Theoryshare Cable Modem Modification Kit Rev. X r2 Written Written by b y The Theoryshre Team http://www.theoryshare.com Terms of use: THIS TUTORIAL IS INTENDED FOR THEORETICAL USE ONLY, USE ON PRODUCTION SYSTEMS MAY VIOLATE YOUR ISP's TERMS OF SERVICE. THEORYSHARE TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. THIS SOFTWARE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. THIS SOFTWARE IS INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY BE ILLEGAL IF USED IMPROPORLY. USERS ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS.
Most of the programs you need, and a good deal of the tutorials from our website are available in this kit. For those who want to hit the ground running, we recommend starting at the tutorial listed below. These are listed on a per modem basis so make sure that you use the appropriate tutorial for your modem. If you don't have one of the modems listed below, you can purchase a diagnostic modem from us which has been pre-modified with diagnostic firmware at our online store here: http://www.theoryshare.com/online-store Getting Started Tutorials: Motorola SB5100 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modem-modificationtutorials/modifying-th tutorials/m odifying-the-sb5100-using e-sb5100-using-the-black -the-blackcat-usbjtag cat-usbjtag Motorola SB5101 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modem-modificationtutorials/modifying-the-sb5101-with-the-blackcat-usbjtag Motorola SB4100 / SB4200 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modemmodification-tutorials/sb4100/sb4200-modification-with-chapter21-and-opensesame Scientific Atlanta / Cisco DPC2100 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modemmodification-tutorials/m modificati on-tutorials/modifying-th odifying-the-scientifice-scientific-atlanta-dp atlanta-dpc2100r2-via-co c2100r2-via-console-cable nsole-cable
RCA DCM315 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modem-modificationtutorials/modifying-the-dcm315-using-the-blackcat-usbjtag RCA DCM425 - http://www.theoryshare.com/cable-modem-modificationtutorials/modifying-the-rca-dcm425-via-console-cable
So What is this all about: Even among technology enthusiasts, and information technology professionals the DOCSIS cable mdoem standard which governs how a cable broadband system operates is widely misunderstood. In some cases this lack of understanding can even be seen in cable systems in the form of widespread slowdowns and security holes. To make matters worse manufacturers of consumer cable equipment have completely locked down these devices often times making it impossible for users to diagnose their own problems. Theoryshare is a website dedicated to the understanding of these systems so that our users can enjoy the optimal broadband experience. One of the most important ways that our users can understand the DOCSIS standard, diagnose problems with their connection, and take control of their equipment is through the use of a diagnostic cable modem also known as a premod cable modem by some others. Diagnostic Cable Modems are cable modems in which the factory installed software has been replaced with modified and upgraded 3rd party software. This 3rd party software greatly enhances the functionality of the modem it's installed on. This diagnostic software allows the user to check critical modem paramaters such as signal levels, and configuration details in ways simply not possible with stock firmwares. For example users often wonder if their ISP is actually making a "best effort" to ensure the speeds that they are paying for. One way this can be verified with a diagnostic modem is by checking the configuration file which has been loaded into the modem. This file establishes speed limits for a customer modem. Often during times of heavy usage all customers will not be able to reach their caps. However in some cases customers will find that their caps are lower than the speeds they are paying for meaning that customers would be unable to get the speeds they are paying for even under ideal conditions. Another feature prominant on the SB5101 series in particular is access to the modem filesystem in conjunction with SSH shell access. Combined with the unix-like nature of cable mdoem firmware, this feature effectively allows users to prepare and run their own homebrew code on their cable modem. This allows users to add features for just about any use you can imagine. Some of the modems which can be modified for diagnostic are listed below: Motorola - SB3100 ,SB4100, SB4200, SB5100, SB5101, SB6120 RCA - DCM315, DCM425 Scientific Atlanta / Cisco - DPC2100 Ambit - U10C018 (Ambit 250) Visit the tutorials section of the site for more information on the modification of these modems. Or visit the Online Store section of the site to obtain modems preloaded with diagnostic firmware. As you can probably imagine there is a great multitude of uses for a diagnostic cable modem, far to many discuss in this document. Unfortunately cable modems like most electronic products can be converted and used for illegal means. DVD records and VCRs can be legally used to watch purchased or rented movies, or they can be used to illegally copy these movies. Personal computers are crucial to business, and can be found in almost every home. PCs can be used for many legal means such as surfing the Internet, sending emails, or creating documents. PCs can also be used for illegal means,
such as hacking into networks or identity theft. All of Theoryshare's products are intended to give our customers and users the ability to control, modify, monitor, and diagnose their home and business networks at a much lower cost than other alternatives. Our products and tools all users to maximize the efficiency if their Internet connections and networks. For instance Theoryshare products may be used to determine if there are wiring faults or other network problems within a user's home or business. Additionally our diagnostic interfaces are much easier to use than competing products, making them an attractive alternative to products costing many times as much. At Theoryshare, we also realize that our products may be converted to illegally access cable networks, steal Internet service, or for other illegal means out of our control. We strongly prohibit any illegal use of our product under any circumstances. Under no circumstances will Theoryshare or its employees tolerate any discussion of illegal activities on our user support message boards, nor will we instruct anyone on using our products for illegal means. In lay terms, cable modem modification should not be used to steal data services. You must pay for cable internet service to use our products, and if you are using them on an ISPs network you MUST verify that your ISPs Acceptable Use Policy does not prohibit the use of mod ified products prior to using our modems or software. Thanks again you for downloading the Theoryshare Cable Modem Modification Kit, in this new revision you will find all the tools you need to modify your modem to it's fullest potential. Before getting started be sure to read this brief introduction, and review the frequently asked questions below. For those unfamiliar with Cable Modem Modification, two main steps are involved in the process. The first step is to load modified firmware on your cable modem. Procedures for this vary from modem to modem, and you can find specific guides in the tutorials folder, however this part of the process generally involves opening your cable modem and performing some soldering on the modem's motherboard. This part of the process has real potential to damage your modem, and if you are uncomfortable with this you should purchase a diagnostic modem from our on line store here: http://www.theoryshare.com/online-store in fact diagnostic modems start at just $37.50, all of the diagnostic modems we sell come preloaded with modified firmware and any soldering necessary is included with your purchase. The second part of the modification process involves using all the features of your newly modified modem to optimize your online experience, this is what makes cable modem modification worth while, and there is ample documentation on this subject in here so I will leave the introduction at that. Have fun and be sure to visit http://www.theoryshare.com for more info and support forums.
