pfSense not connecting to charter (spectrum) internet modem, calmed not docsis 3.1 compatible.

[JKnott]

@pwrobot said in pfSense not connecting to charter (spectrum) internet modem, calmed not docsis 3.1 compatible.:

they tried to get me to buy a new netgear or Cisco router that is listed as compatible

They clearly don't understand the difference between the cable side of modem and the Ethernet side. DOCSIS is strictly between the modem and CMTS at the head end. It is not used anywhere else. You should be able to plug any computer into that modem and expect it to work. If they claim otherwise, I repeat, they are full of it.

[JKnott]

@netblues said in pfSense not connecting to charter (spectrum) internet modem, calmed not docsis 3.1 compatible.:

I would go with a managed 5 port little box.

One nice thing about that is you can configure it as a data tap, which can be used to monitor the connection with Wireshark.

[pwrobot]

@netblues I agree that the midline switch may solve some of the issues.
I ended up getting in contact with some more people higher up in the technical support chain. I explained to them about what we have all been talking about and some solutions we wanted to try. While I was on the phone they noticed a lot on splatter noise on our signal at the time of the phone call and a few times over the weekend too. Unfortunately, the tech I was speaking to could not change the settings I was asking to look into (2.5G nic speed possibly set to max of 10/100/1000 duplex....) but wanted to send a tech out to get a look at the line from our tap to the main junction box on the fiber lines. They were hoping it was an intermittent issue in the main line that keeps knocking us out.
They are scheduled tomorrow 2/22/2022 from 5 to 6PM EST to evaluate the lines that the standard technician was not allowed to evaluate. I will keep you posted of there findings and if our internet can operate like a standard network(no static information set).

[chpalmer]

@jknott

They clearly don't understand the difference between the cable side of modem and the Ethernet side.

Ive actually worked with only a couple cable guys that actually understand how a cable internet plant works.. Had one tell me that the modem does not transmit anything back at the node..

[JKnott]

@chpalmer

WOW! At least I have worked in an cable head end. I find I tend to know more about some of the things than the "support" people do. Then again, half a century of experience in telecom, computers and networks may contribute to that. When I had a problem with IPv6 about 3 years ago, I found I had to teach even 2nd level support and a senior tech the finer points about it.

BTW, I used to do 3rd level support at IBM.