DanD
Premium
join:2009-07-17
Needham, MA
1 edit | Which cable modem can I use with my RCN internet ?
The whole BYOM vs BYOSTB irks me.
Why would RCN (or other providers) allow an end-user to purchase his/her own modem, and have RCN provision it -- if it is on the "approved" list, but won't do the same for STB's ?
As long as it is a Motorola "xyz", which RCN provides, why isn't purchasing (even from RCN directly) not an option ? |
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mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA
| My understanding (I could be wrong) is that the firmware on the STBs can be different among providers. Some boxes may be running firmware that the RCN network doesn't even know how to talk to. As a result, it may be impossible for the firmware to be updated through the network. This could end up being a support nightmare for RCN.
Of course this is why cablecard was invented. Unfortunately, it's been all one-way to this point, which has basically doomed it.
Cable modems are different... DOCSIS standardizes all the details, so, theoretically, any DOCSIS modem can work on any DOCSIS network. The correlary to the STB is OpenCable, which is the whole cable card thing.
So, if you want to buy your own STB, you need to buy one with a cable card slot, and rent a card from RCN, and deal with the fact that it's one way only.
- Mike |
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DanD
Premium
join:2009-07-17
Needham, MA
| quote:
My understanding (I could be wrong) is that the firmware on the STBs can be different among providers.
Possibly. But I would think that model x of a certain STB, with y amount of memory should be able to support firmware from whatever cable/telco provider keeps those in inventory.
The advantage of owning your own STB is if you are fortunate enough to have more than 1 provider & want to switch, and the STB that you have works on their system, you're all set.
Of course, one huge disadvantage is when there is a problem with an STB, you can just bring it back to your local customer service center to exchange.
I'm currently renting 2 HD boxes (non-DVR), and am paying approx $12 each, plus another $12 for the DCT-700s, bringing that up to approx $36/month in rental fees.
I'm not saying that I actually would purchase a converter box -- but it would be nice to at least have the option. |
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mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA
| said by DanD  :But I would think that model x of a certain STB, with y amount of memory should be able to support firmware from whatever cable/telco provider keeps those in inventory. I have to admit, I'm speculating here. I could be completely wrong, but imagine an STB which was provisioned for Comcast looks for firmware updates on the OOB (out-of-band) channel. However, on the RCN network, the OOB frequency is different, or the data is coded differently. The STB running the Comcast box will not be able to interpret the data that RCN is sending and no firmware update can happen. They're speaking different languages.
Unfortunately, these boxes aren't user upgradeable, not to mention you wouldn't be able to get RCN's firmware anyhow. |
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