• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Cable Modem reviews

M

Martimus

Diamond Member
I want to buy a new cable modem (mine is about 8 years old now), but I can't find any actual reviews for them. I would like to buy a new cable modem for around $100, that doesn't have any known issues. I would like to read an in depth review on the modems out there, so I could actually figure out what could go wrong with a modem, and which ones are better than others. I would appreciate it if someone could direct me where I could find such a thing.

Thanks for your help!
 
Originally posted by: JackMDS
Originally posted by: Martimus
I want to buy a new cable modem (mine is about 8 years old now
Click to expand...

What are you expecting from a new Modem?
Click to expand...

I would like one that can handle the full bandwidth that is available to it (up to 12Mb/s D/L, and I believe 3Mb/s U/L), and doesn't drop the signal and need to be rebooted on occasion. To be honest, I don't know a lot about the modem, and what possible issues with it are, which is why I am looking for indepth reviews. I know that I currently have problems where I need to reboot my router almost every day. It is either because it isn't getting a consistent signal from the modem, or it has some other issue. It is the second router with that problem (one was a D-link, and this one is a Netgear.) It could easily be that both routers were bad, and I know that the second one was cheap; but I do know that my modem was used when I bought it 6 years ago. (I believe that it is a Motorola Surfboard 5100 or something like that, I will have to look when I get home.) I have read about issues with Surfboards dropping the signal often, so that may be the issue, but I haven't seen that in an actual in depth review, just some people on a message board.

edit: It is a Motorola SB4101. I also don't use torrents of any kind. The real issue is that when I boot up my computer, I almost always have to walk into the other room to unplug the router, then plug it back in for it to work because it timed out at some point. The old router was even worse, but I bought this one for around $20 so I don't doubt that it is poor quality.
 
It is most likely your router.
Especially if you are using torrents.
Or if it is the modem itself dropping the connection that is something that the cable company needs to address with your signal strength.
 
Connect one computer for a day or two directly to the Modem. If the same behavior occurs call your ISP.

Their responsibility is up to the output of the Modem.

As for in-depth reviews.

The old days of in-depth reviews of most Hardware Devices are unfortunately long time gone.

There are few reasons for it, some are objective, like the shift to global OEM manufacturing that created a situation that there are so many similar devices that it is impossible to cover them all.

In addition, the interface between the technology people and the outside world was totally taken by "Modern" marketing ploys.
Marketing people are doing so many "SubPrime? type of lying that almost nothing can get a real positive review.

The alternative is to search, and spend time reading and making personal decisions.

It is a shame that it so, but complaining will not help cause there is No one in charge that can Fix the issue.
 
Originally posted by: JackMDS
Connect one computer for a day or two directly to the Modem. If the same behavior occurs call your ISP.

Their responsibility is up to the output of the Modem.

As for in-depth reviews.

The old days of in-depth reviews of most Hardware Devices are unfortunately long time gone.

There are few reasons for it, some are objective, like the shift to global OEM manufacturing that created a situation that there are so many similar devices that it is impossible to cover them all.

In addition, the interface between the technology people and the outside world was totally taken by "Modern" marketing ploys.
Marketing people are doing so many "SubPrime? type of lying that almost nothing can get a real positive review.

The alternative is to search, and spend time reading and making personal decisions.

It is a shame that it so, but complaining will not help cause there is No one in charge that can Fix the issue.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I was planning on getting a new one regardless when I move, so are there any that are suggested over others? (I will also get a new wireless router, but reviews for those are pretty easy to find.)
 
Martimus, do you need wired ports on the router? I just picked up the Motorola Cable Modem that has built in Wireless for like $90 bucks on Amazon, I didn't need physical Ethernet ports so it was perfect for me, So far it's been working good. The price was right and the range seems decent enough.
 
That may work well. I'll look into it. I would want at least one wired port just to get the system up and running when I switch ISP's, but that sounds like a good deal.
 
I'd say the Motorola Surfboard SB5120 is currently the best cable modem out there. It's also what i use at home 🙂

It's a great modem, and the turbodox technology works well with comcast's service.

 
Originally posted by: daveybrat
I'd say the Motorola Surfboard SB5120 is currently the best cable modem out there. It's also what i use at home 🙂

It's a great modem, and the turbodox technology works well with comcast's service.
Click to expand...
I'd try to hold off for a few more months if possible. DOCSIS 3.0 modems are right around the corner, and depending on where you are you may be needing one within the next year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top