Questions about mode switch

**Real_Bullet** · 12-18-2007, 10:28 PM

I am currently on a 1.5 Cable internet connection using a SMC Networks modem, is it possible to use a Arris Cable modem which I think is also 1.5 connection?

I could never get the Arris to work and was wondering is their some process I have to go through to get it to work or does my ISP only recognize the SMC Networks modem and only allows connection from it?

**johnwill** · 12-19-2007, 02:05 PM

I think the basic issue is your ISP will require you to contact them and register the MAC address of the modem you use. If this is a standard cable account, any DOCSIS compliant modem should work, but it has to be provisioned by MAC address for the cable system.

The MAC address should be on a label on the modem.

**Real_Bullet** · 12-19-2007, 02:18 PM

Would a new SMC networks modem have the same MAC Address?

I had problems or thought I did with the SMC one few weeks back, Cable guy comes and hands me a new modem to try out to see if it worked without doing any calling up or anything.

**johnwill** · 12-19-2007, 05:30 PM

Nope. MAC addresses are supposed to be unique to each piece of Ethernet equipment on the planet. Now, in real life, it's not exactly that way, but every SMC modem will have a unique MAC address.

Required reading assignment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address

12-18-2007, 10:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Real_Bullet TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2005 Location: Lumberton, MS Posts: 517 OS: Windows Vista Home Basic My System	Questions about modem switch I am currently on a 1.5 Cable internet connection using a SMC Networks modem, is it possible to use a Arris Cable modem which I think is also 1.5 connection? I could never get the Arris to work and was wondering is their some process I have to go through to get it to work or does my ISP only recognize the SMC Networks modem and only allows connection from it? __________________ I can speak Chinese, PPHUBK'YU. Last edited by Real_Bullet; 12-18-2007 at 10:34 PM.

12-19-2007, 02:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,822 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Questions about mode switch I think the basic issue is your ISP will require you to contact them and register the MAC address of the modem you use. If this is a standard cable account, any DOCSIS compliant modem should work, but it has to be provisioned by MAC address for the cable system. The MAC address should be on a label on the modem. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

12-19-2007, 02:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Real_Bullet TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2005 Location: Lumberton, MS Posts: 517 OS: Windows Vista Home Basic My System	Re: Questions about mode switch Would a new SMC networks modem have the same MAC Address? I had problems or thought I did with the SMC one few weeks back, Cable guy comes and hands me a new modem to try out to see if it worked without doing any calling up or anything. __________________ I can speak Chinese, PPHUBK'YU.

12-19-2007, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,822 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Questions about mode switch Nope. MAC addresses are supposed to be unique to each piece of Ethernet equipment on the planet. Now, in real life, it's not exactly that way, but every SMC modem will have a unique MAC address. Required reading assignment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience