The SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem from Motorola is an easy-to-use option for home-businesses or large businesses alike, that provides high-bandwidth transfer rates for large multimedia files. It offers channel bonding of up to four downstream and four upstream channels, with data rates well above 100 Mb/s in both directions. While it is built for DOCSIS 3.0, it is of course backward compatible with 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 standards.
With a 10 / 100 / 1000 Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45) port, and easy-to-read LED status indicators, the SB6121 is convenient to install with older technology, and its operational status is visible at a glance. For high-end residential users, workers with a home office, or even medium to large businesses, the SB6121 from Motorola is an excellent option that offers great performance and simplicity in a variety of applications.
| Operation Details | |
|---|---|
| Modulation |
Downstream: 64 or 256 QA Upstream: QPSK and 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 QAM |
| Bandwidth |
100 MHz (edge to edge) DOCSIS: ≤ 24 MHz EuroDOCSIS: ≤ 32 MHz |
| Data Transfer Rate |
Downstream: DOCSIS: 171.537 Mb/s (4 channels) / 42.884 (single channel) at 256 QAM at 5.36 Msym/s EuroDOCSIS: 222.464 Mb/s (4 channels) / 55.616 (single channel) at 256 QAM at 6.952 Msym/s Upstream: DOCSIS: 131.072 Mb/s (4 channels) / 32.768 Mb/s (single channel): at 128 QAM at 6.4 MHz EuroDOCSIS: 131.072 Mb/s (4 channels) / 32.768 Mb/s (single channel): at 128 QAM at 6.4 MHz |
| Symbol Rate |
Downstream: DOCSIS 64 QAM 5.057 Msym/s; 256 QAM 5.361 Msym/s EuroDOCSIS 64 QAM 6.952 Msym/s; 256 QAM 6.952 Msym/s Upstream: 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120 ksym/s |
| Level Range |
Downstream: -15 to 15 dBmV Upstream: Level range per channel (Multiple Transmit Channel mode disabled, or only Multiple Transmit Channel mode enabled with one channel in the TCS) DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS: TDMA: Pmin to +57 dBmV (32 QAM, 64 QAM) Pmin to +58 dBmV (8 QAM, 16 QAM) Pmin to +61 dBmV (QPSK) S-CDMA: Pmin to +56 dBmV (all modulations), where: Pmin = +17 dBmV, 1280 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +20 dBmV, 2560 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +23 dBmV, 5120 kHz modulation rate Level range per channel (two channels in the TCS) TDMA: Pmin to +54 dBmV (32 QAM, 64 QAM) Pmin to +55 dBmV (8 QAM, 16 QAM) Pmin to +58 dBmV (QPSK) S-CDMA: Pmin to +53 dBmV (all modulations), where: Pmin = +17 dBmV, 1280 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +20 dBmV, 2560 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +23 dBmV, 5120 kHz modulation rate Level range per channel (three or four channels in the TCS) TDMA: Pmin to +51 dBmV (32 QAM, 64 QAM) Pmin to +52 dBmV (8 QAM, 16 QAM) Pmin to +55 dBmV (QPSK) S-CDMA: Pmin to +53 dBmV (all modulations), where: Pmin = +17 dBmV, 1280 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +20 dBmV, 2560 kHz modulation rate Pmin = +23 dBmV, 5120 kHz modulation rate |
| RF Specifications | Bonded Channel RF Level Tolerance: 10dBmV |
| Input Impedance | 75 Ohms (nominal) |
| Output Impedance | 75 Ohms (nominal) |
| Frequency Range |
Downstream: DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS 108 to 1002 MHz (edge to edge), Optional 91 to 1002 MHz (edge to edge) Upstream: DOCSIS 5-42 MHz (edge to edge), EuroDOCSIS and optional DOCSIS 5 to 65 MHz (edge to edge) |
| Frequency Measurement |
Frequency Plan: EuroDOCSIS Annex A DOCSIS Annex B J-DOCSIS Annex B, modified for Japan Frequencies |
| Security | Security: DOCSIS 3.0 Security (BPI+, EAE, SSD) |
| Network Management | SNMP v2 and v3 |
| IP Interface | Supports IP addressing using IPv4 and / or IPv6 (dual stack) |
| Compatibility |
PC: 90496, Pentium, or later; Windows Vista, 2000, XP or 7 or Linux with Ethernet connection (although not specifically supported, older versions of Windows will work with this cable modem) Macintosh: Power PC or later; OS 9 or higher, Ethernet connection UNIX: Ethernet connection Home Networking: Ethernet router or wireless access point |
| General Attributes | |
|---|---|
| Cable Connection | 75 Ohms F-connector |
| Network Interface | 10 / 100 / 1000 Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45) |
| Data Link Protocol | TCP / IP |
| Power Supply |
9W nominal 105 - 125VAC, 60 Hz 100 - 240VAC, 50 - 60 Hz |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant, ENERGY STAR V2 , COC V3, Compliant per the "Code of Conduct on Energy Consumption of Broadband Equipment", CMM, MEPS |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating Temperature: 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C) Storage Temperature: -22 to 158° F (-30 to 70° C) Operating Humidity: 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.7" (13.3 x 13.3 x 4.2 cm) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Very good modem
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice ...Read complete review
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice my download speed almost doubled. Before I was getting 32mb/s down and 5mb/s up and now I'm getting 57mb/s down and 15mb/s up. I'm very happy with it and I'm also happy that I am not being charge monthly for their cheap, no good, look like a plastic toy box modem. This modem is a beast compare to the one Comcast give to their customer.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Firmware Version Outdated
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or ...Read complete review
