Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem Reviews

• Speedy cable modem, easy installation

  
  By AMKOS4JDWYD0U on 2007-04-23
  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.
  
  

• You Can't Get a Better Cable Modem, but . . .

  
  By ADVLRJS633OTD on 2007-08-12
  I've had a Motorola 5100 for about four years. It gradually got degraded and these, like all electronics, wear out and need to be taken out of service. So I bought a new 5101.
  
  The switch was very quick and easy. I called Cox and gave them the information they needed and was online fast.
  
  Let me tell you --- the Internet really flew! I can't tell you how thrilled I was. It made all the difference in the world.
  
  I have a wireless network and a Linksys router. I switched out the router and modem at the same time. The speed on all my computers increased greatly and I no longer have dropped connections.
  
  I depend on my computers for my phone calls through Skype and for my entire business. So I have to have the best and fastest, the most dependable.
  
  I highly recommend this modem. It's reasonably priced and lasts a long time. But do keep in mind that all modems will need to be switched out at least every two or three years if you want to stay on top of things.
  
  Update: I have learned that a number of ISPs like people to use this modem because they can block certain ports of those people who do. This may not be a problem for you. But for some people, it can be. Before you buy it, look around the web and make sure it's what you want. Cable people will deny they do this, but they do. And it can really mess up your Internet experience and give you lots of trouble.
  
  

• Plug it in, and forget it!

  
  By A2SZJBY443SBV8 on 2007-08-22
  As an FYI, Amazon has this product listed 3 different ways as "Motorola Surfboard Broadband Cable Modem SB-5101" and as "Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem" and as "SURFboard Cable Modem". All are listed at 3 different prices, too!
  
  I did a little bit of homework, and the Motorola seemed to have good reviews. This product is supposed to be the same in function as the SB5120 except that the SB5101 uses a slightly different chip set.
  
  I chose to buy a cable modem so that I could replace the rental unit from the cable company. Make sure your cable company supports this cable modem before buying!
  
  For my setup, I have my cable service from the evil Comcast, my cable modem, and an older Linksys wireless router. The day my Motorola cable modem arrived, I took it out of the box, glanced at the Quick setup guide, and plugged it in. I called Comcast, navigated through their Byzantine automated phone menu system, and read off the MAC ID to the tech services person. He did some stuff on his end to first recognize the new cable modem. Then he had to do some other configuration on his end because of the router. Once that was done, viola! We've been using the cable modem for the past week or so without incident.
  
  To me this is the best kind of electronics product. It takes ~30 sec to hook it up, and once it's done, you can forget about it. It took longer to open the package (and much longer on the call with Comcast) than it took to hook it up.
  
  

• Great 'plug and play' modem! Solid performer!

  
  By A7EJERNB7IK3Z on 2007-05-01
  Our 'Terayon' modem that came with our 'Adelphia' broadband cable connection died after 2 plus years, so my cable/internet provider swapped out the defective modem for this new 'Motorola'. I was a bit leery and concerned about having to hook up another modem for fear that something would surely go wrong with the hookup on our 2 PC router network, and I would have to call a tech or a consultant. It took about 3 minutes to open the box, hookup the power, cable, and ethernet connectors, and attempt to go online. There was NO software installation, and NO reprogramming or changing any parameters or network settings. NONE! The modem instantly powered up and magically recognized the network and cable data signal, and I was good to go! 'Plug and play' heaven! And the performance is better than the older 'Terayon'.
  
  

• Motorola Rebate is a Scam

  
  By A21RMFCHFJBEB3 on 2008-09-06
  I purchased this modem from Amazon because Motorola is currently offering a mail-in rebate through selected retailers. After I submitted the rebate form, Motorola decline the rebate saying "The UPC symbol or proof-of-purchase tab you submitted is not valid for this promotion". I ordered the exact model number specified on the rebate form. How was I supposed to know what UPC code Amazon was going to ship me?
  
  Here is the quote from the rebate form - "This offer is valid only on the purchase of a Motorola SURFboard® Model SB5101 between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, purchased at Fry's Electronics, CompUSA, Office Depot, Radio Shack or Amazon.com."
  
