🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi,

I'm not ready to get into the settings yet. Still laying out the system here.
I RTFM to be able to anticipate needing to get in there, and verified that the
browser interface to it is broken. Telnet connects to it, html and telnet
aren't exactly in love. So even if knew what I want inside, I can't get in.
You haven't addressed the broken interface yet, so I guess you need to get
back to me on that. I seriously doubt the old/new modem fix to this was
invented. Somebody claimed that's what it took to get it fixed. But hey, this
*is* Usenet.

But, ahem, the above problem with access was enough for me to put a call in to
ADSL support. Got lot's of HUH?s but finally did get to speak to someone who
admitted he didn't know. He put me on hold and found someone who did know. I
had to squeeze the guy a bit, but he told me it contains proprietary circuitry
to prevent re-use on non-BS systems. That part of it isn't an issue for me.

This isn't unique to BS either. Cisco will not make modem flash upgrades
available to US West DSL consumers even though they KNOW it fixes problems.
That's because they are under contract with USW and USW doesn't want their
customers, even the one's who know what they are doing, inside the modems.
That works for about 20 minutes after a new flash coming out of USW gets to a
retail customer. First thing he does is post the binary to Usenet. Silly isn't
it? And when large numbers of people start posting that the flash fixed
something that USW couldn't fix......whammo

So.....with the conflicting information I'm getting why don't we just cut to
the chase and go for the whole enchilada in one big bite. Consider this
scenario:

BellSouth makes available to me, for my technical evaluation, for a TBD period
of time, an Alcatel 1000 ABAA modem (or any other working equivalent with
equal or greater capability) that let's me into it as indicated in the manual,
or whatever docs come with the replacement. If I can get in, make changes,
unmake them, and it also works with the BS service in the as delivered
configuration, I keep it and you get the other one back. I'm happy. I will
sign off on a statement that I agree that BellSouth is not going to provide
support to me about the settings, or solve problems I bring upon myself by
changing them.

I don't think it can get any easier than that do you? The ball is in your
court, and I'm not in a hurry. Get back to me, OK?

Thanks.


How's the spelling now Joe? <G>.

On Thu, 15 Jul 1999 12:48:12 -0400 , newshelp@bellsouth.net  wrote
>Squirrel,
>
>According to our ADSL group, the Alcatel 1000 modem we use has not been
>changed to be propriatary in any way.  It shouldn't be any different
>from the "retail units" you talk about.  Could you give us an example of
>exactly what "internal settings" you are trying to perform?
>
>
>-Andrew
>newshelp11@bellsouth.net
>Bellsouth.Net Customer Communications
>
>Be an Informed Consumer wrote:
>> 
>> Fact:
>> 
>> Modem manual describes procedure to access modem internal settings
>> via www browser. This does not work and has been confirmed by
>> multiple users. Therefore not likely a few defective units, but
>> crippled on purpose or buggy firmware.
>> 
>> Unverified Rumour:
>> 
>> BS supplied Alcatel 1000 ABAA unit is OEM to BS, but not identical to
>> retail units. Custom circuitry inside makes modem non-portable. That
>> is, if you leave the BS network, and join another that supports
>> Alcatel 1000, your modem will not work. You get to buy it, or another
>> (not cheap either) again.
>> 
>> Shouldn't be a problem with anyone who considers the hardware "free"
>> with the $200 install, BUT may be perceived as being deceptive by
>> others.
>> 
>> Question:
>> 
>> Does alleged custom circuity provide only non-portability function,
>> or is it also required to be in place for use on BS. That is, will a
>> retail, non crippled Alcatel 1000 (or other competing product) work
>> with BS ADSL? If so, say so, and provide list of qualified units.
>> 
>> Thank you so very much, have a nice day.