- What is a SURFboard cable modem?
- How does a SURFboard cable modem work?
- What's the difference between Motorola SURFboard cable modems and other cable modems?
- How do consumers benefit from using a SURFboard cable modem?
- What comes with my Motorola SURFboard cable modem?
- I have more than one computer. Do I need more than one Motorola SURFboard cable modem?
- When will SURFboard cable modems be available?
- Are SURFboard cable modems sold in retail stores, catalogs, over the Internet, etc.?
- Is the SURFboard modem compatible with cable modem equipment from other manufacturers?
- Which computers and operating systems are supported by SURFboard cable modems?
- Does the SURFboard modem support wireless systems?
- Does the SURFboard network support satellite delivery systems?
- How long is the average installation of a SURFboard external cable modem?
- Does the SURFboard modem support multiple users?
- How do I register my Limited Warranty?
- What kind of technical support is available?
- Is my data secure with a Motorola SURFboard cable modem?
- What if I move?
- Compared to the SB4100, what new features are available in the SB4200 model?
- What does the stand-by button do?
- When the modem is switched from “stand-by” to “active” do I have to renew my IP lease (DHCP) on my computer or modem?
- Since the SB4200 has both Ethernet and USB connections, can I use both to attach multiple computers?
- Can I attach a USB hub to support multiple users?
- Where can I get drivers for USB support?
- Do you have Macintosh USB drivers?
- Does the SB4200 support Linux USB drivers?
- Can I hook up an SB4200 to a firewall or newly available Broadband Cable Routers?
- Does the SB4200 support NAT or PAT?
- What is A-TDMA?
What is a SURFboard cable modem?
Similar to a telephone modem, which sends and receives signals over the telephone network to a PC, a SURFboard cable modem sends and receives signals over a cable TV system network. An important difference between telephone and cable TV system networks is capacity. Because telephone networks were built to carry only voice signals, the capacity or "bandwidth" is very limited. Cable TV system networks were designed to deliver full motion video and, as a result, have much greater bandwidth. This significantly greater bandwidth enables the cable TV system network to deliver more information per second. Cable TV system networks that use the SURFboard cable modem can provide their customers with network connections capable of delivering the Internet and multimedia services at very high speeds. For cable systems that have a mixture of 2-Way and 1-Way plant, Motorola offers a DOCSIS Dual Mode modem that can run on a 2-Way or 1-Way (Telco Return) cable plant.
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How does a SURFboard cable modem work?
The cable TV system plant dedicates a standard cable TV channel for data transfer of Internet and multimedia services. A computer equipped with a SURFboard cable modem is then connected to the cable TV system network using the same type of hook-up used for a television. Once connected, the SURFboard cable modem tunes to the channel set aside for data transfer to access the Internet and other multimedia services offered by the cable TV operator. The SURFboard cable modem receives digital information carried over the cable TV network and passes it through to the computer via USB or a standard 10BaseT Ethernet interface.
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What's the difference between Motorola SURFboard cable modems and other cable modems?
Motorola has been one of the leaders in the cable Internet industry since it began. In fact, in almost 9 million homes all around the world are currently using Motorola cable modems. Now you have the benefit of Motorola's (formerly General Instrument) years of experience as well - with every Motorola SURFboard modem. Our cable modems also come with a limited warranty, satisfaction guarantee, and 24-hour technical support.
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How do consumers benefit from using a SURFboard cable modem?
The immediate benefit is extremely fast Internet access. A cable modem network delivers data at raw speeds up to 38 Mbps (million bits per second). This is equivalent to 1,000 times faster than a standard 28.8 Kbps (thousand bits per second) telephone modem in a shared broadcast environment. Cable modem users typically see average speeds of 1.5 Mbps, depending on the service level provided by their provider and by the constraints and limitations of the Internet.
