How long should a Cable Modem last?!?!

[mnewsham]

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.

It's possible, Ethernet and wifi weren't working so either way the unit needed to be replaced.

 

[WilliamM2]

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.

If you already have a modem of your own, they will let you keep using it. But they will not allow any NEW modems on their network. Since I need to switch to a Docis 3 modem...

http://www.myaccount.charter.com/customers/support.aspx?SupportArticleID=2344

Purchasing Modems from Charter

Effective June 26, 2012 for new Internet Customers and customers switching to our New Package Pricing, we will no longer allow customer-owned modems on our network.

 

[Charlie98]

My first ATT router lasted 7 years, the replacement 6 months. The answer is: use it until it breaks or underperforms.

 

[mnewsham]

If you already have a modem of your own, they will let you keep using it. But they will not allow any NEW modems on their network. Since I need to switch to a Docis 3 modem...

http://www.myaccount.charter.com/customers/support.aspx?SupportArticleID=2344

They will allow your own NEW modem, they just wont allow it for NEW customers. If you are an existing customer not on one of their newer pricing plans you can still use your own modem no problem according to your link.

 

[Mushkins]

I've only replaced one modem for *anyone* I do regular network support for over the years due to it being defective, and even then it was time for them to upgrade anyway.

If you're losing modems more often than you're refreshing hardware, my first guess is that you have dirty power and it's frying them out. I'd get some power conditioning in there just to be safe. Unless of course you have one of those FiOS mi424wr combo devices, those things are junk and drop like flies.

 

[WilliamM2]

They will allow your own NEW modem, they just wont allow it for NEW customers. If you are an existing customer not on one of their newer pricing plans you can still use your own modem no problem according to your link.

When they went to all digital here, they changed their pricing plans, and channel lineups. I, and several people I know, were told we could no longer add our own NEW modems.

They would not activate my new SB6121, I had to return it, and get theirs, and I've been a customer since 2001.

 

[Fardringle]

I've had Comcast for about 8 years. In that time, I have replaced the modem three times. The first time was because Comcast gave me the wrong modem and it didn't work, so it doesn't really count but I'll include it anyway..

The second time, the modem failed after an electrical storm (silly me didn't have it on a surge protector) after about two years.

The third time, the modem simply stopped holding a stable connection after roughly six years of use.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I think a Cable modem should last for at least 100 feet.

 

[corkyg]

As long as it takes for a better one to come along.