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Is there an upgradable cable modem out there?

  • February 16, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 89 views
Umrk
The Many
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According to a SB6190 related post, the firmware on a SB6190  DOCSIS 3.0 cannot be updated or upgraded to  DOCSIS 3.1. Therefore, before I (waste) spend any more $$$, I’d like to know if the firmware for any currently available SB  DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems are capable of being updated by the user, NOT the ISP? I already have strongly negative feelings for the ISP I am subjected to, and would like to remove as much control  they have over my hardware, at least until a competing ISP is available in my area.

TIA,

Umrk.

Best answer by plemans

It is annoying. I fully agree and think its a bunch of bs. But its part of the docsis spec. Problem is the provisioning includes the firmware/speed tiers. If you can mod that, suddenly you can have full speeds while paying for less. so its locked down by the ISP as part of the spec. 

Spectrum/Charter sucks
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3 replies

plemans
Juggernaut
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  • plemansJuggernaut
  • Juggernaut
  • February 16, 2023

You can’t on the modem side. Its why you’ll find us recommending modems separate from routers versus buying a combo device. 

 

Current setup: Netgear CM3000-->Netgear RBE973S-->2.5gig tp-link switch, Xfinity 2.4gig/350mbps
M
Umrk
The Many
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  • UmrkThe Many
  • Author
  • The Many
  • February 16, 2023

The inability to update a device I purchased is annoying, Surely, a modem manufacturer exists that empowers the owner/user and not the ISP.

Spectrum/Charter sucks
M
plemans
Juggernaut
Forum|alt.badge.img+41
  • plemansJuggernaut
  • Juggernaut
  • Answer
  • February 16, 2023

It is annoying. I fully agree and think its a bunch of bs. But its part of the docsis spec. Problem is the provisioning includes the firmware/speed tiers. If you can mod that, suddenly you can have full speeds while paying for less. so its locked down by the ISP as part of the spec. 

Current setup: Netgear CM3000-->Netgear RBE973S-->2.5gig tp-link switch, Xfinity 2.4gig/350mbps
M
Umrk
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