Dumping the ISP's modem

A

atom

Gawd
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
858
I am doing a little cord cutting around here.
Here is the approved list: https://atlanticbb.com/sites/default/files/tiny_mce/files/approved_modem_list.pdf
Really slim pickings. I am looking at the SB6121, but I was wondering, do I really need to stick to this approved list? It doesn't make good business sense for them to keep it well updated. If the modems are all making current standards in theory wouldn't it perform well? Looking for people with the experience in this stuff. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I am downgrading to 60mps internet. Apparently that SB6121 is only good for about 50, another reason to go out of the approved list if I can.
 
The SB6121 should support 100 mbps. It's DOCSIS 3.0, 4 channel up, 4 down.

There are some 4 up, 8 down in that price range. In theory should offer better consistency.

I would think any DOCSIS 3.0 modem should work, that list is probably just a suggestion based on what they've verified internally.
 
That list does look quite old, as it includes several models that have been out of production and discontinued by the manufacturer for several years.

I can verify that newer SurfBoard modems have been reported to work with Atlantic Broadband, including the SB6141 and SB6183, which are current retail devices, 8x4 and 16x4 modems.

Vengance_01 said:
Look at zoom modems. Cheaper then the sb brand and it's the same guts
Click to expand...
No, not the same guts. Maybe the same as all cable modems are using either Broadcom, Intel, or TI SoC's, but completely different manufacturers.
 
atom said:
Apparently that SB6121 is only good for about 50, another reason to go out of the approved list if I can.
Click to expand...

The SB6121 can indeed support 100mbps no problem, so 60 should be fine. This is from when I had that exact modem on Comcast:

100.png
 
Vengance_01 said:
Look at zoom modems. Cheaper then the sb brand and it's the same guts
Click to expand...

You post couldn't possibly be more wrong, and you are going to confuse people with that comment.

It's important to understand the distinction between different modems that have used the Motorola name at different points in time, but are in fact made by totally different companies with very different levels of quality.

Arris acquired Motorola Mobility's home unit (the former General Instrument company, the company that used to make the Surfboard modems) back in April 2013. Arris then signed a one year (later extended to two years) agreement to continue using the Motorola name on their Surfboard modems. This has now expired. You still see some inventory labeled Motorola but for the most part most branding should be changed to Arris at this point. These are VERY good cablemodems and the continuation of the absolutely rock-solid Motorola surfboard line. (SB6141, SB6183, SB6190, etc)

At the beginning of 2016, Zoom (Zoom Telephonics) signed a 5-year deal with Motorola Mobility to use the Motorola brand name on their CableModems. These modems are absolute pieces of shit. (MB7220, MB7420, etc)

Point is, they are NOT made by the same company, nor are they related in any way. They are made by two completely different companies who, at different times, each had a license to use the Motorola name. The Arris surfboard modems are the ones that you want.

The Motorola (Zoom) MB7420, for example, is in NO WAY a "successor" to the SB6141, SB6183, SB6190, etc. Although I'm sure it wasn't an accident or coincidence that they used a higher model number that might give those looking for a "Motorola" modem that impression. The 7420 is made by Zoom and I wouldn't touch those modems with a 10-foot pole.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: rma
like this
GotNoRice said:
The SB6121 can indeed support 100mbps no problem, so 60 should be fine. This is from when I had that exact modem on Comcast:

100.png
Click to expand...

Some Internet providers (primarily Time Warner and Cox) have only been provisioning Docsis 3.0 modems for about half of their rated speeds. My guess is that it was easier/cheaper for them to provide more channels for speed, rather than max out the speed per channel. This is where I can actually say something good about Comcast, they don't seem to do this. I couldn't say what Atlantic Broadband is doing. However, the SB6121 is End of Life and no longer manufactured, so unless you are getting a really good deal, it would be better to get the SB6141 or SB6183, and you'd have capacity for future speeds if wanted.
 
atom said:
I am doing a little cord cutting around here.
Here is the approved list: https://atlanticbb.com/sites/default/files/tiny_mce/files/approved_modem_list.pdf
Really slim pickings. I am looking at the SB6121, but I was wondering, do I really need to stick to this approved list? It doesn't make good business sense for them to keep it well updated. If the modems are all making current standards in theory wouldn't it perform well? Looking for people with the experience in this stuff. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I am downgrading to 60mps internet. Apparently that SB6121 is only good for about 50, another reason to go out of the approved list if I can.
Click to expand...
Ok I have two modems, one is My black 6183, it can do whatever Spectrum can currently throw at it, and then there is My 6121, that does 100M/10M, though the 6121 is at its limit there, mind you this is a former TWC MAXX area that is only completed to 100M/10M.