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or durability for obvious reasons.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 43 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I use this modem in my home. It connected easily and I haven't had any problems. It has replaced a rented modem from Comcast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice my download speed almost doubled. Before I was getting 32mb/s down and 5mb/s up and now I'm getting 57mb/s down and 15mb/s up. I'm very happy with it and I'm also happy that I am not being charge monthly for their cheap, no good, look like a plastic toy box modem. This modem is a beast compare to the one Comcast give to their customer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
connected to comcast internet. no issues or problems to date (about two weeks active)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
So far so good, had it for a few weeks and it has provided solid performance. Working well with Comcast Blast internet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I know nothing about modems. But I guess this is a dock 3 and fairly good modem but not the best. I had to get one because TimeWarner Cable is a scam. Anyway at least I won't be paying to use their junk. This is a good solution and was easy to set up and has been working great for a week or so. Works well with my Mac setup.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
This modem is easily set up just simply by following the instruction. I just used for about three weeks and did not see any problems yet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
So far, it is better than the original cable modem supplied by TWC. I have not experienced any poor connection between my devices and the modem. The only problem I have is that the comparison table on the back of the box. Does it mean this model is not good or even not for wireless and WiFi functions?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
One call to the cable company and I had this cable modem up and running within 15 minutes. And I have noticed faster speeds using this modem compared to the cable company rental modem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Took me a while to get it to work even with the help of the cable guy from WAVE BROADBAND. But once it started (two hours later), I never had an internet drop ever since.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or durability for obvious reasons.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
First the price was good,very good reviews and the brand reputations.No complaints so far.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
My old SB 5120 started to disconnect randomly, this one has been rock solid since I got it two weeks ago.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I use this hard disk for docs backup and it is convenient to install and configure. Also the B&H price is great with free shipping. However, it may take some efforts to customize the backups you need in an automated way.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
bought it because my cable company started to charge monthly modem fee. works well, don't see any speed change.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
It is a plug and play
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Last month, TWC notified customers they would begin billing for leased cable modems, or customers had an option to buy their own. At $4.00/month, I opted for the latter. The Motorola SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem was among the choices. B&H provided the lowest price and shipped in two days. Easy set-up and I was in business within 15 minutes. I will definitely return to B&H in the future!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
The only surprise was having tot contact my provider to regisiter on system. Maybe instructions could be a little clearer about how to get it running. Hook up is pretty straight forward.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
sometimes seems slower than other modem....not so important but ok
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I bought this modem to replace the device that TWC installed when they recently notified me they would be adding a service fee. Installation took just a few minutes and provisioning took less than 10 minutes once I got the right agent on the phone (they have improved this process). A speed check showed a dramatic and immediate increase in download speed. Upload speed was only slightly better, but more consistent with the new modem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Really a stellar device -- I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get their own Cable Modem. NOTE: If you're looking to use it with Comcast, search the web about how to make that work. The tech that came out to do the install couldn't make it work, but the caveat is to call customer support after the install and give them the 'CUSTOMER S/N' from the modem box instead of the device S/N, and then give them the MAC address as usual. That'll get you online.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Very good modem
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice ...Read complete review
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice my download speed almost doubled. Before I was getting 32mb/s down and 5mb/s up and now I'm getting 57mb/s down and 15mb/s up. I'm very happy with it and I'm also happy that I am not being charge monthly for their cheap, no good, look like a plastic toy box modem. This modem is a beast compare to the one Comcast give to their customer.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Firmware Version Outdated
