Topic 'Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase' in forum 'Time Warner Internet Services' - dslreports.com

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:23:31 EDT

Fleeced posted : Reboot your system. Shut computer, router and modem down. Power on modem, wait 30 seconds, power on router and computer. If that doesn't work, might be an account or provisioning error. If you continue to get the page, call in instead of flailing about uselessly.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:48:58 EDT

anon posted :

said by Edb :

:uhh:
I decided to purchase a modem rather than pay twc each month to rent so i went to the local twc office and asked which modem they would give me to replace my 7 yr old one and they showed me a sb5101 so i went home and ordered one. I then provided twc the mac# and they changed my acct and said i was ready to operate but i could get nothing but the twc page telling me how to contact them. My purchaes 5101 would not work but the one they provided did work. Now i'm beginning to smell a rat. TWC assumes if they make it too much trouble the user will default back to their rental. I'm penning a letter to the BBB right now.

i got my modem activated within 15 minutes

but if they told you it was ready, then why didn't you check and tell them it wasn't working?

anyhow, filing a complaint to the bbb is pointless seeing how the bbb is a corrupt organization:

»abcnews.go.com/Blotter/business-···V5WfMLio

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:09:59 EDT

anon posted : :uhh:
I decided to purchase a modem rather than pay twc each month to rent so i went to the local twc office and asked which modem they would give me to replace my 7 yr old one and they showed me a sb5101 so i went home and ordered one. I then provided twc the mac# and they changed my acct and said i was ready to operate but i could get nothing but the twc page telling me how to contact them. My purchaes 5101 would not work but the one they provided did work. Now i'm beginning to smell a rat. TWC assumes if they make it too much trouble the user will default back to their rental. I'm penning a letter to the BBB right now.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:43:03 EDT

tonyram57 posted : I bought a Motorola SURFboard SB5101U last month from Newegg new for $52. I only have the standard service and it works good most of the time except when I have problems but it is the area not the modem as I swapped six rented TWC modems with the same problems.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 08:07:11 EDT

scooper posted : I got my 5101U from Amazon for $25 (free shipping). Got it last saturday, provisioned / in service on Monday, and returned my leased 5101U on Tuesday. Working fine.

If/when I need faster access - I'll look for a DOCSIS3 modem.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 04:38:06 EDT

Mele20 posted : My division just told me that they will not provision any modem for 20/2, 30/5 and 50/5 except the two DOCSIS 3 Motorolas on the approved list. They do not allow users to use a DOCSIS 2 modem (be it TWC's or the user's modem) on 20/2.

I got offered 20/2 today for the same price I pay for 15/1 (grandfathered Turbo) for one year. :) :) But Oceanic will not turn it on because I have a Surfboard 5100 (rented). I have to wait for them to come out with a 6141 and that might be as long as a month from now. Oceanic is going to call me on Monday to tell me the date.
--
When governments fear people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. Thomas Jefferson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:55:01 EDT

mathfaster posted : I bought a refurbed 5101U for $24 off Ebay to use with standard service. Works just fine.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:51:38 EDT

motorola870 posted :

said by Gemutlich:

quickguide1:

Are those new modems that are being sold on Ebay? That would be too much to pay for used ones.

I can address part of your question. I just bought a new SB5101U from Fry's for $54 in-store (it's $56 at Amazon). The packaging has a copyright date of 2012 on it. That makes me think the 5101U may be more current, but I haven't specifically seen the packaging of the 5101.

Otherwise the only difference between 5101 and 5101U that I can tell is the presence of a "standby switch" on the 5101 that is not present on my 5101U. I would go with the 5101U, especially if there is any concern that the 5101 that is being sold has been configured proprietarily for the UK (they are likely both built in China), although that one person's comment may have been some kind of fluke anecdote. I have had no problems with my new 5101U modem with the 10/1 service tier.

