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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 ...
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.
@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?
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— Thanks. And just one last question. Despite some of these new models still being under the thumb of ISPs to some degree, do you think this new compromise where we can upgrade our router firmware is at least moving the needle in the right direction? Or, is it still a very broken system and given the extra cost of this new CAX series, we'd be better off just going with the old solution of having a separate modem and router?
Always worth trying to ensure FW is up to date on modems. Some ISPs are willing to work with you on this. Some however may not. If your ISP won't then I would go with a separate modem and router combination. That way if the ISP won't do anything with modem, then you at least have control over the external router and FW, you connect to what ever stand alone modem you choose to use. ISP or user owned.
ngconfused wrote:
Thanks. And just one last question. Despite some of these new models still being under the thumb of ISPs to some degree, do you think this new compromise where we can upgrade our router firmware is at least moving the needle in the right direction? Or, is it still a very broken system and given the extra cost of this new CAX series, we'd be better off just going with the old solution of having a separate modem and router?