| Motorola SURFboard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (SBG900) |

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Model: SBG900
Brand: Motorola
Manufacturer: Motorola
Average Rating:
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 112
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
PCs can be located where it is most convenient, not where there is a physical connection Surf the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than a 28.8k analog modem Offers 802.11g wireless technology with a range of up to 328 ft indoors and 1312 ft outdoors Everyone on your network (up to 252 users) can share a single broadband connection 64-bit and 128-bit WEP security keeps hackers and viruses from attacking your network |
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| Description: |
| When you combine a modem and wireless access point in one easy to install unit, it's easy to network all the computers, peripherals and game consoles in your home or small office. The SBG900 offers a fast Internet connection, a secure network and the convenience and flexibility of wireless Internet access. Surf the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than a traditional analog modem whether you're online doing homework or working on important files. 802.11g wireless technology means you can roam throughout your home or office without losing your network connection. At the same time, the commercial-grade firewall will keep hackers and viruses from attacking your network. Two diversity antennas (one internal and one external) to enhance wireless connectivity Commerical-grade firewall enhances network security - Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Intrusion detection and Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) protects your network while gaming online System Requirements - Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2, Netscape Navigator 6.2 or higher, Minimum 486/66 (Pentium Processor preferred) or Macintosh-compatible CPU (Power PC) 10/100 Base-T, Ethernet or USB connection and High speed data service |
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| User Reviews (112 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 of Total 6 Pages
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Motorola SG90 Cable Modem with switch, November 5, 2007
By National Property Solution (Puyallup)
This modem is a decent product which lacks instructions to set up a wireless network. I find that customer support needs improvement. The jury is out on this one.
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fast and easy with good range, October 26, 2007
By Green David (Fort Collins, CO USA)
I don't mind that the wireless router is 802.11g (as opposed to the newer 802.11n wireless routers). This is plenty fast for me since it's only a cable connection. The strength of the wireless signal is excellent. I can use it throughout my house, including the basement. I don't have any problems connecting ~800 ft. from the router.
Setting up the modem and firewall is extremely easy. All I had to do was call my provider and give them the MAC address, which is printed on the box and on the modem. After that, just walk through the easy setup with the software. That alone saved me $100 in setup fees from my internet provider.
I was worried about security since I use Vonage, which requires another router. If you plug the Vonage router in to the SBG900 and have the firewall enabled, your phones will not work. Thanks to the SBG900's easy interface the fix was relatively simple and didn't take me calling tech support. Anything that is easy enough that I don't have to deal with tech support is a good thing.
I don't regret buying this product at all and would recommend it to others.
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Works Perfectly. What More Can You Ask For?, October 23, 2007
By SpaceRook (Gaithersburg, MD)
My first experience with a home wireless network was with the Linksys Wireless G Gateway (WCG200). THAT was a depressing ordeal. Getting Comcast to recognize it was a nightmare, and it dropped connections constantly. I returned it and got the Motorola SBG900.
Talk about night and day. The SBG900 setup was incredibly simple. Getting Comcast to recognize it just required a quick phone call. It's been running perfectly since I got it last week. I have an XBox360 connected via ethernet, and a PC about 10 meters away that's connected via a wireless card. I've watched streaming videos on my PC and played XBox Live on the 360, so it's pretty safe to say that I've stress tested the modem. I haven't run into any problems yet.
Are there any downsides? Well, one thing to keep in mind is that you WILL need to physically connect your PC to the Gateway in order to set it up initially. It is also recommended that you configure the security settings via a physically connected computer. If you have a laptop, that's not a problem. But if you have a desktop, you may need to lug it across your home in order to configure the modem for the first time. This isn't a *huge* issue, but just keep in mind that your 5-minute install might turn into a 30-minute install. (By the way, the modem comes with a CD that automatically walks you through the install process).
Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance of this device. My life would have been simpler if I bought it to begin with.
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Excellent Combo Product, October 23, 2007
By speedwell (Southlake, TX USA)
Easy to work with from installation to everyday use. Excellent documentation and online FAQs and support. Hard line and wireless speeds are well above national averages. My provider recognized the modem/router right away but a new user may need to educate their ISP's tech support about this combination product. Super product for the price and people with no need for a multiport router.
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Less Than I Expected, September 28, 2007
By smt
In order to have my Vonage phone service work with this modem, I had to turn the built-in firewall off. This took quite some time to figure out. The broadcast signal strength could be stronger. Also, the broadcast signal interferes with my home security TV system. Motorola's Tech Support offers little assistance and does not respond quickly enough. The full documentation is on the CD. A hard copy would have been very helpful.
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Trouble staying connected, September 24, 2007
By C. Thomas
I have had a regular cable modem and a separate router for about 5 years. After a lightning storm, both my cable modem and router no longer worked. I decided to replace the two of them with just a wireless cable modem. I like the two in one feature. But Everytime my 2.4 GHZ cordless phone rings, my wireless connection drops on my laptop. And I'm always having to do ipconfig/renew if I haven't surfed the internet in over an hour. I didn't have any of these problems when I just had a cable modem and router.
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Motorola SurfBoard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway, September 21, 2007
By Lucy Marleen Myers (Pleasanton, CA)
This was a good price for this product and I am happy with product. The only issue I had was that it was a bit difficult to install (not the hardware, but getting my computers connected). It isn't as easy as the Linksys routers, but this model looks better and takes care of eliminating one piece of equipment from my desktop.
Overall I am happy with this product.
