Motorola SURFboard SB5101 (515290-087-00) Modem

We just ordered th SB-5120 from Fry's, and they sent this model instead. The SB-5101 has almost identical specifications, just the case is a little different, and I guess the 5120 includes TurboDOCS software. We previously had an old Toshiba, which has given stellar service for 5 years, but we decided it was time to replace it before it failed. The Motorola Surfboard was very easy to install, just plug in the ethernet cable to the router (or to your PC), connect the coaxial cable and plug in the power. There is no need to install software or drivers unless you want to use a USB connection. We also had to call Cox Highspeed Internet to give their tech support the new serial number and MAC address of the new cable modem (the Cox website neglects to tell you this step). That was the hardest part of the whole process - it took about 20 minutes, taking into account resetting and rebooting the system at their request. I am not sure that this modem is any faster than the old one, but we have a low signal on our line to start with.

Overall it was very easy to set up and has been fast and reliable. It plays nicely with our router, and has caused no problems in constant daily use on a home network with 4 computers

A Great Modem!! I recently decided to purchase my own cable modem instead of paying the reoccurring rental fee to our local cable company.

WHY I DECIDED TO BUY: I have used/rented a Motorola Surfboard SB5101 (exactly like this one) for approx. two (2) years and never had a problem whatsoever. I never had to call my cable co. to service it; never had to go back and have it replaced so I consider it very dependable. At first, because I was curious, I did look at & consider other brands before buying this one, however in the end I decided to go with the Motorola Surfboard SB5101 since I was familiar with it and it was a brand name/model that I trusted.

STYLE: I truly like/prefer the style because it sits upright, has a stylish, lightweight & compact case that saves valuable desk space. Trouble shooting is very easy with front panel status indicator LEDs and online diagnostics.

EASY TO INSTALL/CONNECT: Installation couldn't be simpler, just connect your coaxial cable from the modem to your existing cable outlet. Then connect the cable modem to a router or your PC. Both the USB & Ethernet cables are included with BRAND NEW modems, just choose which cable you prefer and plug it in from modem to PC. Plug in your power cord to modem then to outlet and your pretty much ready to go.

NOTE: The one last thing I had to do was call my cable company with the HFC Mac ID# (located on the unit) so they could enter the new # and take the old Mac ID# off so i could start using it and get connect to the internet. (in most cases, this is an important/necessary step so do not despair if you do not get connection right away...you might have to call your cable company before connecting).

I think you will find this modem to be a great one that will not give you any problems for years to come. I know you will agree that nothing is worst than buying something then start having problems with it or even worst, that it goes out after just a few short months/years.

I totally trust this Motorola modem model, there is truly nothing negative about it that I can think of!

Happy Surfing!

This is not my first cable modem. I've owned a 3Com "sharkfin", two very early model Motorola surfboard's (SB3100 and SB4200), a Teryon, and up until now a Scientific Atlanta.

I bought this SB5101 because I was tired of getting TCP resets from dropped packets on the Scientific Atlanta. It was also starting to affect the reliability of my VoIP phone service through Vonage. Oddly, my cable lines appear clean (the house is only 3 years old) and are buried outside. However, one of the things I noticed was that both upstream and downstream signals were close to their limits (-2dbmv downstream and 50dbmv upstream). I knew this was not ideal. However, I was irritated that my Scientific Atlanta would not let me look at any of the details of its configuration or its logs. Soooooo, I new I wanted a new modem, and that I wanted one of the best, most reliable, and most user friendly cable modems on the market, the SB5101.

This new modem plugged in very easily in place of the old unit (of course), and with the assistance of my cable ISP, was active in under 5 minutes. My only complaint is that the information with the customer serial number and HFC MAC address are printed too darn small for my aging eyes (without my reading glasses).

Since activating, I have had no dropped or missed connections. My upstream connection is now at 45dbmv and my downstream is at -4dbmv. My signal-to-noise ratio is running at 35db. All of this is well within acceptable levels of operation.

I love Motorola cable modems. They are the Cadillac of DOCSIS cable technology.

If you are looking for a good modem, buy this one!!!

Pros: Extremely easy set up, small footprint, disconnect (standby) button on top, LAN and USB connection, great download/upload speeds.

Cons: None that I can discern.

I received my used Motorola Surfboard SB5101 cable modem at 1PM and was on line at 1:20PM. Plugged in the AC adapter, LAN cable and coax cable; called my internet provider and gave them the MAC and Serial number; and - Presto - I was on line. No hiccups, no software loading, no downloads (real challenging without an active modem) - it was as easy as it can get.
Compared to my old Scientific Atlanta, this modem flies. The standby button on top of the modem makes it real easy to disconnect from, or connect to, the internet without having to interrupt power to the device. The modem stands vertically so it takes up very little desktop space.
I can't speak to the long term reliabilty of this product, but I have had good success with Motorola products in the past.
I would strongly recommend this Motorola Surfboard cable modem.

The Motorola SB5101 Cable Modem is truly "plug and play". Connect the "TV" cable, connect your PC or router and power it up. Then call your provider and give them the MAC number of the modem. Shortly, you'll be connected and running. This modem has a very small footprint and can be tucked away, where ever.

I used a Linksys WRT-110 router and have WiFi everywhere in the house. Used USB WiFi adapters, that were no-name "cheapos" from eBay. Now have a great 54Mbps system. I see down loads at around 500 Kbps, that's screaming when compared to dial up.