MOTOROLA SurfBoard Cable Modem SB5102

Circa 2007

Use Case:

Used to provide a dedicated, high-speed internet connection in a small office/home office (SOHO) environment, using existing coaxial cable infrastructure. It offers an "always-on" broadband connection, which was significantly faster than dial-up modems. It connects to a single PC via either a standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port (RJ-45) or a USB port. It was also capable of supporting up to 63 computers on a single internet connection with additional networking hardware (like a router).

Historical Significance:

Historically significant for its role in the mass adoption of broadband internet access via DOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0 cable technology. It was a reliable, economical modem that was backwards-compatible with earlier standards, allowing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to upgrade user speeds without replacing hardware immediately. Its use of common Ethernet and USB interfaces made it simple to integrate into home networks, contributing significantly to the phasing out of dial-up connections and establishing MOTOROLA as a market leader in cable modems at the time.

(H-15.5cm x W-6cm x D-15cm)