brad's Experience (Version 4)

Author's Rating:

Pros: Linksys track record of quality. Form factor. Connection options.

Cons: None that I know of.

The Bottom Line: 
You can buy other branded modems for less, but do you get the warranty of the Linksys and the Linksys record of quality?

Author's Review
Hello, to everyone. Let me tell you about my research and experience with the Linksys wired BEFCMU10 version 4 cable modem.

Linksys has been making this cable modem for several years. Version four is the latest iteration. As far as I can tell, there is not any discernible difference from this version and previous versions, beyond perhaps bug fixes and increased reliability. But I do not have any facts on that matter, that is only my logical conclusion. Why else number a version?

I don't know how much there is to tell, here. After all, this is a modem. Its sole purpose is to transmit an Internet connection from the Internet pipe to a computer. It serves no other purpose whatsoever.

The reason that I purchased a cable modem is because Comcast swapped cable assets with Time Warner and my previous Time Warner service is now Comcast. Time Warner did not charge a rental fee for a modem; they merely provided one as part of the service. Comcast will provide a modem, but they charge $3.00 per month for this service (as of January 2007). I crunched the numbers and for the price I paid for this modem, including the time value of money, interest lost on money sitting in a savings account, and it will take me 16 months for this purchase to pay off. After that, it's all gravy.

Are there any fine details that you should know before buying this modem?

Well, if you are considering buying this modem and you do not have cable Internet service from Comcast, then I recommend that you call your ISP and ask if this modem is compatible with their system. I can and will give you some specifications of this device below, but trying to match these specifications against anything posted at somebody's website doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. You should still call in and speak with a technician and ask if this particular model (and version) is compatible.

Available specifications:

+ "fully compliant with all industry standards -- DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0" (per Linksys), 802.3, 802.3u, USB 1.1

+ 10/100 Ethernet RJ-45 port for connection to computer/router

+ USB 1.1 type B (male) port for connection to computer (not USB 2.0)

+ coaxial input for cable Internet connection (F-type female ohm)

+ reset button

+ LED indicators: Power, DS, US, Online, Ethernet, USB

+ dimensions: (WxHxD) 7.32" x 1.89" x 6.5"

+ weight: 13.67 ounces

+ power input: external, 12VDC, 1A

Does it work?

Yes, it works. Not without hassle because of Comcast, but yes, indeed.

Am I worried about it failing? No. I've been using Linksys products since 2002 and I have never had a Linksys product fail on me, including several routers, switches, and various adapters.

If it does fail, I can use its three year warranty. The warranty covers virtually everything, so long as you don't do anything stupid, like try to hack it, deliberately break it, expose it to an extreme and unusual environment, etc. Basically, if you're like 99.99% of everybody who uses this thing, you're covered. They'll fix it if it fails. You pay the shipping to send it in for repair, they pay to send it back to you.

How was installation? A pain in the rear, although no doubt because of Comcast.

The problem I had was that Comcast tried to tie the modem to my computer, because Comcast required an installation process with its own software, to lock in the MAC address of the computer to the modem. Like so many people, I have a router in front of my network, so naturally after installing the Comcast software, I tried to access the Internet from behind my router. No deal.

You have to use Mac cloning to clone the MAC address of the computer that you initially install the Comcast software on, so that your router acts like your computer (and so the router can get the Internet from the modem). If you don't use MAC cloning, you won't get your router to work.

What's worse, Comcast won't tell you this. They told me "you need to talk to your router manufacturer." Oh really, Comcast? You couldn't just tell me why it isn't working? You don't know why?

And then companies like Comcast wonder why they are so despised.

Anyhow, this review isn't about Comcast, it's about this modem.

Now I need to disclose that I do not use this particular network for anything other than Web surfing and Email. I do not use P2P networks on this network, don't use FTP, don't use VOIP. It's important that you understand this in the context of the value of this review.

It's possible that the modem won't handle Internet traffic as efficiently as Web surfing and Email as it will with different types of Internet use such as P2P or VOIP (two services that many of you likely or will likely use). I doubt this is the case, but it's possible, since those uses of the Internet come in and out of your computer/network differently than the Web or Email.

I've only had this modem running for two days. Normally, I wait a considerable time before publishing a review, but I don't see the reason for waiting in this case, since the concept of the device is so simple and one-dimensional.

Basically, you're buying the Linksys brand if you go with this modem. Sure, you can find much, much cheaper modems from several other cable modem manufacturers that are just as compatible as this modem is with your service. But those modems likely do not come with three-year warranties and likely don't have the quality control track record of Linksys.

This model is highly rated at Amazon.com. As far as I can tell here at Epinions, there aren't many quality reviews that you can rely upon. I hope this one helps.

The mold of this model is the same as many of Linksys' routers. Although, Linksys has changed the form factors of its latest generation of routers. However, if you are using a wired Linksys router or a Wireless 'B' or 'G' router, you can stack them on top of one another, along with this modem.

More on the USB port (type B male)... Frankly, I don't understand why someone would want to do this, but it is an option. Maybe you've never dealt with Ethernet and you're very comfortable with USB cables. That's cool. No worries. You'll need to use an included Linksys software install disc to install the drivers if you use the USB port, and it will only work with Windows if you use the USB port.

Also note that the USB port on this modem is USB 1.1, not the high-speed USB 2.0. Theoretical throughput of USB 1.1 depends on a number of factors, but you should not expect it to reach its maximum throughput of 12Mbs. This very well could come into play if you have an especially fast Internet connection, which would likely exceed the capable throughput of USB 1.1, which would mean you would not realize the true benefits of your Internet connection.

Any questions?

Assume that this modem is functioning flawlessly unless I post an update. I WILL post an update to this review if this modem fails or materially performs poorly.

I highly recommend the Linksys BEFCMU10 version 4 cable modem.

Brad.

P.S. I bought this modem from Amazon for $66.27, but I am awaiting a $20 mail-in rebate. I will also post an update if Linksys DOES NOT fulfill the rebate!