TWC and my modem (SB6120)

[Greedouw]

Hi all,

This may be a stupid question, but my understanding of modems is somewhat limited. Anyways, TWC has upgraded their cable to "digital" which they claim takes a ton of traffic off of their data centers. I'm currently paying for 15 mbs down, however, they are claiming that I should be getting 50 mbs + because of their upgrades in the Orange County area. They asked me which modem I was using and I told them that I am using a SB6120 which does NOT appear on their compatibility list.

Bottom line, I was thinking about purchasing a SB6141. Any idea if this is truly the issue or is TWC cable speeds really that shitty?

Thanks,

[Shenrien]

If you're using a DOCSIS 2.0 modem you're going to be having some issues with speed w/ TWC, look for something that's DOCSIS 3.0 and you should return to your normal speeds, it has something to do with how they transmit their data. The same goes pretty much for comcast as well.

If you need some sorta visual reference here is a craptastic 2 minute video. idk anything about SB6141, but I believe it's demo'd in the video below or atleast something with a similar SKU.

[Greedouw]

According to the specs, the SB6120 is a DOCSIS 3.0. Mind you, the modem came out in 2009 and I honestly can't recall ever updating the firmware

Found this BTW,
http://www.tinkertry.com/sb6141/

[Obiron]

Do you rent, or do you own your modem? If you rent, I assume they would just swap it out for you.

If you own, I would definitely update the firmware if you have the ability to do so. I used to have a 6120 (I'm with Comcast) and it started randomly dropping connection and need a reboot. I replaced it, but afterwards I was reading online that Comcast can push firmware updates, and this exact issue was very widespread after a recent push. In fact, a friend is now borrowing that modem and has had no problems, so it was probably firmware all along. So you may not want that revision, whatever it was, but it's just an example that firmware can affect your modem's performance.

That being said, during that time I bought a Zoom 5341 (J I think, but I'm not home to check) and haven't had any problems. There were a lot of reviews supporting it as an alternative to Motorola, and I'm hoping Comcast is also less likely to push firmware updates without notifying me since it's not a modem they carry.

[Greedouw]

Do you rent, or do you own your modem? If you rent, I assume they would just swap it out for you.

If you own, I would definitely update the firmware if you have the ability to do so. I used to have a 6120 (I'm with Comcast) and it started randomly dropping connection and need a reboot. I replaced it, but afterwards I was reading online that Comcast can push firmware updates, and this exact issue was very widespread after a recent push. In fact, a friend is now borrowing that modem and has had no problems, so it was probably firmware all along. So you may not want that revision, whatever it was, but it's just an example that firmware can affect your modem's performance.

That being said, during that time I bought a Zoom 5341 (J I think, but I'm not home to check) and haven't had any problems. There were a lot of reviews supporting it as an alternative to Motorola, and I'm hoping Comcast is also less likely to push firmware updates without notifying me since it's not a modem they carry.

I buy. I never liked renting equipment, especially those shitty modems they provide...