question about cable modems

[Special K]

I was wondering, do pretty much all cable companies use the same DOCSIS standard? So if I were to buy a cable modem now (instead of renting one from the company), it would work with any other cable service? The particular cable company I am looking at (Insight) charges $15/month to rent the modem, and I will only be living in that area for the summer (internship). However, I would anticipate being in similar situations in future summers, so I was thinking that maybe buying one would be cheaper in the long run (all of those montly rental fees would add up). I just want to make absolutely sure that if I bought one it would work with any other service. Are the services that standardized nowdays?

 

[bozo1]

The only thing I've heard of lately that isn't DOCSIS is some very rural areas that still have 1-way cable - cable in, modem out.

I do think it is a good idea to get a brand that your cable company officially supports/recommends just to cut down on support headaches if you ever have problems.

 

[Texun]

If you plan to buy one get the DOCSIS. The majority of cable operators follow the DOCSIS standard and you should be safe. Motorola Surfboards, Toshiba PCXs are excellent.

 

[snidy1]

$15 a month, mines only $5 and I think i'm going to but one, I've seen them for $70 at Comp USA