Thank you for all yours responses and no owbist I don't have the cable tech scheduled to come set up the cable modem high speed. The reason I don't is because when I called and gave them the info about the 1394 Net Adapter and a NIVIDIA nForce Networking Controller, I was told that this was for the dial up modem and not the ethernet. I expl to them that I did have an ethernet port. They told me that the software or drivers weren't loaded into my computer. However, Hewlet packard tech support said the 1394 Net Adapter and a NIVIDIA nForce Networking Controller WAS the drivers for the ethernet port. I didn't get this and I still would like to know where I could look into my computer and see the info on the ethernet port. The tech said I had to get this before they could set up the cable modem. I know some knowledge about computers, I just need to be guided on how to check my computer to see if I have the drivers etc in the system for the ethernet port that is in the back of the computer. I just need the directions on how to check this. Thanks again, J

All in one = modem and router in same box SB6141 is modem only. I have its predecessor (6121) and it's been fine for the past few years. (a modem is like brakes on your car, they either work and all's well or they don't and you have a problem). I think Motorola makes decent modems. If you get that, you'll need a router too. I prefer separate units, but either separate or an all in one will both get you where you want to be. The all in one's I've worked with have been only mediocre at both tasks, I try to get better function with better separate components. DOCSIS is simply the standard used for over the cable communications. Think of it as a language, like Spanish, all the connections need to speak the same or compatible languages. As an average user, you will NEVER detect a difference in a such a small number version difference, no need to wait. DOCSIS 3.0 is reasonably current, capable, and works fine to speeds that are in excess of most people's connections.

Did you have a question? I've had intermittent bouts of my RR modem not able to connect too. I'd schedule appt. (we're with Time Warner, not Bright House) then cancel because it was back. Friday it went out and I picked up a new modem Sat. which only worked til Sun. It had to be something else. Technician came, checked everything and changed out some old cable connections in basement that could be causing the problem. So far, so good. Don't know what you mean by PC Activity light, but the one that lets me know when I've got connection is the "ready" light on far right. I can just walk by and see if I'll have a connection or just not to bother. Its solid green, no blinking. Blinking=no connection. Power light stayed on even when connection was out. Power doesn't mean connected on mine, just that its on. Kind of lights are on but nobody's home. You may have a different modem though. Sandy

> where does the second output from the current splitter go? That is a fascinating question. Thanks for asking, prompting me to take a look. There are three outs. - One of them them goes upstairs to the shark fin cable modem in my office. - One was a wire to nowhere, likely for when the previous owners had a TV on the first floor, which we do not. - One is a mystery. It goes to a black modem marked Touchstone Telephony Modem (Arris). There don't seem to be any wires coming out of this, and I'm not exactly sure what it is. My guess is that a couple years ago, we briefly signed up for a package cable modem/telephone service, but the quality was so bad that we canceled it after a couple weeks. I wonder if we got a free modem when we signed up for that, and they never removed it? It remains plugged in, ready for action. I'm tempted to unplug it to confirm that it doesn't affect my Internet service. So, the service from outside should not go to a splitter, it should just connect to the cable that goes up the chase to my office, right? As in, I really just need a simple connector/coupler, not a splitter. Upstairs, the current cable terminates in a wall outlet with one connection for the coaxial cable and two for Ethernet ports (only one of which I use). Does a wall unit exist that is also a splitter? Basically, a coaxial out in the back? Or do I cut the cable before it gets to this wall outlet, and split it to the attic bedroom? And again, planning for the future, should I just use the old basement splitter, which will have an extra Out for the day I decide to fish another wire to the 2nd floor TV room? So, the attic splitter would be: - In from the street (actually two coupled cables) - 1 Out to the cable modem - 1 Out to the attic TV - 1 Out open, for future routing to the 2nd floor TV room Thanks so much, --Jonathan