Getting Rid of a Leased Modem
- Thread starter weeba
- Start date
I bought the Motorola Surfboard S86121 and used it for years (before recently switching to Verizon). It gets my highest praise: I set it up and never thought about it again. It -- and the Airport Express router I used -- were always fast and reliable. The router suggestion may be less appropriate if you're looking to hook up several (5+) devices to your wifi network.
Actually, I initially posted about my router...I bought the modem mentioned above, but it should be noted it's SB6121, not S86161 (if that matters).
I also have an SB6121 but for the minor difference in price and especially if you now, or in the future, expect to want higher tier Net speeds, just get the far more popular SB6141. As for wireless router/switches... these days the ASUS models at most price points rate either 1 or 2. Refurbs of these items are commonly available at both Amazon & Newegg.
I'm doing the same thing when I move in a few days. I picked up a manufacturer refurbished SB6141 on ebay for $65. Pairing it with a TP-LINK TL-WR740N N150 router that I had lying around.
The setup should pay for itself in about 8 months.
edit: link to SB6141 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTOROLA-SB6141-SURFboard-DOCSIS-3-0-Cable-Modem-Manufacturer-Refurbished-/371113712595?pt=PCC_Modems&hash=item566819dbd3
The setup should pay for itself in about 8 months.
edit: link to SB6141 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTOROLA-SB6141-SURFboard-DOCSIS-3-0-Cable-Modem-Manufacturer-Refurbished-/371113712595?pt=PCC_Modems&hash=item566819dbd3
I'm seeing some comments on the SB6141 (refurbs with old firmware versions in particular) having firmware issues on Time Warner - either of you guys have any experience with that? I probably should get one as well
When I was looking into cable modems a few months ago, I found the Zoom 5341J, which was cheaper than the SB 6141 and has all the same features (8 channel DOCSIS 3.0, IPv6 compatibility, etc.). I've been very happy with it so far and it had excellent reviews. Personally I've had mixed reliability results with Motorola Surfboards, so I was happy to find an alternate brand with equivalent performance and even at a lower price.
As for routers, if you're into Apple stuff the Airport Extremes have always been awesome, they're a bit pricy but they have excellent speed and range and they last for several years (my last one was good for 5+ years and still works, I only replaced it because I wanted dual-band N). If you aren't an Apple guy at all, ASUS seems to offer the best routers at reasonable prices these days.
As for routers, if you're into Apple stuff the Airport Extremes have always been awesome, they're a bit pricy but they have excellent speed and range and they last for several years (my last one was good for 5+ years and still works, I only replaced it because I wanted dual-band N). If you aren't an Apple guy at all, ASUS seems to offer the best routers at reasonable prices these days.
Gdiguy said:
Been running an SB 6121 on TW here for over a year with no issues, we even just finally got both upstream & downstream channel bonding and the increased speeds arrived without any drama
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-cable-modem-is-the-motorola-sb6141/
Motorola SB6141 $90 on Amazon
Motorola SB6141 $90 on Amazon
The Zoom 5341J is ~$20 cheaper and performs just as well. It has a similar ~4.5 star review history on Amazon as well.
Dernells Casket n Flagon said:
I don't really understand this statement. The 6121 also supports DOCSIS 3.0. It also supports download speeds of up to 172mbit, so I'm not worried about it becoming obsolete any time soon.
weeba said:
I just bought a new 6141 and looked into the refurb. User reviews urged me to stay away; apparently some of the refurbs are the black case models which were technically commercial units and won't work with Comcast's network.
I'd just go new, honestly. I just swapped out Camcast's shitty end of life modem with a 6141 and I get light speeds now.
Comcast is always so behind. They've run the 6121 through their tests (3 stars) but not the 6141 (1 star). Then again, they have no benefit towards pushing non-Comcast modems.
One Star
A One Star designation indicates that the device has undergone DOCSIS testing by Comcast and has received the relevant Underwriters Laboratory ("UL"), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and CableLabs certifications. Comcast's DOCSIS certification supplements CableLabs testing by adding things like performance and interoperability tests. This helps to ensure that, for example, a given device can support a given service tier's speed.
