Is sharkfin modem ok ??

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 19, 2004 Posts: 8

I've just started Vonage with ISP RoadRunner in Austin, TX. I currently have an old sharkfin modem, which has worked pretty well for me over the last couple of years.

However, RoadRunner is getting ready to roll out their own service, so I called them this morning and asked what modem they're planning on using with their own Voip service. They wouldn't give me a firm answer, but said that I could easily obtain a newer modem by going in and swapping my sharkfin.

My current choices would be AMBIT (made specifically for RR), Toshiba (1100U or 2200), or a newer Motorola (not sure which model).

I've run PingPlotter for a couple of days and the results look decent, and Vonage seems to be working OK (except for couple glitches last night around 6:30 pm).

Has anybody had problems with sharkfin, and would anybody recommend moving away from sharkfin to one of the models mentioned above?

I've read about problems with Toshiba 1100. Do these problems apply to 1100U as well? I've also read about problems with Motorola 5100.

Just looking for thoughts on sharkfin and possible recommendations.

Thanks!

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 19, 2004 Posts: 8

Bumping (any Vonage/RoadRunner/sharkfin users out there)

Posts: 10 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Mar 08, 2005 Posts: 10

I, too, have a 3COM Sharkfin cable modem for Comcast. I have occasional errors with dropped calls and 10-second long silences on the Vonage line. Wondering if it may be the modem.

Anyone else?

JJP

Posts: 492 · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 5:21 pm Post subject:

May I suggest that you go with the modem that Roadrunner suggests. Their code is set up for it and they are best equipped to handle their own stuff. In the end it's all up to you anyway. I would go with their recommendation

Posts: 433 · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject:

If its any help, I "went through" three (3) Tosiba model 1100, in one week. Your results may vary.

Mine would either not synch, slow speed, or just sit there and blink with no action.

Posts: 8 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 19, 2004 Posts: 8

I used my sharkfin with VoicePulse for about 10 months until RoadRunner sent me email asking me to up to their latest recommended modem. I haven't noticed any change in stability with new modem -- I think the sharkfin was good. But it's generally free to go with whatever the provider recommends, so probably best to switch and then use pingplotter for a couple weeks to verify a clean connection through the new modem.

Posts: 10 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Mar 08, 2005 Posts: 10

Based on suggestions found in these forums, I swapped out my 4 yr old 3COM sharkfin for a Moto SB5100 modem.

It rocks!

No dropped calls and my speed tests improved to the max limits.

I'm sold

Update: Still solid after one week. Definately fixed it.

JJP