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FAQ RevisionsEditors: Optimized See Profile, lilhurricane See Profile
Last modified on 2008-08-15 16:49:19
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1. General Information

1.1. One way service

    No questions in this section yet

    1.2. Email and Newsgroup settings

    1.3. Modems

    2. Speed information

    3. Resilink Packages

    4. Routers

    5. Signal Levels and other tests

    6. Security

    7. What Is Starpower?

    8. Cable TV

    9. Advanced Topics

    10. Phone


  • login and you can contribute to the FAQ

  • 1. General Information

    ·The 5 Golden Rules
    ·Getting Official RCN Help
    ·RCN Line Monitors - Where's The Info?
    ·Can I upload Firmware or other files here
    ·Network Status
    (back)
    Here are the 5 Golden Rules of the RCN Forum:

    This is a technical forum, first & foremost.

    We assist members with technical issues as courteously and quickly as possible..so if your question is not answered right away, please be patient.



    Please do not "wake up" a topic over 2 weeks old..best to start a new thread and reference the old.

    Please see these links regarding getting assistance: Getting Official Help and How to Get Noticed
    Please utilize the "Hey Mods" link on the bottom of any post for anything requiring Mod attention.

    Questions designed to get around your ToS/AUP will be locked, moved or summarily deleted.

      •Good manners are really very important. Rude requests, unwarranted criticism of anothers efforts, or generally being a jerk will not get you what you want. It will get you ignored. If you're going to be rude, please do it elsewhere.

      Do not "hijack" someone else's help thread by jumping in -- start your own thread.

      •"Please" and "thank you" may seem like old fashioned concepts, but we like them

      •Getting help is a service we offer. Please do not abuse it. Keep your issues to one thread for best assistance and so as not to duplicate member efforts. Give enough information. Give a little time for a reply.

      •The member helpers, much like the moderators on this site, are unpaid. Even though they don't make money from it, they do it to be helpful, and for their own enjoyment. If an official request for help has been made, please allow time for an answer from our support team. A polite request goes much further than commands and demands.



      feedback form

      by lilhurricane See Profile
      last modified: 2008-02-20 19:23:02

    (back)
    Getting Official Help

    First off, try searching for a similar issue using the forum search function.
    Older topics should not be posted to, but may provide valuable insight to resolving your problem.

    Click for full size


    If you can't find the answers there, start a new thread ( New Topic ) in the forum and briefly describe your problem.

    If you are comfortable doing so, enter your MAC address so a RCN approved tech can check for an obvious issue.
    You can also IM me, jmirabella See Profile, your MAC address so I can look into your issue.

    BE PATIENT

    The forums are assisted on our own time, we get to the issues when we can.

    Please stay on topic in the threads.

    You can also email me: rcn@dslr.net - I will get to those as I can. It is still better to post a new topic, as other helpful people on the forum may have the answer for you before I even read the question.

    -joe

    Who Is This Joe Character?
    Getting Official Help

    feedback form

    by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2008-04-11 20:15:27

    (back)
    Check the introduction of the RCN Forum Line Monitors here.

    For an invitation to join the RCN group, send an IM to lilhurricane See Profile to let her know you're interested.

    Our RCN Forum Line Monitors are located here.


    Information on the RCN Forum Line Monitors and instructions:

    The RCN Forum Line Monitor Section provides an easily accessible, reliable, independent indication of the actual performance of member's connections by comparing the line conditions of RCN Forum members.
    Members Sign up for basic line monitoring here at Broadband Reports. We then we use that information to generate graphs that show your line's stats along with others from your state. A very important factor is the way you setup the account. Even if you have a static IP, you must create the account as a dynamic IP. For security and privacy, BBR uses a cookie feature so that if you are logged in, only you can see your static IP graph. But for those that are not logged in, the graph is not visible, it will appear broken. So setting the graph to a dynamic IP will allow everyone to see the graph while the IP will remain hidden. If you have a static IP you do not need to run a DDNS client. Just set the monitor for "dynamic" and then type in your IP address in the "monitor this static address" box.

    Click on the individual graphs to display more detailed information for that contributor's connection



    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile

    (back)
    No, firmware files are not permitted to be uploaded, and direct links to .exe & .zip are not allowed.

    You may point to an offsite URL instead.

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2006-05-14 18:51:36

    (back)


    RCN Network Status
    Internet Systems Status
    Dialup Systems Status
    Domain Name Server (DNS) Status
    E Mail Systems Status
    News Systems Status
    Localized Systems Status

    Major Backbone Stats
    Internetpulse Backbone Stats.

