**DEAL DEAD** FLAMING!! 3Com Cable Modem $39.95 AR Shipped

[frankqfrank]

I'm curious, where can you get broadband service that doesn't include the modem in the monthly fee? I have had road runner in a few cities and also DSL once and they always include the modem with the service.

I guess what I'm asking is what's the purpose of buying a cable modem?
Edit: I have Road Runner in Columbus and have a Motorola modem.

 

[daMachine]

I have Comcast in the Philly area. They supply a modem, but at the monthly fee of $5 (used to be $7.95 before the rate increase). So, it'll take me some time for this modem to pay for itself, but in the end it will be all mine.

From what I have read, the rental charges for modems can go as high as $15 per month (depending on who your provider is and your location).

 

[spamsk8r]

I don't know about other people's experiences, but I have had a 3CR29220 for a year and a half with no problems whatsoever, only downtimes I ever get are from stupid Time Warner

 

[frankqfrank]

<< I have Comcast in the Philly area. They supply a modem, but at the monthly fee of $5 (used to be $7.95 before the rate increase). So, it'll take me some time for this modem to pay for itself, but in the end it will be all mine.

From what I have read, the rental charges for modems can go as high as $15 per month (depending on who your provider is and your location). >>



I didn't realize that. Anyone know if changing modems can improve speed? I have the cybersurf linked in my previous post.

 

[daMachine]

frankqfrank, yes I've heard that switching modems can improve speed, but this is not always true. Since you are on RR you will probably not want this particular 3Com modem (most RR users can't get it to work, most often it's not on their "supported' list -- you need to look for 3Com 3CR29220 or CM29220).

I can't say much about your particular modem, but so a modem switch might or might not make a difference. Anyone, know anything about the Motorola CyberSURFR® Wave Cable Modem? I was going to spend ~$110 for the Toshiba 1100U which is supposed to be great (a number of users report speed improvements after a switch to that modem, but I can't vouch for it), but when I say this for $40 I had to at least take the chance (It's still going to take me 8 months for this modem to pay for itself).

 

[windsor]

Nice deal. Thanks.

This modem is supported by Optimum Online (DOCSIS)

daMachine: If you want speed improvements (fully exploit your cable connection), I would suggest the Terayon TeraJet's or Toshiba's. They are both OEM's of a specific board design. Along with this one, I picked up a Toshiba PCX1100 on eBay for $104 and for myself. For basic usage, Motorola's and this 3Com will work fine.

 

[LittleWolf]

So just to confirm, daMachine you were able to make this modem work on the Comcast Cable Network?

TIA

-j

 

[daMachine]

LittleWolf, YES, this modem is working with the Comcast Cable Network in my area (Philly/Norristown). I unhooked my old modem, and put this one in it's place. After about fifteen minutes of it not being able to get a connection it connected and I've been online since -- I think it did some sort of automatic provisioning (I heard this is the way it is supposed to work, but often doesn't). I haven't called them to provision it yet, but can't imagine that effecting my connection.

windsor, I was responding specifically to frankqfrank's question about the potential for increasing your speed with by getting a "better" modem -- I really only what to save a couple of bucks. I have heard good things about the Toshiba 1100U's, and hence, mentioned that as my "choice" modem (if you have the money to spend). You mentioned that you also have a 1100 (same thing as the 1100U, minus the USB), how much of a speed improvement have you noticed over Motorola's or, more specifically, this 3Com (if you have it)? Just to be curious, have you heard anything about the COM21 modems (I seem to be getting a slight 100-200 downstream impovement with the 3Com)?

 

[Bagger]

Is ANYONE out there on Cox High Speed Internet getting this modem to work? When I called them up to try to provision the line they said that this 3com modem wasn't on their list so they wouldn't even TRY to provision it. They said when they go to provision the line they have to choose the modem based on the model, and the only models they have to choose from are the ones on their approved list. The following is the list of supported modems:

Best Data CMX110
Com21 DOXPORT1110
DLink DCM200
Ericsson HM200C
Linksys BEFCMU10
Motorola SB3100
Motorola SB4100
RCA DCM235
RCA DCM245
Scientific Atlanta Webstar DPX-110
Terayon ECM110
Terayon EMC210
Toshiba PCX1100
Toshiba PCX1100U
Toshiba PCX2000
Toshiba PCX2200

Now my question is, is there any chance that any of these modems are close enough in features, values, configuration, etc to the 3com office connect modem to where I could just tell them that I have the D-Link modem, for example, and it would work when they input that modem type to provision? I was so frustrated when I was talking to them, because it sounded like they had just dummied the whole process down to where all they had to do was point and click to provision the line, and they had just pulled any idiot off the street to set up cable modems. I even talked to a supervisor and Tier 2 Tech Support. Same deal. The Tier 2 Tech Support guy was a real jerk. Here's a quote: "Sorry to bust your bubble man, but it's not on the list, so it's not gonna work". Bust my bubble??? Where the hell does he get off thinking he can talk to customers that way? Jagoff.

