Modems - what do I need to look for?

DaveWadding · 04-22-12, 01:11 AM

I've been having a little computer problem tonight & between the guy from the cable company and me, we pinpointed that the problem was the modem, because it wasn't showing a connection on his end.

I got it working for now, but as a preventative measure, I've decided to keep my eyes out for a new one in case it becomes an issue again.

My current modem is a 9 year old Motorola Surfboard SB5100.

This is the current list of ISP approved modems.

What do I need to look for? What features are new and spiffy in modems these days?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Jay G. · 04-22-12, 07:43 AM

If you're looking for high speed now or in the future, get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS#Speed_tables

Otherwise, some of those listed are combination modem & wifi router, sometimes referred to as "Gateways". However, I'd recommend keeping the modem and wifi separate, so that you can upgrade or replace them separately down the road. It makes it easier to troubleshoot to, since you can remove the wifi router from the equation when testing the connection.

edstein · 04-22-12, 10:51 AM

Anything faster than 2400 baud should be fine.

D.Pham4GLTE (>60GB) · 04-22-12, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edstein

Anything faster than 2400 baud should be fine.

You mean my bell 101 isn't adequate? :-(

04-22-12, 01:11 AM	#1
DaveWadding DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,235	Modems - what do I need to look for? I've been having a little computer problem tonight & between the guy from the cable company and me, we pinpointed that the problem was the modem, because it wasn't showing a connection on his end. I got it working for now, but as a preventative measure, I've decided to keep my eyes out for a new one in case it becomes an issue again. My current modem is a 9 year old Motorola Surfboard SB5100. This is the current list of ISP approved modems. What do I need to look for? What features are new and spiffy in modems these days? Your help is greatly appreciated. __________________ 360 GT: DaveWadding

04-22-12, 07:43 AM	#2
Jay G. DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 11,144	Re: Modems - what do I need to look for? If you're looking for high speed now or in the future, get a DOCSIS 3.0 modem: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS#Speed_tables Otherwise, some of those listed are combination modem & wifi router, sometimes referred to as "Gateways". However, I'd recommend keeping the modem and wifi separate, so that you can upgrade or replace them separately down the road. It makes it easier to troubleshoot to, since you can remove the wifi router from the equation when testing the connection.

04-22-12, 10:51 AM	#3
edstein DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 8,120	Re: Modems - what do I need to look for? Anything faster than 2400 baud should be fine.