I work in the computer/software industry and am generally critical of the cheap throw-away quality of most electronics. I was nervous about this purchase because I had read two other reviewers mention 1) The Motorola SBG900 allocated two IPs from the broadband provider such as Comcast if you connected more than one computer, and 2) the range was poor. I doubted the first, and I live in a small house for the second.
I have been using a DLINK wireless router for the last 1-1/2 yrs. Reliable but it has a high-pitched hum that is incredibly irritating. I returned the first, only to get another with the same whine, so I figured it was a manufacturing/component flaw. I stuffed it in a corner of the basement to keep from hearing it. This was my experience with my DLINK wireless router, not the Motorola.
So here's what I found re: the Motorola SBG900. Powered it up, Comcast prompted me to download their "installation software" when it detected an unknown cable modem, clicked Yes 5 times, and was on the Internet. Then I configured the wireless portion to match the WEP 128-bit settings from the powered-off DLINK (used the same SSID, Shared Key, etc.), activated the firewall, hid broadcast of the SSID, and both my laptop and desktop connected without a hitch. Even I was surpised. Their wireless NICs are DLINK and Intel, so compatibility wasn't an issue. I never even opened the manual which comes on the CD. I was happy to see a number of WPA (next generation) security options when selecting the encryption mode. However, I didn't bother with that now, but may later, since I'm already on 128-bit WEP. Also the range is the same as my older DLINK, so I'm very content with this purchase. Very happy to reduce the clutter by consolidating devices. Even in the world of MIMO and future technologies, 802.11G (54Mbs) is fine for my needs. I recommend this cable modem. Motorola SURFboard SBG900 DOCSIS 2.0 Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (Black)
I don't know what the other reviewer did, but this thing works great, right out of the box! It was a no brainer. I traded in a Lynksys modem and Netgear WiFi router. THAT combo wouldn't let me videocam. This Motorola does!
But this Motorola was a much cheaper option, works with Comcast and supports webcams with no additional setup. I'm so glad I got it and HIGHLY recommend it. It's cheaper and takes up less space if you need to purchase both a modem and WiFi router. It was SO easy.
The SBG900 is a decent combination cable modem/wireless router, but it has some shortcomings that may or may not matter to you. There is no WAN uplink, so it can't be used as general gateway unless you are connected to the internet via the cable modem coax. There is only one wired ethernet port, so if you want to connect more than one wired device you'll need another piece of hardware. (There is also a USB-based internet connection, so you might be able to hook up two wired devices but I haven't tried it.) The firmware doesn't support MAC spoofing, which is a pain but not a showstopper for most people. The range is worse than I was expecting: The signal is mediocre from one room away, two rooms it is nearly unusable.
It was very easy to set up. I had it up and running in about 10 minutes, most of which was spent on the phone with comcast to give them the new MAC address. Configuring all the security options was pretty painless as well, and I haven't experienced any dropped connections or other problems since I set it up several days ago.
This unit is great for people who aren't looking for many features and don't need much range. Anyone else may find it lacking.
Why buy modem and router when U can have them both in one box ?? - it`s great space saver :) - i`v got very good signal in every place of my house - even outside. I can strongly recomend this item. Work perfect witch my build in wireles card in my laptop.
I just bought this excellent product! So far, it's working as advertised. We use it with my housemates - 1 desktop connected via ethernet cable, and 4 wireless laptops, one of which is more than >4 yr old thinkpad. It worked so fast without any prolem. Their technical support helped me in setting-up the wireless network via phone conversation without any waiting time.
Thanks for customer reviews from amazon, I get a glimpse on the actual experience of those who bought it ahead of me.
I will write a review again if I find a problem on this unit, which I hope I would not.
Edited: 25 Dec 06
i commented on this product after 1 wk of using it, and now it's almost 4 months and still i'm impressed with it. one review said that the range is not good, but i beg to disagree. it worked even when i'm on the yard and 5 apartment units from where i installed it and there is no degradation in quality. even when i use it simulatneously with my laptop, desktop, 3 housemates and 2 visitors, there seems to be no change on its performance.
i even created a local area network on my computers, and oh boy, it's so fast, i read/write on my next computer wirelessly but as if i'm using my local hard disk when i read/write gigabytes of files on my 2 computers. because of it, i don't need an external HDD to backup my data.
the LAN works impressively even when there is power outage in my internet service provider.
i usually don't write review on other products unless i'm extrement disappointed or impressed. i think it's unfair if i don't share my very satisfactory experience with this product. - Motorola - Wireless Router - Wireless Modem - Sbg900'
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