diff --git a/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.html b/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c2d8e78 --- /dev/null +++ b/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.html @@ -0,0 +1,17 @@ + + + + + +

I finally gave up on my principled stand against traffic shaping and switched to Comcast when I moved. The 10x speed for the same price over Speakeasy might have had something to do with it. It's been an interesting road getting it working as I wanted, and here's the notes list:

+ + + +

More on the great wireless network project coming soon.

+ + diff --git a/index.html b/index.html index bfa5a38..551e4f5 100644 --- a/index.html +++ b/index.html @@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
  • 2016-Feb-15: Cable modem channel party
  • 2016-Feb-01: How to enrage your cable modem
  • 2016-Feb-01: Hall of 2.4 GHz Shame, 2016 Edition
    • +
  • 2010-Apr-05: Comcast hacking
  • 2010-Mar-26: Fun with map visualizations
  • 2010-Mar-09: Karaoke project
  • 2009-Sep-11: Confusing BIND with CNAMEs
    • diff --git a/markdown/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.md b/markdown/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a0bf2e5 --- /dev/null +++ b/markdown/2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.md @@ -0,0 +1,15 @@ + + + + + +I finally gave up on my principled stand against traffic shaping and switched to Comcast when I moved. The 10x speed for the same price over Speakeasy might have had something to do with it. It's been an interesting road getting it working as I wanted, and here's the notes list: + +* D-Link modems don't work (well, at least). The one I got needed a custom firmware to work with Comcast according to D-Link's website, and the instructions for flashing the firmware included running a local TFTP server, then telnetting to the modem. Connection refused. Classy, guys. Took it back to Fry's, noticed that every single D-Link and Linksys cable modem box had a returned sticker on it. Bought a [Motorola SB6120](http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SB6120-SURFboard-eXtreme-Broadband/dp/B001UI2FPE). +* [DOCSIS](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS) seems to support remote firmware flashing. The modem comes up with a firmware with the string "walledgarden" in the name, and all your connections get redirected to Comcast's activation page. The redirection is only DNS-level, though; switch to [Google Public DNS](http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/) servers on your router/DHCP server/computer and you can surf just fine. +* [Speed](http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/Learn/HighSpeedInternet/speedcomparison.html) seems to be enforced per-account, not per-link. That means that they can't apply any speed package to you until you go through the activation wizard, which registers your modem's HFC-side MAC address with Comcast. The "walledgarden" speed actually appears to be Comcast's Ultra package (22/5mbps). That means that if you're not signed up for Ultra or Extreme (50/10), but chose Performance (12/2) or Blast! (16/2) instead, it's actually in your best interest to not activate. +* If you have to activate, the technician workflow is way easier: no installing software that messes with your network settings, and it works in Linux. + +More on the great wireless network project coming soon. + + diff --git a/markdown/index.md b/markdown/index.md index d1f3ddc..f782203 100644 --- a/markdown/index.md +++ b/markdown/index.md @@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ 1. 2016-Feb-15: [Cable modem channel party](2016-02-15-cable-modem-channel-party.html) 1. 2016-Feb-01: [How to enrage your cable modem](2016-02-01-how-to-enrage-your-cable-modem.html) 1. 2016-Feb-01: [Hall of 2.4 GHz Shame, 2016 Edition](2016-02-01-hall-of-2-4-ghz-shame-2016-edition.html) +1. 2010-Apr-05: [Comcast hacking](2010-04-05-comcast-hacking.html) 1. 2010-Mar-26: [Fun with map visualizations](2010-03-26-fun-with-map-visualizations.html) 1. 2010-Mar-09: [Karaoke project](2010-03-09-karaoke-project.html) 1. 2009-Sep-11: [Confusing BIND with CNAMEs](2009-09-11-confusing-bind-with-cnames.html)