Review on Motorola SURFboard SB5101 DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - Non-Retail Packaging (Brown Box): High-Speed Internet Access Solution by Ahmed Rowe

When Comcast increased the rent on our cable modem, we decided to buy one of our own. This was inexpensive (used) and was on Comcast's approved model list. This is the DOCIS 2.0 model. Comcast is rumored to be offering DOCIS 3.0 service soon if you have a DOCIS 3.0 modem. But I figured the possibility of wanting a newer standard later wasn't worth the huge price difference now. (DOCIS 2.0 modems will continue to work after DOCIS 3.0 service has started, but not at faster speeds.) Documentation for the SB5101 was not included, although it can be easily found online. The installation went pretty smoothly. Just notice what I didn't do when Comcast's DIY instructions tell you to connect your computer directly to your modem - connecting through an attached router and/or WiFi won't work! Like the previous reviewer, we had problems. with our rented modem, which sometimes has to be restarted almost every day. Like the previous tester, the SB5101 didn't completely solve this problem either, but improved it somewhat. The daily modem reboot ritual is now more like a weekly one. The most annoying part of this process was waiting in a ridiculously long line outside the Comcast office to return the rented modem. (However, the folks at our local office always provide great service once you see them.) The payback on the purchase price takes 4-5 months, which we thought was reasonable. Our family is happy with this product.