US Telco Support → FairPoint > [modem/router] Want to ByPass the Fairpoint Security Update

[modem/router] Want to ByPass the Fairpoint Security Update

I have a Westell 6100 modem that was provided by Fairpoint when we first signed up for DSL. I am having to reboot the modem several times a day because it stops accessing the internet periodically. I don't want to get another modem from Fairpoint, so I purchased an Actiontec GT701D several months ago. I had trouble connecting it initially.... couldn't get beyond the Fairpoint login screen. I have taken it out again for another try, and now it has successfully installed itself.

My problem now is that now when I access the internet, I can't get beyond the Fairpoint message telling me I need to install a security update. To try to get beyond it, I downloaded the update and tried to install it. It failed, of course, since the modem isn't the modem the update expected to see.

How can I get beyond that Fairpoint screen so I can access the internet again?? All systems are go as far as the Actiontec modem is concerned. It's Fairpoint that is putting up a block.

I hope someone can help!

Karen

Since the new ADSL/ADSL2 router is not provided by FairPoint you should not be seeing FairPoint walled garden. Are you sure the problem is the router and not software installed on your PC?

Do you have another PC you can try?

/tom

Thank you for your reply!

I just spent a disappointing hour trying to use the modem on a laptop. I couldn't get it to connect to the internet for some reason, though the other lights (power, DSL, and Ethernet) were all green.

I went and looked at the installed software on my main PC, and all I could find was the fpinstaller program that is the update Fairpoint wants to use to update my Westell modem. I deleted the file. It never was actually installed. Odd that Fairpoint doesn't ask to install it when I reattach their modem to the computer. Anyway, I'm now stumped. Is there something in the registry that could be blocking the new modem from going to the internet? I may have to call the Actiontec people and see if they can come up with any reason why I can't get it to work for me, but it isn't really their issue at all, since all lights are on when I have it installed. It's just that darned Fairpoint demand that I update the modem that isn't even attached to the computer!

GRRRRR

Karen

I'm assuming you are able to access the modem/router itself from your computer. That indicates the connection between PC and router is working fine.

FairPoint, like all Telcos, uses ATM to transport DSL. This requires setting VPI/VCI. Sometimes this is autodetected if not find the ATM setting and set it to VPI 0 VCI 35.

FairPoint uses PPPoE to authenticated customers, when you enable that feature will need to enter in your username and password. I think FP has changed it so it will accept anything but I'm not sure.

Once that is all set you should be able to access the Internet. If not try to find the logs to determine what it doesn't like.

/tom

Thanks for your response. Tom.

I can access the modem when it's plugged into the computer. No problem. I was able to set it all up, and all the buttons were glowing green. Just couldn't get past the Fairpoint page on my browser because it insisted I had to update the security settings on the modem. I deleted the installation file of that update, but it still asks for it.

One thing that I did that might or might not be causing the problem is that when it was configuring the modem it told me it couldn't finish and that I should either do it manually or choose my provider. Since Fairpoint wasn't listed, I chose Verizon. Maybe the settings in Verizon are causing the problem? I'll try again tomorrow to configure it and will choose manual so I can look for the VPI/VCI settings and put in the numbers you gave me.

This is all so confusing. Nothing is ever easy when it comes to computers!

Karen

Another day, more frustration. I changed the VPI to 0 and the VCI to 35. Same results as before. I've searched my hard drive for anything Fairpoint related, and done a registry clean-up. No difference

Since what Fairpoint is demanding I install is a security update, I've accessed the modem to try to find out what security settings are in there that aren't in the Action Tec.

I was thinking that maybe the problem could be in the router settings, but that shouldn't be the case since the PC is hard-wired to the modem... the router isn't involved.

I just don't know where to turn, since Fairpoint won't be interested in helping me set up a third-party modem, and the modem itself isn't the problem, so ActionTec isn't at fault.

There has to be an answer to this. I can't be the only person who's faced this problem. I'll go searching the internet again!

I appreciate your effort to help me. I'll post the solution when/if I find it!

Karen

Now I'm more confused. I had a Westell 6100 modem connected to my desktop PC. My husband has a laptop, and I have an iPad, so we have a Netgear wireless router installed to give us wifi.

