- The Zoom 5341J DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plugs into an Ethernet port of any Windows computer, Mac computer, wired router, or wireless router.
- Download speed is up to 343 Mbps. Upload speed is up to 143 Mbps. Actual speed also depends on your cable modem service.
- Works with all US cable modem services, including DOCSIS 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 services. Supports IPv6 and IPv4 for powerful, flexible network addressing.
- CableLabs certified. Also certified for North American safety, FCC 15B, RoHS, Comcast, Cox, and others.
I had opportunity to test two different cable modems on Comcast business service. One was Motorola SB6121 and the other Zoom 5341. Both are DOCSIS 3.0, which is required for high speed cable service. Comcast tech support was not thrilled about Zoom while they praised Motorola SurfBoard high. As it turned out, average Comcast technician, who suppose to activate the modem, has a trouble with the Zoom serial number.
My configuration of Comcast service in this case is 2 times 50 Mb/s download and 10 Mb/s upload speed. This service supposes to supply over 1000 users with Internet access, load balance mode. First line was activated with Zoom modem and everything went well for several days. To the second line I attached Motorola modem; Comcast managed to deactivate Zoom modem on the first line in process, though. Initial test of Motorola showed expected values in download and upload speeds. However, with network connected to it, Motorola download speed didn't reach more than 10 Mb/s download with upload of 2 Mb/s. After 24 hours of 1000 people complaining, Comcast Technician came to check the installation and re-activate Zoom modem. Test of Motorola modem with a single laptop connected didn't show any abnormality: Download and upload speed were at nominal values. Since I couldn't put in place my load balancer yet, I switched the network to the Zoom modem and made 1000 surfers happy again. In a couple of days my load balance configuration should go live, using one Motorola and one Zoom modem. I intend to update this review with the result of Motorola performance in this configuration, for potential buyers interested in the Motorola SB6121.
Well, I decided to buy Comcast Internet service for home and I didn't have dilemma which modem to chose; Zoom it is. I ordered on-site installation because my cable coax had to be replaced and expecting confusion with Zoom serial number (that happened as expected, too). Anyway, Comcast got it online and my modem is happily blinking, ever after (two weeks in service). The one ordered here has slightly different housing than the first one I dealt with (bought at Microcenter); I assume that Zoom made a change in design and this one does not get as warm (as the other one).
Price difference between Zoom and Motorola on Amazon is not worth mentioning; while Motorola is a big name in communication equipment I felt more comfortable for going with Zoom this time.
**** UPDATE ****
After year in service at home, this modem had 100% uptime no glitches whatsoever. I cancelled my service with Comcast few days ago; price for my service went higher than I find justified. I signed up with WOW and transferred this modem to the new service no problems.
Buy Zoom 5341 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem 5341J Now
I used this to replace an old Docsis 2.0 Motorola SBG900.
The SBG900 worked well enough until I purchased a Logitech Revue, which has issues with the SBG900, such as dropping connections which required a reboot of the router, among other things.
After doing my research, I found that the Zoom 5341J was Comcast compatible and capable of connecting to 8 download channels and 4 upload channels, compared to the much more common 4Down x 4Up configuration. Keep in mind that the Zoom 5341(with no J at the end) is a 4x4 configuration.
The Zoom 5341 is a modem only, not having a wireless router embedded like the SBG900, but I already had a Linksys WRT54G router, which I had already pulled out to try and rectify my problems with the Logitech Revue. The SBG900 kept dropping the wired connection to the Linksys though... The Zoom 5350 is compatible with Comcast and has the same specs as the 5341J, but also has a wireless router and 4 wired ports as well. I considered it, but decided to go with seperate pieces for modem and router duty.
The evening that the Zoom 5341J arrived, I installed it in place of the SBG900, and plugged my laptop in. Once it had established a connection, the Comcast device activation page came up in my browser, and I was able to switch the activation from the SBG900 to the Zoom 5341J in minutes, with no need for phone calls to support.
The configuration of the Zoom 5341J is very simple, and I made no changes to the default configuration. I did check the connections, and found that I had 8 download connections and 2 upload connections. It appears that Comcast in my area will only provide 2 upload connections.
I plugged the Linksys WRT54G in and had WiFi a minute later. I found average speeds to be about the same as before, but peak speeds to be about 30% faster, and this resulted in snappier browser performance, and quicker starting of streaming video. I also have found that the connection is more robust, as I have not been getting the rebuffering and disconnects streaming video that I was getting with the SBG900.
My problems with the Logitech Revue have also been solved, and the Zoom 5341J has not been dropping the wired connection to the Linksys WRT54G. That, combined with the performance enhancements, has left me very happy.
Read Best Reviews of Zoom 5341 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem 5341J Here
I would have given this modem 5 stars, but the first one I received was DOA. I couldn't get anything but the power light to come on. The second one worked perfectly, and I can tell it's faster. Speedtest dot net had me at about 6 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up with the RCA DOCSIS 2.0 modem Comcast provided, and with this one I'm getting 26 Mbps down and 6 Mbps up. I can't believe I put up with that so long! It's funny too that Comcast was harassing people who own their equipment to upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0, but never bothered to mention a need to upgrade to those who lease their modems.
So far I'm happy with this modem, and would recommend it to those who use Comcast. Just remember give the full model 5341J and to speak slow, and repeat yourself when giving them the MAC ID. The call center is overseas, and there is a BIG language barrier. It took a few times to get the information across. Also, If you purchase this item from Modem Land, make sure it's the one that is full filled by Amazon (which is covered by Amazon's return policy). Modem Land's direct return policy is horrible, and would leave you responsible for return shipping, and a possible 15% restocking fee.