Two Star
A Two Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the One Star tests as well as a basic Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such basic P&E testing indicates basic manufacturer self-certification of a subset of P&E tests.That basic P&E evaluation is intended to address a number of important performance and safety issues, which tests from UL, the FCC, and CableLabs do not address. Some of the things P&E tests check for include areas such as device performance and safety during overheating, power interruptions (including power outs), radio frequency (RF) interference, electrostatic discharge, electrical surges, and network impairments.
Three Star
A Three Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the Two Star and One Star tests as well as a full Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such full &E testing indicates that all P&E tests were performed and that these tests were overseen in person. This is the highest and most thorough level of testing available.
A One Star designation indicates that the device has undergone DOCSIS testing by Comcast and has received the relevant Underwriters Laboratory ("UL"), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and CableLabs certifications. Comcast's DOCSIS certification supplements CableLabs testing by adding things like performance and interoperability tests. This helps to ensure that, for example, a given device can support a given service tier's speed.
A Two Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the One Star tests as well as a basic Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such basic P&E testing indicates basic manufacturer self-certification of a subset of P&E tests.That basic P&E evaluation is intended to address a number of important performance and safety issues, which tests from UL, the FCC, and CableLabs do not address. Some of the things P&E tests check for include areas such as device performance and safety during overheating, power interruptions (including power outs), radio frequency (RF) interference, electrostatic discharge, electrical surges, and network impairments.
A Three Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the Two Star and One Star tests as well as a full Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such full &E testing indicates that all P&E tests were performed and that these tests were overseen in person. This is the highest and most thorough level of testing available.
Comcast's modem ratings are bullshit. Get the 6141 and upgrade to the Blast! service. You'll get ridiculous speed.
I'm at performance internet now (supposed to be 25mb). Looks like blast might only be $10 more, which is defintely offset by the $8 savings in returning the modem. Just would have to see if it screws with my other discounts, since I'm only 4 months into my contract.
I have the Motorolla Modem listed at the top also.. No problems whatsoever.
I paired it with this Linksys Router. It gets a strong signal up to my sons room from the opposite side of the house and one floor down.
I paired it with this Linksys Router. It gets a strong signal up to my sons room from the opposite side of the house and one floor down.
weeba said:
Upgrading to Blast! shouldn't be a problem since you can order it a la carte instead of in a package (have to talk to a customer rep, though).
Smiling Joe Hesketh said:
Interesting. I hadn't opened the box that it was shipped in yet, but the photo on ebay was of the white case model. Hopefully I don't run into any issues.
Any comments on this router?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049YQVHE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-N 600 Router (RT-N56U)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049YQVHE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-N 600 Router (RT-N56U)
BC1994 said:
As I understand it, if you have their phone service, you must use their modem for that...and they will/should furnish that free, you move your Internet to your own modem (at least that's what TW does).
weeba said:
It's one step down from the 66 and rates as one of the top 2 at those speeds. Perfectly reasonable choice.
Here's the complete review at a site that's your serious resource for all things in home networking:
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31436-asus-rt-n56u-black-diamond-dual-band-gigabit-wireless-n-router-reviewed
Joe Sixpack said:
6121 hardware can do bonded channels, but not as many as the 6141, the fastest new speeds TW and Comcast are or soon will be offering cannot be implemented on a 6121. If you know you're never going to want to pay the premium for say symmetrical 50/50 or 30/100 then you don't have to care. OTOH for $15/20 dollars difference...the 6141 is future proofing yourself.
Couperin47 said:
Thanks. That is a helpful explanation. I wish I had known that when I bought my 6121 3 months ago.
Joe Sixpack said:
I bought my 6121 over a year ago when faster speeds on TW here were a pipe dream. I can go one more step up on their speed tiers with it, but considering my current TW bill (wrong side of $160) that ain't happening. Console yourself that if you start lusting for fractional T-1 speeds, you can easily recover over $30 selling the 6121 via CL. For most others, just do the 6141 these days....
So I'm getting about 110mbps when plugged directly into the SB6141, but it drops to like 15mbps when going through the router. The router is old and probably lousy, so I want to go out and pick up a new one today at Best Buy.
I know I'll take a bath buying from Best Buy, but I need one in order to do some work tonight. Considering I have the Blast internet from Comcast, what's the best router I can buy from Best Buy in the $40-$50 range?
