Topic 'Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141' in forum 'Comcast HSI' - dslreports.com

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:38:53 EDT

telcodad posted :

I was looking at the 6141 and the Zoom 5341J. Any insights?

One major difference between them is that the Motorola SB6141 is built around the TI/Intel Puma 5 (TNETC4840) chipset (»www.ti.com/lit/ml/spat181/spat181.pdf and »www.electronicspecifier.com/Acti···tion.asp), while the Zoom 5341J modem uses the Broadcom BCM3382 (»www.broadcom.com/products/Cable/···/BCM3382 and »www.broadcom.com/press/release.p···=s434809) chipset.

Depending on the particular signal conditions at your home, one modem may perform somewhat better than the other.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:18:44 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : I tried the Zoom 5341J modem for a few days then it crapped out and I had to send it back.
That doesn't mean all Zoom modems are bad, I just happen to get a bad one. I did notice the SNR on all 8 channels were a little better with the Zoom, but not by enough to make any difference.
I went to the SB6141 as soon as it was on the accepted list, mainly because of my experience with Motorola products over the years.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:50:14 EDT

FarmerBob posted : Back in the Dino Days, Zoom was the leader in Dial-up. I was looking at it before the SB because it had all the notoriety before the SB caught on. These days it's hard to tell unless you get one and try it. That can be expensive and troublesome.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:40:59 EDT

Mike Wolf posted : Either option should go for you well. I always will look at the popularity and how well known the company is. Alot of people know Motorola Sufboard modems, seems very synonymous with cable internet and reliability. Zoom modems I'm sure are the same though I wouldn't know from personal experience.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:34:54 EDT

FarmerBob posted : I was looking at the 6141 and the Zoom 5341J. Any insights?

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:09:51 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : You are going to like that modem when you do get it.
Mine has been running for two months without any problems.
I know that doesn't say much longevity wise, but if it's like all other Motorola products I have owned, it will be like that for many years.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:52:31 EDT

FarmerBob posted : Now up to $114.95 with free shipping. Guess I should have gotten it when it was $97. I'll stick with the Ubee and get the Netgear R6300 first, while the 6141 wavers in price. Then pick it up when the price stabilizes. Only 6 left though.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:28:00 EDT

telcodad posted : This morning, Amazon shows the SB6141 back in stock by only one seller (Miakota) for $109.95 plus $4.99 shipping.

Must be a hot item now that it's finally on Comcast's approved DOCSIS devices list.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:21:29 EDT

Darknessfall posted : A couple hours ago it was up still(Around 5 PM Eastern) from 2 listings with about 15 or so in stock. I have no idea what happened lol.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:09:45 EDT

FarmerBob posted : The 6141 is no longer available on Amazon. I almost bought it from the same link the other day. But today, it's gone and they have their "we don't know if it'll be back" disclaimer posted. I wonder what happened?

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 05:07:10 EDT

Mike Wolf posted : ah so the 8 channel thing. thanks.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:01:20 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : I read the same thing that it has a TI chipset, but the 6120 uses the TI chipset and I had one since they first came out, must be about 3 years now with no problems at all.
Guess I will have to wait and see if any problems pop up on the 6141.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:39:29 EDT

KevTech posted : I read this modem has a TI chipset so time will tell if issues arise.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:12:08 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : The 6121 gives you 4 channels down and 4 up while the 6141 gives you 8 channels down and 4 up.
I am getting the 8 channels down and 2 up, but don't think I will see 4 up anytime soon, if ever.
The modems are almost identical in looks.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:53:12 EDT

Mike Wolf posted : Whats the difference between the 6121 and the 6141?

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:14:27 EDT

EG posted :

said by Wayne99021:

I have only had the one contact with Zoom which turned out bad, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.

O/k but that's not a very large *cross section* there eh ?

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:27:22 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : No, it's just my opinion because I have had them both in my hand and know how they feel.
As you pointed out, I like Motorola because I have had great service from them for a long time which I am sure influences my opinion.
I have only had the one contact with Zoom which turned out bad, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:06:20 EDT

EG posted :

said by Wayne99021:

The SB 6141 is better built than the Zoom

Can you prove that or is it an opinion ?

and has the name Motorola that I have used for many years without any problems.

Objectively, can we really 100% rely on long time trusted brand names as being of equal quality these days to what they formally were ?

