SB6183

I thought the 6183 was 16x4...?

You are right sir. Should have read the very link I posted;

"Features: 1 GHz-capable tuner; use of full downstream bandwidth to capture up to 16 DOCSIS channels for bonding; provides Spectrum Analyzer capability in every home"

Ooops. Still doesn't change the question though. Any idea when it will be retail? Has anyone seen any in their local Cox stores?

I just thought "24x4 sounds too amazing, considering the previous model was only 8x4"   

Wish I knew too, but I'll keep checking online at Amazon for it... Just read a thread about it on the Comcast forum, someone said it's rumoured to be in stores mid-August.

Somebody please articulate on why an average user would need a SB6183 as opposed to a SB6141. How would a 16x modem improve casual usage over a 8x modem?

Since when are any of us average users? XD

I just like being a early adopter. You never know when new technology might have unexpected perks. I remember when DOCSIS 3.0 came out they weren't capping the speedboost on the extra channels so I was seeing sustained transfer speeds of 100Mb+ on Preferred. Unlikely to happen now, but I wonder if the SB6183 has any new diagnostics. But really what it comes down to is Im a nerd and like new technology.

Health Edge said:

Since when are any of us average users? XD

I just like being a early adopter. You never know when new technology might have unexpected perks. I remember when DOCSIS 3.0 came out they weren't capping the speedboost on the extra channels so I was seeing sustained transfer speeds of 100Mb+ on Preferred. Unlikely to happen now, but I wonder if the SB6183 has any new diagnostics. But really what it comes down to is Im a nerd and like new technology.

So, as a replacement for my aging 10+ year old $80 SB5100, the $80 SB6141 should be fine, no?

I would say yes. Its atleast 2 generations above the SB5100. Just make sure your signal levels are on point. The signal requirements for DOCSIS 3.0 are tighter then DOCSIS 2.0 since the different channels have to be withing 1-2db of each other for proper bonding.

Check Newegg, they have a deal right now with a router included for about 70.

Health Edge said:

I would say yes. Its atleast 2 generations above the SB5100. Just make sure your signal levels are on point. The signal requirements for DOCSIS 3.0 are tighter then DOCSIS 2.0 since the different channels have to be withing 1-2db of each other for proper bonding.

Hmmm...http://192.168.100.1/signal.html reports downstream signal is at 4 dBmV with a S/N of 37 dB. Upstream is at +43 dBmV. Good to go?

smtips said:

Check Newegg, they have a deal right now with a router included for about 70.

They have the SB6121 (modem + free router) on sale, but it's only 4x4. The 6141 is 8x4, IIRC. It's $89+ at Newegg.

Domino said:
reports downstream signal is at 4 dBmV with a S/N of 37 dB. Upstream is at +43 dBmV. Good to go?

Hard to say before the fact, since thats just one channel, and there may be ingress or issues on other channels. But thats worst case scenario. I think you good to go to buy one, and if the signal levels are not spot on, minor changes can be made. But overall your signal levels look good. Atleast keep the old one and buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem you can return if your not happy with it.

6141 Refurb at Newegg today for 65. You can get good 6180 model on ebay for 35, I have one that works awesomely. Good guarantee on it too.

I like my modems like I like my underwear; not second hand.

Too many possible issues with firmware and defective units. YMMV though.

Cox Chat says:

Me: Does Cox have the Motorola SB6183 Cable Modem available to customers yet?

Cox: Let me check for you.

Cox: If you order online you will get a random modem, if you visit your local Cox store you can ask for that specific model.

Me: Do stores have it available yet?

Me: We already know they don't, that's why I asked you. Yet it's on your recommended list. I can't buy one at any online outlet.

Cox: I do not know, it does vary on location so I wouldn't know the specifics.