    Thanks jazzman916 See Profile for provisions

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile


    1.2. Email and Newsgroup settings

    ·How To Configure E-Mail
    ·Does RCN have an outgoing email restriction?
    ·Newsgroup Access from RCN
    (back)
    WINDOWS

    Outlook Express

    1. Open Outlook Express
    2. Click the Tools | Accounts menu
    3. Click on the Mail tab and then click on Add | Mail
    4. In the Your Name box, you may enter anything you choose. The name that you enter here will show up in the "From" field on any e-mail you send. Click Next
    5. Enter your full e-mail address, then click Next (userid@rcn.com)
    6. In the My incoming mail server is a ______ server list, select Post Office Protocol (POP3)
    7. In the Incoming Mail (POP3 or IMAP) server box, type pop.rcn.com
    8. In the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) server box, type smtp.rcn.com and click Next.
    9. In the Account Name box, enter the part of your e-mail address that comes before the @ symbol.
    10. In the Password box, enter your password then click Next
    11. Do NOT select Log on using Secure Password Authentication
    12. The friendly name will default to the incoming mail server (pop.rcn.com) You can change this name to any name you prefer.
    13. Click Finish
    14. Select the new account, click Properties
    15. Click the Connection tab
    16. Under Choose Connection Type, select the method you use to connect to the Internet
    Connect Using My Local Area Network (LAN) for cablemodem users
    Connect Using My Phone Line for dial-up users
    17. Click the Servers tab
    18. At the bottom there's an area for Outgoing mail server. Check box that says, "My server requires authentication."
    19. Click the Settings button
    20. Make sure option "Use same settings as my incoming mail server" is selected
    21. Click OK
    22. Close the Accounts window

    Outlook

    1. Open Outlook 2002 / 2003
    2. Click the Tools | E-mail Accounts menu
    3. Select Add a new e-mail Account then press Next
    4. In the Server Type dialog box, click POP3, and then click Next
    5. In the Your Name box, you may enter anything you choose. The name that you enter here will show up in the "From" field on any e-mail you send.
    6. Enter your full e-mail address (userid@rcn.com)
    7. In the User Name box, enter the part of your e-mail address that comes before the @ symbol.
    8. In the Password box, enter your password.
    9. In the Incoming Mail (POP3 or IMAP) server box, type pop.rcn.com
    10. In the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) server box, type smtp.rcn.com
    11. Click Test Account Settings.
    This is a new capability in Outlook. This feature calls a dialog box that displays, in a step-by-step manner, each phase of testing the configuration that you have just input. The following occurs when you click Test Account Settings:

    The connectivity of your system to the Internet is confirmed.
    You are logged on to the SMTP server.
    You are logged on to the POP3 server.
    It is determined if the POP3 server needs to be logged on to first. If necessary, Outlook automatically sets Log on to incoming mail server before messages are sent.
    A test message is sent. This message explains any changes that Outlook made to your initial setup.
    12. Click Next
    13. Click Finish

    MACINTOSH

    Mail 1.0 on a Macintosh (OS X)

    . Open Mac OS X Mail.
    2. Click on the Mail pulldown and choose the Preferences option.
    3. Select the Accounts icon and click on the New Account button.
    4. Click on the Account Information tab.
    5. Click on the Account Type pulldown and choose the POP Account option to configure a POP3 account.
    6. Under the Account Description, type your e-mail address. This will be the name displayed in the accounts window and is used for account identification purposes only.
    7. Type your full e-mail address in the E-mail Address field.
    8. Type your name or nickname in the Full Name field. This will be displayed in the From field of your outgoing mail messages.
    9. In the Host Name field, type the incoming POP3 server name: pop.rcn.com.
    10. In the Username field, type your username. (The username is all of the characters to the left of the "@" sign in your e-mail address.)
    Example: If your e-mail address is john_doe@rcn.com, your username would be john_doe.
    11. In the Password field, type your e-mail account password.
    12. In the SMTP Host field, type the outgoing mail server address: smtp.rcn.com.
    13. Click the Account Options tab.
    14. Enable the option to Delete messages on the server after downloading.
    15. Click OK.
    16. Close the Mail Preferences window.
    17. Your e-mail account is now configured.

