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

I have Comcast cable internet service and rented a cable modem for $5 a month. When Comcast informed me this month (March 2011) that they were increasing their modem rental to $7 a month, or 40%, I decided to buy a cable modem and refund the rent. The rental was Motorola SURFboard SB4200. I chose this Motorola SB5101 model because it was basically the same modem but a newer model. First, this modem was delivered FAST - even though I chose free shipping, it only took 2-3 days. connected via a USB or Ethernet connection. It comes with both types of cables, as well as a DVD with the user manual, installation instructions and software that needs to be downloaded when connected via USB. If you're using an Ethernet connection, you don't need to download any software. My rented modem was connected via ethernet, so I connected a new one. I screwed the Internet cable into the port on the back of the modem, plugged in the Ethernet cable, and the power cord. That's all - only 3 connections. In the Windows Control Panel, you must set the network connection properties to obtain an IP address automatically. It was very easy to do. The installation instructions on the DVD clearly explain how to do this. When I tried to access the Internet after plugging in a new modem, the Comcast activation screen appeared instead of my usual home page. This screen asked me to enter my Comcast account number and then click Next. When I did this, I received an error message that the page could not be displayed. I called Comcast and told tech support that I had just replaced the modems. He tried to send an activation signal but that didn't work so he told me there must be a problem with the new modem. When I plugged the old modem back in, it worked fine. I called Motorola tech support (they work 24/7) and got through with almost no wait. When I told the Motorola support rep that the new modem wouldn't work, but the old modem worked fine after I plugged it back in, they informed me that Comcast hadn't completed the activation correctly. He said Comcast had to deactivate the old modem before the new one could be activated. I called Comcast back and this time got a tech support rep who really knew what they were doing. I had to give them the ID and serial number on the bottom of the new modem. After Comcast disabled the old modem and enabled the new one, everything worked fine. Aside from the issues I had with Comcast, this modem was extremely easy to install. I was also very impressed by Motorola's technical support. I got through to a knowledgeable live person with almost no waiting. I would definitely recommend this modem and am impressed with the speed of response from Motorola support. Revain was also delivered quickly. I am very happy with this purchase.