Motorola SURFboard SB5120 - Cable modem - external - Hi-Speed USB /
Fast Ethernet - 38 Mbps

Motorola SURFboard SB5120 - Cable modem - external - Hi-Speed USB...

Category: (CE)

8 used, starting at $29.99

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Editorial Reviews

Motorola's next-generation SURFboard SB5120 Cable Modem incorporates the latest DOCSIS 2.0 Advanced Time Division Multiple Access (A-TDMA) and Sychnronous Code Division Multiple Access (S-CDMA) technologies to provide up to three times greater upstream capacity than DOCSIS 1.0/1.1 systems. Packed with power, the SB5120 is interoperable and backward compatible with DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1 for a fast and timely transition - operators can deploy the SB5120 today without a service interruption.The Motorola SURFboard SB5120 is flexible and allows operators to maximize their current infrastructure investments and also offer additional cost-effective services, all at the same time. Convenient for both operators and end-users alike, the SURFboard SB5120 ensures end-user security via a top-mounted stand-by switch that quickly isolates the USB and Ethernet connection to the PC without disconnecting the cable modem from the RF network. What's more, the SB5120 simplifies troubleshooting with its front panel status indicator LEDs and integrated HTML diagnostics page. The SURFboard SB5120 is competitively priced and includes many of the valuable features found in previous SURFboard models, such as USB and Ethernet connectivity, software upgrades available over the network, proven field reliability, a quality, advanced RF design, and a high-performance processor. Highly functional and attractive, the Motorola SURFboard SB5120 features a new, compact design that is a stylish and clutter-free addition to virtually any desktop.

Customer Reviews

Good value for the price

Reviewed by John K., 2009-12-17

Have been using this modem constantly for a little over 9 months now, with no problems. Currently on Charter HSI service.

Setup was easy, although I did purchase the unit new - I've heard about some setup problems with used/refurb units. Considering the price differential, I'd recommend buying one that's a virgin over a used or refurb unit. Just one less thing to wonder about if you have to contact the cable company for assistance (good luck there!).

Started out with a 1.5 Mbps line, and it worked great. Speakeasy consistently reported speeds in excess of what I was paying for. Nice. Recently upgraded to a 6 Mbps line, and the same is true. I've had a few slowdowns ocassionally, but they appear to be site or traffic-related. No surprise there - that's just the way things are. Overall, download speeds are fantastic. Don't do the online gaming thing, so I can't comment on that aspect.

Very little heat radiates from this modem, and that's usually a good indicator of reliability. The standby button is a great idea - I'd have a hard time using a modem without this feature now.

All in all, seems to be a solid performer at a really decent price. I'd recommend it to anyone in the market for a high-speed modem who doesn't want to break the bank.

My last DSL modem cost almost twice as much - what was I thinking? No negatives to report thus far.

Great replacement for rented modem from Comcast.

Reviewed by R. Lombardo, 2009-12-14

Had a rented modem from Comcast. They raised their rental rate so I bought this modem which is the identical model that Comcast had provided. It works the same as the unit it replaced.

Excellent purchase

Reviewed by Paul D. Stephenson, 2009-10-22

I was very pleased with my purchase. I could not tell other than the sticker that said "property of Comcast" on it that this was a used unit. Out of the box it worked perfectly and has ever since. Motorola makes excellent new products which makes excellent used products. I would recommend buying a used modem and save some money.

Just Works

Reviewed by Steven J. Rubendall, 2009-10-11

I have had my SB5120 for about 4 years now running through Comcast cable and it just works. It tolerated the four routers I've used over that time. It also it very tolerant of poor line quality and problematic signal strength. I was in an older apartment with a bunch or torn up cabling a few years back and it did not complain. While in use, it seems responsive so I don't think it hinders packets much.

The main limitation of the modem is that it tends to lock up every few months, especially if you send large amounts of data with various packet sizes such as in gaming, bit torrent, or VPN. When this happen the modem requires a few minutes to cool down and a manual reboot to get it to work again. My other quibble is that it is older hardware, and will not supply the full speed of your cable system's DOCSIS 3.0 equipment. But that is a minor as I think that it is plenty fast.

Overall, you could choose worse. I suggest you look at some big box retailers as I got mine for about half of the charge here.

Bad seller!!

Reviewed by B. hannat, 2009-10-04

Product showed up on time (internet modem) and was as described. Seller sold me an internet modem with no power cord.. I thought I was saving five dollars buying from this seller only to have to go out and spend another $28 on a power cord for the modem... Caveat Emptor people!!!!!