I use my own router with it, so if you have a standalone router you should be able to use it in your chain. A modem and router combined into one unit is often called a "gateway". The 5101 or 5101U is just a plain modem to which one can add a router if he/she wishes. Be sure your router is configured with tight security, password-protected, etc.

If you are in an area with a Fry's, you could just buy a 5101U off the shelf for $54, and verify that it's new with the @2012.

Best Buy has the 5101 for $59.99 with free shipping. You might also find it in-store if you call or check on their website.

Regardless of where you buy it, check into the return policy just in case it doesn't work, etc.

I would stray away from the SB5101U if you have the extreme or ultimate tiers and if you are having problems achieving your advertised speed on standard. Also DOCSIS 2.0 modems go for so cheap because they are fixing to be sent to End of Life in the next couple of years or so so it is not a wise investment to buy one.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:45:48 EDT

Gemutlich posted : quickguide1:

Are those new modems that are being sold on Ebay? That would be too much to pay for used ones.

I can address part of your question. I just bought a new SB5101U from Fry's for $54 in-store (it's $56 at Amazon). The packaging has a copyright date of 2012 on it. That makes me think the 5101U may be more current, but I haven't specifically seen the packaging of the 5101.

Otherwise the only difference between 5101 and 5101U that I can tell is the presence of a "standby switch" on the 5101 that is not present on my 5101U. I would go with the 5101U, especially if there is any concern that the 5101 that is being sold has been configured proprietarily for the UK (they are likely both built in China), although that one person's comment may have been some kind of fluke anecdote. I have had no problems with my new 5101U modem with the 10/1 service tier.

I use my own router with it, so if you have a standalone router you should be able to use it in your chain. A modem and router combined into one unit is often called a "gateway". The 5101 or 5101U is just a plain modem to which one can add a router if he/she wishes. Be sure your router is configured with tight security, password-protected, etc.

If you are in an area with a Fry's, you could just buy a 5101U off the shelf for $54, and verify that it's new with the @2012.

Best Buy has the 5101 for $59.99 with free shipping. You might also find it in-store if you call or check on their website.

NOTE: I just noticed that the UPC code shown at Best Buy is the same as for my 5101U, so some of these sites that say "5101" may actually be selling "5101U".

Regardless of where you buy it, check into the return policy just in case it doesn't work, etc.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:17:31 EDT

quickguide1 posted : Okay im going to purchase a modem from ebay. I use time warner 29.99/month road runner.

Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem

Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem

One cost $56 whereas the other costs $65. Is there anything different about the two? One person mentioned the $65 one the sb5101 didn't work because his was made in UK and not usa and thus not compatible with time warner??

Also another silly question. I have a linkssy wrt54g router that i currently use. I see people talking about wanting to buy a cheap modem with wireless. Do they mean like a modem where has wireless capabilities so they just need a modem to have both internet and wireless?

I have a linksys wrt54 router so it doesn't matter which modem i buy from the 2 above right?

Another question. Can i just buy the same RCA modem from time warner? Someone said they actually did this and it work even though in the time warner page they said its not one of the ones that they require???

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:34:31 EDT

mathfaster posted : Relatively quick and easy process to provision modem. Do not call 866-506-0218 Level 3 if you are not in NY/NJ area. They gave me 888-892-2253 to call. CSR opened case then switched me over to person who added modem to account. Stayed on phone while I switched modems. Couple minutes later was active. Just need to return old modem to store to stop lease fee. Probably took 30 minutes tops. Bought a SB5101U modem off Ebay for $24 since am on standard level service.

Unlike other posts I have read, the person doing the provisioning wanted/needed the new modem attached. Had to have them put me on hold and then call my cell while I swapped out modems since I was calling initially on my VOIP line. I was under the impression that they would just call me back when the modem was added to the account and I would swap modems at that time.

