jlbryant
join:2006-01-27
Murfreesboro, TN
| Comcast SMC Gateway 8014 Problems Solution
 I have a SMC 8014 gateway provided by Comcast. I will say pretty crappy gateway the way it overheats, locks up and shuts down. What my company does is write software and repair electronics. YEP we took it upon ourselves to do somthing about it, and we are willing to share it. We created a software that will run on a server or computer (must be running all the time most of the SMC's are used in business settings anyway and usually used with servers) that will watch the modem. YES watch the modem. if it sees that the modem is and computer is not online it will power down the modem using a relay system that the modem is conneced to and after about 5 seconds the software will repower the modem allowing the modem to reboot and clear the memeory, cool down and start fresh. See we runn serveral web and mail servers and everytime the gateway would go down we had to un plug the gateway to get back online so this is why we created this solution. I works GREAT been using it for about 2 months. The software also logs everytime it reboots the gateway and sends you an email letting you know it is back up running. PRETTY COOL! If you interested in buying this setup it is for sell for 280.00, you get the software, and the relay system. Really easy to use, just plug into a usb port and install the software THATS IT! PROBLEM SOLVED. Now we all know it should not have gone this far, i mean we should not have to do all this but apparently Comcast will not help us so we will do it ourselves. |
|
Cabal
Premium
join:2007-01-21
Boston, MA | Or just replace the faulty modem and save yourself $280, Comcast will do it for free. The SMC 8014 is a very robust modem, we've used them in a bunch of locations. |
|
GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Urbana, IL | i see comcast sueing someone the equipment is not yours. As for overheating not mine runs 15 puters and 3 routers with no problems. |
|
wozz007
join:2008-09-09
Greensburg, PA
 ·Comcast
| reply to jlbryant
your way = 280.00 
calling comcast = free replacement 
I agree, that could be a legal issue waiting to happen, where did i put my TOS? |
|
Johkal
Cool Cat
Premium,MVM
join:2002-11-13
Happy Valley
clubs:
 ·Comcast Digital Vo..
·Comcast
·Vonage
| reply to GLIMMER
said by GLIMMER  :i see comcast sueing someone the equipment is not yours. As for overheating not mine runs 15 puters and 3 routers with no problems. The OP isn't modifying the modem, only using custom software on the server.
--
Write me up a 125.......I Can't Drive 55 »redrocker.com/ »cabowabo.com/ |
|
GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Urbana, IL | no he is adding a relay into the psu |
|
Johkal
Cool Cat
Premium,MVM
join:2002-11-13
Happy Valley
clubs:
·Comcast Digital Vo..
·Comcast
·Vonage
| "We created a software that will run on a server or computer (must be running all the time most of the SMC's are used in business settings anyway and usually used with servers) that will watch the modem. YES watch the modem. if it sees that the modem is and computer is not online it will power down the modem using a relay system that the modem is conneced to"
The modem is not modified in any shape or form.
--
Write me up a 125.......I Can't Drive 55 »redrocker.com/ »cabowabo.com/ |
|
EG
The wings of love
Premium
join:2006-11-18
Union, NJ
| reply to jlbryant
said by jlbryant : : YES watch the modem. if it sees that the modem is and computer is not online it will power down the modem using a relay system that the modem is conneced to and after about 5 seconds the software will repower the modem allowing the modem to reboot and clear the memeory, cool down and start fresh. Seems that the "modem" wont cool down very much in that short of a time span.. |
|
GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Urbana, IL
| reply to Johkal
said by Johkal :" We created a software that will run on a server or computer (must be running all the time most of the SMC's are used in business settings anyway and usually used with servers) that will watch the modem. YES watch the modem. if it sees that the modem is and computer is not online it will power down the modem using a relay system that the modem is conneced to" The modem is not modified in any shape or form. again altering the psu is not altering the modem but if that relay fail and fried the modem I would venture to guess comcast would have issues since its not an approved device to have the modem pluged into. |
|
EG
The wings of love
Premium
join:2006-11-18
Union, NJ
2 edits | said by GLIMMER : but if that relay fail and fried the modem I would venture to guess comcast would have issues since its not an approved device to have the modem pluged into. How would they ever know ?
