[Mod Change] Time Warner cable modem help

Farley · Oct 8, 2012, 11:47 AM

Computer savvy people
I am an (unwilling) Time Warner Road Runner subscriber (for TV & Internet). This week I received a notice that starting soon I will be charged $3.95 monthly for renting a formerly free modem. TWC gives me the option of purchasing one and lists those that are compatible with their cable system. I am ignorant when it comes to these matters. Would anyone be able to suggest the right modem for me to buy. I have a Mini Mac OS 10.5.8 which has never caused me any real trouble (knock on wood). Thank you. (TWC deems only 5 purchaseable modems to be compatible but lists about 30 modems which they are willing to rent to you. Perhaps a hyperlink to their notice may help to understand this rip off. Grrr....) http://www.timewarnercable.com/nynj/...ase+Your+Modem

Thanks to anyone who can decipher this.

Weaselboy · Oct 8, 2012, 11:55 AM

I would get one of the DOCSIS 3.0 compatible modems to future proof yourself for potential upcoming speed increases. They only list two DOCSIS 3.0 modems, the first Moto SBG6580 includes a built in wireless router if you want to go that route. If you want to use your own router, save a little money and get the Moto SB6141.

If it were me, I would get the SB6141 and use my own router.

Just be aware the downside here is if you have Internet trouble, now you are opening the door to TW saying it is YOUR modem at fault and they may want to charge you a truck roll fee to come out and troubleshoot.

Lots of users discussing this issue here.

jf1450 · Oct 8, 2012, 12:59 PM

Motorola Surfboard SB6121 is the way to go. I'm with Charter and consistently get 30+ mbs down and 5 up. Quite often it's in the high 40's. I'm paying for 30.

Weaselboy · Oct 8, 2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jf1450

Motorola Surfboard SB6121 is the way to go. I'm with Charter and consistently get 30+ mbs down and 5 up. Quite often it's in the high 40's. I'm paying for 30.

Except that is not on the approved list the OP posted.

Farley · Oct 8, 2012, 03:52 PM

Thanks for responding and yes, thanks I did read that link. I (antediluvian) have neither a router nor a need for Wifi. I receive the internet through a dedicated cable from TWC. Would this change any of your modem recommendations? And why would Time Warner ok only 5 modems for purchase but several dozen for rent?

davidterranova · Nov 6, 2012, 01:23 PM

Hi,

Having the same problem right now, have just moved home and the new place only has TW, so I have no other option but to go with them.

I already have a modem from my previous account with Optimum, it's a Motorola SBV5121XM. I'm hoping that this list of approved modems is just BS, and that in fact other modems MAY work too... could that be possible?

Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work?

The previous tenant already had TimeWarner hooked up, so I tried plugging the cable into the modem... it gave good signal (the right lights flashing - i think!), but no net.

I was hoping to find something online showing how to hack past any restrictions by messing around with settings in the modem's control panel that could make it work... But I ended up here.

Any network buffs here who could offer some advice?

Weaselboy · Nov 6, 2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidterranova

I already have a modem from my previous account with Optimum, it's a Motorola SBV5121XM. I'm hoping that this list of approved modems is just BS, and that in fact other modems MAY work too... could that be possible?

Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work?

Any DOCSIS 2 or 3 modem can technically work, but for whatever reason TW is limiting it to the short list at the link provided. From what I have read from other TW users in this forum, you will not be able to use anything not on the approved list because you have to call TW to activate any cable modem you use, and they will not activate your Motorola for example.

Yes, you would be able to use a TW supplied able modem with your Netgear router.

davidterranova · Nov 6, 2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weaselboy

you will not be able to use anything not on the approved list because you have to call TW to activate any cable modem you use, and they will not activate your Motorola for example.

Thanks for the info! If this is the case then it makes it even more shocking.
A blatant scam like this would never be allowed to happen in the UK...

Anyway, is this process of activating a modem a standard procedure that happens across all ISPs (I've never noticed this step when setting up accounts with other providers in the past) and that can only be done from their end?
OR is it another fictitious step that TWC added to help their cause, and is there a way to do this by one's self?

I read through the forum you linked to, seems like some people are trying to use other modems that aren't on the list...

Weaselboy · Nov 6, 2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidterranova

Anyway, is this process of activating a modem a standard procedure that happens across all ISPs (I've never noticed this step when setting up accounts with other providers in the past) and that can only be done from their end?

This whole rent your modem thing is fairly new with many US ISPs. All I have read about you just buy your modem and hook it up, then call the ISP with the MAP address info and model number etc. from the sticker on the mode, and they activate it while you are on the line.

davidterranova · Nov 6, 2012, 02:38 PM

I just found out that Verizon provides broadband to the address. I should go with them, right?? I don't really know about these companies, people keep talking about FIOS..

Weaselboy · Nov 6, 2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidterranova

I just found out that Verizon provides broadband to the address. I should go with them, right?? I don't really know about these companies, people keep talking about FIOS..

FIOS is normally the fastest around, but may not be the cheapest. Use this link to check reviews for providers in your zip code.

http://www.dslreports.com/reviews

jsw · Nov 6, 2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidterranova

I just found out that Verizon provides broadband to the address. I should go with them, right?? I don't really know about these companies, people keep talking about FIOS..

I've had FiOS for a long time now (7 years, maybe?) and absolutely love it. Well, love it compared to any other provider I've ever had. They're not perfect, but they are much better than others, at least around here.

Reliable, fast, really decent modem provided, etc. Recommended.

davidterranova · Nov 6, 2012, 03:09 PM

Thank you!
Turns out that fios doesn't cover my area, so I'm left with two choices:
Verizon DSL or TimeWarner...

