Cable Modem recommendations

Cebby · 02-04-2006, 04:53 PM

I've finally had my fill of DSL and am looking to upgrade to cable.

Here's a list of approved models (no manufacturers listed

)
http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1...tail_2427.html

I like Linksys stuff, but they are claiming the Linksys cable modem shouldn't be used... (?)

Any nice reliable recommendations (modem only, I have a router and access point and other 'stuff')?

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Localmotion · 02-04-2006, 04:57 PM

I really liked my motorola surfboard modem. reliable

Nic · 02-04-2006, 05:01 PM

I second that. The Motorola surfboard modems seem to be popular. I have the 5100 now. It's the 3rd surfboard and only cable modems I have had. The previous two never gave me a problem. First two were rentals. I bought this one.

***Corey*** · 02-04-2006, 05:03 PM

Motorola 5100, leased for $3 per month from Comcast.

Mike, my service claims 6 megabit down, I get around 9.
This model is top rated over on DSL Reports Comcast forum.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/comcast

Cebby · 02-04-2006, 05:15 PM

Is this the updated 5100?

Motorola SURFboard SB5120 DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - 505788-006-00

Localmotion · 02-04-2006, 05:16 PM

i believe so.

Cebby · 02-04-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Localmotion

i believe so.

Cool! It's on Comcast's list...

Localmotion · 02-04-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cebby

Cool! It's on Comcast's list...

they usually have a deal where they give you a free modem, for me it was the surfboard.

***Corey*** · 02-04-2006, 05:52 PM

Mike, search for Surfboard 5120 on that link I gave you.
Problems with it.
The 5100 is a better beast, that is why I went with it over the 5120.

Signing off for the night, its format time!

Cebby · 02-04-2006, 06:11 PM

5100 doesn't appear to be available anymore...

scenarioL113 · 02-04-2006, 07:22 PM

5100 works great, been using a surfboard for 4 years and recently upgraded to the 5100 6 months ago and it works great!

***Corey*** · 02-04-2006, 08:30 PM

Mike, back from my format

Comcast carries them, that is the only way to get them now, but they may also sell them at their pay centers too.

Nic · 02-04-2006, 08:41 PM

Don't forget, eBay sells just about everything:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorola-SURFboa...QQcmdZViewItem

Cebby · 02-04-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic

Don't forget, eBay sells just about everything:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorola-SURFboa...QQcmdZViewItem

I was already there...

Is this an item you would trust to buy on eBay? Comcast wants $140 (I think) for it...

Nic · 02-04-2006, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cebby

I was already there...

Is this an item you would trust to buy on eBay? Comcast wants $140 (I think) for it...

To be honest, I have never bought anything like that on eBay. I have bought some other (used) things though and I wasn't 100% sure about it until it arrived. I have never had any bad eBay experiences. I think if you buy one from someone with a good description and good feedback score you should be OK.

jrallan26 · 02-09-2006, 12:53 PM

Why not Linksys? I have been using a Linksys cable modem for 2 years. No problems at all.....

ricky · 02-10-2006, 01:57 PM

I have been using a linksys cable modem for more than 4 years straight... it's never been turned off except for a quick reboot. Never a problem. Best modem ever. I paid $99 for it from buy.com just over 4 years ago.

Honestly, any cable modem that you can buy at best buy or compusa or wherever, is going to work fine with comcast.

Jeffires · 02-10-2006, 02:22 PM

I have heard great reviews of the Surfboard, but my Linksys has been trouble-free for years now as well. I've had horrible experience with Toshiba cable modems- you couldn't give me one.

Cebby · 02-17-2006, 01:42 PM

Picked up my modem today (5101

) and the "self-install kit". As usual, it didn't take the first time. It said it could not connect to the internet (with their install disk). Back on DSL until I can figure WTF later tonight.

Next step, Vonage...