  
• Subtle performance in an understated chassis
  By A1C1R2ND71OHZI on 2007-11-05
  I recently purchased the SB5101 to replace an ailing Toshiba modem I've been using for the past six years. I wouldn't be writing this review if it weren't for the local fire chief being a dishonest charlatane at a recent church fundraiser. Please lend me your ear while I explain. The local Catholic church (Our Lady of Perpetual and Weeping Holy Bliss of the Virgin Mary de Guadalupe) held their annual summer fiesta fundraiser and me being the dutiful Christian felt obligated to attend and spend copious amounts of money on greasy Mexican foods and cheap handicrafts being peddled by the local population of illegal immigrants. One of the many ways to seperate cash from person was in the form of a silent auction. If you're not familiar with the term it's a form of combat in which a person finds an item they wish to own, writes their name and bid on a piece of paper attached to said item, and then defends it by hiding the item behind a larger object or "camping out" next to the item and outbiding or intimidating anyone that comes near it. It was at this silent auction I happened upon a box claiming to contain a Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem, the very modem this review... reviews. Surely this was a sign from Our Savior Jesus Christ, one and only son of God, who died and was buried and rose again and all that sci-fi stuff! He knew I needed a new modem capable of 30mbs download speed, support for up to 32 users and fully DOCSIS 2.0 compatible. I placed my bid and prayed that this very modem would be mine. Lo and behold when the auction ended it was I who was the proud owner of this very box. That's right, I said box, for when I opened the box, after parting with $20 American, and in the comfort of my home, I was slapped in the face by the sight of a Toshiba cable modem, the very model I was trying to exorcise from my dwelling! After several frantic phone calls I was able to track the "donor" of the item. It was none other than F**** M**********, the fire chief of our fine city! I was shocked and dismayed that such a respected member of society would stoop to such lows as upgrading his own modem and leaving the dregs to a local church ready to be snapped up by a cheapskate such as myself. After cursing him and his offspring I logged on to Amazon.com using my pitiful excuse for a cable modem and purchased a SB5101 new. Performance seems to have increased but oddly streaming porn doesn't seem much faster. The standby button is more annoying than it is helpful, especially with kids. Overall, I'd say the modem performs as expected but if you've got a crap connection don't expect miracles.
  
  
• Plug it in, and forget it!
  By A2SZJBY443SBV8 on 2007-08-22
  As an FYI, Amazon has this product listed 3 different ways as "Motorola Surfboard Broadband Cable Modem SB-5101" and as "Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem" and as "SURFboard Cable Modem". All are listed at 3 different prices, too!
  
  I did a little bit of homework, and the Motorola seemed to have good reviews. This product is supposed to be the same in function as the SB5120 except that the SB5101 uses a slightly different chip set.
  
  I chose to buy a cable modem so that I could replace the rental unit from the cable company. Make sure your cable company supports this cable modem before buying!
  
  For my setup, I have my cable service from the evil Comcast, my cable modem, and an older Linksys wireless router. The day my Motorola cable modem arrived, I took it out of the box, glanced at the Quick setup guide, and plugged it in. I called Comcast, navigated through their Byzantine automated phone menu system, and read off the MAC ID to the tech services person. He did some stuff on his end to first recognize the new cable modem. Then he had to do some other configuration on his end because of the router. Once that was done, viola! We've been using the cable modem for the past week or so without incident.
  
  To me this is the best kind of electronics product. It takes ~30 sec to hook it up, and once it's done, you can forget about it. It took longer to open the package (and much longer on the call with Comcast) than it took to hook it up.
  
  
• Surfboard SB5101 Modem
  By A30JYQ6JGN71N4 on 2007-03-21
  Very simple to install (just plug it in), fair price, everybit as fast as the modem I was renting from my cable internet supplier for $3.00/month. You have to call your internet provider so they can do whatever they do to activate the modem in their system, which is easy enough--the tech guy I was talking to basically informed me that this is one of the best on the market.
  
  
• Great Cable Modem
  By A2HS8YQ8NJWS9T on 2007-05-05
  The modem works as well as the other Amazon reviews suggest. However, ISP Comcast was a nightmare unto itself. Two "technicians" swore that because I purchased the modem (and didn't rent it from Comcast), I would have to wait until one of their mobile technicians could complete the setup! Fortunately, I made a third call and actually (imagine!!!) reached someone in the United States who logged the modem's MAC ID and I was underway without even having to reboot or having to resort to the installation CD. The modem is noticeably quicker than the 3Com it replaced.
  
