Semi-OT: Comparing two VOIP cable modems...

Hi,

There is a lot of knowledge in here, so just throwing this out in hopes that
someone has experience with these two modems and can make a real world
comparison.

I'm currently using a Motorola Surfboard SBV4200 for cable internet + VOIP
service. Recently, I was given the option to swap this modem out for a
Scientific-Atlanta Webstar DPX2203. From the specs sheet, the two appear to
basically identical (at least with what is relevant for the cable internet
service.) Only major difference seems to be that the SA Webstar DPX2003 is
DOCSIS 2.0 compliant, while the Motorola is DOCSIS 1.1. (Cable service
isn't currently supporting DOCSIS 2.0 though.) The SA Webstar DPX2003 has,
of course, higher up/down max rates but they wouldn't be realized.
(Currently capped at 5 Mbits. Speed tests with the cableco usually are
around ~4.82 Mbs.) Logs with the Motorola have remained clean and signal
levels seem well within tolerance. (Downstream: Power Level -3 dBmV, SNR 37
db. Upstream: Power Level 41 dBmV).

Prior to subscribing to VOIP, I had just owned by own cable modem. After
subscribing to VOIP, I had to use theirs though. Gave my old modem to a
family member, who is now using it.

I hate to try to "fix something that isn't broke", but one feature that
looks inviting with the SA DBX2203 is that a battery pack can be used with
it. I believe to cableco is even proving the modem with the battery pack.
Guessing if the cableco has backup battery power on the poles, then this
would allow for continued telephone use in the event of power loss. (At
least until the battery is depleted.) The SA modem is also more
aesthetically pleasing. The Motorola SBV4200 is quite ugly as it sticks out
like a big white fish tail. The SA modem could easily be stacked
horizontally on other equipment, while the Motorola has sit vertically --
making it awkward. The Motorola SBV4200 was released in 2002, while the SA
DBX2003 was released just recently.

As I haven't ever used any SA hardware, just throwing this out in hopes of
any feedback. Is SA hardware prone to any problems such as overheating as
such? Is it worthwhile to "upgrade", since they are offering it?

Thanks!
-Eric

"Eric" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:tD_Yd.16932$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi,
>
> There is a lot of knowledge in here, so just throwing this out in hopes
that
> someone has experience with these two modems and can make a real world
> comparison.
>
> I'm currently using a Motorola Surfboard SBV4200 for cable internet + VOIP
> service. Recently, I was given the option to swap this modem out for a
> Scientific-Atlanta Webstar DPX2203. From the specs sheet, the two appear
to
> basically identical (at least with what is relevant for the cable internet
> service.) Only major difference seems to be that the SA Webstar DPX2003
is
> DOCSIS 2.0 compliant, while the Motorola is DOCSIS 1.1. (Cable service
> isn't currently supporting DOCSIS 2.0 though.) The SA Webstar DPX2003
has,
> of course, higher up/down max rates but they wouldn't be realized.
> (Currently capped at 5 Mbits. Speed tests with the cableco usually are
> around ~4.82 Mbs.) Logs with the Motorola have remained clean and signal
> levels seem well within tolerance. (Downstream: Power Level -3 dBmV, SNR
37
> db. Upstream: Power Level 41 dBmV).
>
> Prior to subscribing to VOIP, I had just owned by own cable modem. After
> subscribing to VOIP, I had to use theirs though. Gave my old modem to a
> family member, who is now using it.
>
> I hate to try to "fix something that isn't broke", but one feature that
> looks inviting with the SA DBX2203 is that a battery pack can be used with
> it. I believe to cableco is even proving the modem with the battery pack.
> Guessing if the cableco has backup battery power on the poles, then this
> would allow for continued telephone use in the event of power loss. (At
> least until the battery is depleted.) The SA modem is also more
> aesthetically pleasing. The Motorola SBV4200 is quite ugly as it sticks
out
> like a big white fish tail. The SA modem could easily be stacked
> horizontally on other equipment, while the Motorola has sit vertically --
> making it awkward. The Motorola SBV4200 was released in 2002, while the
SA
> DBX2003 was released just recently.
>
> As I haven't ever used any SA hardware, just throwing this out in hopes of
> any feedback. Is SA hardware prone to any problems such as overheating as
> such? Is it worthwhile to "upgrade", since they are offering it?
>
> Thanks!
> -Eric

Oops, finger got ahead of brain. Change all the references to "DPX2002" to
"DPX2203".