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upgrading outdated modem
I have a Scientific Atlantic modem from 2006, when Cox was first offering phone on top of cable. I have Preferred service. My own Linksys wireless router is about to die. So in doing research, I see that Cox now offers DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems with wifi. I wonder how I never knew about this. Anyway, do I have to pay a fee to upgrade to this modem (I read somewhere in this forum that telephone subscribers do not have to pay)? How can I best determine if I need single or dual band? And if I install it myself, surely there is not a $30 charge, as per the website? Thank you greatly for your help.
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Health_Edge
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The SB6141 is better than the SB6121, because its capable of 8 downstream channels instead of the SB6121's 4. More channels mean greater speed capability, but not necessary greater speed. The DPQ3212 is a phone modem, so it has a battery backup, which means service during short power outages, but it also means you can't reset it just by unplugging it. The SB6141 and SB6121 both have better diagnostics though, including logs that can be helpful in isolating intermittent problems.
As for any fee, I can only imagine that would be for installation, since Cox can't actually charge you for the equipment, since they are not allowed to sell phone modems. And given that you have had the phone modem for so long, it seems like the swap should be provided free of charge, but that may differ from area to area. Perhaps a moderator could confirm that point before you make a choice.
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Health_Edge
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First, do you currently lease your modem? It would say so on your bill.
Second, what kind of modem is it? A DPC2100?
Third, have you ever installed a router before?
Last, do you have any computer or devices capable of connecting at 5Ghz? If your unsure, just describe what kind of computers/phones/etc you would be connecting.
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ms
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I've been surfing here and found some good data points since I posted. I am considering choosing separate router+modem.
It is Arris TM502G. It is not on my bill. Yes, I have installed routers, mostly Linksys. I have 802.11a/b/g/n laptops, touchpads, 3g/4g phones, 1 All in 1 wireless printer. I also have a physical connect to DTV for VOD. I need to go to wireless here, and never did follow thru to get that set up; so now is the time, as I have had a cable running down the hallway for years.
Thanks
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Health_Edge
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The DOCSIS 3.0 equivalent would be the DPQ3212 and the gateway version would be the DPQ3925.
Thats probably for the best. You can still upgrade to the DPQ3212 free of charge, since phone modems are provided to customer for free. However, having 1 device doing 3 things is not optimal for both troubleshooting and performance, so a separate router is best. Were you looking for router suggestions too? Linksys was bought out by Belkin, so I'm not the biggest fan, but if your looking at high end, the WRT1900AC is the latest from them. I think the price is too high though, and the Asus RT-N66U/R is a better value. Did you have a price range in mind?
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ms
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Aha, this is really helpful, since the tech on the phone told me I had to pay to swap out to upgrade.
I am sorry to leave Linksys after all these many years, but I have been leaning towards the ASUS RT-N66U; that is based on my own research and the many responses here, many by you. I can get what I need and swing the price with this.
Now regarding a free DPQ3212, is there anything I should consider between that and my buying the ARRIS Motorola SB6141 or SB 6121? Free is not always number 1 on my list.
Thank you again.
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ms
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That does it for me. I feel really good about what I am going to do!! Thank you!
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