when I have my cable install I know the moment the tech pull out a outdated rca modem I need to upgrade . the ridiculously slow speed come from say modem further prove my suspicion . I start research modem and come to the conclusion it be a 50\/50 crap shoot ... either it will work for you or it will not . I choose to look at Cisco because I already own a Cisco router ,  Cisco-Valet Plus Wireless Router  I be really glad I do . set up the Cisco Linksys modem be so easy , I have never have a modem\/router set-up so fast and easily . all I do be plug everything in , swap it out with my cable company online , and voilum I be online ... and my online speed jump from a crawl of 2.5 mbp ... to blaze fast speed of 12mbp and up . if you be have problem with you cable internet speed , odds be its the modem they provide you with . I dump my cable originally because of lousy speed , and go back out of necessity . if I have know I could have resolve my issue with a new modem I would have do this year ago , and save myself countless hour of customer service call .