Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Troubleshooting

No matter what you do, you can't get your modem to turn on.

Your modem may not be receiving power. Check to ensure the power source is carefully plugged into the wall and that the power source is fully connected to the modem. Be sure the outlet you are using is functional.

Your device may not be detecting a power source. If this is the case, the green "POWER" light on the indicator panel will be off. If the device appears to be connected to a power source, then try resetting the device by holding the "STANDBY" button for 30 seconds.

If all these solutions do not help, then you may need to replace the motherboard inside your device. Learn how here!

If the modem frequently loses connection or runs slowly, you can try resetting your device by pressing the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device.

If that doesn't work, you can try unplugging your device and re-connecting it to the internet. If your connection continues to keep dropping, then you may need to replace the motherboard. Learn how here!

Even though you are sure the ethernet and USB cords are properly attached, the modem does not detect a connection.

If Ethernet or USB ports are not functioning, you may need to remove the silver plate on the back of the receiver to access the ports. Learn how here!

If there is some dust or other obstruction, clean out the ports. If not, you may need to replace the motherboard. Learn how here!

Signal strength is poor in nearly every room, even rooms close to the device.

You may need to replace the metal receiver inside your device. Learn how here!

The lights on the indicator panel are there to alert you to problems. If alert lights are on or flashing, something may be wrong.

If the "POWER" light is off, the modem does not detect a power source. Ensure the power supply is plugged into a working outlet.

The "POWER" light may also be off if the device is in Standby Mode. Press the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device to end Standby mode.

If the "RECEIVE" light is off, then your modem does not detect a connection. Ensure all cables are properly attached. If this doesn't work, reset your device by holding the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device for 30 seconds.

If the "RECEIVE" light is flashing, the your modem is actively searching for a connection from the network. This may be an issue with your internet provider.

If the "SEND" light is off, then your modem does not detect a connection. Ensure all cables are properly attached. If this doesn't work, reset your device by holding the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device for 30 seconds.

If the "SEND" light is flashing, the your modem is actively searching for a connection from the network. This may be an issue with your internet provider.

If the "ONLINE" light is off, then your modem does not detect a connection. Ensure all cables are properly attached. If this doesn't work, reset your device by holding the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device for 30 seconds.

If the "ONLINE" light is flashing, the your modem is sending or receiving data over the internet. There may no problem at all, as long as no other lights are off or flashing.

If the "ACTIVITY" light is off, then your modem does not detect a connection. Ensure all cables are properly attached. If this doesn't work, reset your device by holding the "STANDBY" button on the top of the device for 30 seconds.

If the "ACTIVITY" light is flashing, the your modem is sending or receiving data over the internet. There may no problem at all, as long as no other lights are off or flashing.