SB5101 worth $80 more than SB5100?

[essential]

I know there have been a lot of posts on these two modems. I have searched and read, and most seem to say there isn't much difference between the two modems.

Here is my issue, a few weeks ago I started dropping my connection constantly with Time Warner cable and my SB5100. I called for help, they told me my modem was going bad. I went and bought a SB5101 ($80). I hooked it up, and it had the same exact problem I was having with the SB5100.

A tech came to the house, put a booster on the modem line because he said the signal was weak, and now the SB5101 hasn't lost connection yet.

At this point, I think if I hook my SB5100 back up, it would probably be just fine.

Is the SB5101 worth $80 if the SB5100 is fine? Is the SB5101 an upgrade enough from the SB5100 to warrant the price?

Thanks.

[YeOldeStonecat]

5101 is usually available only through your ISP..it's a whitebox model Motorola sells to ISPs to lease.

Slightly faster processor, but the 5100 easily hit its caps anyways...so they can both provide you with top speeds.

Performance differences more related to what firmware the ISP provisioned your unit with.

As you noticed ....most issues are due to the wiring in the house, poorly set up splitters...and in some cases where you may be some distance from your node...and many TVs in your house...you may need a booster.

I'm a fan of the 5120 models.

[cableguy2k7]

i have the 5101 model and i bought it at bestbuy it cames in blue box the box is smaller than the yellow box