 

[Juicebox]

Hello!

I thought the whole point about a DOCSIS compatable modem was they all supported the same protocol? Since this is a DOCSIS cable modem, why wouldn't it work with Cox.net etc?

 

[windsor]

<< You mentioned that you also have a 1100 (same thing as the 1100U, minus the USB), how much of a speed improvement have you noticed over Motorola's or, more specifically, this 3Com (if you have it)? Just to be curious, have you heard anything about the COM21 modems (I seem to be getting a slight 100-200 downstream impovement with the 3Com)? >>


I haven't received the 3Com but I have done a lot of research online. Many experiences (with Optimum Online) have likened the 3Com and the Toshiba to night and day. For instance, a user had a 3Com and averaged 4 to 5 mbps downstream on speed tests. He then bought a Toshiba and gave the 3Com to someone else. With the only change being the modem, his speed tests now average between 8 to 9 mbps depending on the day. Seeing similar results among users, I have come to the conclusion that the Terayon/Toshiba modems are simply of superior quality. Hope this helps.

Edit: I'm not implying that there will be drastic improvement in transfer speeds. For one thing, OOL downstream is mostly uncapped. But if you are already near the max of your connection, any improvement with a Terayon/Toshiba is probably marginal.

 

[daMachine]

OK, did some more tests. This modem has consistently performed better than my previous modem COM21 (usually, 150-200 faster); it's not dramatically quicker, but it's nice to have on the cheap. It could just be the day, but I at least know it's as good as my prevous modem (likely, better than).

windsor, keep us posted about your experience with the 3Com. Also, are you using OOL?


F.Y.I.:
OOL caps at 10,000/1,000,
Comcast, like many, caps at 1500 down / 128 up

So, YMMV if you decide to get a good modem, like the Toshiba.


Edit: ah, windsor. your edit tooks the words right out of my mouth.

 

[GermyBoy]

Hot if it works with your provider, and if they'll give you a discount. Otherwise, why waste money on your own stuff?

 

[LittleWolf]

Thanks for the reply daMachine.

Only downside, I see for this modem is that it is not DOCSIS 1.1 upgradable. Any chance that Comcast might go up to 1.1 and sideeffects on this modem?

BTW, can a DOCSIS 1 modem work on a DOCSIS 1.1 network?

TIA


-j

 

[RICKWAVER]

This modem works fine with att in Connecticut. They sent a tech out to my house to verify the s/n. If there is a problem with the modem and they ask the model number make sure you tell them it is the cr29220 which is the same model but called the 3com home connect . I guess ATT did not bother verifying this one because it is the office connect.. BTW, excellent deal although I am still wait for the rebate from December. I love saving $10 a month.

 

[sep]

Got one of these about 5-6months ago. I payed over $115 with $40 MR. I have it on ATTBI in New Brighton, PA. I did notice if I have this disconnected from my SMC Barricade 700BR4 it gets close to 3MB down/ 128KB up. When connected I get around 1.3MB down / 128KB up. I think this is due to my router.

The modem is docsis 1.0 and software upgradable to 1.1 (same as most other cable modems).

It took awhile to recieve my rebate. This was due to the extention of the rebate offer.

At the time of purchase I contacted 3COM about the warranty. This will be honord for the 5 years.

*Make sure you give your ISP the Serial Number from the box. The unit doesn't have the serial number on it. If you they enter the numbers from the modem then it will not work (was down for 5 days because of this).

I just got done chating with an ATTBI rep about *3Com models may no longer be available in some areas. I wanted to make sure that in the near future I wouldn't get cut off with this modem. He informed that all of PA could still use this modem. I recommend you contact a rep and ask if you can use this modem or if anyone in your area is currently using one.

Router/Modem? ATTBI has teamed (marketing) with Linksys. I would recommend a newer Linksys Router with this modem or better yet (if you don't use this modem) get a Linksys Modem and Router. My coworker has this setup and bets me in ISP performance because of this hardware (router).

In closing...Do some homework and get this modem.

 

[Ziptar]

<< So just to confirm, daMachine you were able to make this modem work on the Comcast Cable Network?

TIA

-j >>



I will second that on Comcast (SW Florida). I got one on the previous Amazon Deal. Worked even before I called to provision it but, It was faster (same speed as the old Motorola.) after it was provisioned. When I called to provision it I Gave them the MAC, serial Number and Model Number however, I told them I had a 3CR29220. I read on several boards that the 3CR29220 config is what it takes to get the 3CR29210 working on some ISP's.