Churnd · 02-17-2006, 01:46 PM

Mike -

You have to register the cable modem with your cable provider before it'll work. There's a number on it that that they have to enter into their system. If they give you any crap for it, tell them you bought it from Best Buy and the guy there told you it would work. Give Comcast or whoever a call and they'll tell you which number they need.

Oh yeah... you don't even need to install anything that comes with your modem. Once it's configured on their end, just plug it in and it'll work.

Nic · 02-17-2006, 02:50 PM

Yeah, they should ask you for the MAC ID number on the back of the modem. Once they set you up, you should be good to go. Another thing maybe worth mentioning-I moved a while back and the cable man came out to hook things up. The modem was not connecting at first. Turned out it was my firewall blocking it. Just something to keep in mind if you have a firewall.

ricky · 02-21-2006, 08:52 AM

Exactly. The mac address of the modem needs to be authorized on the network.

Cebby · 02-21-2006, 04:20 PM

Well, I tried calling and seeing if I could get around the "using their CD" thing, but I got a tool on the phone who insisted. So.... I tried to install it. I kept getting an error that it could not access my "kernel32.dll" file. I call them up and about 10 minutes later, it's humming right along.

I downloaded a large file (266Mb) from MS was getting over 7mb DL speed. Yep - just SLIGHTLY better than DSL...

Currently it is plugged in directly to my wife's machine - after I fix her issues, I'm going to hook it up to my router, etc. I'm still using the DSL line for now...

Churnd · 02-21-2006, 04:27 PM

They're always going to insist that you use their stupid CD. They have absolutely no reason to do so, as it does absolutely nothing for the functionality of things. Ask them to give you a good reason why, and they'll come up with some BS. What gets me is I can't figure out WHY they won't just drop it. Are they making money off of it or something? I don't get it. Don't worry though... if you ever get tired of their stupid crap, you can uninstall it and restore IE to it's defaults.

Are you using the router on your DSL line now? If so, you'll need to hard reset it before hooking it up to the cable modem. DSL uses PPPoE, and your router had to be configured that way in order to function. Cable doesn't use anything special... it's a plug and play deal which is why a routers default settings will work fine. Don't forget your usual wireless security measures if you have it.

Cebby · 02-22-2006, 12:16 PM

Got it rolling along now on the cable modem. All I had to change in the router control panel was from PPPoE to Obtain IP Automatically and it was off to the races.

I have the Vonage kit from Sams Club that I'll be setting up tonight.

02-04-2006, 05:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	I second that. The Motorola surfboard modems seem to be popular. I have the 5100 now. It's the 3rd surfboard and only cable modems I have had. The previous two never gave me a problem. First two were rentals. I bought this one. __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

02-04-2006, 05:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Motorola 5100, leased for $3 per month from Comcast. Mike, my service claims 6 megabit down, I get around 9. This model is top rated over on DSL Reports Comcast forum. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/comcast __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-04-2006, 05:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	Is this the updated 5100? Motorola SURFboard SB5120 DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - 505788-006-00 __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

02-04-2006, 05:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Mike, search for Surfboard 5120 on that link I gave you. Problems with it. The 5100 is a better beast, that is why I went with it over the 5120. Signing off for the night, its format time! __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-04-2006, 06:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	5100 doesn't appear to be available anymore... __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

02-04-2006, 04:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	I really liked my motorola surfboard modem. reliable

02-04-2006, 05:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	i believe so.

02-04-2006, 07:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
scenarioL113 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 41	5100 works great, been using a surfboard for 4 years and recently upgraded to the 5100 6 months ago and it works great!

02-04-2006, 08:30 PM	#12 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Mike, back from my format Comcast carries them, that is the only way to get them now, but they may also sell them at their pay centers too. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-04-2006, 08:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	Don't forget, eBay sells just about everything: http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorola-SURFboa...QQcmdZViewItem __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

02-09-2006, 12:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
jrallan26 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Urbandale, Iowa Posts: 1,548	Why not Linksys? I have been using a Linksys cable modem for 2 years. No problems at all..... __________________ My Profile

02-10-2006, 01:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
ricky Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 116	I have been using a linksys cable modem for more than 4 years straight... it's never been turned off except for a quick reboot. Never a problem. Best modem ever. I paid $99 for it from buy.com just over 4 years ago. Honestly, any cable modem that you can buy at best buy or compusa or wherever, is going to work fine with comcast.

