How long should a Cable Modem last?!?!

[deadken]

It happened again. This time, my son was complaining of packet loss. I called up my ISP and told them what was going on over the phone. They looked at my account and asked how long ago I had rebooted the modem (I had just done so recently). So, they suggested that I replace the modem. I just got back from the walk-in-center and installed the new modem. Everything seems nice again...

But, I've been thinking.... I've replaced more cable modems then I think any other component... I've bought maybe 3 CPU's + Mobo's in the last 8 years, but I've certainly replaced the modem even more. Video cards, yeah, I've likely changed them more than CPU's, but still.... Not more than Cable Modems...

So, I wanted to ask you guys:
How often do you guys who use Cable modems have to change yours?

 

[MongGrel]

Whenever I take it to the ISP provider and trade it in for an upgrade myself I guess, personally.

I guess I still rent rather than buy for that reason on cable modems.

 

[Ken g6]

How long should it last? How long is the warranty?

 

[Imbrium]

I guess I replace mine every couple years, but the decision to do so is a no-brainer for me - whenever I start having my internet go out randomly on a semi-regular basis only to be promptly restored by rebooting the modem, I haul it over to Time Warner and swap it for a new one. For all the complaints I could voice about TWC, one thing I really like is that they "loan" you a modem instead of selling it to you, so swapping an older modem for a new one doesn't cost me a thing.

 

[MongGrel]

Yeah, I wasn't going to name names, not sure on the rules there but I do the same.

 

[ViRGE]

5-6 years, if not longer. I've only needed to replace mine when they become outmoded and faster plans required modems that supported newer versions of DOCSIS.

But I own mine, so maybe that's part of it? Rather than having flaky modems bouncing from house to house.

 

[MongGrel]

My flaky, free updated for paying for the service modems run pretty fast actually.

*shrug*

Bright House for me, frigging FIOS seems to have been coming here once and not enough were interested in it apparently att.

Twits.

Should start shooting my neighbors, J/K.

He he.

 

[MongGrel]

I actually used to have one of the first TW cable modems years ago the area here, even was invited to a beta program we had every channel on the cable box for free years ago.

Hated to see that go after that year he he, had almost no down time over it.

 

[mnewsham]

Just had to get mine replaced. Was having problems with the DNS no matter what DNS server was being used.

The replacement modem was 02.11N which is a nice upgrade from the 802.11g router especially since I have a 60Mbps download speed.

The wireless G router lasted ~4 years before crapping out so not bad I guess.

 

[MongGrel]

Yeah if you can go turn it in for an N these days worth it, been using one awhile now for all over.

 

[SKORPI0]

I do upgrade only when needed. DOCSIS 2 to 3.0 cable modem to keep current with faster internet speeds available with Xfinity.

 

[mnewsham]

Yeah if you can go turn it in for an N these days worth it, been using one awhile now for all over.

Or 802.11AC if it's available, but since that standard is still very new you likely wont see it too widely available.

 

[MongGrel]

would have to look, believe its on here.

Not sure.

Thanks for that.

 

[bononos]

Modems in the past don't typically fail and would last forever unless lightning strikes. I think higher speeds and torrents apps are putting more load on current modems. If it feels too warm, it might be worth opening it and slapping on a bigger heatsink/fan.

 

[corkyg]

Mine belongs to Comcast - it includes TV, Phone and Internet. I recently changed it based on their recommendation due to service improvements. I just take it and direct exchange it. I don't usually think about it as long as everything works right.

 

[deadken]

Thanks for the replies and poll votes.

When I signed up for the internet with my cable provider I had to pay $300 for the modem (a 3Com). Whenever I have problems, they exchange my current modem for a new one free of charge. So, while I'm not complaining, I was wondering how common it people to do the same and how often they have to do it. Typical speed test show me as getting around 18.5 down and up 5 up.

 

[ShintaiDK]

Never really.

CG3000 here, getting 130/30mbit. In summer it will be 300/50mbit.