    Mail 1.2.5 on a Macintosh (OS 10.2.x)

    1. Open Mail.
    2. Click on the Mail | Preferences menu.
    3. Click on the Accounts icon.
    4. Click on the Add Account button.
    5. Select POP under the Account Type pulldown.
    6. Type your e-mail address in the description field.
    7. Type your e-mail address in the e-mail address field.
    8. Type your name or nickname in the Full Name field.
    9. Type the incoming POP3 mail server in the Incoming Mail Server field: pop.rcn.com.
    10. Type your incoming POP3 mail server username in the Username field. (The username is all of the characters to the left of the "@" sign in your e-mail address.)
    Example: If your e-mail address is john_doe@rcn.com, your username would be john_doe.
    11. Type your incoming POP3 mail server username's password in the Password field.
    12. Select Add Server from the Outgoing Mail Server pulldown.
    13. Type the outgoing SMTP server address in the Outgoing Mail Server field: smtp.rcn.com.
    14. Click the OK button.
    15. Click on the Special Mail Boxes tab.
    16. Specify your Sent, Junk, and Trash preferences to suit your needs.
    17. Click on the Advanced tab
    18. Make sure that the following options have a check beside them:
    Enable this Account
    Include when automatically checking for new mail
    Remove copy from server after retrieving a message
    19. Your e-mail account is now configured.

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-03-23 18:17:16

    (back)
    RCN Limits you to 400 email messages an hour per IP address (3000 for static IP addresses) through their mail server cluster. This is done to prevent machines that are hijacked by spyware from sending more spam and infecting more users.

    *Note: We allow a maximum of 1000 recipients per message as well.. so if you have a static IP address, you can send either 3 message with 1000 recipients on each, or 4000 messages

    feedback form

    by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-07-07 00:25:45

    (back)
    This service is currently provided by RCN via Giganews mainly for light use. If you want more thoroughput than that which is included with your RCN subscription, you can sign up for a paid plan from Giganews.com, forteinc.com/apn and others.

    Host name: news.rcn.com
    (the server does not require a secure [SSL] connection and uses on the standard port 119)

    Login Method: No login is required. (server looks at your IP address to insure you are on the RCN network.)

    Maximum number of connections: 2

    Note that when posting to newsgroups/usenet, your posting is public.
    It is suggested to not use your real email address, because some bad people harvest those addresses and use or sell them for spamming.

    This was compiled from info posted on this thread: »[Newsgroups] Does RCN provide newsgroup servers?

    feedback form

    by StillLearn See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2007-11-02 02:08:04


    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??
    (back)
    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.

    feedback form

    by Gripweed7 See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-03-19 14:25:00

    (back)
    (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.


    Click for full size



    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.

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2008-08-15 16:49:19

    (back)
    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.

    feedback form

    by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2007-03-26 06:22:06

    (back)
    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.

    As submitted by Bichon See Profile & Bleek See Profile

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2007-03-26 06:24:05

    (back)
    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"



    feedback form

    by Bleek See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2006-10-10 23:17:31

    (back)
    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.

    feedback form

    by Bleek See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2007-06-24 10:45:33

    (back)
    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.

    feedback form

    by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2007-06-24 10:47:17

    (back)
    Some RCN Speed Tests:

    New York - »ny.speedtest.rcn.net/
    Mass - »ma.speedtest.rcn.net/
    DC/MD - »md.speedtest.rcn.net/
    California - »ca.speedtest.rcn.net/
    Chicago - »il.speedtest.rcn.net/
    Penn - »pa.speedtest.rcn.net/

    Speakeasy Speed Site:

    »www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

    DSLReports.com On-Site Speed Tests:

    »/stest

    Others:

    »www.testmy.net/
    »myspeed.visualware.com/
    »www.speedtest.net/index.php
    »bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/index.php

    feedback form

    by Bleek See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2006-12-18 00:30:29

    (back)
    Unfortunately, no. With the exception of the Chicago market, all new customers interested in bundling their services (cable, modem, telephone) must choose from either an Essentials Package (bare bones, not a lot of bells and whistles) or a Power Package (more for your money, choice of premium channels, phone features, Mach 7, etc...)

    As of today, 10/5/2004, Chicago market customers may still choose a Resilink Package, as well as an Essentials, or Power Package.

    feedback form

    by Storm97 See Profile edited by Optimized See Profile
    last modified: 2004-10-30 21:47:44

    (back)
    Yes you can, but there are several things to keep in mind when using a broadband router/gateway.

      • When testing speed, it is best to run directly from your computer to your modem, bypassing any routers, switches and hubs.