02-10-2006, 02:22 PM	#18 (permalink)
Jeffires Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 682	I have heard great reviews of the Surfboard, but my Linksys has been trouble-free for years now as well. I've had horrible experience with Toshiba cable modems- you couldn't give me one. __________________ -Jeff- '91 4WD P/U 3VZE A340H , 197K K&N air ] Optima ] Flex-a-Lite fan ] FloPro exhaust ] ISR Mod ] Warn M8000 ] Powertrax lockers ] Swaybar Discos ] KC Lighting ] Premier MP3 - Pioneer highs/mids - RF DVC 12/ RF 360a² ] Garmin GPSMap60C Photo Album MySpace La Nouvelle-Orléans 'da Ragin Cajun

02-17-2006, 01:42 PM	#19 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	Picked up my modem today (5101 ) and the "self-install kit". As usual, it didn't take the first time. It said it could not connect to the internet (with their install disk). Back on DSL until I can figure WTF later tonight. Next step, Vonage... __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

02-17-2006, 01:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
Churnd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 4,093	Mike - You have to register the cable modem with your cable provider before it'll work. There's a number on it that that they have to enter into their system. If they give you any crap for it, tell them you bought it from Best Buy and the guy there told you it would work. Give Comcast or whoever a call and they'll tell you which number they need. Oh yeah... you don't even need to install anything that comes with your modem. Once it's configured on their end, just plug it in and it'll work. __________________ -Chris If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Click here to search! My Website Last edited by Churnd; 02-17-2006 at 03:49 PM.

02-17-2006, 02:50 PM	#21 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	Yeah, they should ask you for the MAC ID number on the back of the modem. Once they set you up, you should be good to go. Another thing maybe worth mentioning-I moved a while back and the cable man came out to hook things up. The modem was not connecting at first. Turned out it was my firewall blocking it. Just something to keep in mind if you have a firewall. __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

02-21-2006, 08:52 AM	#22 (permalink)
ricky Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 116	Exactly. The mac address of the modem needs to be authorized on the network.

02-21-2006, 04:20 PM	#23 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	Well, I tried calling and seeing if I could get around the "using their CD" thing, but I got a tool on the phone who insisted. So.... I tried to install it. I kept getting an error that it could not access my "kernel32.dll" file. I call them up and about 10 minutes later, it's humming right along. I downloaded a large file (266Mb) from MS was getting over 7mb DL speed. Yep - just SLIGHTLY better than DSL... Currently it is plugged in directly to my wife's machine - after I fix her issues, I'm going to hook it up to my router, etc. I'm still using the DSL line for now... __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

02-21-2006, 04:27 PM	#24 (permalink)
Churnd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 4,093	They're always going to insist that you use their stupid CD. They have absolutely no reason to do so, as it does absolutely nothing for the functionality of things. Ask them to give you a good reason why, and they'll come up with some BS. What gets me is I can't figure out WHY they won't just drop it. Are they making money off of it or something? I don't get it. Don't worry though... if you ever get tired of their stupid crap, you can uninstall it and restore IE to it's defaults. Are you using the router on your DSL line now? If so, you'll need to hard reset it before hooking it up to the cable modem. DSL uses PPPoE, and your router had to be configured that way in order to function. Cable doesn't use anything special... it's a plug and play deal which is why a routers default settings will work fine. Don't forget your usual wireless security measures if you have it. __________________ -Chris If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Click here to search! My Website

02-22-2006, 12:16 PM	#25 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	Got it rolling along now on the cable modem. All I had to change in the router control panel was from PPPoE to Obtain IP Automatically and it was off to the races. I have the Vonage kit from Sams Club that I'll be setting up tonight. __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

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