TekSavvy → Modem Upgrade.

I currently have a DCM 425 Cable modem and the 28/1 cable package from TekSavvy.. I'm looking to upgrade my cable modem and can't decide which to get.

I've been reading reviews for both the Technicolor DCM 476, and the Motorola 6121B

I have a TP-Link WR1043ND Router: »www.tp-link.com/CA/produ ··· WR1043ND with 1000Base-T cables.

I'm just looking for some feedback from anyone that has some experience with these two models in hopes of helping me make a decision.

EDIT: Sorry my mistake, I have a 425, not a 475.

Is there a reason you want to upgrade?

THe 475 is DOCIS 3.0 and supports 8 channels. Not a lot of reason to upgrade if it's working OK.

The DCM475 is essentially equal to the 476...and the Motorola might be more reliable, but doesn't support 8/4 channel bonding...so I don't see any point in you upgrading unless your 475 is broken.

double post (please remove this post)

My mistake, I have a DCM425, not 475..

Some people prefers the Motorolas as they're considered to be more reliable, in practice I think the difference is negligible. The big difference is the Technicolor supports 8 channels while the Motorola only supports 4. Some of the higher speeds (like the 150/10) will only be available to 8 channel modems.

In that case personally I'd grab the DCM476 from TekSavvy. That way you're futureproofed for the 150/50 tier (SB6121 can't take it) and you get the one year warranty from TSI.

And this is why we're pushing to get the SB6141 approved as it supports 8x4 channel bonding.

I ordered the cable modem from Teksavvy the other day. It will arrive in 3-5 business days. Thanks for all the feedback.

Could have saved a few bucks,

»www.hookbag.ca/product/H ··· hnicolor

Got my DCM476 from them a couple of weeks ago.

Yeah, but you are essentially guessing which firmware it comes with... And if its not the right one, you've either got a boat anchor that the ISP can't activate, or you've got to hack it apart voiding the warranty and having to get the firmware flashed with the help of some forum members.

If it helps any mine came with the right firmware on it.

Yes, and in this case they clearly say "Videotron TPIA approved", which means it has the wrong firmware for Teksavvy/Rogers. They might have a different SKU for a "Rogers firmware" version, but who knows..

SB6120 and thank me later!

Thanks for the additional feedback. I think that had I known about hookbag.ca prior to me purchasing it from TekSavvy.. I probably would have still made the same choice..

I have never heard of hookbag before and at least I know that if I ever have any issues with the one I bought from TSI, I would feel a bit more comfortable in knowing TSI would take care of me as they have in the past with my internet services.

I do however appreciate that you were trying to help out a stranger by saving them a few bucks. =D

Sorry, I linked to the wrong one. This is the one they list as approved for Rogers,

»www.hookbag.ca/product/H ··· hnicolor

Currently out of stock, and a couple of $$ less than I paid for it.

The guy on here that flashes cable modems (and repairs them) has suggested that, based on his teardown, the DCM modems are actually better built and will probably last longer as a result.

A lot of people ascribe reliability to the Motorola modems based on their experiences with the 5100 series, which were very good.

Not that the 61xx's are junk, just that they haven't put in the hours that the 51xx's have yet and anecdotally aren't built any better than alternate modems.

Indeed, there have been some 6120/6121 overheating/failure issues to suggest that they're not as good.

All that aside, to the OP: buying a 612x modem right now isn't a great idea. They're already "outdated", per se as 4 channel devices. If you want a Motorola, buy a 614x or higher to get 8 channels. Since those aren't certified right now, you should probably just by a DCM476.

I actually just flipped to the HUAWEI MT130U cable modem, and have noticed it works VERY WELL, infact stands up to the Motorola very well. Only reason I flipped was My 6120 only does 4X4 instead of 8x4 which makes it a little more future proof, and should avoid any congestion issues in the future. (related to node congestion)

For a cheaper D3, it's a reasonable choice.