In addition to Internet access, the cable TV industry also envisions providing its subscribers with compelling, video-enriched interactive entertainment that takes advantage of the bandwidth currently used to deliver video. Much of what we see on the World Wide Web (WWW) today is designed to the constraints of slow telephone networks and modems. Most Web sites are comprised of text-based pages with minimal, static graphics. In the cable modem environment, the WWW can include sites with full motion video, animated text and audio. All of this at warp speed.
We believe the future will bring many more exciting possibilities as multimedia publishers build products that take full advantage of the high-bandwidth environment enabled by cable modems.
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What comes with my Motorola SURFboard cable modem?
Quite simply, virtually everything you need to begin surfing the Web with your computer. Included with your SURFboard cable modem are Ethernet and USB cables, power cord, and USB drivers on CD-Rom.
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I have more than one computer. Do I need more than one Motorola SURFboard computer modem?
No, if your computers are connected via a network, one Motorola cable modem will support up to 32 computers. Since each computer must have its own unique IP address - which you can order through your cable provider or ISP - expect to pay a little extra each month for each additional computer you tie in.
Soon Motorola will be offering our newest addition to the SURFboard family, the
SBG100 Wireless Cable Modem Gateway. This Gateway will allow you to link multiple PCs throughout your home via Ethernet, USB, wireless and HPNA.
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When will SURFboard cable modems be available?
Motorola's SURFboard cable modems are available today. Cable companies have been progressively rolling out DOCSIS around the world. Check with your local cable operator to see if DOCSIS is in your area.
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Are SURFboard cable modems sold in retail stores, catalogs, over the Internet, etc.?
Yes, SURFboard cable modems are available to be purchased online now, and at many retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City and The Wiz, as well as through many cable operators throughout the world.
The DOCSIS standard was created to ensure there would be fully interoperable equipment available to the public via normal retail and direct sale outlets.
All SURFboard cable modems comply with the DOCSIS standard and operate on any DOCSIS compliant Cable TV network.
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Is the SURFboard modem compatible with cable modem equipment from other manufacturers?
Yes. All SURFboard cable modems are now built to comply with the Data-Over-Cable-System-Interface-Specification (DOCSIS) standard. Click for more information about DOCSIS.
In fact, SURFboard received its first CableLabs Certification in May 1999. Motorola was one of the first few companies to receive this certification, which indicates that the cable modem fully complies with the DOCSIS standard after passing an extensive battery of compliance tests.
There will continue to be non-DOCSIS cable systems and you should always verify compatibility with your cable operator. Customers of proprietary cable modem systems should check with their service provider on availability of DOCSIS and any upgrade path.
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Which computers and operating systems are supported by SURFboard cable modems?
The SURFboard external cable modems run with any computer that supports USB or Ethernet interface, including PCs, Macs, laptops, and workstations. SURFboard modems are compatible with any operating system that runs on these computers as long as the operating system supports TCP/IP (such as MAC OS, Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP, Linux, and Unix). As you may already know, USB is not supported with Windows 95 and NT. Motorola's SURFboard cable modem USB drivers are WHQL Certified for WIndows 98/2000/Me/XP.
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Does the SURFboard modem support wireless systems?
We are currently finalizing the development of the SBG1000, our wireless cable modem gateway, and expect the product to be available before the end of the year. Click for more information about the SBG1000.
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Does the SURFboard network support satellite delivery systems?
The current products do not support satellite delivery directly, however, the cable modem can be connected to a satellite receiver that can output a data stream over Ethernet.
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How long is the average installation of a SURFboard external cable modem?
Installing the SURFboard modem itself takes a matter of minutes, since there is no software to install on the host computer. The overall installation may take longer if there is no USB or Ethernet interface on the computer, there is no coaxial cable outlet near the computer, etc.
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Does the SURFboard modem support multiple users?
SURFboard DOCSIS cable modems are capable of providing multi-user functionality, however your cable operator may not offer this functionality or may charge extra to enable it. Please contact your cable provider for more information.
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How do I register my Limited Warranty?
