SBG6580 wifi problems

My ancient cable modem was getting flaky, so I decided to retire my trusty Linksys WRT54G and get an all-in-one wireless-N device.  I went with the Motorola SBG6580 since it's on Cox's supported devices list.  This was apparently a poor decision.

I have two computers, and one of them works perfectly with the SBG6580.  But the other loses its wifi connection every 5-10 minutes.  It says it's connected, but it can't connect to anything until I disconnect and reconnect.  There are many reports of similar problems on the support forums of various cable companies.  Apparently the firmware version that the device ships with does not have this problem, but newer versions do, and you cannot avoid installing those newer versions because they are pushed by the cable company.  Motorola blames the cable companies, the cable companies blame Motorola, and the user is left holding the bag.

I dusted off the Linksys and uplinked it to the Motorola.  My desktop connects  to the Linksys perfectly, just as it always did.  At least now I have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem to go with my wireless-G.  But unless Cox is prepared to work with Motorola to resolve the problems with this device, it should be removed from the supported devices list.  It's a piece of junk.  I only wish I'd done more research before I dropped a C-note on it.