modem

11 years ago

My cable company charges $7.00 per month for the modem. Would i be wise if I purchased my own modem or am I asking for problems? I need a cable-telephone modem. Any advice is appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

emma
11 years ago
Years ago when I tried that they told me they wouldn't support it if I had a problem. The last time I went through that, They said they will only support if I buy one of the brands they support so I had options. I went through the same thing with the router. I always bought my own, don't remember ever renting one if I didn't have to.
mikie_gw
11 years ago
Depends on you.. if it works fine now & I could find one on ebay for like 20 or 30 dollars. Think I'd buy it from ebay. Maybe I'd buy two so I had a spare.

Pay bills online and so much of our daily lives revolve around the internet connections - a modem has quite a bit of importance.
Related Discussions
Need a new cable modem
Q
Comments (3)
All in one = modem and router in same box SB6141 is modem only. I have its predecessor (6121) and it's been fine for the past few years. (a modem is like brakes on your car, they either work and all's well or they don't and you have a problem). I think Motorola makes decent modems. If you get that, you'll need a router too. I prefer separate units, but either separate or an all in one will both get you where you want to be. The all in one's I've worked with have been only mediocre at both tasks, I try to get better function with better separate components. DOCSIS is simply the standard used for over the cable communications. Think of it as a language, like Spanish, all the connections need to speak the same or compatible languages. As an average user, you will NEVER detect a difference in a such a small number version difference, no need to wait. DOCSIS 3.0 is reasonably current, capable, and works fine to speeds that are in excess of most people's connections.
...See More
Cat5 or RG6 for Cable Modem
Q
Comments (12)
We can't have dish in our development, so it will always be cable. What I really plan on doing is using a good ac router like the Apple airport extreme. I feel like ac wireless is plenty fast enough for me and wireless should only get faster. I currently have two rg6 cables running to the office...one for tv and one for the modem. I've also got rg6 running to all rooms where I might have a tv. I currently don't have cat wiring going to those rooms because as I said I plan on utilizing wireless. I have a wired phone in the kitchen and plan on having wireless handsets in other rooms.
...See More
centurylink modem
Q
Comments (2)
Yep, that's all you have to do, just make sure you get a receipt from CL saying it was returned to avoid any billing issues later. And never mind azinoh, it's a supported modem by CL, they even have a support page for it. And When you say you "changed your network/password" from the old to the new, I hope you also changed the network/password on the new modem/router form what is when when you received it, ESPECIALLY if you bought it used.
...See More
Need recommendations for modem/router combo, please help
Q
Comments (15)
I'm not sure I'm following your description but let me talk aloud about the basic layout. The internet signal comes into the house. Service provided by cable companies comes in on a coax cable. The first connection is to a modem, it's the translator that can speak both to the internet provider and home equipment. A PC can be connected directly to a modem (ethernet cable) if needed or if that's the only device in the house that needs a signal. Some internet modems are dual devices, acting as both modem and router, otherwise, there are two devices and they're connected with an ethernet cable - output of the modem leads to input of the router. Think of an old-fashioned telephone operator with a switchboard with plug holes and wires with plugs, putting the a wire of the incoming call into the correct hole for the desired destination routes the call. That's what a router does, it connects devices needing an internet connection to the modem. The connections can be wired (ethernet lines) or wireless (wifi). About four or fewer wired sockets are standard on most routers. If you need more, a ethernet switch does as you describe - a 4 node switch plugged into one socket in the router makes that one socket into 4 possible connections. Wireless connections for home use should be considered as limitless, more than anyone would ever need (though a lot of traffic from dozens of users can slow throughput). Ethernet switches are like an extension cord or surge protector with multiple sockets, where one cord plugged into the wall socket can provide say 3 or 4 sockets for use (so long as the circuit amperage isn't exceeded). Ethernet boxes just pass signals through and make one socket into multiple ones. They do nothing otherwise. As far as buying equipment, there's no need to go into a store. Amazon, NewEgg, and even Walmart are excellent sites selling wide selections of products and brands, competitive prices and (usually) generous and free return policies. I personally can't remember the last item I got from a store, it's been that long ago and rare. Did I cover your question or miss it?
...See More
acraftylady
11 years ago
We have time warner with road runner. Have had it since it was adelphia cable. Have had my own modem from day one for the last 15yrs same original modem and not one bit of trouble. We just had adelphia cable at first then when we signed up for Internet they gave me a $50 coupon for best buy to put towards my own modem so they encouraged it back then. Mary
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
It's not so much "what they support" from a subjective standpoint, rather it's which modems have compatible technology that the cable system requires. All use about the same equipment and (generally speaking) the modems available to buy work with all. Each cable provider has a list of modems that they've tested for compatibility, double check that specific list to be sure what you plan to buy is on it. Personally, I avoid Ebay, I don't like buying anything from anonymous sellers. Amazon has a full selection and good prices.

If you can buy a modem for $70, in 10 months you're ahead compared to $7 per month. Pay less, you're ahead sooner. "Installing" the new modem, if you can call it that, is barely more difficult than changing a light bulb. It usually involves nothing more than making a phone call (you tell them the device ID number so that the system accepts the connection) and then plug in two wires. No tools required

Crafty, a 15 year old cable modem is a dinosaur and several generations behind the latest technology. It may not be providing you the best performance you're paying for. You've gotten your money's worth a few times over, I'd replace it if I were you.
acraftylady
11 years ago
I know but it works and my internet and wireless are super fast so I am not gonna fix what isin't broken as they say. When it dies then I will replace it. Only thing I have are main desktop that is a year old hooked to it laptop 2 yrs old use wireless with it and my kindle fire I use wireless with and internet is fine and fast with this modem. It's a motorolla surfboard modem and I have never had one issue with it. Mary

Related Stories

HOME OFFICES 9 Hacks for a Clutter-Free Home Office

By Natasha Saroca

Use these clever ideas to transform a chaotic study into one that’s more conducive to working

Full Story

HOME OFFICES Dream Spaces: Home Offices You’d Be Delighted to Work In

By Kate McKee

Warm lighting, comfortable furnishings and pleasing views can make you want to head into your home office each day

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Hide Those Plugs and Switches

By Jason Ball Interior Design

5 ways to camouflage your outlets — or just make them disappear

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: 'Pieced Together With a Purpose' in Dallas

By Vanessa Brunner

This collected-over-time look comes from antiques, retro pieces and treatments that celebrate age

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Feminine Workspaces for Hardworking Women

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Glam, girly or with a powerful palette, these home offices and workspaces give working girls and women the designs they deserve

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES 5 Ways to Organize Your Home Electronics

By Vanessa Brunner

Always losing your phone charger? Tired of digging for that missing DVD? Try these ideas for managing your favorite home gadgets

Full Story

DIY PROJECTS Hide Cords in Style With DIY Graphic Panels

By Sarah Dorsey

Keep wires under wraps for a neater-looking home office or media center, with wall panels you make to your exact taste

Full Story

DECLUTTERING Small Steps for Keeping Your Housekeeping Resolutions

By Alison Hodgson

Take a different approach this year, making simple, positive changes that add up before you know it

Full Story

MORE ROOMS Where to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

Full Story

modem

Comments (5)

emma

mikie_gw

Related Discussions

acraftylady

Elmer J Fudd

acraftylady

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US