Modem config files encrypted.
 

If they are now going to be encrypted, then isn't it possible that you could be given a 512kb config instead of say 50MB. and you wouldn't know from looking?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I would imagine that whilst the files themselves would be encrypted, the firmware within the modem would be able to decrypt sufficient information to provide the detail on the stat's page. Failing that I would imagine that only the configuration itself would be encrypted, but the stat's may be in the clear.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I've seen reports of configs looking like this at first view.

1Ty76resr55ehf8421

cm-2148-256

You can tell what speed one is but not the other.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Surely though you don't need to know the name/internals of the config to know what speed the modem is set to? Isn't that information available from within the modem's information page?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

rob i think that is what gary means that the operational config is encrypted so you cant see what you are on which sounds a bit dodgy to me. The config that virgin sends out that i can understand that it is encrypted otherwise you can change it yourself

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

So the actual information displayed within the modem's information page is being encrypted now?

That does sound odd :erm:

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

No the config file in the the event log is to be encrypted not the details in the configuration pages to try and prevent piracy.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Ok, so the event log shows what config file your modem has been updated with and they're going to encrypt that information?

I guess this still means that the information regarding your configuration (speed/settings/etc) will still be available via the information page?

Am I right yet? :D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

You can still see what your on by looking at the operational config page.

IE look at this and you can tell what speed i am on

So basically there's nothing to get upset about :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Ok, so if that's the case, the fact that they're encrypting the information in the logs isn't a problem - you can still tell what speed you're on (and therefore if they've uploaded the right config) by looking at the modem.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Correct.

Storm in a teacup

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I thought it didn't sound like a problem, wasn't sure exactly what was being encrypted though hence all the questions :D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Yes here is my 20Mb configuration page

Network Access :
Allowed
Maximum Downstream Data Rate :
20480000
Maximum Upstream Data Rate :
768000
Maximum Upstream Channel Burst :
1600
Maximum Number of CPEs :
1
Modem Capability :
Concatenation Enabled, Fragametation Enabled, PHS Disabled

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Here is my 20mb config page Ambit 250 (blue one)

Network Access : Allowed
Maximum Downstream Data Rate : 0
Maximum Upstream Data Rate : 0
Maximum Upstream Channel Burst : 0
Maximum Number of CPEs : 1
Modem Capability : Concatenation Enabled, Fragametation Enabled, PHS Enabled

and never seen this in the event log before:

Thu Mar 26 17:31:50 2009 Thu Mar 26 17:31:50 2009 Information (7) BPI restart completed.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

But do you both know that you even have an encrypted config at the moment?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

That's.....odd.....

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

yes i removed mine in the picture i posted. and yes i knew a while back about them and WHY they have them

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

An encrypted config does not matter in the slightest, remember who I actually work for!

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I have no issue with them because they are part of a bigger picture to try and upset and prevent the **** bag cloners from stealing service. They have no affect on my service at all.

The only people that need to be worried are those stealing cable

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I can't see what speed i am on from my post on page 1, quick speed test shows i'm on 20mb

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2009/03/12.png
PS www.speedtest.net has had a make over!!! whoooo

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Remember who I actually work for. did I ever tell you?

No disrespect, but Ben has had to correct you quite a few times in the past :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Here we go :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Play nicely people, and put the e-peens away.

This is an interesting topic which is worthy of some discussion, let's not turn it into a willy waving competition ;)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I have some popcorn Sirius, wanna share :D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

:D

Here is an example of what I'm talking about.

Virgin support didn't confirm or deny.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

i am also on a DOCSIS 1.1 now and NOT 1.0

Time Not Established Time Not Established Information (7) We registered with a DOCSIS 1.1 config file!

PS i'm in Derby no 50mb here yet!!

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Ben rightly corrects me on Customer Service issues as that is his job if I get it wrong and I often put that in those posts that Ben will correct them if required.

I am Broadband Technical Support and I know what I am talking about here is correct, if the config file is encrypted what bearing does it have on you as you do not need to be able to read it, I as a support agent can tell in seconds what speed you are on when you call in using my online tools.