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Easy to install, September 13, 2007
By J.B. (Virginia, USA)
This is simple. Just attach cable and power. No desk area clutter as with separate modem and wireless router. Works great with Vista. Only caution comments would be that the Motorola direct router setup (for those of you who know how to do this) is not as easy to navigate or intuitive as the Linksys setup. Also, despite having all of the account and passwords, etc. established with the cable comopany, I could get no service until I called the cable company to give them the modem address. Did I miss this in all of the CDs and directions??? The cable company said "Sorry about that!" Anyway, works great. Be sure to safely secure your network with the password option!
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Fantastic Modem, September 5, 2007
By S. Flegler
This modem replaced a Toshiba PCX-1100U modem. What a difference! It must be five times faster. I have done online speed tests and can routinely achieve download speeds of up to 12,000 kpbs. The wireless worked great immediately. I did have to call Comcast and register the modem with them before our cable connection would allow it to connect.
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Excellent Wireless Cable Modem, September 2, 2007
By N. Steigman
I use this with the USB device that Motorola makes. It works great and connects well. Don't get the "free cable modem" like you've seen from Circuit City or others to sign up with Comcast. This gives you the flexibility of connecting outside that trapped extension of a basic cable modem. Again, NO holes to drill and route cables. Great solution in the right direction. I recommend the best possible high signal level, cable splitter designed especially for cable modem use ( I bought one from Monster Cable) to ensure the best connection. It also offers the ability for you to connect more computers to it's signal without interruption of service. Didn't have a picture problem while in use with the HD cable box. This one is ultra-fast and has a great signal all around. You should test where the "sweet spot" is with your Wireless USB Adapter. I bought a USB Adapter for connecting to this modem as I have a desktop without a Wi-Fi card (a must have if you want to use this wireless cable modem). Very happy all around with Motorola products.
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Motorola SURFboard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (SBG900), August 31, 2007
By G. OMALLEY (Cape May, NJ)
This wireless cable modem gateway is everything I expected. It has performed as advertisted. I get a strong singal everywhere on my property. During the installation, I had some minor configuration issues with the firewall & encryption, but I attribute these to a lack of knowledge. Everything is working great. It's a good buy if you don't want multiple devices.
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Great No Fuss Box, August 24, 2007
By Bonsai Cacti (Las Cruces, NM USA)
I bought this to replace the rental modem I'd been using for two-years and also replace the wireless access point capability of my old wireless switch. Like everyone else has mentioned, setup for initial operation is quick and effortless and its slim form factor is a definite plus; however, I was surprised by some of the limitations it has vs. my old Netgear switch. The prime issues I have are that you CANNOT disable the internal DHCP server and you cannot specify internal IP subnets; yeah, you can limit the number of IP addresses it assigns, but it's not the same as being able to subnet. This has caused some issues in having to rework my home's internal network, but for the average user this won't be an issue. The one thing I really like about this unit is the firewall. Using the custom config is straight forward and just what I was looking for in the first line of defense department. Overall, a great little box for the money.
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Wireless prefection, August 23, 2007
By MsDaisy (Pennsylvania)
No hassles, hook it up, check your settings and on you are! Absolutely love it! Much better than having separate modem and router. More information too!
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Buy this, not the Linksys WCG200, August 15, 2007
By boneyard (Bay Area, CA USA)
I originally bought the Linksys WCG200 Wireless Cable Modem Gateway, and had too many problems with it. I decided to replace the Linksys WCG200, I bought the Mototorla SBG900, plugged it in, called my cable company with the new MAC address, and in minutes I was up and running with no problems! It was easy to set up, and the web interface is easy to use and has all the features I need. I can even change the user-name in the log-in screen for the router configuration (I couldn't do that on the Linksys WCG200). I would highly recommend the Motorola SBG900 over the Linksys WCG200.
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Installation Difficult With Comcast, August 4, 2007
By REMAX ME (Forest Park, IL United States)
I tried installing with with product's installation CD. Was unable to connect to Comcast cable network. Error message stated cable service needed to be activated by my cable company. Called Comcast who couldn't figure out the problem even though "all the lights were lit up". The outlet worked with the cable tv so I know there was no problem with the line. They couldn't get a signal from the modem although the CD showed modem passed all connectivity tests for the computer hardware.
I don't think it is the modem. Instead I think the problem is with Comcast customer support!
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Motorola SURFboard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (SBG900), July 16, 2007
By Timothy P. Ohara (Hammonton, NJ USA)
The product was easy to setup and install. The printed instruction manual is a little light on directions for the installation however, anyone who has set up a wireless router in the past should find the set up of this product relatively simple.
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One of my best purchases, ever!, July 12, 2007
By B. Reed (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
Product was easy to locate on the Web site, easy to purchase, it arrived on time. The Motorola Surfboard Wireless Cable Modem was easy to install and functions perfectly everywhere in our home. We couldn't be more satisfied.
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From a Mac User, July 9, 2007
By Average Guy (Tucson, AZ)
The product works great. My only complaint is small. The user "book" for the product comes on a cd which I could not get to run on my Mac. The cd was intended for a PC and includes the driver for a PC which my Mac didn't need. Therefore I had to figure out how to change the settings on my own so it's a secure network. Not a big deal for me but if you are not very computer literate it may be more difficult.
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Would be great but, June 20, 2007
By Diane Black (Portland, OR USA)
This unit would be a great combination modem/wireless router except that I cannot set any of the security features. I have spent more than 3 hours on the phone with Motorola technicians and have tried two units. Both have this problem and the technicians do not how to correct it.
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Works Likes a Charm....., June 15, 2007
By A.K.A. J.R. Valintyne (Marcy. Bklyn, New York / South Jersey)
I have Comcast connection and it works very well with it. This is my first wireless modem and I can honestly say i'm impressed. Setup wasn't difficult and once it was registered with Comcast everything went well. Connectivity is great, no drops even when i'm in my basement the service is good so I can agree that its good...
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