Linksys Cable Modem...any good?

[Tullphan]

Best Buy has the Linksys (BEFCMU10) cable modem w/usb & ethernet connection for free after mail-in rebate & activation.
My question...is this modem any good? I was considering the Motorola for $69 as i've heard good reviews on it.
Is anyone familiar with this modem?
Thanks.

 

[hjo3]

I've used a couple cable modems. As long as they're DOCSIS x.x (whatever your ISP requires) compatible, they're all good.

 

[paperfist]

I have that same Linksys modem and it's excellent. I returned my leased modem to the cable company and picked up the Linksys from Bestbuy and my speeds doubled over the leased RCA modem. I haven't had one problem with it in the 4 months that I've had it. I went with the Linksys because I use their router/hub and never had any trouble with that either.

This reminds me to check on my mail in rebate I never got back. Thanks

 

[newbiepcuser]

My buddy just got the Linksys Cable modem on one of those deals for Adelphia. He setup with wireless network, and he hasn't had any problems yet.

 

[Tullphan]

I'll be using a Microsoft wireless desktop kit...will there be any compatibility issues?

 

[hjo3]

Nope, you're golden.

 

[Tullphan]

How is this modem compared to the Motorola Surfboard SB5100 or the RCA DCM305R? Better? Worse? Same?
Is there really that much difference between DOSCIS 1.0 & 2.0? The RCA & the Linksys are DOSCIS 1.0.
My BestBuy won't honor the $50 activation credit because "we're not set up for it"...jerks.

 

[Tullphan]

 

[Tullphan]

Bump

 

[Texun]

I've had experience with one Linksys cable modem and it wasn't very good. I don't remember exactly what the problem was but it wasn't a lot of fun.

As far as the Motorola 5100, it is DOCSIS 2.0 and will do great as long as the cable provider is set up to support 2.0. I'm using one right now and it seems fine, but a check of the diagnostics show timing and DHCP errors because my cable company isn't set up for 2.0 yet. However, these errors have not been felt during massive downloads or normal surfing and it should be a great modem once the ISP is able to support it. The Motorola 4200 or 4220 are excellent if you can find one. Toshiba is also very good. A lot of how a modem performs depends on the config file your ISP is using. They can all go belly up if they push down a bad config file. Since the activation perk is out the window I would go for a MOTO in a flash.

 

[OverVolt]

I think you'll be fine with the LinkSYS router! They make high quality stuff, the cable modem that the ISP's normaly lease you is crap anyway.

I know that microsofts products are poopy for networking, there the same as all the other, cept you don't have much control over how their configured. But as for incompatibility, i think you'll be fine!

 

[Tullphan]

I found out today that the cable company uses the older motorola...perhaps i'll be better off just paying the $5/month?

 

[filmmaker]

That $5 a month will eventually overshadow the cost of the Linksys modem.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: OverVolt
I think you'll be fine with the LinkSYS router! They make high quality stuff, the cable modem that the ISP's normaly lease you is crap anyway.

I know that microsofts products are poopy for networking, there the same as all the other, cept you don't have much control over how their configured. But as for incompatibility, i think you'll be fine!

WOW! What cable company is that? Motorola and Toshiba are among the top brands used by cable operators.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Tullphan
I found out today that the cable company uses the older motorola...perhaps i'll be better off just paying the $5/month?

Find out what the cable co. will sell you the modem for, and skip the monthly fee. If you buy their "house" modem, the cable co. they will support you if you run into issues. Otherwise you are on your own. Pay a little more for a piece of mind, or rest assured you will pay for it in frustration down the road.

 

[Tullphan]

They want $240 to buy it outright...HA!
I just thought if it was the SB4200, i'd just lease it. I figger that way if something happened to it, they'd replace it with another (hopefully same) modem.
I can get an RCA thru work for $60 w/a 2 yr warranty, but it's the older DOCSIS 1.0, if that makes a difference. Circuit City has the newer SB5100 Surboard for $79.99 w/$20 mail in rebate. Not a bad deal, but it's a 1 yr warranty, tho one can buy an extended warranty for $30 for 4 yrs.

 

[Megatomic]

I have been using my Linksys BEFCMU10 (I think) for about 8 months now. I like it alot, it is saving me $10/month so it has paid for itself and put $20 back in my wallet. It is a very trouble free modem, better than the Motorola SB3100 it replaced.

 

[overclock]

I have had zero problems with mine. I love it because it is stackable with my Linksys router. Sits on top of my case next to my desk. The only problem is my 1 year old loves all of the blinking lights.

 

[OverVolt]

The Comcast around here uses some RCA modem, it lost it's connection all the time till we bought a Diff modem and took that POS back.

Also the ones you rent could have been used before and dropped around or something, prolly what was wrong with our RCA.