All you need to see is the configuration file page as shown below, do you think the is a conspiracy going on!

Network Access :
Allowed
Maximum Downstream Data Rate :
20480000
Maximum Upstream Data Rate :
768000
Maximum Upstream Channel Burst :
1600
Maximum Number of CPEs :
1
Modem Capability :
Concatenation Enabled, Fragametation Enabled, PHS Disabled

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

oh yes :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I don't want to read the contents of the config. so the contents have no bearing. I'm talking about the title. is it really that hard to understand even from the examples I've given?!!

Of course I don't think there's a conspiracy going on.
if I'm not getting the speeds I'm supposed to get. all I have to do is call in and ask you to confirm what speed I'm on!!!

Sorry about the excessive use of !!!'s :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2009/03/13.png

And holy cow, they just upgraded my upstream to 4Mb. Confirmed on my ISPs webpage!

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

No you look as I have done at my own configuration page which tells you exactly what speed you are on, why do you need or even expect the config to be not encrypted because it is actually done for security purposes to try and prevent fraudulent misuse of Virgin services by piracy.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

if it kicks all the hackers off i wouldn't care if i couldn't get on the page at all!

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

My config file appears to be blank:

Seems to work ok though.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Don't take this the wrong way but I am going to type this very slowly for you. you might catch my point and not skip over it and keep saying encryption is for our benefit because we hate fraud and piracy as much as we hate terrorists :)


Time Since Last Reset 0 days 18h:37m:07s
Configuration File ldJKDHSUBsgvca6983

What will you say to when or if your config file is reading like that, and not how it used to read Configuration File cm-2148-256 ?

What's puzzling me now is if it's encrypted then how does the modem decipher it and let us read it unencrypted? :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Oddly enough the are a few of those especially on older Ambits, which model have you got.

They are working on a fix for them.

No Gary this is not a deliberate act by Virgin to not let you know what speed people are on.:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

The modem has the ability to encrypt/decrypt the entire connection as far as I know - decrypting a simple config file should be easy.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Because the equipment has its own computer chip in it which can and does decipher it and the programmers ensure that this happens.

If you had said that an hour ago I could have answered it then.:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

@ Moldova - EPC2100

Interstingly the equivalent SNMP query is blank too - still got access here.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

OMG! it is blank.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

In my honest opinion the only people that should be worried about this are those who steal cable. I have a encrypted config but i can still see the details of my speed in the operational configuration page. I have just been round to my father in laws who lives 2 doors up and he can see his configuration in the same page as me but he is on 20 meg with config. I will post a screen shot in a min.

*****

edit no i cannot see the speed now. Just rebooted his modem and it now does not show his speed:shocked:

This will drive a few more calls into tech support



*****

Still have no problem with this if it makes the **** bag cable thieves task a lot harder

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Are you NTL or Telewest.

---------- Post added at 19:28 ---------- Previous post was at 19:27 ----------

:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Moldova - Telewest

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Thats unusual as it is usually in NTL areas, it is nothing to worry about just a glitch in the system.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Since I work doing TW tech support it doesn't worry me in the slightest.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I already knew that:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Think about this for a second. Why would they bother encrypting a config if the modem could not decrypt it? The modem would not know what speed to set the limit to.

The fact the modem is displaying the wrong info just means that there is a bug in the display routine.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Absolutely spot on.http://smileyshut.com/smileys/new/fr...s-9[1].gif

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

A little bird has also told me that some are having a bit of a hard time since last night :LOL:

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Oooh really? Are we allowed to discuss hackers having problems? Please say yes lol

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Mine's still registered as having connected with a DOCSIS 1.0 file.

Are they rolling out 1.1 area by area then? If so, ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!!! :D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

having read this thread my conclusion is some people like to moan, and when they have nothing to moan about they moan about that aswell.

get a grip people!!

