Best Cable Modem for Cox Internet

Richelle Silbaugh
6 min readSep 20, 2020

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If you are looking for the best modem router combo for cox. Here is our top selection. For the complete guide, and why you need to replace your Cox modem, visit this LINK.

D-Link DCM301

D-Link CM301

The D-Link DCM301 is one of our favorite Cox compatible modems because it is affordable and retails for less. This modem can support DOCSIS 3.0 and IPv6. It also has 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream bonded channels which have a speed of 343 Mbps and 150 Mbps respectively.

The D-Link DCM301 is backward compatible and it can function with DOCSIS 2.0, 1.1 and 1.0. It is important to note though that DOCSIS 2.0 is up to 8 times slower than DOCSIS 3.0.

This modem is sleek and has 6 indicator lights that can show you the activities of the modem. The lights represent the power, downstream, upstream, online, bonded connection and local-area network (LAN).

There is a single ethernet port on this modem. If you want a wireless network, you will need to purchase a compatible router separately. However, setting up this modem is quite easy.

To use this modem, plug the coaxial cable into the power source, then contact your internet service provider. The device also has a 1-year warranty. If your modem malfunctions before the warranty expired, you can contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the modem.

The D-Link DCM301 is a simple, affordable modem without any frills and that is why we love it. We understand that you may wonder whether you should purchase this modem. To help you make your decision, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons of the D-Link DCM301.

Pros

1. This modem uses bonded channels to ensure that upstream and downstream speed is fast and stable.

2. There is a single gigabit ethernet port in this modem. A gigabit ethernet port can allow you to transfer data at the speed of 1 gigabit per second. You can also use the ethernet port to connect devices without wireless capability to the internet.

3. The D-Link DCM301 is backward compatible. This means that it supports and works with older hardware and in some cases, software.

4. The Indicator lights on this modem are a simple way of identifying what feature is on and which one is not. These lights are especially useful to people who have little understanding of how modems work.

5. It is easy to set up this modem for use. All you need to do is plug the cable into the wall. To connect this modem to a compatible router, you will need to follow the instructions on the modem’s manual.

6. This modem has a warranty that is valid for one year. If it malfunctions due to no fault of yours, it may be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer. Furthermore, you will have access to technical support even after the period of the warranty expires.

7. The D-Link DCM301 is compatible with many Internet service providers. If you choose to change your service provider in the future, you will not need to replace your modem.

8. This modem is affordable.

9. There are vents on the modem that helps the modem stay cool.

Cons

1. While the 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream bonded channels are efficient, they are smaller than many other modems on this list.

If you need an affordable but backward compatible modem, the D-Link DCM301 is our top pick. This modem is great for home use or casual internet use.

Arris Motorola SB6121

This is a cable modem that is compatible with the Cox network. Arris Motorola SB6121 has 4 downstream and 4 upstream bonded channels. At its best, this modem could have a download speed of 172 Mbps and an upload speed of 131 Mbps. This speed will be satisfactory in a home or within a place where the internet use is not tasking. The speed provided by this modem is sufficient to stream an HD movie, play multi-user games online, and make video calls.

The Arris Motorola SB6121 has a single ethernet port. The gigabit port allows fast data transfer and can be used to connect the modem to devices like a router.

Notably, this cable modem does not have any buttons. However, it does have indicator LED lights that represent the activities of the components in the modem.

There are many things that we like about the Arris Motorola SB6121. After examining the features of the modem and customer reviews of this modem, there are some things we did not like about the modem as well. Here are the pros and cons of this cable modem.

Pros

1. This cable modem is quite affordable. If you need a basic modem without any advanced setting, you will find this modem satisfactory.

2. If you purchase a new modem and make the purchase from the official retailer, you can get a 2-year limited warranty. If you have a problem with your modem, you will be able to contact the manufacturer for a repair or replacement.

3. The gigabit ethernet port is the only port on this modem. A gigabit ethernet port is almost 10 times faster than fast ethernet ports.

4. The Motorola SB6121 uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology which is 4 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0, 1.1 and 1.0.

5. It is easy to set up this modem because there is no need to install any drivers or extra software.

6. This modem is quite small and is great for small spaces. If you would like to travel with your modem, you should consider buying this cable modem.

7. There are air vents on the sides of the Motorola SB6121. The vents allow free airflow and prevent the modem from overheating. However, the presence of the vents also means that you can not lay the modem horizontally.

8. You can find the manual, user guide, and warranty card online. A new user of this modem may need these resources.

Cons

1. There is no power button on this cable modem. This means that when you want to switch off your modem, you have to switch it off from the power source. This is not ideal or convenient.

2. The Motorola SB6121 does not have a reset button. Reset buttons are a common addition to many modems and routers. The absence of a reset button makes resetting this modem bothersome.

To reset this modem, you will need to use a web browser to open the web user interface. Afterward, you will need to click the configuration tab and restore the default settings of the modem.

3. They are only 4 upstream and downstream bonded channels. The speed of this modem will be sufficient for simple internet activities. Significantly, the inefficiency of this modem will be prominent when multiple people are trying to use the network at the same time. This modem may also lag when used for streaming or downloading large things.

4. The Motorola SB6121 modem does not come with a router. You will need to purchase a separate router and this is an added cost.

This modem is an excellent choice for individuals who travel a lot. The size of the Arris Motorola SB6121 makes it easy to store and travel with. Speed is not a strong point with this modem.

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