I'm trying to replace the Westell 6100 with the ActionTec GT701D. The Netgear router is still in place to provide wifi.

Could the Negear wireless router be causing any problems? Should I try to reinstall it after I hook up the ActionTec modem and see if that makes a difference? I don't know if the annoying Fairpoint screen would allow me to go to the Netgear address or not.

I found a post online from someone who was having the same problem with the Fairpoint upgrade screen, but he was using a Fairpoint-provided modem.... just not a Westell one. The solution was simply changing his username from "username" to "username" plus "@myfairpoint.net" -- I'm using that elongated username anyway, so that solution wouldn't help me. Besides, he's using equipment provided by Fairpoint, so it was presumably set up to work.

Maybe my best option is to box up the ActionTec modem again, put it on the shelf, and just see if I can get Fairpoint to upgrade my modem to one that doesn't have to be rebooted several times a day!

Karen

There is no USB involved. The yellow ethernet cord goes between my PC and the Netgear wireless router. From there another yellow ethernet cord goes to the DSL modem. The phone line is plugged into the modem. No USB ports are used at all.

I made no changes in the cord configuration. I just unplugged the ethernet cord and the phone line from the Westell modem and plugged them into the ActionTec modem. Nothing else was changed.

I just don't understand why Fairpoint insists on upgrading a modem that isn't theirs. I just now downloaded their @#$%^&* security update installer file again and installed it on the Westell modem. I'm going to disconnect AGAIN and see if that makes a difference. Fairpoint insists the file makes no changes to the PC, so I don't see how it's going to make any difference in what I'm going to encounter. I'm sure I've been through this particular drill before, when I initially tried to install this modem.

I'll do as you suggest and look at the status data. I'll also power off and reboot the computer and the ActionTec modem to see if that makes a difference. The settings are what you showed for VPI/VCI and the QoS. I don't know if I saw the mmode for the modem, but I'll look for that.

This isn't how I planned to spend my day, but OH WELL, lol.

Thanks again for your help.
Karen

I bit the bullet and called Fairpoint. A very nice man acknowledged that I had set things up correctly and that he thought there was a problem with the login that would be looked at on their end. He said he would have it looked into. I guess now I just wait and try to use the modem again in a day or so and see if they've been able to address the problem successfully.

We had satellite internet (HughesNet) for a while, but it was very expensive unless all you wanted to do was email. The first month we had it we went over the limit of our contract and had to upgrade. I'm quite happy with the Fairpoint DSL, except for the modem issue now. There is another wireless service available in town, but I don't know if we can access the tower or not from our location. The Fairpoint seems the best option for us at present.

Thanks again. I appreciate your time. I'll post if Fairpoint is able to solve the problem.

Karen

SUCCESS!!! I got a call back from a Fairpoint tech.... he said that he would reset things from his end and see if that made a difference. It seemed to have done the trick. I don't know what was going on, but it appears it was on Fairpoint's end and not mine.

Thanks so much for your help. It kept me sane as I tried to figure this out. I didn't think Fairpoint would be of any help, but I was wrong. The tech said that they aren't trained in third-party modems, so he couldn't help me out there, but if all the lights were on, it appeared it was working and that it was an authentication problem. I guess I'm now "authenticated." Now to see if the new modem is more stable than the old one. If it isn't I'll start pulling my hair out, lol!

Thanks again.
Karen

Rule of thumb when installing non-FPoint modems and encountering walled garden: Call tech support and ask them to for a new password and that should solve the walled garden problem. If you tell them you have a non-approved modem they can't help you but if you tell them you have encountered a walled garden with their modem (wink, wink) they will quickly help by giving you a new password. Been making beer money for quite awhile by replacing the Westell 7500's (awful stuff!) with inexpensive refurb Netgear stuff that solves almost all connectivity problems. Anyone want to buy a Westell 7500?

I'm not sure they bind Mac addresses as I have only encountered a walled garden w/certain flavors of Netgear - some connect w/no problems. My B/U modem to my DGN2200 is a FP Westell 7500 and it re-connects w/no walled garden (or it did 2 years ago!). BTW if you can find a refurb DGN2200 for $30-40 grab it. It is "set and forget". No reboots - ever!