ETA: Switched from Earthlink(TWC) promo 6 month pricing to TWC $30/month for 12 months promo pricing a few days ago. Plus $3.95/month modem rental fee if you do not have your own modem for "new" customers.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 08:45:40 EDT

NGOwner posted : Earlier this week I replaced my loaned modem with a bought modem.

An Ambit U10C018. It was the same model modem TWC was loaning me. A plain jane DOCSIS 2.0 modem. $16 delivered off eBay. No problem adding it to my account here in KC.

According to speed tests, I'm running 20/1 speeds right now.

Seems like a real easy way to avoid TWC's money grab if you're on a "lower speed" Internet tier.

[NG]Owner
--
It is impossible to create an idiot-proof product. Humanity is simply too adept at churning out better idiots.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:01:11 EDT

scooper posted :

said by Rebellious:

My service agreement with TW includes a modem (already provided). How can they change that without my consent?

The terms of service say they can change with notice (and your permission is implied as long as you are subscribing).

said by Rebellious:

Are they not happy with the paycheck that I send them every month?

They want MORE of your hard earned money.

said by Rebellious:

Are there no consumer protection laws in this country?

Not on this.

said by Rebellious:

And why is the list of “approved” modems so limited, it smells like a corporate scam.

We have a winner !!!!

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:54:53 EDT

Rebellious posted : My service agreement with TW includes a modem (already provided). How can they change that without my consent? Are they not happy with the paycheck that I send them every month? Are there no consumer protection laws in this country? And why is the list of “approved” modems so limited, it smells like a corporate scam.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:55:23 EDT

hobgoblin posted :

said by antdude:

I wonder why TWC doesn't sell cable modems even our current rental ones since those are already supported.

Because the administration and various costs of doing that would make no sense.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:09:43 EDT

antdude posted : I wonder why TWC doesn't sell cable modems even our current rental ones since those are already supported.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:05:23 EDT

mathfaster posted : Thanks. I am moving back to TWC to get 12 month promo pricing after having been on Earthlink promo pricing for the last 6 months. Standard internet is fine right now. Just debating to now buy the SB6141 or just buy a very good condition used SB5101 or SB5101U for the time being. Buying a used 5101 for under $30.00 is a pretty quick payback instead of paying TWC $3.95/month for a modem lease. Just trying to decide the most cost effective path at the minute before I roll back to TWC for at least the next 12 months. Doesn't seem to make sense to spend $60 for a new 5101 or 5101U which is already outdated.

ETA: Bought a 5101U off Ebay for $24 and will use that.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:48:47 EDT

hobgoblin posted : "Thanks for the info. Just seems kinda ridiculous given that this is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and is not an approved modem and is the successor to the SB6121. Having looked around there are very very few sellers of the SB6141 modem. Many many outlets are selling the SB6121."

Its been stated a number of times that the 6121 does not support 8 channel bonding, something that TWC is starting to move to. I can see the threads now about an approved modem quickly becoming obsolete for future service.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:34:44 EDT

mathfaster posted :

said by Elyria:

Anyone know if you can get them to accept a SB6121 as a "new" TWC customer.

I know for a FACT , that last Tuesday a good friend of mine had his 6121 provisioned.
He called into the center, fought his way up the 3rd, and after some persuasion......the deed was done.

It CAN be done........

Thanks for the info. Just seems kinda ridiculous given that this is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and is not an approved modem and is the successor to the SB6121. Having looked around there are very very few sellers of the SB6141 modem. Many many outlets are selling the SB6121.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:16:04 EDT

Elyria posted :

Anyone know if you can get them to accept a SB6121 as a "new" TWC customer.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:35:19 EDT

mathfaster posted : I contacted TWC via chat and they informed me that the Motorola SB6121 is not an approved modem for BYOD. Only those on this list are approved: »www.timewarnercable.com/en/resid···dem.html Anyone know if you can get them to accept a SB6121 as a "new" TWC customer. Guess the SB6121 that I thought was an acceptable modem is going back.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:44:50 EDT

dowop posted : Thanks. You saved me some money.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:55:32 EDT

hobgoblin posted : If it was me I would just carry on using it, there was a time when those were approved I believed so you are sorta grandfathered in.

