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Motorola is launching four new SurfBoard cable-modem wireless gateways, each of which provides self-installation features designed to eliminate initial cable-technician truck rolls.
Two of the devices -- models SBG901 (pictured, left) and SBG94 -- are DOCSIS 2.0 cable data modems and integrated gateway in one; the other two -- the SVG1501 and SVG2501 -- include the additional functionality of a digital voice modem.
The Motorola whole-home connectivity accessories bundle (model TER/GUSB2xx) includes a gateway device and a self-install wireless USB adapter that provides a simple, auto-start installation procedure for subscribers - which doesn't require a CD to set up.
"There's a tremendous increase in demand for integrated devices," said Tom Dunleavy, senior director of marketing for Motorola's Broadband Home Gateways and Software business unit. "Now we're adding the ability for customers to do self-install, without needing a truck roll."
The gateways also are equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi installation wizard, which configures a secure wireless-network connection on a user's machine. When the wizard is finished, a secure WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encrypted wireless connection is established to the gateway, protecting the user's machine from hacker attacks.
In addition, Motorola is announcing the release of its NBBS DOCSIS Remote Device Management Module, which provides the ability to manage an array of devices, including data and digital voice modems, integrated wireless gateways and video set-top boxes from multiple manufacturers.
Motorola claimed it's the first open management platform designed to support cable devices from a range of manufacturers. NBBS has been deployed by more than 20 network operators worldwide.
The new SurfBoard SBG901 features a DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem and an IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless access point. The SBG941 adds an integrated four-port switch with 10/100 Base-T Ethernet to the feature set of the SBG901.
The SVG1501 embedded multimedia terminal adapter gateway includes a four-port 10/100 Base-T Ethernet router and wireless access point; the SVG2501 eMTA gateway adds a field-replaceable Lithium-ion backup battery.
Each of the new units have a similar look and feel to Motorola's SB6120 and SBV6220 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems.
Dunleavy said the SurfBoard gateways are going through different CableLabs certification waves. The first unit submitted for certification was the SBG901, and results are expected from CableLabs by April 6