Want Zoom 5341 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem 5341J Discount?
I've recently purchased this modem to replace the one I rented from Comcast for $7/month. The modem is affordable and definitely worth the price -the modem rental savings will pay for this one in less than a year. I did not really have any issues with the modem I rented from Comcast, just wanted to cut another recurring fee. This modem did the job for me.
DESCRIPTION
The modem itself is pretty compact and lightweight in a nice small box. It works great and my internet speed is same or faster than before. The indicator lights on the front work fine. Although the manufacturer says that the upstream (US) and downstream (DS) channel LED indicators should be solid green they may not be nor necessarily have to be. It depends on the cable provider's system. Mine are solid blue, but that's just fine. So don't let that alarm you unless you can't connect to the internet. I'm very pleased with this product.
INSTALLATION
Before installing the modem, you should write down the modem name, model number, MAC address and the serial number from the back -you'll need them later. Installation was very simple, it's a matter of attaching the coax cable, the power cord and the Ethernet connection to the router. Once connected, you just call your cable provider and ask them to update their records with the information for the new modem. Typically, they'll need just the modem model number and the MAC address, but it can vary from provider to provider. They should update this while you're on the phone with them and they'll reset the modem to connect and you're in business.
MODEM vs. MODEM + ROUTER COMBO
One last note -if you're deciding between a plain cable modem and a modem/router combo then I'd recommend going with the plain modem. The combos are certainly appealing since you get two things in a single box and have fewer cords and power adapters to worry about. But from performance point of view, in a combo box you typically get a great modem, but a mediocre router. You're much better served by getting a well-performing model for each piece of your home network. I've got a NETGEAR N600 Wireless-N Dual Band Router WNDR3400 that works great. And now I've added a good cable modem to go with it.
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While looking to rid myself of Comcast's rental (which I had shamefully paid for so many years), I read reviews here and decided on 5341J. All DOCSIS 3.0 models are priced similarly, but this one has that little advantage of potentially bonding 8 channels downstream instead of the normal 4. (Not that Comcast will allow you without your arm and leg.) Besides, the Cisco/Linksys model that I was actually looking to buy was too unproven, and Motorola's was, eh, SurfBored. But the deciding factor is the overwhelmingly positive experience shared here. The same positive experience that I am going to share.
So I got my Zoom, hooked the cables up, and ventured to the Web. Initially, Comcast's self-service activation had a problem (that the machine could not define) with my unit even though all lights were up correctly. Dreading to stay on the phone listening to elevator music, I opted to "Chat with an online expert." (Via the very modem connection.)
The agent asked me to read the MAC address even though their system should able to identify based on the chatting session, and added this unit to my account. (See the package picture for how to locate it.) Then told me that "I sent it a signal but it cannot receive." The "advice" for me? "Find a replacement device." Really? I had already viewed my unit's status Web page and determined that the device was working perfectly. I insisted to try again. Comcast or the agent failed again. Anywhere I browse landed on Comcast's activation page. "Find a replacement device." I gently suggested that the device couldn't possibly be defective because I was able to ping any Internet server (beside the fact that the very device was used in the chat). "I understand. But my advice is for you to find a replacement device."
Thanks but no thanks. After more than half an hour in live chat, I went back to the self-service page, and tried once more myself. Bling! No more problems. In less than 10 minutes I was online. All my Internet-dependent thingies including phone adapter and wireless router work perfectly with 5341J. So do not listen to any Comcast trained monkey who tells you that your 5341J will not work, especially if you can already go to their activation page. They just want to chain you to their aged rental unit. (Or they may have a plan to sell you their stock Motorola junk.)
In my side-by-side tests, Zoom 5341J is consistently faster than the Comcast rental (Motorola SB5101, which uses DOCSIS 2.0), both downstream and upstream. The speed difference is marginal not because 5341J is incapable, but because Comcast is throttling my speed to my pay level. ("Performance", I think, at 20Mbps, although I am able to get over 27Mbps with 5341J.)
The main body of 5341J is about the same size as SB5101's, but more elegantly designed. (Note the current Amazon picture shows a 5341H that has a curved front. This is an older model with only 4-channel bonding.) It has four rubber feet to stand flat, or you can use the shipped plastic stand to raise it upright, or you can mount it on the wall using the mount holes in its belly. (I had initially struggled to figure out the modem stand. So hope my upright pictures can save you from this trouble. It's a shame that neither the manual nor Zoom's Web site illustrates these features.) The power supply sports a newer slim design that easily fits in a single slot on a typical power bar. It looks day and night compared with SB5101's clumsy old design. (But the latter comes with a super long power cable. Not necessarily a plus but sometimes can be helpful.) The quick start guide is adequate (not that I needed it). But 5341J has the most bizarrely coded Web interface that I have seen in any such devices. Well, most people will never need to use this, so this defect has little impact.
Bottom line: Zoom 5341J is an solid, elegant product that is a perfect replacement for your cable co rental. (Yes it is said to be certified with all U.S. providers and many in other countries.) In addition to a nice upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0 (and gigabit Ethernet you'll need it if you pay their top rate), I am looking to recover the $80 that I paid last week (not sure why Amazon prices fluctuate as much as $10 in one week) in less than one year if I stick with Comcast not that I have many choices. Do not let your cable co deceive you.
A final word? Do not buy a modem/wireless router combo. Wireless technology is evolving quickly, while your cable co will work very hard to make DOCSIS a stale standard. You don't want to get stuck when your neighbour has that shiny new wireless toy.