Hob

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:30:21 EDT

dowop posted : I have been using a Moto 6120 for over two yrs with a standard service.
Should I purchase a Moto 5101 or a 6141 to assure I dont lose service?
The standard 10-1 works fine for me.
I am in NE Ohio.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:21:25 EDT

hobgoblin posted :

said by ex15:

I purchased the SB6121 on Amazon for $59.00, I have the 50/5 and it work s fine, TW only uses 4 bonded channels.
Hope this helps ?

4 Bonded channels at this time.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:50:07 EDT

ex15 posted : I purchased the SB6121 on Amazon for $59.00, I have the 50/5 and it work s fine, TW only uses 4 bonded channels.
Hope this helps ?

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:21:45 EDT

DrDrew posted :

said by bradenmcg:

DOCSIS is a standard. The whole "supported list" seems like someone high up in TW is good friends with someone at Motorola and wants to help their sales... ;)

DOCSIS 3 is a standard that is still evolving, it's not done yet. There are things being added or changed in it recently that weren't there 2 years ago. DOCSIS 2 and many of those modems firmwares have also been updated since DOCSIS 3 has been around, both for compatibility with some of the DOCSIS 3 protocol messages and IPv6.

So what is compatible 2 years ago, may not be compatible now. (See the retail Moto 6120 with older firmware for example.) What is compatible now, may not be compatible in 2 years. Both modems and CMTSs need to be repeatedly tested as time passes and kept up to date.

So being compliant with a "standard" doesn't mean everything just works or keeps working even if it previously worked with the "standard". Every decent company will test equipment to work with the equipment they use internally and recommend or restrict equipment usage to that tested and approved list.

Think of BluRay, it's a standard too. A BD player bought and never updated from 2 years ago may not play a BD disk just released. Even if the firmware/software was great when released, the player has to be updated.
--
If it's important, back it up... twice. Even 99.999% availability isn't enough sometimes.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:47:03 EDT

bradenmcg posted : I'm not sure what "support" I'd really need from TW on a modem? If it craps out, I'll call Zoom. If signal levels are terrible, it's a plant issue and not the modem, or at least a tech can test for those.

DOCSIS is a standard. The whole "supported list" seems like someone high up in TW is good friends with someone at Motorola and wants to help their sales... ;)

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:49:02 EDT

bn1221 posted : I beg to differ with Hob, at least in CNY the CSRs like to immediately blame customer modem.

When I got my D3 service a year ago they told me no customer owned modems since they were hard to support. I asked why all the D1.1 users could have personal modems and was told they don't like that since they are hard to support and they always blame a non-leased modem.

Since the "support fee" is for leased modems I wonder what would happen when my cat knocks my coffee into the leased modem every other month.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:24:32 EDT

hobgoblin posted :

said by Girl:

Granted TW could blame a modem fault from a modem that isn't approved. So if we have a modem that IS on the approved list, will TW blame a problem on the modem because it isn't PROVIDED by them?

we have had customer owned modems here in WNY for a long time, a lot of them...I have not heard of this happening.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:58:49 EDT

Girl posted : Granted TW could blame a modem fault from a modem that isn't approved. So if we have a modem that IS on the approved list, will TW blame a problem on the modem because it isn't PROVIDED by them?

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 18:32:35 EDT

hobgoblin posted :

said by bradenmcg:

The Zoom 5341 ("J"?) D3.0 is working with the 30/5 in NE Ohio, list be damned. :)

Good until you are looking for support down the line, this will be the first thing that gets blamed.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:40:31 EDT

bradenmcg posted : The Zoom 5341 ("J"?) D3.0 is working with the 30/5 in NE Ohio, list be damned. :)

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:27:44 EDT

Fleeced posted : Kind of silly, but people will fight tooth and nail for perceived "convience". You have other options such as using cloud networks, getting a proper networked storage drive or other things that don't use the slow USB ports.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:42:39 EDT

patt2k posted :

said by Fleeced:

Why not put your USB 2.0 drive directly into your laptop?