I know I'll take a bath buying from Best Buy, but I need one in order to do some work tonight. Considering I have the Blast internet from Comcast, what's the best router I can buy from Best Buy in the $40-$50 range?
Corsi said:
Define 'router'.. do you mean a wireless router or literally just something to connect directly to a computer, in which case you could just use a fast switch.... also since you're going to be limited to just a few brands, don't overlook Walmart which will also have a similarly lousy selection of 2 or 3 major brands (but a Netgear is a Netgear no matter the provenance ...)
Couperin47 said:
Sorry, I meant a wireless router. Newegg has a deal on a refurb Netgear WNR2000 4-Port 300Mbps Wireless N Router for $12.99 that I jumped on. Reviews seem okay. Got free 2-day shipping with it, so I'll suck it up until then.
Just bought the 6141 on Amazon for $96 after tax.
I live in an apartment and my all-in-one Comcast modem/router is set up 30 feet from my laptop, but I rarely have better than 20 mbps despite paying for Blast. When I plug my laptop into the all-in-one using the ethernet cord, then I generally have lightning fast internet. So, I assume it is their crappy hardware. Anyway, hoping this solves that problem, and it will save me money in the long run.
I live in an apartment and my all-in-one Comcast modem/router is set up 30 feet from my laptop, but I rarely have better than 20 mbps despite paying for Blast. When I plug my laptop into the all-in-one using the ethernet cord, then I generally have lightning fast internet. So, I assume it is their crappy hardware. Anyway, hoping this solves that problem, and it will save me money in the long run.
I bought a 6141 two weeks ago and am very happy with it. Bought it at Best Buy for $88 (I price matched it to Amazon at the register, which is the way to go when buying anything at Best Buy)
FWIW, the refurb 6141 I bought for $65 from ebay was the white model. I bought it from this seller: http://www.ebay.com/itm/371113712595
ThePrideofShiner said:
1. Does you laptop have b/g wireless or b/g/n wireless ? If the first, you're restricted to 54 Mbps, and that's the theoretical rate: in the real world you're doing great if you get 60% of that. To do any better you're going to have to upgrade either your internal or add an external wifi (usb plug in) that can do some version of 'n'.
2. N comes in tons of 'flavors'.. minimally N150 on the 2.4 band does... 65 Mbps. At the other end an N900 when connected to the newest AC2300 wifi can do 300 Mbps on 2.4 band. Theoretical rates on the 5 Ghz band can go much higher, but range is substantially less and 5 Ghz does not penetrate walls and sold stuff nearly as well.
3. If your laptop 'has N" find out what N...most do no more than N300 to N600, any N wireless router over $50 will handle that..of course some do much better than others... the ASUS line are safe bets at most pricepoints these days.
4. If your laptop does "a", that's a superset of n, generally only found on things shipping in last 18 months, and, again, 'a' comes in speeds running from 580 to 2300.
If your eyes haven't already glazed over get a handle on the details here: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/32175-how-fast-can-your-wi-fi-go
derekson said:
I was being simplistic I know, and besides very little 'original a" equipment every got shipped...even the charts at smallnetbuilder are likely to overwhelm the casual shopper: "Just tell me WTF to buy dammit !!!"
Couperin47 said:
I have no idea what any of that means. But I do own a Netgear N 300 wireless router WNR2000 (at least that is what it says on the back). It worked great when I had Charter before I moved and Comcast told me I had to use their modem/router.
ThePrideofShiner said:
If you don't have their phone service, you don't HAVE to use their equipment, you can buy an SB6141 and connect it's output to the Netgear N300. If you have their phone service, you have to use their equipment to connect your wired phones, but, with a proper splitter, you can attach the SB6141 + Netgear N300 and use them for everything else. Note you need a very high quality splitter, best provided and installed by Comcast or someone who knows what they are doing.
Couperin47 said:
I don't have phone service, so I'm good to go. I do have a portable cell phone tower from AT&T, but that is another story entirely.
ThePrideofShiner said:
One caveat, this all assumes your Comcast service is via coax cable, if you're one of the few lucky bastards to have fibre optic directly into your home, you can't do any of this and I hate your guts...
Couperin47 said:
Definitely coax. It looks like they only offer the fiber optic in the south and the northeast.