Agreed. I bought a Netgear DGN2200 6 months ago, plugged it in, configured PPPoE credentials and WiFi and have not had any problems. No FP calls required, no walled garden issues, no reboots.

Ajeff,
can you post the exact netgear settings used.

I hae a N600 ADSL2+

If I look at the netgear log I get a DSL UP;
I get a [internet connected] w/ IP address assigned;
then I gets an [internet disconnected]

nothing last long enough to get anything out of a browser window.

The router settings for the DGN3700 are pretty much the default - VPI 0, VCI 35, with your FPoint email and password. I would also make sure you have the latest firmware. If you can't get connected and have a blinking amber light there is a procedure for downloading and installing the firmware manually (of course you need another live computer). For the record I have had some problems with the Netgear Dual Band routers running off cable modems and have returned 2 for replacement.

Hello there!
You likely have found an solution to your problem, but I have experience with a very similar situation, & would like to give u my advice! So here it is:

* Call FairPoint/Verizon!! —they can show u how to bypass the garden wall!

I had Verizon DSL for several years, & finally got fed up with their unreliable service, so I cancelled the service. I had full intentions to switch to Time Warner but, after having Warner's technician come out & tell me more about the fees & "bull" involved, I decided they weren't a good fit. So, desperately needing the net, we returned to FairPoint (FP).

Since we had been a customer of theirs for quite some time, we still had the original (& now "old") modem they had provided. It's so old that they no longer offer them to clients, & even their policy/program for owning them has changed! Anyway, when the FP tech came out to "reinstall" our service, I bombarded him with every question I had & watched everything he did (so I could learn it myself).

Turns out that FP is upgrading their network connections, to be better/faster/etc. in doing so, their are some modems/connections that require a security "update", to be able to access& function on this new network. That is where this "garden wall" comes in. See, tho I have a modem provided by FP, I also ran into the same issue you have. Whenever I tried to access the net, I would get a impassable page, stating something about security updates (it was awhile ago, so I don't recall exactly what it said). No matter what I tried nothing would work, even tho the modem was all lit up!

So, I called FP, & they knew exactly what I was talking about, & exactly what I (rather they) needed to do, to allow me to bypass their "wall". Unfortunately, I don't remember the details of what the customer service person said, but it was along the lines of: The network/service upgrade that FP is doing will take quite a long time to complete (we're talking years+/-), so not having the "proper" updated security, isn't really an issue...least not right now—However, once they have their new system up, their may be the need to re-visit this wall. Yet, for now, it's actually not necessary, & if it's stopping you from having access to the net, the Cust.Serv Tech can take the wall "down" for you!!

So! Long story short, what u need to do to fix this issue is....Have your computer ready, & Call FairPoint! Tell them the issue, follow their instructions, & you'll be back online in minutes!

Same thing just started with a Cisco router that's been working for the last 18 months. (have a 4g failover so I really don't want to give up with the Cisco)

I had to call and get a new password. Was able to get the westell modem to work fine. Changed the config on the Cisco router - it connects for 1-2 mins then drops the connection. Tried calling back and changing the password again with only the cisco router in place - same result. Have to reset the interface for the connection to start again.

New CO info from Router interface (I was also able to call and upgrade to 15/1)

sho controller vdsl 0/0/0
Controller VDSL 0/0/0 is UP

Daemon Status: Up

XTU-R (DS) XTU-C (US)
Chip Vendor ID: 'BDCM' 'BDCM'
Chip Vendor Specific: 0x0000 0x93B2
Chip Vendor Country: 0xB500 0xB500
Modem Vendor ID: 'CSCO' ' '
Modem Vendor Specific: 0x4602 0x0000
Modem Vendor Country: 0xB500 0x0000
Serial Number Near: FOC15242ZV2 1941/K9 15.3(2)
Serial Number Far:
Modem Version Near: 15.3(2)
Modem Version Far: 0x93b2

