DSL Modem upgrade from Speedstream 5200?

[matkun]

So I think the Speedstream 5200 I am leasing from Sympatico is having problems.. Has problems reaching certain sites, and some servers on speedtest.net are slow as hell (200 down, 100 up) until I reboot the modem (2500 down, 250 up after reboot).

Now I have several options..

1) Call Sympatico and ***** at them until they pass me through the 1st level techs and onto a 2nd level, to see if he can help me diagnose and possibly send a replacement model?

2) Try my luck with the 2wire models from CC, which seems to be hit and miss, and I don't want the hassle of going back multiple times.

3) Buy another modem, that has a reputed good quality... Any suggestions for this?

[Gee]

I would call Bell and ask them to replace the modem. They will usually do so for free and without hassle. They are currently shipping Speedstream 4200s which are decent modems.

If you want to go with option 3, I have SpeedTouch modems for a good price. But in all honesty. There are nothing wrong with the Speedstreams.

If you opt for option 1. I suggest you disconnect your modem (no power) and call them. Tell them that your modem is dead and there is no power. They will attempt to find you online and you will not be there. Then they will send via Purolator a modem for next day delivery. Done, no hassles.

[crazdefool]

most sympatico techs dont really know anything.

my girlfriend does tech support (level 2) and when she was hired she didn't know more than the basics..

So I think the Speedstream 5200 I am leasing from Sympatico is having problems.. Has problems reaching certain sites, and some servers on speedtest.net are slow as hell (200 down, 100 up) until I reboot the modem (2500 down, 250 up after reboot).

Now I have several options..

1) Call Sympatico and ***** at them until they pass me through the 1st level techs and onto a 2nd level, to see if he can help me diagnose and possibly send a replacement model?

2) Try my luck with the 2wire models from CC, which seems to be hit and miss, and I don't want the hassle of going back multiple times.

3) Buy another modem, that has a reputed good quality... Any suggestions for this?

[Frankie3s]

I would call Bell and ask them to replace the modem. They will usually do so for free and without hassle. They are currently shipping Speedstream 4200s which are decent modems.

If you want to go with option 3, I have SpeedTouch modems for a good price. But in all honesty. There are nothing wrong with the Speedstreams.

If you opt for option 1. I suggest you disconnect your modem (no power) and call them. Tell them that your modem is dead and there is no power. They will attempt to find you online and you will not be there. Then they will send via Purolator a modem for next day delivery. Done, no hassles.

I agree but be forewarned, Bell WILL send you a refurbished modem. This happened to me and the one they sent me the computer completely refused to recognize it. 2 modems later..

[apvm]

I've tested a lot of modems, Speedstreams...Broadmax...Alcatel...Westell...GVC
all of them require reboot sooner or later especially if you have them connected to a router and have them connected to the internet all the time.

The 5200 is a good modem, I think you have to pay Bell modem rental fee no matter if you have your own modem so I think option 1 is best for your case.

If you want to buy your own, better check out ebay for a Speedstream or Westell, they are both good modems brand...go for the newer model tho.

As for 2 wire, they are ok modem for the price but you should able to get a Speedstream or Westell for the same price at ebay and they are much much better than 2wire.

IMO option 2 is a downgrade from 5200

[matkun]

If you opt for option 1. I suggest you disconnect your modem (no power) and call them. Tell them that your modem is dead and there is no power. They will attempt to find you online and you will not be there. Then they will send via Purolator a modem for next day delivery. Done, no hassles.

Good idea, I may try that this evening.

apvm: Yeah, have to pay the rental fee, and I'm locked in a contract until december or so.

I guess option 1 it is.

[Gee]

I have to agree, the 2Wire modems are crap. It is definitely a down grade.

I agree but be forewarned, Bell WILL send you a refurbished modem. This happened to me and the one they sent me the computer completely refused to recognize it. 2 modems later..

All the 5200 modems are refurbs. Unless your ordered them 5 years ago. Fortunately, Bell is practically out of these mdoems. They have been shipping brand new Speedstream 4200 modems the last few months.

These are decent modems, better than than 5200 and on par with the SpeedTouch modems.

[matkun]

The 4200 is newer/better model then the 5200?

But.. but.. 5200 is 1000 higher than 4200.. Brain.. breaking.. model numbers.. must.. increase.. not.. decrease..

[GoiNGPoSTaL]

I bought the 2wire from LogicComputerHouse for $20+tax and so far no problems, I'm getting the same speeds as I had with the 4200 but then again I'm only getting around 1.5Mbps down due to the wiring in my house/distance from the C/O.

[Gee]

The modem before the 5200 was the 5300. The modems were 5320, 5360 etc.

So I guess Speedstream goes backwards

The 4200 is a smaller modem. It is newer and it supports ADSL2.

The 5200 has a maximum speed of 8 Megs, the 4200 more than triples that.

[apvm]

The modem before the 5200 was the 5300. The modems were 5320, 5360 etc.

So I guess Speedstream goes backwards

The 4200 is a smaller modem. It is newer and it supports ADSL2.

The 5200 has a maximum speed of 8 Megs, the 4200 more than triples that.

If memory serves me right both the 5100 and 5200 support ADSL2 and ADSL2+

btw, if anyone going to bid for a modem at ebay, try to avoid Westell, altho they are good modems but their power requirements are 12V AC so their power supply actually convert 120v ac to 12v ac so it is hard to get a replacement.

[Gee]

I am pretty sure the 5200 does not support ADSL2 or ADSL2+

http://www.dsl-warehouse.com/product_info.php?products_id=127

[matkun]

Well, they are shipping me a new modem, apparently another Speedstream 5200, though it is possible the tech is just not aware they are out of those, if what Gee says is correct.

Tech said 3-4 maximum business days before it arrives, but definitely not tomorrow.

[apvm]

I am pretty sure the 5200 does not support ADSL2 or ADSL2+

http://www.dsl-warehouse.com/product_info.php?products_id=127

According to the pdf link of your link, it does. Also according to this press release

http://www.icn.siemens.com/icn/news/2003/03060203.html

[joo]

I think it depends on which version of the 5200 you have (look on the bottom for a part number like 060-E240-055. )

There is the E240 (in the example above) and the E242. The 242 is a newer model and has been reported to have better ability to maintain synch.

My E242 is rock solid and I'm 5+ km away from the central office.
Generally the 5200 is a good modem. The other good one I know of is the Alcatel Speedtouch Home.

You can also try changing your primary & secondary DNS servers to
4.2.2.2
4.2.2.3

Head on over to the Sympatico forum at broadbandreports.com for more help.