  
• Easy Install, Increased Speed
  By A2TLDOVBCGKCCU on 2007-12-21
  The Comcast supplied modem I was using was dropping off line randomly, and always at the worst times. After doing some research (while on hold to Comcast's Help Desk) I decided to buy my own modem. I have no idea why I have not done this already. It pays for itself in 8 months and I had my last modem for three years....
  
  Great modem, simple set up. The hardest thing was trying to explain to the Comcast tech that I was on an IP phone, and when he registered the new modem I would be disconnected, so he better get all the info he needs now. Of course he did not get all the info he needed from me before disconnecting the old modem, so we were cut off and I had to call them back on my cell...I digress, the SB5101 is a fine modem. it's been running for two weeks now without an issue. Buy it! It will save you money!
  
  
• very solid cable modem
  By AJ9PFO42IST97 on 2007-04-30
  This modem blows my old Toshiba out of the water. I have a home network and internet phone too, and even when my Toshiba modem was newer, I still had to powercycle / reset it (and my router) every couple of days. However, I have had the motorola for over 2 weeks now and have not had to reset anything on the network. Very solid, and installation was easy. I highly recommend this modem.
  
  
• Very good cable modem
  By A3TA4RVYYDMUWK on 2007-12-01
  I have been a Comcast high-speed Internet customer for about 5 years. The modem Comcast provided as part of a package deal was a Motorola Surfboard 4100. About 4 months ago, I noticed that I was getting barely more than 1/2 the speed I was paying for, which was 6Mbps. I complained to tech support. They sent a technician out and within 3 sec. after walking into my office, he said, "Oh...I know exactly what the problem is; you have an 'end-of-life' modem. You need to upgrade to a 2.1 DOCSIS modem, and I would recommend a Motorola Surfboard as one of the best." So I got on my favorite shopping site, Amazon, and bought one. Not only did it work perfectly from day one, my average download speed on Speakeasy.net is ~22Mbps -- almost 6 1/2 times what I was getting with the old Surfboard -- and the upload speed increased from ~364Kbps to ~1.6Mbps.
  
  Would other brands do as well? Probably, but I stuck with Motorola because the last one was 100% reliable; never had a problem. The only reason it was not delivering the speed is because Comcast's system had changed and the old modem's software could not keep up with it. I also like the fact that Motorola moved the standby button to the top where it is more easily accessible. I have a new Vista computer and have to put the modem on Standby after putting the computer to sleep, because (not sure why) Internet activity tends to wake it back up.
  
  I found it disappointing that Comcast apparently does not alert its customers when their modems are obsolete. If you're having a similar problem, check with your ISP. If you need to upgrade your modem, I highly recommend this one.
  
  
• Easy To Use, Non-Technical, & Solid Performance
  By A28GFCMOX3865A on 2007-04-02
  This modem (as far as 3Mb connections go - if you're paying for 5Mb don't buy it) is the absolute best modem for the money. The cable company in my area has a habit of testing and sometimes disconnects my modem and I have to reset it which for DSL and other modems might be a HUGE pain in the *cough but with this modem you unplug, count to 5, and plug it back in. Yeah, that's really it! So buy this thing and quit messing with those other guys.
  
  
• Won't work with a router
  By A4UI65KEOBW6X on 2007-08-21
  I can't believe the hours I've spent trying to get this thing to function with a router, any router. I actually own three routers, 2 d-links and 1 Apple, and it just will NOT work with any of them. According to the documentation, the modem requires a crossover Ethernet cable (which is pretty unusual by itself). I've tried two different brand new crossover cables plus three regular Ethernet cables and it just doesn't work. This setup worked perfectly prior to installing the new cable modem (my previous d-Link modem died.)
  
  Unless your cable company forces this one down your throat, or if you never plan to add a router, I recommend staying away from this one. I'm returning mine tonight.
  
  
• Cable Modem
  By A19AY5U9QAK477 on 2007-05-17
  This product worked and gave me the advertized bandwidth of my cable modem connection. I replaced an old outdated Motorola modem with this newer Motorola modem. Both products are excellent.
  
