Product ReviewsMotorola SURFboard SB5101 (SB515290-087-00) 38 Mbps

Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem

I bought this modem because my other one started to drop my internet connection. After replacing my router several times, we finally figured out that the modem may be the issue. I have been using this modem for a month and half so far and I still drop connection from time to time. So, I'm not sure if it is the modem, the router, or Comcast. My bet is on Comcast. I didn't have any issues until they took over. The modem was easy to set up, except the part that I had to call Comcast to get it assigned to my account. That took over an hour. So, be prepared to spend time with your cable internet provider to assign this modem to your account before it will work. Hopefully, I can get everything running smoothly again soon.Read full review...

Great DOCSIS 2.0

Pro - Capable of downloads up to 33Mbps... And very easy and friendly to use. This modem has a standby button for people who can appreciate this feature, it allows you to stay linked to your ISP but remove traffic to your computer for security while you are away. It has the USB as an alternative option, which can be nice if you have had a bad storm that has knocked out your NIC in your computer. Takes advantage of all DOCSIS 2.0 functions.

Con - Like many Motorola modems that come before this, it only has a maximum transmit ranging of 56 dB. Which means it will not lock into sync if your signal is split a lot or poor. (But then again, that should rarely be the case unless you live in a crappy service area...) Most other modems, including the lower end brands, are usually capable of a transmit up to 61 dB.Read full review...

Nice Cable Modem ,serves my purpose well,the internet

What I like the most is the indicator lights, lets you know whats going on-online, offline, PC activity. I also liked the easy hookup it offers. I have not really found anything that I dislike. I bought this modem because I have prior experiance with this model, (I rented it from the cable company), got tired of doing that so bought my own. Good move on my part.
ThankyouRead full review...

If you plan to stream movies or play games this modem will do just fine !

I bought this Modem to save the $8.00 rental fee with the cable Company. I had the SB5100 model before this one however this is a later version of that one and it works just as good if not better. I like this modem because it features a standby button on top. There is a next generation modem that is being sold for faster cable speeds but i only use 5mb per second for now and they are for 50mb a second which i plan to switch to in the very near future. Over all it does a good job at downloading and uploading, very reliable modem at a resonable price.Read full review...

Motorola SURFboard SB5101, one Great Modem!

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!Read full review...

Motorola SB5101 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.Read full review...

Spent $20.00 on this modem to save me $$100.00 a year!

Modem came very fast and was so easy to hook up. It works great at a fair price. No need to pay $10.00 a month to lease when you can own your own for around $20.00 depending on what type of modem that you use.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: marshfoof

is good

This is my second Surfboard. I bought a new one because my old one is ten years old and it was well past time to upgrade. The new ones are faster. I'm quite pleased with all of the Motorola line of computer products, particularly the Surfboard. It is easy to install and takes roughly ten minutes with your cable provider to activate. The price is great and if you buy on-line you can probably save 30% to 50% off of the retail price. Quality and design are excellent.Read full review...

Motorola SB5101 IS THE BEST!!!!!

Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem is the best modem you can get no matter which cable company you have. It is so good that it will even take weak signals and turn them into good working signals. Motorola has always been the leader in modems for cable company's nationwide. If you are planning to buy a modem don't go for anything other than this modem. It meets all the industry's highest standards and gives you the highest possible speed. You will not be dissapointed. This is the best modem I have ever purchased.Read full review...

It doesn't get easier than this!

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.Read full review...