Linksys EtherFast Cable Modem

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Title : Linksys EtherFast Cable Modem
Author : Linksys
Release Date : 20011101
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $99.99
Amazon.com Price : $97.99 ( 2 %)
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Editorial Reviews :
As broadband hits the mainstream, more and more computer users are purchasing their own cable modems and networking hardware. If you are considering upgrading to cable or replacing your current cable modem so you don't have to lease one from the phone company, the BEFCMU10 EtherFast cable modem from Linksys is a solid choice at a very reasonable price.
The BEFCMU10's connectivity options set it apart from the pack. If you have a computer equipped with a standard Ethernet NIC you can connect it to the cable modem using traditional Ethernet cable, but you also can forgo all that by using the modem's USB connection. It comes with a USB cord, and by plugging it into a PC and installing the included driver software you can enjoy full-speed cable modem access without sacrificing a PCI slot or spending extra money on a NIC. Unfortunately, most Internet routers and gateways do not offer USB connection ports so this feature will go to waste if you use one of those devices on a home network, but the included Ethernet cable is all you need to use in that case.

The performance of the BEFCMU10 was indistinguishable from that of the RCA modem it replaced. Ping times remained low, connection speeds remained high, and there was nothing to complain about. Indicator LEDs on the front of the unit kept us appraised as to the modem's connection status, letting us know if it was sending or receiving data, had power, and was detecting an active connection to the network. Like most cable modems, the BEFCMU10 isn't feature-rich, but that also means you don't have to deal with any configuration or setup hassles. As long as your ISP recognizes it, you can simply plug it in and it works instantly. In fact, if you use the standard Ethernet connection you don’t even have to install any drivers.

Physically, the unit is relatively wide, but is thinner than many competing products. It can either lay flat or be positioned vertically using the included stand. It is flat on top, meaning other devices like a network hub or external hard drive can sit on top of it to save space. The BEFCMU10 doesn't generate much heat so sitting things on top isn’t likely to cause any damage.

Although there aren't any drawbacks to this device itself, be sure to check with your cable modem provider before making a purchase. Some providers require that you use their modems, and even those that don't generally offer no technical support for modems the company doesn't supply. Every cable modem has a unique MAC address that serves as an identifier for the ISPs, and if your MAC address doesn't match up to the one they assigned to your account, the modem simply won't work. At the very least you'll have to make a call to your ISP to get them to recognize the modem. In our case we had to physically take the device to our local cable company and beg them to add it to their system (and they still required us to pay a monthly modem rental fee). The BEFCMU10 works beautifully, but make sure it will work with your ISP before buying one. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

Sits flat or upright and is thin enough to fit in almost anywhere
Painless installation provided your ISP accepts the modem
USB connectivity obviates the need for a separate network interface card

Cons:

Extra width makes the unit more bulky than is necessary
ISP may not allow this (or any other user-purchased cable modem) on its network

Buyer Reviews :
After frustrating results trying to set up the cable modem and 20 hours on line with @Home... no, not @Home. Today, ATTBI... (will it be ATTBI-Comcast???)

The new ATTBI help desk officially does not support this modem. However, the reason for my troubles was because the flunkies that were helping me failed to properly register my MAC address.

Be persistent with updating your MAC address with your cable ISP and the Linksys BEFCMU10 will work like a charm.

(by dikteren)

Features/Technical Specs :
* USB or Ethernet connection
* Up to 42 Mbps download speeds, 10 Mbps upload
* 'Always On' connection; no more busy signals or timeouts
* Vertical footprint makes positioning easy
* Fully compatible with Linksys routers to connect multiple computers to broadband internet

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