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or ...Read complete review
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or durability for obvious reasons.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 43 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I use this modem in my home. It connected easily and I haven't had any problems. It has replaced a rented modem from Comcast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Pair this up with my Western Digital myNet900 router and it is blazing fast. Running at full speed @ 1gb/s between my modem and my router giving no lag whatsoever. I've also notice my download speed almost doubled. Before I was getting 32mb/s down and 5mb/s up and now I'm getting 57mb/s down and 15mb/s up. I'm very happy with it and I'm also happy that I am not being charge monthly for their cheap, no good, look like a plastic toy box modem. This modem is a beast compare to the one Comcast give to their customer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
connected to comcast internet. no issues or problems to date (about two weeks active)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
So far so good, had it for a few weeks and it has provided solid performance. Working well with Comcast Blast internet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I know nothing about modems. But I guess this is a dock 3 and fairly good modem but not the best. I had to get one because TimeWarner Cable is a scam. Anyway at least I won't be paying to use their junk. This is a good solution and was easy to set up and has been working great for a week or so. Works well with my Mac setup.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
This modem is easily set up just simply by following the instruction. I just used for about three weeks and did not see any problems yet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
So far, it is better than the original cable modem supplied by TWC. I have not experienced any poor connection between my devices and the modem. The only problem I have is that the comparison table on the back of the box. Does it mean this model is not good or even not for wireless and WiFi functions?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
One call to the cable company and I had this cable modem up and running within 15 minutes. And I have noticed faster speeds using this modem compared to the cable company rental modem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Took me a while to get it to work even with the help of the cable guy from WAVE BROADBAND. But once it started (two hours later), I never had an internet drop ever since.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
We have Rogers here in London,Ontario.Tek Savvy (ISP using Rogers infrastructure)supports this modem but will not update the firmware if the firmware version is outdated. I can't speak to it's performance or durability for obvious reasons.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
First the price was good,very good reviews and the brand reputations.No complaints so far.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
My old SB 5120 started to disconnect randomly, this one has been rock solid since I got it two weeks ago.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I use this hard disk for docs backup and it is convenient to install and configure. Also the B&H price is great with free shipping. However, it may take some efforts to customize the backups you need in an automated way.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
bought it because my cable company started to charge monthly modem fee. works well, don't see any speed change.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
It is a plug and play
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Last month, TWC notified customers they would begin billing for leased cable modems, or customers had an option to buy their own. At $4.00/month, I opted for the latter. The Motorola SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem was among the choices. B&H provided the lowest price and shipped in two days. Easy set-up and I was in business within 15 minutes. I will definitely return to B&H in the future!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
The only surprise was having tot contact my provider to regisiter on system. Maybe instructions could be a little clearer about how to get it running. Hook up is pretty straight forward.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
sometimes seems slower than other modem....not so important but ok
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
I bought this modem to replace the device that TWC installed when they recently notified me they would be adding a service fee. Installation took just a few minutes and provisioning took less than 10 minutes once I got the right agent on the phone (they have improved this process). A speed check showed a dramatic and immediate increase in download speed. Upload speed was only slightly better, but more consistent with the new modem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Motorola SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 CPE Cable Modem:
Really a stellar device -- I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get their own Cable Modem. NOTE: If you're looking to use it with Comcast, search the web about how to make that work. The tech that came out to do the install couldn't make it work, but the caveat is to call customer support after the install and give them the 'CUSTOMER S/N' from the modem box instead of the device S/N, and then give them the MAC address as usual. That'll get you online.