Modem Status: TC Sync (Showtime!)
DSL Config Mode: AUTO
Trained Mode: G.992.5 (ADSL2+) Annex A
TC Mode: ATM
Selftest Result: 0x00
DELT configuration: disabled
DELT state: not running
Trellis: ON ON
SRA: disabled disabled
SRA count: 0 0
Bit swap: enabled enabled
Bit swap count: 0 3
Line Attenuation: 26.0 dB 13.7 dB
Signal Attenuation: 22.8 dB 13.5 dB
Noise Margin: 20.9 dB 20.0 dB
Attainable Rate: 25680 kbits/s 1025 kbits/s
Actual Power: 11.2 dBm 12.4 dBm
Total FECC: 7 0
Total ES: 0 0
Total SES: 0 0
Total LOSS: 0 0
Total UAS: 64 64
Total LPRS: 0 0
Total LOFS: 0 0
Total LOLS: 0 0

Full inits: 1
Failed full inits: 1
Short inits: 1
Failed short inits: 0

Firmware Source File Name (version)
-------- ------ -------------------
VDSL user config flash:vdsl.bin-A2pv6C035d_d23j (10)

Modem FW Version: 110802_1752-4.02L.03.A2pv6C035d.d23j
Modem PHY Version: A2pv6C035d.d23j
Vendor Version:

DS Channel1 DS Channel0 US Channel1 US Channel0
Speed (kbps): 0 8270 0 911
SRA Previous Speed: 0 0 0 0
Previous Speed: 0 0 0 0
Total Cells: 0 88535864 0 9750294
User Cells: 0 781819 0 373499
Reed-Solomon EC: 0 7 0 0
CRC Errors: 0 0 0 0
Header Errors: 0 0 0 0
Interleave (ms): 0.00 10.78 0.00 16.84
Actual INP: 0.00 8.02 0.00 2.24

Training Log : Stopped
Training Log Filename : flash:vdsllog.bin

Router PPP debugging:

Sep 10 20:23:15.347: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface ATM0/0/0, changed state to down
Sep 10 20:23:16.347: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface ATM0/0/0, changed state to down
Sep 10 20:23:21.803: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface ATM0/0/0, changed state to up
Sep 10 20:23:22.803: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface ATM0/0/0, changed state to up
Sep 10 20:23:31.887: %DIALER-6-BIND: Interface Vi2 bound to profile Di0
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Virtual-Access2, changed state to up
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: Sending cstate UP notification
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: Processing CstateUp message
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: PPP: Alloc Context [30E2B730]
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: ppp3 PPP: Phase is ESTABLISHING
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: Using dialer call direction
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: Treating connection as a callout
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: Session handle[5000003] Session id[3]
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 LCP: Event[OPEN] State[Initial to Starting]
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 PPP: No remote authentication for call-out
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 LCP: O CONFREQ [Starting] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 LCP: MagicNumber 0x3E012BA5 (0x05063E012BA5)
Sep 10 20:23:31.891: Vi2 LCP: Event[UP] State[Starting to REQsent]
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: I CONFREQ [REQsent] id 1 len 18
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: MRU 1492 (0x010405D4)
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: AuthProto PAP (0x0304C023)
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: MagicNumber 0xA2358140 (0x0506A2358140)
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: O CONFNAK [REQsent] id 1 len 8
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: MRU 1500 (0x010405DC)
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: Event[Receive ConfReq-] State[REQsent to REQsent]
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: I CONFACK [REQsent] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: MagicNumber 0x3E012BA5 (0x05063E012BA5)
Sep 10 20:23:31.951: Vi2 LCP: Event[Receive ConfAck] State[REQsent to ACKrcvd]
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: I CONFREQ [ACKrcvd] id 2 len 18
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: MRU 1500 (0x010405DC)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: AuthProto PAP (0x0304C023)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: MagicNumber 0xA2358140 (0x0506A2358140)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: O CONFACK [ACKrcvd] id 2 len 18
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: MRU 1500 (0x010405DC)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: AuthProto PAP (0x0304C023)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: MagicNumber 0xA2358140 (0x0506A2358140)
Sep 10 20:23:31.995: Vi2 LCP: Event[Receive ConfReq+] State[ACKrcvd to Open]
Sep 10 20:23:32.007: Vi2 PPP: Phase is AUTHENTICATING, by the peer
Sep 10 20:23:32.007: Vi2 PAP: Using hostname from interface PAP
Sep 10 20:23:32.007: Vi2 PAP: Using password from interface PAP
Sep 10 20:23:32.007: Vi2 PAP: O AUTH-REQ id 1 len 38 from "m******@myfairpoint.net"
Sep 10 20:23:32.007: Vi2 LCP: State is Open
Sep 10 20:23:32.647: Vi2 PAP: I AUTH-ACK id 1 len 5
Sep 10 20:23:32.647: Vi2 PPP: Phase is FORWARDING, Attempting Forward
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 PPP: Queue IPCP code[1] id[1]
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 PPP: Phase is ESTABLISHING, Finish LCP
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Virtual-Access2, changed state to up
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 PPP: No AAA accounting method list
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 PPP: Phase is UP
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Protocol configured, start CP. state[Initial]
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Event[OPEN] State[Initial to Starting]
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: O CONFREQ [Starting] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Address 0.0.0.0 (0x030600000000)
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Event[UP] State[Starting to REQsent]
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 PPP: Process pending ncp packets
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Redirect packet to Vi2
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: I CONFREQ [REQsent] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Address 64.223.*.* (0x030640DF6D01)
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: O CONFACK [REQsent] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Address *.*.*.* (0x030640DF6D01)
Sep 10 20:23:32.651: Vi2 IPCP: Event[Receive ConfReq+] State[REQsent to ACKsent]
Sep 10 20:23:32.695: Vi2 IPCP: I CONFNAK [ACKsent] id 1 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.695: Vi2 IPCP: Address *.*.*.* (0x030647B55085)
Sep 10 20:23:32.695: Vi2 IPCP: O CONFREQ [ACKsent] id 2 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.695: Vi2 IPCP: Address *.*.*.* (0x030647B55085)
Sep 10 20:23:32.695: Vi2 IPCP: Event[Receive ConfNak/Rej] State[ACKsent to ACKsent]
Sep 10 20:23:32.735: Vi2 IPCP: I CONFACK [ACKsent] id 2 len 10
Sep 10 20:23:32.735: Vi2 IPCP: Address 71.181.80.133 (0x030647B55085)
Sep 10 20:23:32.735: Vi2 IPCP: Event[Receive ConfAck] State[ACKsent to Open]
Sep 10 20:23:32.743: Vi2 IPCP: State is Open
Sep 10 20:23:32.743: Di0 IPCP: Install negotiated IP interface address 71.181.*.*
Sep 10 20:23:32.743: Di0 Added to neighbor route AVL tree: topoid 0, address 64.223.*.*
Sep 10 20:23:32.743: Di0 IPCP: Install route to 64.223.*.*
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 LCP: I TERMREQ [Open] id 3 len 4
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 PPP DISC: Received LCP TERMREQ from peer
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 PPP: Sending Acct Event[Down] id[11]
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: PPP: NET STOP send to AAA.
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 PPP: Phase is TERMINATING
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 IPCP: Event[DOWN] State[Open to Starting]
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 IPCP: Event[CLOSE] State[Starting to Initial]
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 LCP: O TERMACK [Open] id 3 len 4
Sep 10 20:25:32.835: Vi2 LCP: Event[Receive TermReq] State[Open to Stopping]
Sep 10 20:25:32.839: Di0 Deleted neighbor route from AVL tree: topoid 0, address 64.223.*.*
Sep 10 20:25:32.839: Di0 IPCP: Remove route to 64.223.*.*
Sep 10 20:25:32.867: %DIALER-6-UNBIND: Interface Vi2 unbound from profile Di0
Sep 10 20:25:32.867: Vi2 PPP: Block vaccess from being freed [0x10]
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Virtual-Access2, changed state to down
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Virtual-Access2, changed state to down
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 PPP: Sending cstate DOWN notification
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 PPP: Processing CstateDown message
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 LCP: Event[CLOSE] State[Stopping to Closing]
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 LCP: Event[DOWN] State[Closing to Initial]
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 PPP: Unlocked by [0x10] Still Locked by [0x0]
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 PPP: Free previously blocked vaccess
Sep 10 20:25:32.871: Vi2 PPP: Phase is DOWN