      • Older routers with 10 megabit ethernet ports will probably not allow you to reach full speeds.


      *More to be added soon

      feedback form

      by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
      last modified: 2005-03-16 21:07:27


    5. Signal Levels and other tests

    ·What should my cable modem signal levels be?
    ·Running DocsDiag
    ·Alternate means of obtaining modem vital statistics
    (back)
    Receive/Downstream: -15dbmV to +15dbmV
    Transmit/Upstream: 30dbmV to 55dbmV (Some modems can handle up to 61dbmV)
    Signal to Noise Ratio(SNR): 30dB or Greater

    Note: If your power levels are out of range, it can cause packet loss, re-transmissions which will eventually lead to speed loss. If your signal is near the edge of these specs try removing some splitters or placing the modem off the main drop to see if that improves your signal.

    feedback form

    by Bleek See Profile edited by Optimized See Profile
    last modified: 2004-06-28 14:59:20

    (back)
    You can use a program called DocsDiag to extract information from the modem. You'll need to temporarily change your computer's or router's IP address when running the program, but you won't have to change any wiring. If your computer is connected directly to the modem, you can use the following instructions if you're running Windows 98/98SE; if you're running another OS, you should determine how to change your PC's IP address before proceeding. (If you have a router, it doesn't matter what OS you're using.)

    1. Visit the DocsDiag home page and download the docsdiag.zip file. Unzip the downloaded file to extract docsdiag.jar.

    2. Change your IP address to 192.168.100.2 and subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. You can use one of the following methods if it applies to your system (note your current settings before you change them):
    If your PC is connected directly to the modem and you use Windows 98/98SE, click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click Network. On the Configuration tab, click TCP/IP for your Ethernet adapter, then click Properties. On the IP Address tab, select Specify an IP Address, enter an IP address of 192.168.100.2 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Click OK and OK. Reboot if prompted.
    If you have a Linksys router, go to the router's setup page and select specify an IP address, enter an IP address of 192.168.100.2, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, and a gateway of 0.0.0.0.
    If you have a Netgear router, go to menu 4, change IP Address Assignment to Static, IP Address to 192.168.100.2, IP Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0, and Gateway IP Address to 0.0.0.0.

    3. In the MS-DOS window, enter the following command:
    For machines with Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine

    jview /cp docsdiag.jar docsdiag

    For machines with Sun's Java Runtime Environment

    java -cp docsdiag.jar docsdiag

    This should produce output with your signal levels and firmware version.

    4. Put your IP address back to dynamically assigned by restoring the original settings you changed in step 3:
    For a direct connection to the modem, go back to the TCP/IP Properties dialog box and select Obtain an IP address automatically. Reboot if prompted.
    For a Linksys router, go back to the router's setup page and select Obtain an IP address automatically.
    For a Netgear router, go back to menu 4 and change IP Address Assignment to Dynamic.

    In addition, the following works for Toshiba modems:
    To access the built in diagnostics, set your ip statically to 192.168.100.2, set your subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and set your gateway to 192.168.100.1. Enter 192.168.100.1 into your browser you'll see the diagnostics page.

    FAQ credit to Bobcat

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile

    (back)
    If Docsdiag does not work for you here's another way to find this information.

    Go to »speedtest.rcn.net , pick any server.

    At the bottom of the screen you'll see your modem's vital statistics including the highly sought after MAC.

    Click for full size


    Click for larger view

    feedback form

    by jsolo1 See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2006-11-07 21:44:25


    6. Security

    ·Which TCP Ports does RCN block?
    ·McAfee Internet Security Services for RCN Subscribers
    (back)
    For non static ip customers, ports 80 inbound and 25 outbound are blocked. Static IP customers have no ports blocked.

    We also block ports 135-139 and ports 445 ( windows /netbios )

    feedback form

    by jmirabella See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-07-07 00:15:09

    (back)
    It's free ** When you get RCN Cable TV or phone service with RCN internet service.
    »www.rcn.com/internet/index.php

    Thanks to djhartz See Profile for the info


    Click for full size


    Or you can get discount on services individually here:

    »www.rcn.com/internet/internetsec···ndex.php



    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2008-06-18 06:50:10


    7. What Is Starpower?

    ·About Starpower
    ·What are Starpower's minimum hardware / software requirements?
    (back)
    Starpower was a joint venture between Pepco Communications, L.L.C., a wholly owned but separate affiliate of Pepco Holdings, Inc., and RCN Corporation, the nation’s first and largest facilities-based competitive provider of bundled cable TV, telephone, and high-speed Internet services.