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:46:50 EDT

jaynick posted : Thanks, Wayne, I'll check it out now. :)

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:07:28 EDT

telcodad posted :

said by Wayne99021:

Yes, it's the same except the Hardware and boot version.
Firmware name: SB_KOMODO-1.0.6.6-SCMOO-NOSH
Boot Version: PSPU-BOOT(25CLK)1.0.12
Hardware Version 7.0

Thanks, very interesting!

Actually, the Boot Version info is the same as shown for the SB6121, it's just the SB6120 that has a different one.

From your info and the info that was posted in the »SB6120 Firmware Updated (7/19/12) thread, here is how the hardware/software information compares among the 3 modem models:

Model Name: SB6120
Firmware Name: SB_KOMODO-1.0.6.6-SCM00-NOSH
Boot Version: PSPU-Boot 1.0.0.4m1
Hardware Version: 1.0 or 3.0

Model Name: SB6121
Firmware Name: SB_KOMODO-1.0.6.6-SCM00-NOSH
Boot Version: PSPU-Boot(25CLK) 1.0.12.
Hardware Version: 5.0

Model Name: SB6141
Firmware name: SB_KOMODO-1.0.6.6-SCMOO-NOSH
Boot Version: PSPU-BOOT(25CLK)1.0.12
Hardware Version 7.0

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:40:06 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : I got the SB 6141 from Amazon.
I had 2 day shipping and it came to $105.93.
I agree on the Zoom 5341J, we both must have got a lemon.
I see a lot of people have them with no problems and like them.
The SB 6141 is better built than the Zoom and has the name Motorola that I have used for many years without any problems.
I just rushed into Zoom because I wanted the 8 channels down and the SB 6141 wasn't on the approved list.
I am glad now that the Zoom crapped out on me.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:25:26 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : Yes, it's the same except the Hardware and boot version.
Firmware name: SB_KOMODO-1.0.6.6-SCMOO-NOSH
Boot Version: PSPU-BOOT(25CLK)1.0.12
Hardware Version 7.0

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:27:52 EDT

telcodad posted : Can you tell us what the firmware version info is on your newly activated SB6141?

I'm wondering if it has a fairly recent version, similar to the new April 2012 version that was just downloaded to the SB6120 and SB6121 modems (»SB6120 Firmware Updated (7/19/12) )?

There is also a thread on the Motorola Hardware forum on the SB6141: »SB6141?!??!
Back in March, a Time Warner Cable HSI user had reported an August 2011 firmware version on his SB6141: »Re: SB6141?!??!

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:36:02 EDT

jaynick posted : Wayne, where did you get the SB6141 from? I changed back to my trusty SB6120 from the Zoom 5341J. I gave up the 8 channel DS because I got tired of the connection drops. The Zooms are probably good modems but it looks like you and I got lemons. ;)
The SB6120 has been rock solid for 6 days now without a hiccup. :)

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:12:54 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : tshirt.
Thanks for the info and link.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:04:28 EDT

tshirt posted : It has to do with the level/throughness of the testing completed
»mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/certhelp.php
1 star is "meets basic requirements", 3 is "passed the torture test"
I believe ComCast charges for the testing (like $25k+ per level??) so a given manufactur may only pay for the basic test or a single star could mean it passed basic other tests still in progress.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:18:59 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : Got the SB6141 modem yesterday and Comcast had it provisioned in less than 10 minutes with no problems.
Working great with good signals on all 8 downstream channels and 2 up.
I see on the Comcast approved list that some modems have 3 stars under cert and many just have 1, what's that about?.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:48:54 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : I can't imagine a new DOCSIS 3 modem not having IPV6.
Just to make sure I checked two more places and it does say IPV6 compatible.
I just got a e-mail saying the modem would be here Wednesday not Thursday.....I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to things like this, so the sooner the better.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:42:57 EDT

andyross posted : Technically, all D3 modems are IPv6 compatible, as that is part of the specs. Of course, in the real world, few have been really tested.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:17:51 EDT

telcodad posted :

said by voiptalk:

The SB6141 is now on the approved list:
»mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/device.···=&sc=601

But is not checked for IPv6.

said by Wayne99021:

According to the Motorola site, it is IPV6 compatable.

Yeah, that "IPv6" column in Comcast's Approved DOCSIS Devices list (»mydeviceinfo.comcast.net) can be a bit confusing.