Packetloss usually happens in the network. And low capacity/line quality affects max bandwidth.

So if you experience packertloss, your ISP may have oversold more than the actual usage. My ISP had similar issue early this month. But a fast extra 10Gbit upgrade to 40Gbit in my area fixed it.

Cable router/modem is only replaced when its obsolete. Like cant handle new speeds etc.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I've never had a cable ISP for more than 3 years in a row, so... 3-4 years, I guess.

I bought this one instead of renting, so it better last at least a year.

 

[WilliamM2]

I have an SB5100 that I bought in 2001. Still in use until two weeks ago, still worked fine. Charter is upgrading from 30 to 60mbs on the 25th here, which requires docsis 3.0, so I went down and picked up an SB6121 from Charter.

They no longer charge for them so it's a "free" upgrade, and they no longer allow new customer owned modems on the network. I hope it's as reliable as the old one, but right now I seem to be getting slower speeds than I used to. Waiting to see what happens on the 25th.

 

[deadken]

...
Packetloss usually happens in the network. And low capacity/line quality affects max bandwidth.

So if you experience packertloss, your ISP may have oversold more than the actual usage. My ISP had similar issue early this month. But a fast extra 10Gbit upgrade to 40Gbit in my area fixed it.

Cable router/modem is only replaced when its obsolete. Like cant handle new speeds etc.

While I understand what you are saying, I feel I need to say that the new modem seems to have fixed the problem (which is the reason I started this thread). We'll see what happens over the coming days, but in my experience I end up needing to replace the modem every year or 2. I'm getting to the point where I think I might just start swapping the modem out every year or so. It might keep me trouble free and I might see better bandwidth. Since it is free and relatively hassle free I'm thinking why not?!?

 

[homebrew2ny]

I would have chose the option 'When I need to" if it were there. As long as it is working properly, and as needed, the timeframe is contextual.

 

[boomhower]

Had issues with provided modems so went out and about a Moto 6141 and don't anticipate needing another for quite some time. It supports faster speeds than I'm willing to pay for. My experience with all things Motorola is they are extremely durable. So I don't see myself needing another one for a long long time.

 

[deadken]

... Charter is upgrading from 30 to 60mbs on the 25th here, which requires docsis 3.0, so I went down and picked up an SB6121 from Charter... they no longer allow new customer owned modems on the network....

Had issues with provided modems so went out and about a Moto 6141 and don't anticipate needing another for quite some time. ...

I'm not sure if my ISP allows modems that aren't theirs to be used. As you can see, with the post I quoted above yours, not all ISP's allow customers to buy their own modem.

 

[mnewsham]

I'm not sure if my ISP allows modems that aren't theirs to be used. As you can see, with the post I quoted above yours, not all ISP's allow customers to buy their own modem.

As far as I know the poster above is mistaken, Charter is perfectly fine with you having your own modem, they just say they make no promises it will work 100% with their network, and since they give out comparable ones for free to their customers, it's easier just to use the one provided as they do promise it will work on their network without issue.

My grandparents have charter and use a random Motorola DOCIS 3.0 modem i picked out for them a year or two ago and there internet works fine.

I am not aware of any ISPs that would not allow you to use their service with your own modem as long as it met their network specifications. I may of course be mistaken, but I have yet to find one personally.

 

[mfenn]

Just had to get mine replaced. Was having problems with the DNS no matter what DNS server was being used.

The replacement modem was 02.11N which is a nice upgrade from the 802.11g router especially since I have a 60Mbps download speed.

The wireless G router lasted ~4 years before crapping out so not bad I guess.

Yeah if you can go turn it in for an N these days worth it, been using one awhile now for all over.

There's a difference between a modem and a router. There are of course units that have a modem and a router all packaged together in one chassis, but they're still separate components. The problem with integrated equipment of course is that you can't tell where the problem is. I'll bet that your router was having a problem but that the modem itself was fine.