  
• Plug it in, and forget it!
  By A2SZJBY443SBV8 on 2007-08-22
  As an FYI, Amazon has this product listed 3 different ways as "Motorola Surfboard Broadband Cable Modem SB-5101" and as "Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem" and as "SURFboard Cable Modem". All are listed at 3 different prices, too!
  
  I did a little bit of homework, and the Motorola seemed to have good reviews. This product is supposed to be the same in function as the SB5120 except that the SB5101 uses a slightly different chip set.
  
  I chose to buy a cable modem so that I could replace the rental unit from the cable company. Make sure your cable company supports this cable modem before buying!
  
  For my setup, I have my cable service from the evil Comcast, my cable modem, and an older Linksys wireless router. The day my Motorola cable modem arrived, I took it out of the box, glanced at the Quick setup guide, and plugged it in. I called Comcast, navigated through their Byzantine automated phone menu system, and read off the MAC ID to the tech services person. He did some stuff on his end to first recognize the new cable modem. Then he had to do some other configuration on his end because of the router. Once that was done, viola! We've been using the cable modem for the past week or so without incident.
  
  To me this is the best kind of electronics product. It takes ~30 sec to hook it up, and once it's done, you can forget about it. It took longer to open the package (and much longer on the call with Comcast) than it took to hook it up.
  
  
• Best cable modem money can buy
  By A1GS6G3VT0SZAA on 2007-09-11
  This is the modem that Comcast prefers and I bought it on Amazon at a savings of over $25 from buying it at Bestbuy (Comcast provider). Easy to install and works perfect. Just make sure you call Comcast and give them the number on the back of the modem so they can reset your account. We have not had one moment of problem with it and I wouldn't call myself a computer savy person. I just wanted to buy preferred equipment at a savings and found Amazon had the best price. I paired this with a Linksys Cable/DSL Router with a 4 port 10/100 switch so my husband and I could both be on our computers at the same time without having to have a network established. Like I said, we haven't had a moments problem with either one of them.
  
  
• It is supposed to be the best, alas alak tis not so true
  By APSK31ERW8HXB on 2007-10-26
  Wouldn't function correctly.
  Getting service out of Motorola is like pulling teeth, your teeth, by yourself, without novacaine.
  
  
• As expected
  By A3IO6VM9U9K3RJ on 2008-02-01
  Works right off the box no setup necessary. Strong signal and ease of use make this cable modem ideal for home and small businesses. I use it with a wireless router and despite having 3 computers sharing the same connection, there is no slow down in performance. A must have!!
  
  
• Best Cable Modem out....especially good for VoIP
  By APSKCG61PSF2F on 2008-05-02
  This cm is awesome. Better than the 5120 as the 5120 has firmware that does not like VoIP. I highly recommend this for any user!
  
  
• Works with Comcast internet.
  By A3D9JABKZWYQS0 on 2008-06-22
  I bought this modem so that I would not have to rent one from Comcast, and this one works fine. It has been on for a week now with no problems. Great modem.
  
  
• Easy Install, Simple to Use, Fast Connection; Best Value
  By A3HVEVCLI2M9QM on 2008-07-09
  I recommend this unit. Simply an excellent product. Setup was very easy to follow. I screwed the coax connector into my CATV wall outlet, connected to my modem and plugged in an ethernet cable from my desk top computer to the modem. Follow the start up disk which has graphic instructions so you do not need an expensive service technician to make a house call. The modem has both ethernet and USB ports. I am not a tech head, so I needed something that was an easy install. Delivery was very slow, shipped from from Blue Proton Consulting, when the modem arrived by UPS, I received it within 2 weeks, opened the box up, plugged it in, called Comcast technical phone support and gave them the serial number and MAC number that was on the bottom of the modem. I was connected in 2 minutes. I previously had a RCA modem that was much slower... the speed of the RCA crawled either because Comcast's system had changed or the old modem's could not keep up with it. The RCA deteriorated and failed after 3 years of hard work. The performance of the Motorola is very noticable and faster with a fast connection to the internet. Motorola locates the standby button on the top where it is easily accessible. Why rent this unit from your Cable company when you can buy it for three months rental charge?
  
  I am using a Linksys Wireless Router with this modem running a desk top and three lap tops. Even with all four users connected, there is no problem with connectivity or bandwidth. I recommend that you re- boot both the computer and the router after the modem is first activated.
  
