router with gateway

I want to use an old router with my Comcast gateway now that I know the techs can see my password and that I need more speed. The Galaxy phone actually showed me that I was sluggish, only within my home's secure network, as it is snappy when using data or the Xfinity unsecured WI-FI.
Apparently the gateway's router is slowing me down besides displaying the password to Comcast techs in the network dept.
I tried 5 instead if 2.4 but I could not each the rest of the house.

Anyway my question is, if I detail my hookup would someone be willing to help me with the cables so I could bridge and just use my old router not the gateway's.
The Belkin N300 has a firmware update at the Belkin site.

All routers are gateway's. Comcast uses eMTA's for their customers. Also the techs have no way of knowing your password you set up. They do have a master password that is embedded in the software as a back door, in case they have to undo something a user changed.

If you want to use the Belkin (not really a good choice for Wifi). You will still need a Cable Modem like the Motorola/Arris 6412. As for having service across the house, you will need extra Access Points for that, or Range extenders which are a little more expensive, that you just plug into an outlet, with the master plugged into the wall outlet, to use the house wiring instead of Ethernet.

assistance with cables

I used to have just a modem before digital phone. Now I have gateway which I realize has a modem and router in it. When I was talking with the tech yesterday he quoted my internal passphrase which was not good. I do have a password to enter the gateway and a passphrase for the router.
Anyway I just wanted some help with the setup as I have the firmware update on my desktop now. I have the gateway but do not know how to hook the router up with the gateway pc etc.
If anyone whishes to help I'd appreciate it.

You have no control over updating the firmware on the eMTA. Only your ISP can do that. If you want to use the Belkin as an A/P. There is info at ezlan.net.

I wanted to update the firmware on my Belkin and have the link.
I think the gateway has a modem and a router and a feature that enables digital phone.
Thanks for the referral -I need to figure out how to wire this setup. I think the Ethernet cable I have from the gateway to the pc now goes to my router and another Ethernet cable goes from the router top port to the gateway. Then after bridging is set I can configure my old router.
But before anything, I need to see if all this work with 8.1.

A Gateway can be an all-in-one device, or it can just be the router/switch. As for the Belkin. The support side of Belkin may not even have an updated version, if you just purchased it.

It does not matter what the OS is. Gateways/Routers are like traffic cops. They just tell the packets where to go, when they come through.

OK , thank you.

continue bridging

I am going to visit a friend who had Comcast like I do. I would like to use a secure network and he is ok with that but we need some help.
When I enter the Comcast gateway I see the option to bridge or disable .
if I disable bridging, can I just use my Ethernet cables from their gateway to my router and configure my router, OR do I have to do any configuring within the gateway.

I assume when I am done that I just have to reverse bridging.
Will other Comcast features in the house be affected such as phone and TV?
I guess I would have to reset the password on his IPAD as he does not have a pc. They have the triple play.

If this is too much mess for him, would it be a safer idea to make his Gateway more secure than WEP by setting it up like mine with WPA 2 etc. and a good passphrase.
I would then need to reset the passwords on his IPAD but the TV and phone should be ok.

Obviously I am not very astute with this networking but need a secure connection when I am away.