While that column says "IPv6 capable" when you put your mouse pointer over its title, it really indicates whether that device has been "IPv6 certified" or not by Comcast themselves (regardless of what the manufacturer says). All DOCSIS 3.0 devices are required to support IPv6 as part of that specification.

From what I remember, the SB6121 modem did not have a check in that "IPv6" column for the longest time either.

EDIT: An example of what can go wrong with a device/firmware version that was supposed to support IPv6, but had not yet been certified by Comcast, can be seen in this thread: »[IPv6] Comcast Pulls Back On IPv6 Rollout

As tshirt said in one of the posts there:

"CC's extensive test (equipment certs, in house, and Beta) group has uncovered at least a couple incompatible pieces of consumer equipment during the IPv6 and other tests, no matter what the box says. this is a network engineers nightmare to allow all equipment that meets the minmum standard (based on carefully designed tests [by] the Mfg.) knowing that some (hopefully small) percentage will fail in the real world."

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:01:07 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : That's great.
I just ordered mine and it should be here Thursday.
According to the Motorola site, it is IPV6 compatable.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:49:53 EDT

biomesh posted : Now lets see if/when it will be added to the business class tiers.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:28:34 EDT

voiptalk posted : The SB6141 is now on the approved list:
»mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/device.···=&sc=601

But is not checked for IPv6.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:51:31 EDT

telcodad posted : No, I didn't say that only 8-channel modems would be used for the 305 Mbps "platinum" service, only that it would take at least one of that type to be able to support it.

But you're right, there would not be much operating headroom with a 8-channel modem operating at that rate. I forgot about what I had posted in another thread (»Re: Speculation of 305 tier provisioned speeds/prices?) previously about that new tier:

However, in another article I found on the CED Magazine site (»www.cedmagazine.com/news/2012/07···ata-tier), it states, "Comcast’s service uses a new commercial-grade wireless gateway and commercial-grade cable modem that are both provided for an additional $20 per month."

So that "new commercial-grade" modem/gateway to be provided for this service could be a 16-channel device, like the new ARRIS TG1672 (»www.multichannel.com/article/484···r_Q4.php) that is supposed to be available soon.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 05:57:36 EDT

blufeb95 posted : You sure that comcast is going to use only 8 channel modems for 305. Isn't the commonly excepted maximum throughput per channel only a little over 38mbit/s after overhead meaning that it can barely provide 305mbit/s meaning that you would never be able to get 305mbit/s if the channels your on have any other users meaning that this tier could not compete with fios making its creation pointless.

»www.lightreading.com/document.as···lr_cable

»Dream Modem - 24x8

P.S. i left the intanius anon post

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 20:31:50 EDT

telcodad posted :

said by Intanius :

SB6141 is already semi-supported (uses same bootfile as the 6120 and 6120)
»forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivi···/1323523

In addition to the tips/information provided in that Comcast support forum to activate an SB6141 right now, some Comcast customers have also documented their experiences/tips under the "Customer Reviews" area on the Amazon page for it: »www.amazon.com/Motorola-SurfBoar···07IMPMW4

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 20:02:17 EDT

telcodad posted : Yes, hopefully the SB6141 will complete Comcast's certification testing soon, so that it can be placed on the approved list and become fully supported. It will then provide another modem choice for the new 305 Mbps "Platinum" tier.

BTW - Here is a link to the datasheet on it: »www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Vid···S-EN.pdf

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 18:52:41 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : Intanius.
Thank you very much for that information and link.
I will go ahead and order the modem.
Good to know there maybe a hoop or two to jump through getting it setup.
Thanks again.

Re: [Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:26:24 EDT

anon posted : SB6141 is already semi-supported (uses same bootfile as the 6120 and 6120)
»forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivi···/1323523

[Connectivity] Mototola SB 6141

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:15:34 EDT

Wayne99021 posted : I don't see the SB 6141 modem on the Comcast approved List.
I installed a Zoom 5341J last Saturday, it started doing weird things yesterday and crapped out today.
Lucky, I still had my SB 6120, got that provisioned again with no problems.
The know there are several people on this forum who have had the Zoom 5341J and had no trouble and really like them, but that was my first Zoom product and I got a lemon, which happens, but now I am spooked with the Zoom name and will stick to something I have had before and know it's reliable.
How long does it normally take Comcast to approve new modems?