I prefer option with no wires :)

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:51:53 EDT

Fleeced posted : Why not put your USB 2.0 drive directly into your laptop?

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:29:46 EDT

tonyram57 posted :

said by hobgoblin:

In this day and age, a modem does not need a USB port.

Hob

Especially since most people connect their modems to routers.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:26:44 EDT

patt2k posted :

said by hobgoblin:

In this day and age, a modem does not need a USB port.

Hob

Yes it does , like for example in my dualband router I use my 2.0 USB Drive , I copie files from PC and then stream on laptop which makes it perfect, rather then creating media server on my pc this way my PC does not have to be on for this.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:49:47 EDT

Fleeced posted : It's probably still a divisional thing, most people I know they dont' even ask what model it is, just what the mac is.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:20:38 EDT

PCInTech posted : I called TW Central NY (Syracuse) and they told me they will absolutely NOT activate a modem that is NOT on the approved for individual purchase list, even if it is one that they provide to leasing customers.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:31:30 EDT

Fleeced posted : Call in, give them your mac address. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, then you will have to get an approved modem.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:19:41 EDT

bradenmcg posted : So here is a silly Q - why is Motorola the only vendor on the listing? If I were to purchase a device that is normally leased (an Arris or Ubee for example), surely the office should be able to activate that for me?

Since the site *only* lists Motorola devices, I am concerned that if I call in with a different modem they will feed me a policy line, "only things in that list are OK," even though I could lease and wind up with a different brand anyway.

I'm slightly Moto-shy because I've seen all of the complaints about their D3 gear and heavy upstream traffic causing it to self-reboot. I don't think I've seen this happen to me yet with my current "free" (TWC-provided) SBG6580, but why poke the fate bear if skipping Motorola is the safer option?

The Ubee DDW3611 is available on eBay, can be put into bridge mode (I don't need the router or wifi, I use pfSense and an Airport Extreme), and is on the "if you lease you could get one of these" list. If they refuse to activate it for customer-owned setups, it seems almost like collusion with Motorola to increase demand on their modems...

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:55:08 EDT

Fleeced posted : It's better to have your equipment plugged in before you call so the person setting it up can verify the modem has the correct bootfiles.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:04:26 EDT

tragik74 posted : not really. i done both way already. plug in before call twc(level 3 support) or after. they will ask u to plug in modem

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:06:00 EDT

hobgoblin posted :

said by Bucolic :

After phoning the MAC of the new modem to TWC customer service, do you have to leave the modem turned on while they activate it? i.e., does turning it off cause the activation to fail?

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:02:11 EDT

anon posted : After phoning the MAC of the new modem to TWC customer service, do you have to leave the modem turned on while they activate it? i.e., does turning it off cause the activation to fail?

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:44:37 EDT

tragik74 posted : both modem should be the same, just SB5101U has a usb port.
5010BN is not in the list

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:48:57 EDT

hobgoblin posted : In this day and age, a modem does not need a USB port.

Hob

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:44:49 EDT

tonyram57 posted :

said by Bucolic
Is the only difference that the 5101U does not have a standby button like the plain 5101? Or is there more difference? Thanks.

That is the only difference. The 5010BN difference is that it does not have a USB port.

Re: [TWC] Approved modems for purchase

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:11:55 EDT

anon posted : I don't understand the difference between SB5101 and 5101U. I presume the "U" is for the USB port. However, my current (rented) plain old 5101 also has a USB port. So that's confusing.

I went to a store today and they had many 5101U, but no plain 5101.

Is the only difference that the 5101U does not have a standby button like the plain 5101? Or is there more difference? Thanks.