Picking a Modem due to connectivity.

[ReppuKishin]

Trying to choose between a few sets up, and would love the community opinion again!

Right now, I have an old Docsis 2.0ish (A Scientific Atlanta from, like, 2001? Maybe?) that I want to modernize due to the phasing of these devices, and some problems with it since TimeWarner Cable did the buyout with Charter. While they are unsure if it is an outside line problem, they do suggest upgrading the modem anyway (I can provide key error logs if people are interested!) In fact, it is a similar (If not matching) Issue to the one I posted back in March ( http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2989531/high-upstream-power-ratios-isp-network-node-utilization-problems.html )

As an aside, the Upstream power levels have 'improved' to 50-52 from the colossal 55 it was back then.

Regardless, I have these to choose from in my possession:

Ubee DDW36C: A Modem+Router combo.

Motorola/Arris SB6141: Just a modem.

I currently have my own router (An old Linksys RTP300, but I am comfortable with it being setup + the freedom your own router provides, and unless it is -somehow- the cause of my problems, it's been loyally chugging on for years.

What would be the most painless way to go about it, acknowledging the age of the router paired with the Motorola vs. just using a two-in-one Ubee? I've heard of issues when swapping out Routers that I'd like to avoid (If the horror stories are true!), thus my initial concerns of using the Ubee, despite it being much newer than the Motorola. But, a general opinion would be loved.

 

[USAFRet]

Start with what is on their recommended list. Almost certainly DOCSIS 3.0.

 

[ReppuKishin]

Both are recommended, I called them just to ensure. Both are DOCSIS 3.0 capable.

 

[USAFRet]

Both are recommended, I called them just to ensure. Both are DOCSIS 3.0 capable.

Then it depends on if you want 1 piece or 2.

'Just a modem' gives you the opportunity to change the router easier.
Modem+router is fewer cords and boxes.

 

[ReppuKishin]

Alright. I called a technician and scheduled an appointment to take a look at the drop and the lines, just in case, since i was told there seems to be some bad signal receives from the outdoors, and the technicians I have spoken to have all said that, while the DOCSIS 2.0 is old and being phased out, it's compatible and running strong on it's end. To the point the drop technician was strongly recommended.

We'll see how that goes I guess. Thanks for the feedback so far.

 

[USAFRet]

Alright. I called a technician and scheduled an appointment to take a look at the drop and the lines, just in case, since i was told there seems to be some bad signal receives from the outdoors, and the technicians I have spoken to have all said that, while the DOCSIS 2.0 is old and being phased out, it's compatible and running strong on it's end. To the point the drop technician was strongly recommended.

We'll see how that goes I guess. Thanks for the feedback so far.

As much as they hate to admit it, sometimes the issue IS on their end, somewhere outside your house.
Years ago, I had a 6 month running argument with my former provider, Cox.
Everything from the little box at the end of the driveway to my screen was replaced.
New cable outside and in, new PC, new modem/router, etc, etc.

It indeed turned out to be one of their upstream boxes, dying due to humidity and temp.

 

[ReppuKishin]

Trust me, I wouldn't be surprised if it is on their end. This has been a 3+ Year problem, and it's just stirring up again but worse. As I noted, my original post has me talking about this back in March. I think the timeframe fits for it to have reared it's ugly head again.

Maybe this will resolve the problem. If not, I'll swap out the modem, assuming the modulator is failing.

 

[ReppuKishin]

Yep, outside wiring, but went ahead and set up a new modem anyway. Although now I am keeping an eye on this, and noticing a surprising (300+) Port Scans from my ISPs IP Addresses.

Unsure if that is anything I should be concerned of or not.