OT: SURFboard cable modem question

[Zbox]

Looking to buy a new modem and definitely going with the sb5100 series (unless one of you can convince me otherwise ). I just found out that there is a sb5120 model in addition to the sb5100 model. Do any of you know the difference between these two units? I've been unable to find a spec sheet for the sb5120...

Thanks

-z

 

[Zbox]

After further inspection of the manuals, they are exactly the same, save the last page:

sb5120 back page reads:
506538-001
7/03
MGBI

sb5100 back page reads:
501650-001
11/02
MGBI
English
(plus a recycle logo!)

I'm beginning to think that the sb5120 is the same thing as the sb5100, but probably a model specifically offered by cable providers as some sort of package deal with signup... *shrug*

 

[Baldy18]

Ah ha a question right up my alley. I used to install cable internet for Comcast. The difference between the 5100 and the 5120 is who makes the logic chip. I believe that Texas Instraments makes one of them and I forget who makes the other. While I haven't heard of any problems with the 5120 the 4220 (same naming scheme with 4200/4220 as 5100/5120) had big problems and was recalled. I personally would avoid the 5120 but the 5100 is an excellent product.

Also you are correct the 5100 is availible in stores while the 5120 is availible to cable providers only.

 

[Zbox]

Awesome; just the information I wanted to know...

Thanks Baldy

 

[Baldy18]

Oh also it was only the 4220's that were made in Mexico that were affected by the recall but IMHO the other 4220's were also crap. The 4100 and 4200 are excellent modem. Sometimes the 5100 was a little picky. Meaning you would install it at one person's house and it didn't work (excellent to moderate signal levels) but then try it at another house and it would work perfectly.

Personally I have a Linksys BEFCMU10 ver.2 but I wouldn't recommend it for people in areas that used to be controlled by ATTBI because Comcast won't upgrade the firmware and there is a problem with firmware version 1.06 and bit-torrent (whatever that is all I know is I get booted when downloading a lot of Windows updates at once and people say it isn't the same problem but it is caused by the same flaw - something about packet size).

Here is my breakdown:

3com = suck
linksys = Ok
Motorola = awesome
Teradyne = awesome
dlink = probably pretty good
com21 = old - used to run like champs but no frills
rca = most suck but some models are alright

 

[Confused]

I've still got a Motorola 4200 (edit: or is it a 4100 thinking about it) sitting in my loft. Awesome modem. Never had one anything like it. Now ntl in the UK only give out Ambit modems, little sliver pieces of crap, but ntl suck in my new town, so i'm with DSL!

I agree, Motorola make awesome cable modems


Garry

 

[Wolfie]

I am still using the cable modem that I got with my service 4 years ago. It's the 3com US Robotics CMX.

 

[Baldy18]

Originally posted by: Wolfie
I am still using the cable modem that I got with my service 4 years ago. It's the 3com US Robotics CMX.

Yeah, I've seen a few of those. Not sure how they perfom as I haven't had enough experience with them. The 3Com's that suck are the sharkfin modems.

 

[Zbox]

Originally posted by: Confused
I've still got a Motorola 4200 (edit: or is it a 4100 thinking about it) sitting in my loft. Awesome modem. Never had one anything like it. Now ntl in the UK only give out Ambit modems, little sliver pieces of crap, but ntl suck in my new town, so i'm with DSL!

I agree, Motorola make awesome cable modems


Garry

I've got the 4100 as well... Awesome piece of equipment

But I still miss my lancity that you could uncap with fake arp entries!