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

:LOL:

---------- Post added at 20:03 ---------- Previous post was at 20:01 ----------

A wee snippit

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

He can always call in and ask support what his speed is now :)

---------- Post added at 20:16 ---------- Previous post was at 20:13 ----------

Explained nice and simple. for simple people like me :)

---------- Post added at 20:16 ---------- Previous post was at 20:16 ----------

Agreed :tu:

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

You would be surprised how many people do just that considering they are paying for a product and they have no idea what it is or actually does.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I know. and they get STMd for not just ignoring it, but trying to find out what it does! :LOL:

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Most people who call in are not STMed as we check that as part of our diagnostics and many never have been STMed as they do not download heavily or do it outside of the STM times.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Agreed, and those that are are often unwittingly running P2P (iPlayer or 4OD for instance) or have spyware/viruses or have a hijacked wireless network.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Then they need to fix that, They cannot blame Virgin for there own pc problems

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Ok, and they get threatened with STM for not just ignoring it, but trying to find out what it does. I should have said.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Or have over 4000 listening TCPs in netstat -an after a supposedly clean re install and no connection:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Is that a netstat -an from their end or your end?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

In the DOS prompt in XP on their machine.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I have seen on a forum that they are having problems to, the hackers i mean.

I also saw one comment that said " F this I'm calling virgin and going to start paying, i cant be bothered with the messing about now"

1 down x amount of thousand to go!

PS good trick if you want to view a forum that is locked use the cached option from a Google search (attached image)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I got one, two, three. four, five, six, seven..... :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Fairly clean then so you have a good firewall, any established.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

No, I'm counting all 4,000 to you over the phone! :D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

I apologise in advance, having spent all day in hospital my patience is limited.

1) The modem config file names are not encrypted, they are dynamically generated because...
2) The modem config files themselves are not encrypted, they are cryptographically signed so that they can only be used on the modem that is to receive them. Obviously this requires a dynamic config name to avoid a modem downloading a file which is certified for another one....

So there you are, no encryption, dynamically generated and cryptographically signed config files.

Bad Moldova making stuff up about this mystical cable modem decryption chip! ;)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

So is this BPI+ or not?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

---------- Post added at 22:05 ---------- Previous post was at 22:04 ----------

Naughty broadbandings not reading post properly, I said it had a chip in that can decipher the config not a decryption chip, it does have a chipset in it that reads the config and deciphers the config to ensure the modem provides correct speed.:D

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Some X.509 sig verification is done that's all, and it uses nothing more than the CPU which the modem kinda needs else it won't be able to do anything. I read your post as implying that there is some cryptographic chip in the modems that's all.

---------- Post added at 22:10 ---------- Previous post was at 22:09 ----------

The modem doesn't govern the speed on DOCSIS 1.1 either btw. It's all done on the CMTS with the bandwidth figure on the modem being purely cosmetic, so long as the service flow itself checks out all is good ;)

I point the gentleman to the DOCSIS 1.1 specifications on service flow parameters.

Infact I point this entire thread to said specs then it doesn't need to exist :)

http://www.scte.org/content/index.cfm?pID=59

Bon Appetit darlings :angel:

Oh yes the attachment, that's the bit of the config file that discusses speeds on 50Mbit, its' only purpose is to match up with the parameters on the CMTS.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

What does the onboard chipset do in the modem

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

You need rest. you're thinking too hard :)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Modulate and demodulate RF in the case of the RF bits, along with a CPU which deals with the rest.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

If my modem is now 1.1 & controlled by CTMS, anyone want to share the secret of how to boost the speed t]like the guys on 50mb can?

e.g. get more than 50mb and double upload

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Well he is one of the guys to ask Gary.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Damnit Druchii lend me a couple of Mbit of that please?

Silly European cablecos that keep forgetting that cable is asymmetrical by design and that cable internet should be very download heavy 'cos VM who struggle in a lot of DOCSIS 3 areas to handle DOCSIS 1.1 upstreams said so.

I could tell you yes but it just wouldn't be proper, plus those silly people responsible for the issue (not VM I might add) might have fixed it now.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Would someone mind answering my question?

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Anyone that does risks action being taken against them.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

There is a WagonWheel in it for you?!?!?!?

If there is a risk VM will slap my wrist i will leave it.

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

Well as you need to be on 50Mbit network to begin with there's not much point in you messing around ;)

Re: Modem config files encrypted.
 

The Jam WagonWheel took your interest then? ;)