Before you spend any money's - If you have a usb cord that you can borrow that will allow you to move that usb network adapter around a little, you might find it works fine when moved even just a foot or two away from where its at. Also you might install something like inSSIDer and check/watch your signal strength to make sure youre not on a same channel a neighbor is using which will be degrading yours. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

It's not so much "what they support" from a subjective standpoint, rather it's which modems have compatible technology that the cable system requires. All use about the same equipment and (generally speaking) the modems available to buy work with all. Each cable provider has a list of modems that they've tested for compatibility, double check that specific list to be sure what you plan to buy is on it. Personally, I avoid Ebay, I don't like buying anything from anonymous sellers. Amazon has a full selection and good prices. If you can buy a modem for $70, in 10 months you're ahead compared to $7 per month. Pay less, you're ahead sooner. "Installing" the new modem, if you can call it that, is barely more difficult than changing a light bulb. It usually involves nothing more than making a phone call (you tell them the device ID number so that the system accepts the connection) and then plug in two wires. No tools required Crafty, a 15 year old cable modem is a dinosaur and several generations behind the latest technology. It may not be providing you the best performance you're paying for. You've gotten your money's worth a few times over, I'd replace it if I were you.

You can find ratings of todayÂs top modems at SpeedGuide.net, an excellent resource for information about broadband and wideband Internet connections, cable modem and DSL technology, and TCP/IP performance over high speed/latency networks. Whether youÂre new to these technologies or an advanced user, youÂll find helpful tools at this site to find the modem youÂre looking for and optimize your systemÂs performance. http://www.cable-modem.net/broadband_articles/best_cable_modem.html Here is a link that might be useful: cable_modem

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.