Broadband EMTA (Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter) to use Digital Phone service in addition to their BYOM compatible modem
Are there any BYOM restrictions?
Yes, there are situations in which there are technical restrictions. You are not able to use your own modem in these scenarios:
- Digital Phone customers must use an Astound Broadband EMTA for their phone service.
- Customers who reside in an Astound Broadband fiber-to-the-home or Ethernet-delivered area must use an Astound Broadband internet device.
If I no longer want BYOM service, how do I get an Astound Broadband cable modem again?
You may pick up a modem at a local Astound Broadband office or request a technician installation for an additional fee.
What type of modem should I bring?
DOCSIS 3.1
- Compatible with all of our available speed tiers 1000 Mbps and less
- 32 Downstream Channels+OFDM
- Offers optimal performance and speed capability
DOCSIS 3.1 with 2.5GE Physical LAN port
- Compatible with all of our available speed tiers above 1000 Mbps
- 32 Downstream Channels+OFDM plus 2.5GE port
In the chart below, see examples of Astound-certified modems commonly available in retail stores.
| Make | Model Type | Description | Port Type | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola | MT8733 | Modem and WIFI | 3x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 |
| Motorola | MG8725 | Modem and WIFI | 3x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 |
| Motorola | MB8611 | Modem only | 1×2.5G | No WIFI |
| Netgear | CM2000 | Modem only | 1×2.5G | No WIFI |
| Netgear | CM2050V | Modem only | 1×2.5G | No WIFI |
| Netgear | AX6000 | Modem and WIFI | 4x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 |
| Arris | G36 | Modem and WIFI | 4x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 |
| Arris | S33 | Modem only | 1x1G & 1×2.5G | No WIFI |
|
Make
Motorola |
Model Type
MT8733 |
Description
Modem and WIFI |
Port Type
3x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6
|
|
Make
Motorola |
Model Type
MG8725 |
Description
Modem and WIFI |
Port Type
3x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6
|
|
Make
Motorola |
Model Type
MB8611 |
Description
Modem only |
Port Type
1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WIFI
|
|
Make
Netgear |
Model Type
CM2000 |
Description
Modem only |
Port Type
1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WIFI
|
|
Make
Netgear |
Model Type
CM2050V |
Description
Modem only |
Port Type
1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WIFI
|
|
Make
Netgear |
Model Type
AX6000 |
Description
Modem and WIFI |
Port Type
4x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6
|
|
Make
Arris |
Model Type
G36 |
Description
Modem and WIFI |
Port Type
4x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6
|
|
Make
Arris |
Model Type
S33 |
Description
Modem only |
Port Type
1x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WIFI
|
Currently the Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 is known to have problems connecting to the Astound Broadband network. Additionally, EURODOCSIS cable modems are not supported in the United States.
I have my own modem, but it is not 3.1 DOCSIS. Can I still use it?
If you wish to use your own modem, and it is not the recommended 3.1 DOCSIS modem, you can use DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 downstream channels.
However, to receive the following speeds please note the limitations on performance for non 3.1 DOCSIS modems:
- Speeds up to 1 Gig (1000 Mbps) — DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
- Maximum speeds up to 400 Mbps — DOCSIS 3.0 modem (32 or 24 channels down)
- Maximum speeds of up to 250 Mbps — DOCSIS 3.0 modem (16 channels down) or better.
Currently the Motorola MB8600 is not compatible with the Astound Broadband network. We continue to work with the manufacturers to certify the modems, and will update when this is completed. EURODOCSIS cable modems are not supported in the United States.
Reminder: Internet download speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Observed speeds may vary by customer based on device, connection, & other factors outside of Astound Broadband’s control.*
What type of modem should I bring for speeds of 1 Gbps (up to 1000 Mbps) or lower?
DOCSIS 3.1
Using a DOCSIS 3.1 modem ensures:
- Compatibility with all of our available speed tiers
- 32 Downstream Channels
- Optimal performance, speed capability and stability
Currently the Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 is known to have problems connecting to the Astound Broadband network. Additionally, EURODOCSIS cable modems are not supported in the United States.
Purchasing and possible fees
Where can I purchase an Astound Broadband approved modem?
You can purchase modems at local computer/electronics stores or online retailers.
Will Astound Broadband sell the Astound-owned modem to me?
At this time, Astound Broadband does not sell any Astound-owned equipment.
Can I hook up my own modem instead of paying a technician fee?
Yes, if you successfully hook up your own purchased modem you do not need to pay the fee for an Astound technician to come to your home.
Connect your new modem to the coax cable in your home, and then contact an Astound support representative at 1.800.427.8686 and let us know the MAC address from the new modem.
You must return the Astound cable modem to your closest local office to avoid monthly rental charges.
If I've already paid for a tech to install my BYOM and it breaks, do I have to pay another fee to install the new BYOM?
You will need to pay another installation fee if you wish a technician to install your replacement device.
If you have already installed the new BYOM yourself, then simply contact an Astound support representative at 1.800.427.8686 and let us know the MAC address from the new modem.
Quick links
Looking for something else?
Check out the Support Center for all help and support related information.
*Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GE physical LAN port is required for 1 Gigabit speeds and higher. See astound.com/yourspeed for why speeds may vary. To view Astound’s FCC Network Management Disclosure see astound.com/policies-disclaimers. Modem required for Internet service. No contract required. Subject to availability. We substantiate that the cable modem equipment provided, and the configuration of such cable modem, meets the broadband speeds advertised when attached to a wired connection based on SamKnows testing procedures.
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