Your Limited Warranty is automatically registered when you purchase your Motorola SURFboard cable modem from our online store. The information for your order is automatically entered in our database so that we can better serve you. You do not have to do a thing other than call us if you should encounter a problem.
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What kind of technical support is available?
If you are a cable operator, distributor, or cable ISP that has an existing account with Motorola, you can view our FAQ, call our technical response center at 888-944-HELP (888-944-4357) or send an e-mail to the technical support staff at CPSSupport@motorola.com.
If you are an end user of SURFboard® equipment, please send an email.
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Is my data secure with a Motorola SURFboard cable modem?
Motorola cable modems use some of the latest data encryption technology to help minimize security risks for your data. However, a little extra caution never hurts. We recommend you turn off your file- and print-sharing options when you're not using them and carefully review any other security precautions your service provider might recommend.
Also, the SB4200 cable modem provides a top-mounted standby button for enhanced security. When you activate the standby feature, it disconnects the traffic between the PC and the Internet. Your modem remains connected to the RF Network to your cable operator, and your PC is protected from any potential hackers.
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What if I move?
For the most current information, contact your new cable provider. They'll be able to tell you about the services they currently offer. Motorola SURFboard cable modems are DOCSIS CableLabs® certified. So if your new cable provider is DOCSIS compliant, you're ready to go.
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Compared to the SB4100, what new features are available in the SB4200 model?
The SB4200 has been upgraded with a new color scheme to better complement today's interior home decor. The SB4200 utilizes a next generation processor which provides improved performance over the SB4100. Also, based on customer feedback, the standby button has been moved from the front of the unit to the top, and a LED has been added to indicate when the cable modem is in standby mode.
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What does the stand-by button do?
The stand-by button shuts down the front panel LEDs and disconnects communication between the cable modem and the computer(s) connected through the cable modem, while remaining active on the cable operator's RF network. This provides a means of security to the user by "disconnecting" them from the Internet when they are not using it.
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When the modem is switched from "stand-by" to "active" do I have to renew my IP lease (DHCP) on my computer or modem?
Your PC will still maintain its IP address for the life of the lease (unless it's been rebooted). If the lease expires while the modem is in stand-by mode, the PC will have to renegotiate a new IP lease (DHCP) when the modem is again set to active. The length of the lease is dependant on parameters set by the ISP/ Cable Operator and may be checked and renewed in Windows 98/ME computers using the WINIPCFG command at a DOS prompt or "ipconfig /renew" for Windows NT or Windows 2000.
The modem maintains communication with the ISP/ Cable operator when in stand-by and will automatically maintain its IP lease (DHCP).
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Since the SB4200 has both Ethernet and USB connections, can I use both to attach multiple computers?
Yes. The USB port will support only one user and the Ethernet port (with a hub or switch) can support multiple users, to a maximum of 31 attached computers. Please check with your ISP or Cable Operator to see how many users they allow on cable modems.
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Can I attach a USB hub to support multiple users?
No, the USB port will support only one user. If you need to support multiple computers you need to use the Ethernet port and a hub/switch.
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Where can I get drivers for USB support?
Click to download the USB drivers.
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Do you have Macintosh USB drivers?
No. Since Macintosh computers generally ship with Ethernet NICs, no USB driver is available.
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Does the SB4200 support Linux USB drivers?
Not at this time.
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Can I hook up an SB4200 to a firewall or newly available broadband cable routers?
Yes, as long as the broadband router supports the DHCP client option for the connection to the cable modem. Very shortly, we will have Zone Labs firewall software available to be used and purchased with the SURFboard cable modems.
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Does the SB4200 support NAT or PAT?
No, the SB4200 does not offer this feature.
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What is A-TDMA?
Advanced Time Division Multiple Access (A-TDMA) technology significantly increases your upstream data throughput in A-TDMA-enabled cable systems up to 30 Megabits per second (Mbps), approximately three times higher than the 10 Mbps maximum upstream throughput in DOCSIS 1.0 systems today. This allows you to send large files in less time, thereby saving you precious time and money.
