1. DOCSIS 2 modems are cheaper for a reason. They are "Single Band" modems with speeds up to 38 Mbps. Don't fall into that trap. Many cable companies don't recommend or support them. Avoid DOCSIS 2 modems.
2. DOCSIS 3 modems (also known as "Dual Band") are up to 8x faster modems than DOCSIS 2 due to their ability to double the download speed bandwidth. Most folks will see an noticeable improvement with a DOCSIS 3 modem.
3. DOCSIS 3.1 modems are even faster still because they will handle even more channels at one time. It is up to 10X faster than DOCSIS 3.0! The DOCSIS 3.1 modem is an Ultra-High Speed cable modem that provides high-speed cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps. It's backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0. However, you need a Gigabit Ethernet Plan to take advantage of its speed. Most folks don't have access to these speeds. (Lucky you if you do).

1. There are lots of modems that look similar to the approved modems. Be sure to get the EXACT model number shown in the approved lists.
2. Although you can make due with lower end models if you have basic internet service, I strongly recommend you consider buying a DOCSIS 3 or DOCSIS 3.1 model that is also IPv6-ready.
3. Keep in mind that the cable companies often increase the internet speed of their entire system from time to time. The speeds you have today are higher than the speeds they provided a few years ago on the same service plan.
4. The Internet is transitioning from shorter Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (aka IPv4) to longer Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (aka IPv6) due to a shortage of short addresses. To make sure that the Internet can keep growing, a new numbering system called IP version 6 (IPv6) is being deployed and at some point IPv4 modems will not be able to connect to the new addresses. IPv6-ready modems will allow you to access all of the internet addresses now and after the IPv4's are no longer supported.
5. Yes, you can also replace your Gateway modem (a modem with a built-in Wi-Fi router) and discontinue your rent payments.

1. If you have a modem that is capable of higher speeds, call your internet provider and ask them to maximize the signal being sent to your modem. They should be providing speeds that match the lower of: your subscription speed tier or your modem. Even though they have higher speeds available (and especially if you are paying for them), you often won't get the new higher speeds unless you call Tech Support, they verify your modem speed capacity, and they manually increase the speeds to your modem.
2. If you want to test your current speeds, head over to SpeedTest and click "Go". You'll know your true speeds in under 1 minute. The internet speed you are paying your provider for assumes your computer is directly connected to the modem via a quality CAT5e or CAT6 ethernet cable. WiFi speeds will be slower, maybe considerably slower. I'm a big fan of the Mediabridge ethernet cable

1. View the list of approved retail modems for your tier of Internet service using the links above for Cox, Comcast or Charter. (If you are also a Comcast, Cox, or Spectrum Home Phone customer, please read the Home Phone FAQs on their sites for additional instructions.)
2. Buy your modem at a local retailer or online. Connect your modem at home using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you are replacing an identical or similar modem (SB6141 for example), all you need do is change out the modem by unplugging the Ethernet, Cable, and Power cords from the old modem and plugging the three cords into the new modem. Be sure to replace your old power supply with the new power supply which came with the new modem.
3. Call your cable company's Customer Care Department to activate your new modem on your Internet service. Provide the Cable Modem ID (MAC address), usually found on the bottom of the modem as well as the box it came in. Note that some companies offer an online installation option. You can also try contacting them via live chat if you don't wish to call.
4. They may require you to reboot your system. Simply unplug your new modem (and unplug your router if you have one), wait 10 seconds and plug both back in, restart your computer. Open a browser and check for internet activity.
5. Once your new modem is activated, drop off your leased modem at the local cable store. You must return the leased modem to stop the monthly recurring Internet Modem rental fees.
6. When you call, you can often request a box with a shipping label to return the rented modem so you don't have to go to the service center yourself.
7. If you have internet phone service the cable companies usually include the modem in the cost of the phone service and don't want you to change modems.

Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed. The information presented is an opinion intended to assist site visitors on purchasing and installing a cable internet modem.

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