    Pepco later sold its stake in the venture, called Starpower Communications LLC, to RCN Corp., the other partner in the business.

    feedback form

    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-06-05 00:59:47

    (back)
    Operating System ---- Minimum Requirements

    Win 95
    Processor 75Mhz min 32MB RAM / 60MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    Windows 98 / SE
    Processor 75Mhz min 32MB RAM / 60MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 3 or higher)
    Processor 75Mhz min 32MB RAM / 60MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    Windows ME
    Processor 75Mhz min 32MB RAM / 60MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    Windows 2000
    Processor 133Mhz min 64MB RAM / 650MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    Windows XP
    Processor 233Mhz min 64MB RAM / 1.5GB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    O/S 8.6.1 - 9.x
    PowerPC or iMac G3 32MB RAM / 90MB free hard disk space
    Support Link

    O/S X.x
    Power Mac G3, G4, G4 Cube; iMac; PowerBook G3, G4; iBook; or eMac computer
    128MB RAM - Built-in display or a display connected to an Apple-supplied video card / 3GB free hard disk space.
    Support Link

    *Mac OS X does not support the original PowerBook G3 or processor upgrade cards.

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    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-03-16 11:30:39

    (back)
    See the instructions and uploaded programming sheets listed here:

    »[Cable TV] RCN Motorola 6412 Remote

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    by mythdraug See Profile edited by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2005-05-12 18:17:29


    9. Advanced Topics

    ·How can I change my DNS Server?
    ·Can you please explain kilobits vs. kilobytes?
    ·What is a CMTS?
    ·RCN InterACTION Music & Gaming
    ·RCN & BitTorrent
    ·Does RCN offer static IP addresses?
    (back)
    To set your DNS, you need to find the Internet Protocol window.

    For Users on a Dial-up Connection:

    Go to My Computer>Dialup Networking.
    Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
    A window will open - click the Server Types tab. Click TCP/IP Settings.

    For All Other Users:

    Go to Control Panel>Network Connections and select your local network.
    Click Properties, then select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
    Click Properties.
    You will see a window like the one below - this is the Internet Protocol window. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the desired DNS server(s) in the space(s) provided.

    You have now changed your DNS settings. Click the OK button at the bottom of the window to close that window, then click the OK button at the bottom of the next window. If you are asked if you want to Restart your computer, click Yes. You are now finished.

    Click for full size


    Some DNS servers you can use are provided here (originally posted by jdmatl See Profile)

    Verizon (Level3) Nameservers
    4.2.2.1
    4.2.2.2
    4.2.2.3
    4.2.2.4
    4.2.2.5
    4.2.2.6

    SpeakEasy Nameservers
    66.93.87.2
    216.231.41.2
    216.254.95.2
    64.81.45.2
    64.81.111.2
    64.81.127.2
    64.81.79.2
    64.81.159.2
    66.92.64.2
    66.92.224.2
    66.92.159.2
    64.81.79.2
    64.81.159.2
    64.81.127.2
    64.81.45.2
    216.27.175.2
    66.92.159.2
    66.93.87.2

    ORSC Public Access DNS Nameservers
    199.166.24.253
    199.166.27.253
    199.166.28.10
    199.166.29.3
    199.166.31.3
    195.117.6.25
    204.57.55.100

    Sprintlink General DNS
    204.117.214.10
    199.2.252.10
    204.97.212.10

    Cisco
    128.107.241.185
    192.135.250.69

    OpenDNS
    208.67.222.222
    208.67.220.220
    208.67.222.220
    208.67.220.222
    ..more here (thanks JR) »www.opendns.com/

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    by lilhurricane See Profile
    last modified: 2008-02-26 22:14:16

    (back)
    It will make it easy if we all try to stick with the industry standard abbreviations.

    Kilobytes per second = KB/s
    Kilobits per second = kbps

    Your browser reports speeds in KB/s, the speed tests here at DSLR report speeds in kbps.

    1 kbps = 1000 bps
    1 KB/s = 1024 B/s
    1 KB/s = 8.192 kbps
    1 kbps = .1221 KB/s

    KB/s to kbps
    Take KB/s and multiply by 8.192
    Example
    100KB/s = 819.2kbps

    kbps to KB/s
    Take kbps and divide by 8.192 (or multiply by .1221)
    Example
    1000kbps = 122KB/s

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