What's different connecting directly to a cable modem?

[Barb Bowman]

well, at least she has the protection of a router. this was a good
solution.

I'll educate her about the security advantages of
using a router at a later date.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

 

[+Bob+]

there are a lot of routers that work with Vista and don't need
regedits, etc. I'd start with something from the listing on
http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/ProductList.aspx?m=v&cid=712&g=d

That's a lamely short list and omits 95% of the routers in use - and
does not include what most ISP's install.

 

[Barb Bowman]

if someone wants to buy a router and wants guidance, it is
recommended to select from this listing. there are devices not on
the list that work fine, but if you don't want to take a chance, the
list is available.

That's a lamely short list and omits 95% of the routers in use - and
does not include what most ISP's install.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

 

[+Bob+]

if someone wants to buy a router and wants guidance, it is
recommended to select from this listing. there are devices not on
the list that work fine, but if you don't want to take a chance, the
list is available.

Agreed... still, most of what anyone will find in a store or provided
by an ISP is not on the compatibility list. That's way less that
convenient (and yet another bonehead move by MS).

 

[RobertVA]

Agreed... still, most of what anyone will find in a store or provided
by an ISP is not on the compatibility list. That's way less that
convenient (and yet another bonehead move by MS).

Microsoft may be demanding a hefty funds transfer from the device
manufacturer for Microsoft's labor costs of product review and testing.
There may be a combination of product cycles replacing models too
quickly and manufacturers' reluctance to pay Microsoft's fee.

Also an academic exercise, since the relative is successfully on line
with the modem I had and I am using the new modem I bought on sale
Thursday at the chain electronics store to post this article and access
the web. I'm still curious as to what the problem is, but both systems
are working online. I don't want to tie up your time typing out or
researching equipment recommendations.

Obviously the CPE side of the cable modems are doing SOMETHING different
than the LAN side of the routers. Three modems manufactured by two
different manufacturers are having the same problem on two computers
from different manufacturers and different Windows versions. The
settings on the HFC side of both routers corresponds to the ISP's
recommended TCP/IP setting for CP and Vista computers connected directly
to the CPE side of the modems. I'm beginning to think so few ISP
customers are connecting without routers the ISP's staff haven't learned
how to make that configuration work.

 

[Barb Bowman]

what brand and model cable modem exactly demonstrated the problem?
what did you replace it with?

Also an academic exercise, since the relative is successfully on line
with the modem I had and I am using the new modem I bought on sale
Thursday at the chain electronics store to post this article and access
the web. I'm still curious as to what the problem is, but both systems
are working online. I don't want to tie up your time typing out or
researching equipment recommendations.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

 

[RobertVA]

--

what brand and model cable modem exactly demonstrated the problem?
what did you replace it with?

The relative's original modem was a D-Link DCM200

My modem is a Motorola Surfboard SB5120

I didn't get the model number from the relative's new modem, but it too
is a Motorola and could be the same model as mine.

 

[Barb Bowman]

the DCM-200 was a DOCSIS 1.0 (supposedly 1.1 capable but it was
discontinued before upgrades were available AFAIK) first generation
cable modem. It only had a 10 meg Ethernet port as well, which in
today's world is not good enough.

The 5100/5101/5120 line from Motorola is a DOCSIS 2.0 capable cable
modem and these are "current generation".

So, basically, you've done quite well..

The relative's original modem was a D-Link DCM200

My modem is a Motorola Surfboard SB5120

I didn't get the model number from the relative's new modem, but it too
is a Motorola and could be the same model as mine.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com