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Forum Discussion
ngconfused
Aug 27, 2022Tutor
Do Standalone Modems Even Exist Anymore?
So, only ISPs can control the firmware on our all-in-one Modem+Router devices. Alright, as bizarre and upsetting as that is, I obviously have no choice, but to accept that. Okay, so the solution ...
- Aug 31, 2022
ALL Cable modems are bound to ISP and get upated by ISPs only. NGs CAX series gateways are ones that users CAN update the ROUTER portion of the modem, however, the modem portion still has to be updated BY the ISP. All other modems or gateway models are updated by the ISP only. There is no user FW update options.
You can do a search with in the DOCSIS Spec and policy if you want additional information as well.
FURRYe38
Aug 27, 2022Guru - Experienced User
Yes, there is pleany of stane alone modems.
NGs CM series are all stand alone modems.
FYI, It's a DOCSIS policy and spec that ALL cable ISPs are required now to update ISP and user owned modems. Been like this for years. I believe what kicked it all off was back then ISP sent untested or unchecked FW to user owned modems that bricked them. ISP ended up paying for replacements and were burned by this event. So to avoid this, ISPs have to now testing and certify ALL fw versions coming from modem mfrs BEFORE ISPs will push it.
- michaelkenwardAug 27, 2022Guru - Experienced User
FYI, It's a DOCSIS policy and spec that ALL cable ISPs are req[u]ired now to update ISP and user owned modems.
Why is everyone talking about cable modems?
ngconfused didn't talk about ISP technology. I did ask.
DSL may be a dying technology, but it has also gone down a similar road.
- ngconfusedAug 31, 2022Tutor
@michaelkenward wrote:
Netgear, and maybe others, have started to make modem/routers with separate firmware for the router section. Users can update those.
Yes! I was actually wondering about that. I think that's the sanest way forward for me. How to do identify which ones aren't beholden to ISPs and allow us to update the firmware ourselves? Is there anything in the marketing or specs language for the respective product that indicates this or is it something someone like yourself has to be savvy to?
- FURRYe38Aug 31, 2022Guru - Experienced User
ALL Cable modems are bound to ISP and get upated by ISPs only. NGs CAX series gateways are ones that users CAN update the ROUTER portion of the modem, however, the modem portion still has to be updated BY the ISP. All other modems or gateway models are updated by the ISP only. There is no user FW update options.
You can do a search with in the DOCSIS Spec and policy if you want additional information as well.