My question is I keep reading about updated DOCSIS 1.1 firmware, so where do I get it, how do I update it, or how do I tell if I already have it?

 

[ahanafi]

Will it work with Comcast???

 

[Ziptar]

Works for me with Comcast, see my post above.

 

[LittleWolf]

Just got this modem. Damn they ship fast.

However I seem to be having problems setting up... I connected my modem to the PC(NIC) and after about 5 minutes of flickering the modem got solid green for net connection. However at the same time for some reason, my PC network card seems to get "disconnected"

I tried it on 2 of my PCs, same problem. At startup the connectionb between PC and modem is fine and network card shows connected. But the moment the modems seems to connect to the Net, my network cards "disconnects".

Any ideas why ??

If it is a defective modem, I might have to return it. Also, I noticed that the seal-tape on the outer cardboard box had been broken..


TIA

-j

 

[daMachine]

LittleWolf, did you get you modem provisioned yet? Before I got mine provisioned, it took about 15 mins. for me to get a green light for the "cable modem status." Obviously, mine was a different problem than yours (or so it would seem), but different ISPs or the same ISP in different areas might handle unprovisioned modems differently. Who are you using? (Comcast right?? -- per your previous posts) Where are you located? One thing I did notice, the first night after I got it provisioned my connection dropped for about 1 hr (from about midnight to 1), but it has been solid ever since.

Ziptar, just saw your firmware question. Cable modem firmware is only upgradeable through your provider. They send it down through the cable line, so you are at their mercy. As for getting our hands on 1.1, I somehow don't think it will happen in the near future. I have read a few posts where users claim to have talked to 3Com CSRs who have assured them a 1.1 firmware upgrade was in the works. I can neither confirm this nor deny it, but my guess would be that we won't be seeing a firmware upgrade until it becomes absolutely necessary (and probably not even then). Basically, 3Com has left the cable modem market, so they don't have any active devlopment on this. Although, they might have a small teem working on this for the sake of technical support (5 years in our case). This is all speculation and second-hand knowledge, so take it as such.

Good luck to everyone who got on this. I've been surfing happily on this 3Com modem since Tuesday -- minus an hour.

 

[LittleWolf]

<< LittleWolf, did you get you modem provisioned yet? Before I got mine provisioned, it took about 15 mins. for me to get a green light for the "cable modem status." Obviously, mine was a different problem than yours (or so it would seem), but different ISPs or the same ISP in different areas might handle unprovisioned modems differently. Who are you using? (Comcast right?? -- per your previous posts) Where are you located? One thing I did notice, the first night after I got it provisioned my connection dropped for about 1 hr (from about midnight to 1), but it has been solid ever since. >>



Yeah I have got Comcast and no, I haven't got it provisioned it. But then I presume not provisioning would no connection to net. Why would the connection between my modem and PC (NIC Card) get disconnected ??

I do get a green light on the Status LED, suggesting that the modem has got connection to the net. But the moment that happens, the PC-Modem link breaks down!

Any other ideas. Thanks for any more info....


-j

 

[daMachine]

LittleWolf,

Which area are you in? Philly? This might be a factor. If you are going through the Norristown head then probably not. I can only speculate as to why not provisioning the modem could effect you in this way. But here goes, if Comcast (in your area) is verifying your mac address before giving you net access your modem might connect with them, but because you are not recognized (they don't know you Ethernet / MAC address) a signal is sent to your modem to disallow network access. This would give you the symptoms you are describing; upon cable connection, PC connection is dropped. As I stated this is all speculation, so anyonw who knows anything about this feel free to chime in.

I would suggest you call Comcast and ask them about what happens when you connect your cable modem and are not provisioned -- when I called to get mine provisioned the rep. was very suprised to hear that I could get online without provisioning it first. Or you can try searching the web.

 

[ktg]

I got this modem assuming I could sign up for Comcast locally and get it to work. I too had a jerky tech support guy tell me "no go" simply because it's not on their list. I'm sure they don't want the support hassles that go along with multiple different hardware manufacturers and models, but in this case, I got the distinct impression that they simply didn't know if it would work or not. The guy I spoke with (who had to constantly recheck things with his supervisor---always a bad sign) didn't care that the box has six labels on it stating that the modem should be configured as a 29220---if it's not on their short list, "we don't allow you to use it". So I'm calling back in a few days and telling them I have a 29220, not a 29210, and I'll install it myself and take my chances. I suppose I can find a 29220 somewhere if I really have to.

 

[daMachine]

Yes, you need to tell them it's a 3CR29220. And make sure you get the ethernet / mac address and serial numbers off the modem itself (my box didn't match).