Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem

by Motorola

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.9 x 2.7 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000JV9LUK
• Item model number: 515290-087-00
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (358 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank

  #6 in

  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Modems

• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 28, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Get to your favorite Web sites quickly, download graphics with unbelievable ease, and enjoy real-time interactive PC gaming and expand console gaming with broadband Internet access from the cable modem market leader--Motorola.

With the next-generation SURFboard SB5101 cable modem, you're compatible with today's broadband Internet--and ready for the future, too. When your cable service provider upgrades to a DOCSIS 2.0 network system, you'll surf the Internet at as much as 30 Mbps--3 times faster than earlier modems!

With Ethernet and USB connectivity, installation couldn't be simpler. A convenient stand-by button provides hassle-free security by disengaging from the PC without disconnecting from the cable network. Troubleshooting is a breeze too, thanks to front panel status indicator LEDs and an online diagnostics page.

Once you've experienced broadband powered by Motorola, you'll never want to go back to dial up again! Get onto the cable pipeline today with the powerful, convenient, flexible and simple to install SURFboard SB5101 cable modem.

Convenience Features

• Always on, always connected
• Installs easily in just four steps
• User-friendly online diagnostics page
• No additional software required
• Slim vertical design saves desk space

Versatility Features

• USB or Ethernet connectivity--simplifies installation, enhances versatility
• Supports up to 63 users

Performance Features

• Capable of downloading up to 100 times faster than traditional 28.8k analog phone modems
• No telephone line needed
• When connected to a DOCSIS 2.0 cable network, capable of up to 30 Mbps upstream capacity — that's 3 times faster than our previous models
• Real-time gaming access
• Specially designed architecture--allows for future upgrades

Security Features

• Top-mounted stand by switch--disconnects the USB and Ethernet connection to the computer without disconnecting the cable modem from the RF network

Certification

• CableLabs DOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0 Certified

Compatibility Features

• Windows 95/98/2000/NT/Me/XP
• Macintosh OS8 or higher
• Unix
• Linux
• Supports standard Internet software

System Requirements

• Minimum 486/66/ (Pentium processor preferred) or Macintosh-compatible CPU (Power PC)
• Operating systems such as: Windows 95/98/2000/NT/Me/XP; Macintosh OS 8 or higher; and Unix
• CD-ROM drive
• 10/100 Base-T Ethernet or USB connection
• Check with your local cable provider for DOCSIS high speed data service

What's Included

• SURFboard SB5101 cable modem
• USB and Ethernet cables
• Power adapter
• Installation CD-Rom with USB drivers
• Quick Start Guide

Product Description

With the next-generation SURFboard SB5101 cable modem, you're compatible with today's broadband Internet and ready for the future, too. When your cable service provider upgrades to a DOCSIS 2.0 network system, you'll surf the Internet at as much as 30 Mbps--3 times faster than earlier modems!

With Ethernet and USB connectivity, installation couldn't be simpler (just follow these steps (PDF, 2 MB)). A convenient stand-by button provides hassle-free security by disengaging from the PC without disconnecting from the cable network. Troubleshooting is a breeze too, thanks to front panel status indicator LEDs and an online diagnostics page.

Once you've experienced broadband powered by Motorola, you'll never want to go back to dial up again! Get onto the cable pipeline today with the powerful, convenient, flexible and simple to install SURFboard SB5101 cable modem.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speedy cable modem, easy installation, April 22, 2007

By	Dawn L. Darling (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We just ordered th SB-5120 from Fry's, and they sent this model instead. The SB-5101 has almost identical specifications, just the case is a little different, and I guess the 5120 includes TurboDOCS software. We previously had an old Toshiba, which has given stellar service for 5 years, but we decided it was time to replace it before it failed. The Motorola Surfboard was very easy to install, just plug in the ethernet cable to the router (or to your PC), connect the coaxial cable and plug in the power. There is no need to install software or drivers unless you want to use a USB connection. We also had to call Cox Highspeed Internet to give their tech support the new serial number and MAC address of the new cable modem (the Cox website neglects to tell you this step). That was the hardest part of the whole process - it took about 20 minutes, taking into account resetting and rebooting the system at their request. I am not sure that this modem is any faster than the old one, but we have a low signal on our line to start with.

Overall it was very easy to set up and has been fast and reliable. It plays nicely with our router, and has caused no problems in constant daily use on a home network with 4 computers.

65 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plug it in, and forget it!, August 22, 2007

By	H S (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

As an FYI, Amazon has this product listed 3 different ways as "Motorola Surfboard Broadband Cable Modem SB-5101" and as "Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem" and as "SURFboard Cable Modem". All are listed at 3 different prices, too!

I did a little bit of homework, and the Motorola seemed to have good reviews. This product is supposed to be the same in function as the SB5120 except that the SB5101 uses a slightly different chip set.

I chose to buy a cable modem so that I could replace the rental unit from the cable company. Make sure your cable company supports this cable modem before buying!

For my setup, I have my cable service from the evil Comcast, my cable modem, and an older Linksys wireless router. The day my Motorola cable modem arrived, I took it out of the box, glanced at the Quick setup guide, and plugged it in. I called Comcast, navigated through their Byzantine automated phone menu system, and read off the MAC ID to the tech services person. He did some stuff on his end to first recognize the new cable modem. Then he had to do some other configuration on his end because of the router. Once that was done, viola! We've been using the cable modem for the past week or so without incident.

To me this is the best kind of electronics product. It takes ~30 sec to hook it up, and once it's done, you can forget about it. It took longer to open the package (and much longer on the call with Comcast) than it took to hook it up.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good cable modem, November 30, 2007

By	Donald K. Taber "KNRover" (Wilmington, DE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem (Electronics)

I have been a Comcast high-speed Internet customer for about 5 years. The modem Comcast provided as part of a package deal was a Motorola Surfboard 4100. About 4 months ago, I noticed that I was getting barely more than 1/2 the speed I was paying for, which was 6Mbps. I complained to tech support. They sent a technician out and within 3 sec. after walking into my office, he said, "Oh...I know exactly what the problem is; you have an 'end-of-life' modem. You need to upgrade to a 2.1 DOCSIS modem, and I would recommend a Motorola Surfboard as one of the best." So I got on my favorite shopping site, Amazon, and bought one. Not only did it work perfectly from day one, my average download speed on Speakeasy.net is ~22Mbps -- almost 6 1/2 times what I was getting with the old Surfboard -- and the upload speed increased from ~364Kbps to ~1.6Mbps.

Would other brands do as well? Probably, but I stuck with Motorola because the last one was 100% reliable; never had a problem. The only reason it was not delivering the speed is because Comcast's system had changed and the old modem's software could not keep up with it. I also like the fact that Motorola moved the standby button to the top where it is more easily accessible. I have a new Vista computer and have to put the modem on Standby after putting the computer to sleep, because (not sure why) Internet activity tends to wake it back up.

I found it disappointing that Comcast apparently does not alert its customers when their modems are obsolete. If you're having a similar problem, check with your ISP. If you need to upgrade your modem, I highly recommend this one.