Motorola SB6120 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: sxr7171
What do you guys think of the claims that getting this improved speeds even with 2.0 service (read the reviews): http://www.amazon.com/Motorola...bmissionDateDescending

Does anyone know how they cap the speeds and if buying this modem somehow uncaps the speeds by a certain percentage. Is that even possible? Or is it just helping people with poor signal?

I think that people making those claims of improved speeds even with 2.0 service, had older modems that weren't Docsis 2.0, or else they aren't giving you their true speed With that powerboost crap, I've found that most people don't know what their true speed is.

The only reason to get this modem is because you plan to upgrade to the higher 3.0 speeds. If you have no plans to do so, then save yourself $40, and get a 2.0 modem.

 

[arkcom]

Cox makes you buy the modem up front, and from then on out it's your problem. I think they said the docsis 3.0 modems will be around $100 with their "discount".

 

[Heinrich]

I just got a DOCSIS 3.0 from Comcast about two weeks ago. I see real-world 20-25% improvement depending on where in the US. It was free because I already pay them $3 a month for voice modem, no extra charge for the DOCSIS 3.0.

 

[Schadenfroh]

DOCSIS 3.0 is coming here in a couple of months via Comcast. Any idea if the firmware is user upgradeable for this modem? Comcast says they never update customer owned modems.

 

[vailr]

Originally posted by: Heinrich
I just got a DOCSIS 3.0 from Comcast about two weeks ago. I see real-world 20-25% improvement depending on where in the US. It was free because I already pay them $3 a month for voice modem, no extra charge for the DOCSIS 3.0.

Did they replace the rented voice modem with a new model? Model #?
DOCSIS 3.0 involves 2 separate steps:
1. the neighborhood circuitry controller must be upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 by the cable company
2. the cable modem must be replaced, because no firmware upgrade can make a DOCSIS 2.0 modem become fully DOCSIS 3.0 compatible, AFAIK.

Also: an "official" DOCSIS 3.0 modem (such as the Motorola SB61xx series) used on non-upgraded DOCSIS 2.0 circuitry, may experience slower performance than with a "best in class" DOCSIS 2.0 modem; but YMMV.
Several reviews on Amazon mention increased speeds even on older DOCSIS 2.0 circuitry.
So: check with the cable co. for their DOCSIS version availability, before investing in a customer-owned modem.

Motorola SB6120 @Amazon.com for $93.90 (includes shipping):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UI2FPE
There's 37 user reviews on the product page.

 

[SimMike2]

Originally posted by: Heinrich
I just got a DOCSIS 3.0 from Comcast about two weeks ago. I see real-world 20-25% improvement depending on where in the US. It was free because I already pay them $3 a month for voice modem, no extra charge for the DOCSIS 3.0.

20-25% might not be that big a deal, because most of the time people aren't doing intensive downloading of files. Even something like streaming video from Netflix doesn't need the extra download speed.

 

[Heinrich]

Originally posted by: vailr

Originally posted by: Heinrich
I just got a DOCSIS 3.0 from Comcast about two weeks ago. I see real-world 20-25% improvement depending on where in the US. It was free because I already pay them $3 a month for voice modem, no extra charge for the DOCSIS 3.0.

Did they replace the rented voice modem with a new model? Model #?
DOCSIS 3.0 involves 2 separate steps:
1. the neighborhood circuitry controller must be upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 by the cable company
2. the cable modem must be replaced, because no firmware upgrade can make a DOCSIS 2.0 modem become fully DOCSIS 3.0 compatible, AFAIK.

Also: an "official" DOCSIS 3.0 modem (such as the Motorola SB61xx series) used on non-upgraded DOCSIS 2.0 circuitry, may experience slower performance than with a "best in class" DOCSIS 2.0 modem; but YMMV.
Several reviews on Amazon mention increased speeds even on older DOCSIS 2.0 circuitry.
So: check with the cable co. for their DOCSIS version availability, before investing in a customer-owned modem.

Motorola SB6120 @Amazon.com for $93.90 (includes shipping):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UI2FPE
There's 37 user reviews on the product page.

I had bought my own Motorolla DOCSIS 2.0 modem back when modem rentals were $17 at Cox Cable in Hampton ROads area bout 6-7 years ago.

I started the DOCSIS 3.0 path because the modem was getting a bit flacky and requiring resets.

I still have the 2.0 modem, going to toss it in the trash tomorrow.

For $3/month rental, saves the tech hassle when you have your own modem and they blame your problem on your modem.

The 3.0 that they gave me is some brand I've never heard of. Amatel or something, I don't even remember.

 

[BATCH71]

N....I....C.....K!!!!

 

[zod96]

I've got the Dlink dcm-202 I've had it about 2-3 years now. I am starting to lose my internet connection a few times a week. When I call comcast they say nothing is wrong. I bought a new router dlink 4500 and the problem is still their. I know comcast in my area is rolling out docsis 3.0 in fact I know my town already has it. I was going to give the sb6120 a go. My Frys has it and I can return it if it doesn't fix the problem. Should be interesting how it goes....