Modem that by-passes the ISP?

[dalinux_n00bie]

So I'm looking for a cable modem that doesn't require an ISP. I know they exist, I stumbled accross a /. article once about a guy who sold them, and I would like one because, well, comcast is seriously annoying.

I would also like to know the legal ramifications of getting such a modem. Like, I don't see anything wrong with getting one, so long as I keep paying the bill that comcast so lovingly gives me.

Thanks.

[HROAdmin26]

I'd like to see that "article"...

[b2bwild]

It sounds like, running a train without railroad.
However a direct or indirect connection to a network/computer having access to internet is needed.

[dalinux_n00bie]

found it, it wasn't a /. article, my bad.

Hardware Hacker Charged With Selling Cable Modems That Get Free Broadband -- Update | Threat Level from Wired.com

[HROAdmin26]

Ahh, the old "unlock download/upload rates and use a cloned MAC" routine.

"If you decide to use one of these modems to get free internet, then you're committing theft of service and we will take no responsibility for what may happen to you if you're caught," the site cautions in its FAQ.

"It's 100 percent legal," he boasted. "What the end user does is theft-of-service. Not my problem."

[dalinux_n00bie]

Ok, so I guess that what I'm asking is, where can i buy one of these modems, or should I just buy a moddable one and do it myself.

[D-cat]

What are you looking to do with this?

If you're seeking to still use your purchased Comcast Internet and just peak your download rate, go for it I guess; but it you're looking to access free Internet on someone elses account, That's out right theft, regardless of how you try to justify it. Sticking a Pepsi in your pocket is still theft even if you buy a pack of gum.

Anyway, they still sell the moddables and the programmers (isn't that convenient, the story breaks, they make more money), so I guess if you're bent on trying this out, that's the obvious route to take.

[dalinux_n00bie]

my intent is to just peak download rates, and get a modem that isn't 6 years old.

[HROAdmin26]

A) Did you even read the article you linked? There are links in the article.

B) Using one of these on Comcast's network is theft of service - yes, changing your up/down rate is included.

C) LF's rules clearly state that illegal activities are not allowed on here.

3. No posts regarding illegal activities (cracking, warez, etc)

[D-cat]

yes, changing your up/down rate is included.

I'm not so sure about that. If you load Comcast's spyware on your Windows computer, the download rates skyrocket (you can watch them accellerate), averaging over 800Kb/s (I've seen it peak over 1.4Gb/s, I downloaded the entirety of cygwin in 4 minutes before... almost a gig a minute). It's clear to me that Comcast imposes artificial rate limits within their own modems which can be manipulated by software in their control. All you're really doing with one of these is removing the reqirement of Windows and Comcast's spyware to reach speeds they otherwise do allow its customers.

If they catch you, it may still be a breech of contract (I don't have it in front of me, so I don't know) and they probably will cut you off.