Frequently Asked Questions:
FAQ #1 Many users have questions regarding the proper usage of our products, and the majority of our users have many of the same questions. The purpose of this article is to describe the best practices for the use of modified equipment. Usage on networks which you own: Many of our users desire to use our equipment on private networks which they own, such as in the classroom, or as a wide area network. In this situation you may use our equipment in any way you see fit, these networks are your own, and as the administrator it is your decision to employ usage policies. Usage on networks which are not your own: If you plan to use modified products on networks you do not own such as on your ISPs network, it is your responsibility to review applicable acceptable use policies (AUP), and terms of service. Then abide by the standards set forth by the network operator when using modified equipment. If network administrators state that modified equipment, or customer provided equipment may not be used on their networks, then you may not use modified devices, and their usage may prompt banishment from this network or legal action against you. 1. Best practices on networks which are not your own:Register your device appropriately – Most networks require registration of some type, and if this is required you should register your device if it is permitted for use, lack of registration may be a violation in itself. 2. Be a courteous user – Modified devices are great and expand the capabilities of your system, however cable networks are a shared medium and your actions do effect others. 3. ISPs pay for bandwidth used not how fast you use it - ISPs employ people to work full time to monitor network bandwidth usage. By using modified modems you may be able to access services at a higher speeds. It is imperative that users do not waste bandwidth, by leaving bandwidth intensive services active for long periods you are asking for trouble. Do not be afraid to use perfectly legal services, just be sure to shut these services down when finished. 4. Avoid running server dameons even if permitted on your network. Server daemons are often bandwidth intensive and are extremely easy to detect. In additon hackers search for servers which may be insecurely configured, and your system may be wasting bandwidth without your knowledge. 5. If you must run servers, use high non-standard ports.By running servers on a high port your make your box far less likely to be detected by routine scans that an intruder may use to find victims.
FAQ #2 Can I Steal Service with your Products? Written by Administrator The products sold by Theoryshare cannot be used to steal cable data services, any modification other than that provided by Theoryshare may constitute theft of service while connected to a network which is not your own. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that they are paying for all of the services which they receive and Theoryshare does not condone cable theft and no support will be given to any user wishing to steal service. Do not call Theoryshare asking if you can steal data services, we have never in the past and will never in the future show, teach, or demononstrate to users over the phone or by any other medium the methods used to steal services from their ISP.
FAQ #3 What Cable Modem Models Can Be Modified? Written by Administrator Saturday, 10 November 2007 While other models may be modified Theoryshare supports only the Motorola Surfboard SB3100 SB5100 Models excluding VOIP models and the SB4220. The SB4100 and SB4200 can easily be modified using netbooting with the uncap kit. The SB3100 can also be modified through software but its more difficult. The SB5100 can be modified but you must solder an adapter to the modem motherboard in order to change the firmware or perform any modifications. In addition to the models mentioned above it recently became possible to modify the DCM315, DCM425, Ambit 250, and DPC2100.
FAQ #4 Is Cable Modem Modification Illegal? Written by Administrator Wednesday, 12 May 2004 Generally, modifying a device that you purchased is not illegal, or using our devices on a network that you own or have permission, is not illegal. There are many restrictions to doing so, and ever y country is different. Theoryshare takes no responsibility for user actions.
A NOTE FOR EBAY USERS WE DO NOT SELL ON EBAY IF YOU WERE LINKED TO THIS YOU ARE BUYING A KNOCKOFF PRODUCT, THEORYSHARE ONLY SELLS GENUINE PRODUCTS FROM THIS SITE WWW.THEORYSHARE.COM
