Cable Modem Reliability

[brembo]

I am renting a cable modem. 10 bucks a month, no too bad, although I am planning on keeping the service as long as it is available. I figure 2 years is about how long it would take to break even to get my own modem. Now the questions are:

Are modems prone to dying?
I have had this Surfboard for quite some time, any new fun technology built into newer breeds?
Will my provider need to know of my changing modems?

Thanks
Dan

[JackMDS]

They are not prone to Die, and there is no new fun technology (at the moment).

IMHO, no computer component (excluding Monitor and Printer) is worth while for two years.

You have to buy a Modem that is compatible with your ISP. Whether you need to inform them or not depends on their authentication scheme. You have to call, and ask.

Given that in a span of two year they might change aspects of their system, it does not worth while to buy.

After two years you break even, and then what, unless the same modem can be use for another few years you gain nothing.

[subzero]

I was gonna buy my modem but I've decided to rent my modem becuase if it breaks agian @home will replace it:p

[YARDofSTUF]

Originally posted by subzero
I was gonna buy my modem but I've decided to rent my modem becuase if it breaks agian @home will replace it:p

bingo, also brembo if ur cable ISP isnt DOCSIS they may switch over to DOCSIS compatible modems(@home is gonna be doing this, it has started in some areas). Having a tech come out to look at the modem is free when u rent it and its garanteed to work with the service. only reason i rent the modem is the servicing and replacment options.

[brembo]

Thanks for all the info, my guess was kinda along those lines. But when I see one for sale I get this urge to buy one. Guess I'll buy ram instead.

[crazyman]

ya but is the technology gonna be the same in 2 years? chances are things will change alot in two years,two years ago most people never thought we would have internet access through our cable lines with the speeds we are getting.

so your modem might be paid for ,but will it still work with the isp you want?and also I moved in march,and I only moved about 8 miles,and I had roadrunner at the old house and I had to get @home here,and this is not a docsis system here and the RR was.Besides if the modem goes bad,I get a free replacement.so think about it before you spend $200 on a modem.


see ya Dan