Buying VM/cable modem
 

hi,

I'm new here, so sorry if this is in wrong section, hope not though.

I'm looking at buying cheap cable modem to do some fiddling, testing, you name it.

I was looking at some of the VMNG300 from Virgin Media on ebay. Are they a good buy?

do they have any restrictions in them, or can they be used with any cable connection? even not in UK...I'm not looking to use this with VM connection.

can the firmware be replaced with a generic one from the manufacturer, like for example if you have a router from ISP, you can either flash it with the manufacturer's firmware, not the ISP's one, or even with DD-WRT or such.

Thanks for replies, more questions may flood in, after these questions get answered.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

Hi, no only VM modems provided as part of your install can be used. If you buy off of eBay it will NOT work at all.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

ok, so the bottom line is that VM modem from EB will NOT work on VM connection (which I know and do not intend to try) AND any other cable connection, right?

so should I just go ahead and buy some ambit/cisco/motorola?

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

VM modems may differ from other other companies modems (different docsis/firmware/requirement.. So it entirely relies on which cable system you wanted to use it on..

But as Stephen as said they will not work on VM and they are also not clonable since the new docsis came about

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

The VM firmware has very little modification to it outside of the UI. For fiddling, the VMNG300 should work fine with any DOCSIS complaint infrastructure. It's actually quite a decent and capable piece of kit, contrary to what VM themselves claim...

I tend to find a lot of old VM kit ends up being excellent value "fiddle with" kit on Ebay once VM decide they no longer want them, simply because of the extremely large number flooding the market. Course you might need signed firmware if you want to de-VM'ify it.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

It amazes me why people try to sell them on ebay as the modems are not their property to sell anyway.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

if VM operated properly then this wouldnt happen. its a security issue too which only now seems to be improving.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

It amazes me why people presume the worst when VM are widely know to tell people they can keep/bin the modem instead of returning it.

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

It amazes me that so many people are willing to through away good money on equipment that will never work, I wonder if any of them would like to buy a bridge.;)

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

It can work providing its for a legit use i.e. they already own a legit subbed modem.. All depends on the technical know how of the buyer...

Would definitely be a breach of the T&C though I'm sure..

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

Ownershi point put aside.....You guys do realise that VM are not the only supplier of cable in the world and although it won't work on VM there must be other places that it will work even if it needs a JTAG'ing

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

This. Glad at least one person noticed the OP wants to do testing on it and not in the UK

Re: Buying VM/cable modem
 

Well UK Ebay would be the place to get one if they are willing to post abroad.:)