Any suggestions? One's worse than the other, right?

jsw · Nov 6, 2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidterranova

Thank you!
Turns out that fios doesn't cover my area, so I'm left with two choices:
Verizon DSL or TimeWarner...

Any suggestions? One's worse than the other, right?

Given how horrific TW is, I'd have to think Verizon is less terrible, by default.

davidterranova · Nov 6, 2012, 03:20 PM

Ok thanks for the advice.
Verizon it is.

(sorry for diverting the topic... and good luck to you TWC customers!)

Weaselboy · Nov 6, 2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsw

Given how horrific TW is, I'd have to think Verizon is less terrible, by default.

I think it really varies by region. I have been quite happy with TW here. Of course, they have been notching up the prices and fees over time, but so does Verizon.

fhall1 · Nov 7, 2012, 06:34 AM

TWC internet is going to be much faster than DSL.

Mikey-Mike · Nov 8, 2012, 12:34 PM

Wha? Time Warner’s Ok.

I have a Motorola SB6120 and I don’t think it was on their list when I installed it and I think it’s still not:

All you do is plug it in and then call their number and give the person the i.d. number of you modem (it is printed on the packaging or modem?) and that is it.

They just want the number from your unit so they know who is supposed to be on their system and who is trying to steal.

I have a D-Link router with my set up and it works great with Macs and was zero trouble to set up.

Oct 8, 2012, 11:47 AM	#1
Farley macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2008	[Mod Change] Time Warner cable modem help Computer savvy people I am an (unwilling) Time Warner Road Runner subscriber (for TV & Internet). This week I received a notice that starting soon I will be charged $3.95 monthly for renting a formerly free modem. TWC gives me the option of purchasing one and lists those that are compatible with their cable system. I am ignorant when it comes to these matters. Would anyone be able to suggest the right modem for me to buy. I have a Mini Mac OS 10.5.8 which has never caused me any real trouble (knock on wood). Thank you. (TWC deems only 5 purchaseable modems to be compatible but lists about 30 modems which they are willing to rent to you. Perhaps a hyperlink to their notice may help to understand this rip off. Grrr....) http://www.timewarnercable.com/nynj/...ase+Your+Modem Thanks to anyone who can decipher this.
	0

Oct 8, 2012, 03:52 PM	#5
Farley Thread Starter macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2008	Why? Thanks for responding and yes, thanks I did read that link. I (antediluvian) have neither a router nor a need for Wifi. I receive the internet through a dedicated cable from TWC. Would this change any of your modem recommendations? And why would Time Warner ok only 5 modems for purchase but several dozen for rent?
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 01:23 PM	#6
davidterranova macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2008	Using my Optimum modem? Hi, Having the same problem right now, have just moved home and the new place only has TW, so I have no other option but to go with them. I already have a modem from my previous account with Optimum, it's a Motorola SBV5121XM. I'm hoping that this list of approved modems is just BS, and that in fact other modems MAY work too... could that be possible? Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work? The previous tenant already had TimeWarner hooked up, so I tried plugging the cable into the modem... it gave good signal (the right lights flashing - i think!), but no net. I was hoping to find something online showing how to hack past any restrictions by messing around with settings in the modem's control panel that could make it work... But I ended up here. Any network buffs here who could offer some advice?
	0

Nov 7, 2012, 06:34 AM	#17
fhall1 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NY State	TWC internet is going to be much faster than DSL. __________________ 2012 2.3GHz i7 Mini, 16GB RAM; 2009 2.93 GHz C2D iMac, 8GB RAM, 640GB HD, GT120 1.83 GHz CD Mini, 2GB RAM, 200GB HD; 800 MHz 17" G4 iMac, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD 32GB White iPhone 4S, 32GB White iPad2
	0

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Oct 8, 2012, 11:55 AM	#2
Weaselboy macrumors 604 Join Date: Jan 2005	I would get one of the DOCSIS 3.0 compatible modems to future proof yourself for potential upcoming speed increases. They only list two DOCSIS 3.0 modems, the first Moto SBG6580 includes a built in wireless router if you want to go that route. If you want to use your own router, save a little money and get the Moto SB6141. If it were me, I would get the SB6141 and use my own router. Just be aware the downside here is if you have Internet trouble, now you are opening the door to TW saying it is YOUR modem at fault and they may want to charge you a truck roll fee to come out and troubleshoot. Lots of users discussing this issue here.
	0

Oct 8, 2012, 12:59 PM	#3
jf1450 macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2012	Motorola Surfboard SB6121 is the way to go. I'm with Charter and consistently get 30+ mbs down and 5 up. Quite often it's in the high 40's. I'm paying for 30.
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 02:38 PM	#10
davidterranova macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2008	I just found out that Verizon provides broadband to the address. I should go with them, right?? I don't really know about these companies, people keep talking about FIOS..
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 03:09 PM	#13
davidterranova macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2008	Thank you! Turns out that fios doesn't cover my area, so I'm left with two choices: Verizon DSL or TimeWarner... Any suggestions? One's worse than the other, right?
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 03:20 PM	#15
davidterranova macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2008	Ok thanks for the advice. Verizon it is. (sorry for diverting the topic... and good luck to you TWC customers!)
	0

Nov 8, 2012, 12:34 PM	#18
Mikey-Mike macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: CLEVE.	Wha? Time Warner’s Ok. I have a Motorola SB6120 and I don’t think it was on their list when I installed it and I think it’s still not: All you do is plug it in and then call their number and give the person the i.d. number of you modem (it is printed on the packaging or modem?) and that is it. They just want the number from your unit so they know who is supposed to be on their system and who is trying to steal. I have a D-Link router with my set up and it works great with Macs and was zero trouble to set up.
	0