  I purchased a high quality ethernet cable to use with this new modem.
  This modem does give off as much thermal heat as the RCA modem did... it runs much cooler. I am using an ethernet connection to my Linksys wireless router and not a USB cable. This modem has an option to use USB connectors (with USB and ethernet cables provided) which is an option connecting the modem directly to your computer.
  
  
  
  
• This modem looses conneciton sporadically
  By A2ERILON2JDCS4 on 2008-07-16
  After weeks of still troubleshooting my connection, my cable company in an effort to prove this unit is defective, has hooked up two modems to my cable line in the office. Both modems are identical, when mine fails, the comcast laoner is still lit up. They are on the both line so I know it's not my wiring, the isp, or my signal strength. For what ever reason this particular unit is defective.
  
  
• Stay far away from this unit
  By A1TRN93TEGZYX8 on 2008-08-18
  This is a bad unit as it has a confirmed firmware issue that Motorola is refusing to fix. After 3 days of flawless operation, the unit started to Reboot itself which is beyond annoying. My wife informed me that during the day time the modem could reboot 20 times.
  
  I will promptly return this unit to Amazon.
  
  
  
  
• Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem
  By A2J8A0YMP76IAM on 2007-08-12
  The Modem replaced a similar modem supplied at a monthly fee by the Cable Company. Works well, have had no trouble and appears to be reasonably fast. Would recommend to others.
  
  
• surfboard sinking
  By A65G2Y48ATDZM on 2008-01-24
  I bought the SB-5101 surfboard because it had a standby button. Well that was short lived. I have had the thing a few months and the day before yesterday it stopped standing by & stays on all the time. I can't get inside it cause it's glued together. Rather than chop it up i had to add a line switch. Works just as good, but now i'm wondering what is going to go next, nothing i hope. I know you guys can't stop these things from happening, but you asked for a review.
  
  
• Works well with my Cox Cable connection
  By AONKR90L7LLZQ on 2008-01-29
  The modem was very easy to setup and seems to be working well after a month or so. I wanted to warn other about my experience adding a modem to our home network. I assumed I could just get second modem, plug it in and go. That's not the case with Cox Communications here in AZ. They make you pay for a second internet connection when you add a second cable modem. When I called to get everything setup, they tried to tell me I had to pay for a $100 service call to have someone come out and set it up. I was very clear that I didn't want to pay for this and they ended up doing it over the phone for free. Don't let them charge you (as long as you are comfortable with plugging in three wires and reading them the nubmers off the device).
  
  
• much better than a rental
  By A2RUJ9NS7M2S18 on 2008-06-21
  After years of renting a box from the cable company, I finally bought one. I got it, opened it up, plugged it in, called Cox tech support to give them the serial number and MAC number and was up and running in 5 minutes. I don't know that I can claim an increase in speed over the Toshiba PCX2200 that I rented from Cox, but the performance is at least as good. Honestly, I never had any complaints about the performance of the prior modem, I have always had a fast connection to the internet. The real benefit is that I now own one for the same price as 4 months rental of the other one.
  
  I am also using a D-Link DI-624 wireless router. Some previous reviewers complained that this modem either did not work with D-Link routers or needed special cables. The only thing I did was re-boot the router after the modem was activated and it worked great. At first I used the same ethernet cable that I had been using with the old modem, but, when I realized I had to return the cable with the modem to Cox, I replaced it with the cable that came with this modem (both appear to be standard ethernet cables). Because I pressed the standby switch before disconnecting the cable, I didn't even have to re-boot anything after replacing the cable. I have to wonder if those reviewers had their cables connected properly?
  
  One note: I am using an ethernet connection to a wireless router and not USB, which is an option if connecting the modem directly to your computer. I cannot comment on how this modem works with a USB connection.
  
  I highly recommend this unit.
  
  
• Cable Modem
  By A1MDJ1VQZ7JKNS on 2007-06-10
  I am very satisfied with this product. I bought it to replace a rental from the cable company and it performs as well.
  
  
• Motorola modem
  By AGI2I4ICJC6KM on 2007-10-13
  This modem is faster than the linksys modem that I previously used. It was very easy to install in my computer and to hook up. It took me less than 10 minutes to go through the whole process. I'm glad that I selected this model.
  
  

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