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1.3. Modems·Before calling support.....
·What are the RCN Approved (BYOM) Modems?
·How does RCN handle modem firmware updates
·Why is my modem activity light constantly flashing
·How to Check your Cable Modem ID -- MAC Address.
·Can the cable modem work on any cable jack in the house?
·Can I disconnect my cable modem from one computer and plug it into another??
| | | Before calling Tech Support for a problem it is best to do a few things first.
1) Check to see that your coaxial cable, Ethernet, and power cord are all firmly connected. Make sure that everything (modem, router, computer, etc.) that should have power, has power turned on.
2) If you use RCN cable TV, check to see if it is working and not fuzzy.
3) If you are using a router, disconnect it and go directly from the modem to the computer to test whether it might be a router problem. If you do have to call Tech Support, do so with the router disconnected as it is easier for the tech to diagnose your system without the router involved.
4) Do a powercycle. This simple step will fix a great many problems.
• Turn your computer off.
• Unscrew the coaxial cable from the back of the modem.
• Unplug the modem's power cord (preferrable from the wall outlet)
• Wait 30 seconds or longer.
• Reconnect coaxial cable.
• Reconnect power. Note whether all the modem status lights are lit properly.
• Turn on computer and see if problem is solved.
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by Gripweed7  edited by lilhurricane
last modified: 2005-03-19 14:25:00 | | | (Updated 8/15/08)
•What is RCN's Bring Your Own Modem (BYOM) service?
The BYOM service gives RCN cable modem customers the option to purchase their own modem from an RCN approved list of modems, reducing their bill by $3.00 for the usual modem rental charge.
***IMPORTANT***You may ONLY use an RCN-approved modem.
•Where is BYOM service available?
BYOM Service is offered in every RCN market with the exception of digital phone customer in Chicago.
•How much is the BYOM service?
The BYOM service is $0 charge; it replaces the modem rental $3.00 charge.
Note: You will be charged the $3.00 rental fee then credited back the $3.00 on the same statement.
•Can I have BYOM within a bundled package?
Yes. The discounts will remain the same; the package will just be less the $3.00 rental rate.
We have adjusted all the bundled packages so that the rental is no longer discounted and we have moved the discount that was on the rental to the modem service code to accommodate and keep the discounts/pricing consistent.
•Can commercial customers have BYOM service?
Yes.
•What are the RCN approved modems? (Note: BYOM is not available to Digital Phone subscribers). Click screenshot below to enlarge.
•Where can I go to purchase an RCN approved modem?
Your local computer store.
•I am a current cable modem customer. How do I switch to BYOM?
As long as you have an RCN-approved modem, you may have this service. You can install the modem yourself by following the on screen instructions. The instructions will display once you properly install your new modem and access the internet. You must return your Starpower cable modem to your closest local office to avoid monthly rental charges. If you are unable to install the modem yourself, you will be charged a truck roll fee to have a technician professionally install the new modem and retrieve the Starpower modem from your home.
•Can I hook up my own purchased modem instead of paying a truck roll charge to have an RCN technician come out?
Yes. As long as you have an RCN-approved modem, you may have this service. You can install the modem yourself by following the on screen instructions. The instructions will display once you properly install your new modem and access the internet. You must return your Starpower cable modem to your closest local office to avoid monthly rental charges.
•What if I have already paid for a technician to install my BYOM and that BYOM breaks? Do I have to pay ANOTHER $49.95 and have a technician visit the home to install the new BYOM?
No. You should simply contact a RCN support representative at 1-800-RING-RCN (1-800-746-4726) and let us know the MAC address from the new modem.
•Will RCN sell the RCN-owned modem to me?
At this time we will NOT be selling any RCN-owned equipment.
•If I no longer want BYOM service, how do I get an RCN cable modem again?
You will lose the $3.00 discount and be charged the standard truck roll fee of $49.95.
*Note: Some subscribers have differing opinions - you can read more on that here
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by lilhurricane
last modified: 2008-09-19 15:00:51 | | | RCN sends firmware updates to the modems that need it that are supported.