Exactly how would a failure "fry" the modem ? |
|
Johkal
Cool Cat
Premium,MVM
join:2002-11-13
Happy Valley
clubs:
·Comcast Digital Vo..
·Comcast
·Vonage
1 edit | reply to GLIMMER
It's a relay, not a PSU. Whatever, what he is doing doesn't violate anything.
Think of it this way: It's a high-tech version of a little monkey turning on & off a switched outlet that the modem is plugged into.  |
|
CableTool
Poorly Representing MYSELF.
Premium
join:2004-11-12
| reply to wozz007
said by wozz007 :your way = 280.00 calling comcast = free replacement I agree, that could be a legal issue waiting to happen, where did i put my TOS? Ive never heard of the SMCs overheating. Call Comcast and get is swapped out.
Thats a pretty extravagant solution to a very low tech problem.
--
CableTechs.org/"Horrible People with Integrity" |
|
GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Urbana, IL | reply to EG
i reality the relay depending on configuration could send current back thru the common side of the cord thus frying the modem. I have seen this happen with other types of transformers. |
|
DarkLogix
join:2008-10-23
Baytown, TX
·Comcast Workplace
·Comcast
| said by GLIMMER :i reality the relay depending on configuration could send current back thru the common side of the cord thus frying the modem. I have seen this happen with other types of transformers. ya Transformers this is a relay
its like an electromagnet and a switch with iron on the tip
and a relay is activated via LOW votage
A relay is NOT a transformer |
|
Windogg
join:2002-07-24
Cambridge, MA
| reply to jlbryant
It does sound like a neat solution but I concur with the others on having Comcast replace the modem.
My SMC has been rock solid despite being jammed between a pretty toasty GigE switch and a Cisco ASA firewall. I have plans to shuffle things around but there have been no issues at all even under heavy load. |
|
DarkLogix
join:2008-10-23
Baytown, TX
·Comcast Workplace
·Comcast
| said by Windogg :It does sound like a neat solution but I concur with the others on having Comcast replace the modem. My SMC has been rock solid despite being jammed between a pretty toasty GigE switch and a Cisco ASA firewall. I have plans to shuffle things around but there have been no issues at all even under heavy load. yep neat solution but yes you should just have comcast replace the modem
rebooting it that quickly after an overheat can't be good |
|
fancydancer
Perception is reality
Premium
join:2002-08-28
Springfield, IL
clubs:
·Comcast
·Insight Communicat..
| reply to jlbryant
What's the temperature in your datacenter? Sounds like a faulty modem to me. Although I did have issues where it would "slow down" and need a reboot. I fixed it by changing the switch ports to 100MB full duplex (to match my Sonicwall) and it has been rock solid since.
--
Thank you for keeping this a work-free environment! |
|
DarkLogix
join:2008-10-23
Baytown, TX | Why would they not be 100 Full?
or do your mean from auto auto? |
|
fancydancer
Perception is reality
Premium
join:2002-08-28
Springfield, IL
clubs:
·Comcast
·Insight Communicat..
| Not sure. When I checked the settings for the first time switch port 2 (the one connected to our firewall) was 100MB half duplex. Above are my settings now and no issues.
--
Thank you for keeping this a work-free environment! |
|
lorennerol
Premium
join:2003-10-29
Seattle, WA
| Comcast hasn't really done themselves a service by requiring these things on their 'business class' service. I don't consider anything made by Linksys, Dlink, SMC, et al to be business class and would much prefer to not be dependant on this schlocky piece of hardware when a decent Motorola cable modem can be had for $75 or less and just runs and runs and runs. But Comcast, true to their residential service nature, has designed their silly system to require this thing.
If your SMC 'gateway' needs to be restarted on a regular basis I request that you hold Comcast's feet to the fire so that they will get that these things are problematic and decidedly NOT 'business-class'. Make them replace it. Every day, if necessary, until they come up with a system/hardware device that is truly reliable.
My SMC gateway had to be replaced on the second day after the service was installed. I gave them an earful when I ordered the service and they told me I couldn't use a standard 'dumb' cable modem, and again when I had to have it replaced on day 2. |
|
