I have an old Comcast modem and router and need to replace both. Also, my desktop Mac is old. Where do I begin, and do I just get rid of the desktop Mac? I should be able to use my MacBook Pro to upgrade a new modem and router, correct?

Since you have Ethernet throughout, you have a great starting point to work with.

I don't have Comcast service, so I can't offer any pointers on, whether or not, you will want to continue to use them. It sounds like you are not overly pleased with their policies, which leaves you with having to research what other Internet providers are available to you. Currently, fiber provides the highest bandwidth, followed by cable. Anything else (DSL, Satellite, etc.) should only be considered if you have no other choice. FWIW, where I live only DSL or Satellite are available, and DSL worked out better overall for my situation.

Regardless of which ISP you eventually end up with, you will have the option to purchase/rent their gateway device or getting your own. Again, for the latter, going to SmallNetBuilder.com can help you with making a decision.

For your home network, again, since it is pre-wired, I would suggest something like the following:

• Where the gateway is located, place an Ethernet switch with enough ports (plus a few extra for growth) to connect all of your home's Ethernet runs to. You would connect this switch to the LAN port on the gateway, and in turn, each Ethernet cable run, would connect to an available port on that switch.
• Going to the other end of the Ethernet cable runs, I am assuming that you have an Ethernet wall port. If so, then this is where you can connect additional (as needed) wired network devices to. Examples would be: your computer, a printer, a NAS, etc.
• You can also connect another Ethernet switch to any of these wall ports to increase the number of available ports in case you need to connect more than one device.
• Now where you want wireless access, you would just connect a wireless access point (WAP) to that port. So, in your case, you can start with one WAP on the main floor, then add additional WAPs to the top and basement levels, as needed.

Does this make sense?

It would help if you can provide us with what your overall networking goals are so that we can help narrow down some replacement options for you.

For example:

• Will you be using the same ISP (Comcast?) for your Internet access?
• Will you be using the same type & level (speed) of Internet service?
• Are these devices (modem and router) separate units or a combined device, also known as a gateway?
• Are you looking for wireless coverage throughout your house? If so, roughly how many square feet is it? Is this on a single floor or multiple floors?
• What is the exact model of your desktop (iMac or Mac mini) that you have now?

I'm assuming by "Top" level, you are referring to the main or ground level ... correct? Is your home currently wired for Ethernet on any or all of these levels? If not, is this something that would be possible or practical? If neither, then we would have to look at an all wireless solution to provide wireless coverage on each of these levels. Here, I am assuming that you do want all three levels covered ... correct? The reason I'm asking is that wired connections offer the best overall performance over wireless and should be used where it makes the most sense.

What type of bandwidth (speed) do you need? That is, do you plan on streaming HD video within your home? ... or just need enough to access the Internet from all of the levels?

I would hold off from ditching Xfinity at this point. It may still be your best option for Internet connectivity, but of course, you are free to "shop around" for other ISPs in your area.

You're very welcome! Let us know how it goes or if you need any further assistance with this matter. We are all here to help.