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Motorola SURFboard SB5101U — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home ModemsMotorola SURFboard SB5101U

Motorola SURFboard SB5101U — image 1

Motorola

Motorola SURFboard SB5101U

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SB5101UBlack

Expert Review Analysis

The Motorola ARRIS SURFboard SB5101U is a DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem offering up to 38 Mbps downstream and 30 Mbps upstream. It features a compact design, Ethernet and USB connectivity, ENERGY STAR efficiency, and diagnostic LEDs for easy setup and monitoring.

✓ Best for: Users with older cable‑internet plans that cap at 30 Mbps or less, such as early‑2000s broadband subscriptions, or households that need a simple, low‑power modem for a single PC via Ethernet or USB.✗ Not ideal for: Anyone requiring gigabit‑class speeds, multiple high‑throughput devices, modern streaming or gaming performance, or built‑in Wi‑Fi; the modem’s DOCSIS 2.0 limits and lack of Gigabit Ethernet make it unsuitable for contemporary high‑bandwidth environments.

Pros

✓Easy installation with plug‑and‑play Ethernet and USB connections for quick setup on any PC.
✓Compact slim design measuring only 6.20" H × 2.30" W × 6.00" D, saving space in home networking setups.
✓

Price History

Current

$65.00

Average

$60.52

Lowest

$49.00

Highest

$66.00

Price trend (90d):+66.7%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#374Best#343Worst#374 -31

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.2/ 5Reviews1,903

Specifications

Design

Height10.5 in (266.7 mm) mm

Width2.675 in (68 mm) mm

Length6.875 in (174.6 mm) mm

Weight1.57 lb (712 g) g

ColorBlack

Features

ChipsetBCM 3349F

Front Panel LEDs5 multi‑color (Power, Receive, Send, Online, PC/Activity)

General

BrandMotorola (ARRIS)

ModelSB5101U

DOCSIS Version1.1/2.0

IPv6 SupportSupported

Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Macintosh, Unix, Linux

Network

Downstream Max Speed38 Mbps (DOCSIS) / 51 Mbps (Euro‑DOCSIS)

Upstream Max Speed30 Mbps Mbps

Downstream Modulation64 or 256 QAM

Upstream ModulationQPSK, 8/16/32/64/128 QAM

Downstream Frequency Range88 to 860 MHz

Ports

Ethernet Port10/100Base‑T RJ‑45

USB PortUSB (with cable)

Coaxial PortF‑type coaxial

Power PortStandard power connector

Power

Power Consumption9 W W

Input Voltage105–125 VAC, 60 Hz (NA); 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz (International)

Input Impedance75 Ω Ω

Output Impedance75 Ω Ω

Energy Star CertifiedYes

Modulation

Downstream Modulation64 or 256 QAM

Upstream ModulationQPSK, 8/16/32/64/128 QAM

Performance

Maximum Downstream Data Rate≤38 Mbps (DOCSIS) / ≤51 Mbps (Euro‑DOCSIS)

Maximum Upstream Data Rate30 Mbps (64 QAM)

Dimensions & Weight

Height10.5 inches

Width2.675 Inches

Depth6.875 inches

Weight1.57 pounds

Research Sources

bhphotovideo.com

tvclatinamerica.com

gditechnology.com

armstrongonewire.com

bridgewholesale.com

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4.2

(1,903 reviews)

Energy‑efficient operation consuming only 9 W and certified ENERGY STAR, reducing power costs.

✓Built‑in diagnostic LEDs and web‑based interface simplify status monitoring and troubleshooting.

✓Broad OS compatibility including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix, ensuring wide device support.

Cons

✗Limited to DOCSIS 2.0 technology, capping downstream speeds at 38 Mbps and upstream at 30 Mbps, which is insufficient for modern high‑bandwidth applications.
✗Real‑world performance often lower than spec, with some ISPs reporting a practical wired limit of only 25 Mbps.
✗Only a single 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port and no Gigabit Ethernet, restricting network throughput for multiple devices.
✗Lacks advanced features such as multiple downstream channels, MU‑MIMO, or Wi‑Fi, making it unsuitable for contemporary multi‑device households.
✗No built‑in Wi‑Fi, requiring an external router for wireless connectivity.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight the modem’s straightforward setup and reliable DOCSIS 2.0 performance up to 30 Mbps upstream, making it a solid choice for basic broadband needs.
✓Editors note the inclusion of diagnostic LEDs and a web‑based interface as useful tools for monitoring connection health.
✓The device’s ENERGY STAR rating and RoHS compliance are praised for meeting environmental and power‑efficiency standards.

Criticized by Experts

✗Experts point out that the DOCSIS 2.0 standard is outdated, limiting the modem to 38 Mbps downstream, which falls short of current ISP offerings.
✗Cox editors specifically recommend upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1 modems, citing the SB5101U’s practical 25 Mbps wired ceiling as insufficient for modern streaming or gaming.
✗Lack of Gigabit Ethernet and only a single 10/100 Mbps port are criticized for restricting network scalability.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the SB5101U a reliable, easy‑to‑install DOCSIS 2.0 modem suitable for legacy broadband plans, but they caution that its speed ceiling and single 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port make it inadequate for today’s high‑speed internet demands. Editors from Cox explicitly advise users to move to DOCSIS 3.1 hardware for any plan exceeding 25 Mbps.

How It Compares

vs. DOCSIS 3.0/3.1 modem (generic)

Advantages

✓Provides multi‑channel bonding for downstream speeds exceeding 400 Mbps, far surpassing the SB5101U’s 38 Mbps limit.
✓Typically includes Gigabit Ethernet ports and often built‑in Wi‑Fi, enabling higher network throughput and wireless connectivity.

Disadvantages

✗Higher power consumption (10–15 W) compared with the SB5101U’s 9 W.
✗Generally higher price point, making it less attractive for users on very low‑speed legacy plans.

Choose the SB5101U for inexpensive, low‑speed legacy connections; upgrade to a DOCSIS 3.0/3.1 modem when you need gigabit speeds or multiple high‑throughput devices.