Please see: »RCN Forum FAQ »What are the RCN Approved (BYOM) Modems?
This job runs nightly.
If a modem is stuck offline during the process, it will get updated the next time it is online during the window.
This includes customer owned modems as well as RCN supplied modems.
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by jmirabella edited by lilhurricane
last modified: 2007-03-26 06:22:06 | | | Some flashing of the activity light, even when the computer is not in use, is completely normal. In most cases, this traffic consists of ARP broadcast packets. ARP, which stands for Address Resolution Protocol, is used by TCP/IP to translate IP addresses into their associated MAC addresses, a process which is required for network operation. (The DOCSIS and Ethernet hardware in devices like cable modems, digital cables boxes and the cable modem termination system use MAC addresses when transferring data)
On a few older modems, some additional flashing is caused by multicast packets. Although these are usually filtered out, some modems flash their activity light before the application of the filter.
Once one has established their machine is virus free and firewalled, there is no reason to be concerned about flashing of the activity light. The downstream has *plenty* of capacity to handle this traffic, so it should not cause any performance degradation.
Most cable modems have an LED labeled Cable or Data or D/S, which indicates when data arrives from the cable network. Some users get worried that this LED flashes even when their PC is doing nothing or is switched off. If they are running a firewall, they are puzzled that the firewall does not register any traffic. There is no need for concern: some essential data (DHCP and ARP protocols) is broadcast into the cable network and arrives at every cable modem whether your PC needs it or not. You need not worry that someone is trying to hack into your PC just because the data light is flashing.
If the rate of flashing goes up when your PC is online (compared to when your PC is switched off or disconnected), but you do not know of any reason why your PC should be generating network traffic, then that might be a source of concern.
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by lilhurricane
last modified: 2009-11-17 09:47:42 | | | Each cable modem, regardless of brand, is uniquely identified by its Cable Modem ID, or MAC address. Short for Media Access Control, this address is a part of the hardware on the modem, and is associated with a specific user account.
It is used when asking for assistance in the forum
See: Getting Official Help
As there are numerous cable modems on the market, and nearly as many that are used by our customers, below are generic instructions to locate the Cable Modem ID:
•Generally, the Cable Modem ID can be found on the bottom of the modem, usually near or on a barcoded sticker, along with the serial number of the modem.
•Most times the Cable Modem ID will appear after these letters MAC or EA (e.g., MAC 00-12-ab-34-cd-5e) . Some Motorolas may have only SN (e.g., SN 8386848). Only use the alphanumeric numbers that appear after MAC or EA, or on some Motorolas, the numbers that appear after SN.
•It can be easily identified by its pattern (e.g. 00-12-ab-34-cd-5e or 8386848 on some Motorolas), which stays the same from modem to modem even if the values change.
•If your Cable Modem ID can not be located using these tips, please check the manufacturer's user guide for the modem.
•Also can retrieve your mac address at speedtest.rcn.net . Clicking on any of the speedtests sites (NY, PA, etc.) will load the speed test page and on the table on the bottom it says "Your Modem Mac"
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by drake edited by lilhurricane
last modified: 2006-10-10 23:17:31 | | | Yes, any active cable jack will work with your cable modem - providing it receives enough signal.
Note: Depending on how many splitters are installed, some cable jacks will not have as strong of a signal due to how many times it is split to the TV, which results in Speed reduction. If you must split...Try this plan:
Main Cable Line goes to splitter, then one cable line is for the cable modem, and the other wire goes to the number of TV's in your residence, this is done so the signal will not degrade on your Cable Modem.
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by drake edited by lilhurricane
last modified: 2007-06-24 10:45:33 | | | Yes, but you will need to reboot your modem every time you swap devices (unplug the modem from one computer and plug into another). Power cycling your modem will allow it to recognize that a different computer has been connected.
You might consider purchasing a router (wired or wireless) which would allow two or more computers to take advantage of your broadband connection at the same time.
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by jmirabella edited by lilhurricane
last modified: 2007-06-24 10:47:17 |
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