I wish I could downgrade, this area has only 100/10, nothing lower, and nothing higher, not since Spectrum took over...

Spectrum Internet Assist is a bad Joke, one has to be 65yrs old getting SSI, and be a New Customer, or have a kid on a school lunch program of some sort...
 
Hope I'm not hijacking this thread. I would like to cut the cord with Comcast, but I have their VOIP, which I really like, BTW. Can anyone suggest a brand or model of cable modem that will support DOCSIS 3 and this voice service?
 
jardows said:
That list does look quite old, as it includes several models that have been out of production and discontinued by the manufacturer for several years.

I can verify that newer SurfBoard modems have been reported to work with Atlantic Broadband, including the SB6141 and SB6183, which are current retail devices, 8x4 and 16x4 modems.


No, not the same guts. Maybe the same as all cable modems are using either Broadcom, Intel, or TI SoC's, but completely different manufacturers.
Click to expand...

You are right and I stand corrected

GotNoRice said:
You post couldn't possibly be more wrong, and you are going to confuse people with that comment.

It's important to understand the distinction between different modems that have used the Motorola name at different points in time, but are in fact made by totally different companies with very different levels of quality.

Arris acquired Motorola Mobility's home unit (the former General Instrument company, the company that used to make the Surfboard modems) back in April 2013. Arris then signed a one year (later extended to two years) agreement to continue using the Motorola name on their Surfboard modems. This has now expired. You still see some inventory labeled Motorola but for the most part most branding should be changed to Arris at this point. These are VERY good cablemodems and the continuation of the absolutely rock-solid Motorola surfboard line. (SB6141, SB6183, SB6190, etc)

At the beginning of 2016, Zoom (Zoom Telephonics) signed a 5-year deal with Motorola Mobility to use the Motorola brand name on their CableModems. These modems are absolute pieces of shit. (MB7220, MB7420, etc)

Point is, they are NOT made by the same company, nor are they related in any way. They are made by two completely different companies who, at different times, each had a license to use the Motorola name. The Arris surfboard modems are the ones that you want.

The Motorola (Zoom) MB7420, for example, is in NO WAY a "successor" to the SB6141, SB6183, SB6190, etc. Although I'm sure it wasn't an accident or coincidence that they used a higher model number that might give those looking for a "Motorola" modem that impression. The 7420 is made by Zoom and I wouldn't touch those modems with a 10-foot pole.
Click to expand...

You are right and I stand corrected
 
JokerCPoC said:
Ok I have two modems, one is My black 6183, it can do whatever Spectrum can currently throw at it, and then there is My 6121, that does 100M/10M, though the 6121 is at its limit there, mind you this is a former TWC MAXX area that is only completed to 100M/10M.

I wish I could downgrade, this area has only 100/10, nothing lower, and nothing higher, not since Spectrum took over...

Spectrum Internet Assist is a bad Joke, one has to be 65yrs old getting SSI, and be a New Customer, or have a kid on a school lunch program of some sort...
Click to expand...

TWC limits 8x4 modems to 100 down max tier. Anything higher they make you have a 16/4 modem.
 
x509 said:
Hope I'm not hijacking this thread. I would like to cut the cord with Comcast, but I have their VOIP, which I really like, BTW. Can anyone suggest a brand or model of cable modem that will support DOCSIS 3 and this voice service?
Click to expand...

From what I understand, they force you to rent their kit if you do VOIP with them.

Consider replacing their VOIP with an Ooma box and you'd be free to switch out the modem...
 
x509 said:
Hope I'm not hijacking this thread. I would like to cut the cord with Comcast, but I have their VOIP, which I really like, BTW. Can anyone suggest a brand or model of cable modem that will support DOCSIS 3 and this voice service?
Click to expand...
Sorry I missed this earlier, but the only modem I know of that is authorized for retail purchase supporting Comcast phone services is the ARRIS TM822R. There are a couple of ARRIS gateways available (modem and router combined) - the TG862R and the SVG2482. I personally am using the TM822R and a pfSense router.

atom said:
Guys thank you so much for the replies. I think I am going to risk it with this gateway here. It may be based on the SB6141.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0100KRBA6/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IIPK318IDZ1MP&colid=1X02J59G8CTCY
Ships and sold by Amazon so I believe I should be able to return it if there are issues.
Click to expand...

That isn't a bad choice. If the router side doesn't work out for your needs, it's fairly simple to bridge it, turning it into just a cable modem. Definitely make sure that you buy one that is shipped and sold by Amazon - lots of shady marketplace sellers listing "new" units that are actually used, and don't carry any warranty.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: x509
like this
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top