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[deleted] t1_isf1dy4 wrote

Reply to comment by brock_lee in New homeowner internet struggles by KCDPT

[deleted]

−34

brock_lee t1_isf1n85 wrote

They would (or should) run the working cable into the house. Once inside, then it's your responsibility. They should, however, install the cable modem on it too. Don't do any work that you dont know will be used by them when they come out. It has a good chance of being a wasted effort.

Before they get there, you'd need to run the cable inside, and connect a modem to it, and have them configure the modem, sometimes it can be done online but often you need to call with the MAC address. And that's IF that cable is the correct one.

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[deleted] t1_isf411w wrote

[deleted]

−31

IndigoHero t1_isfthuo wrote

It will not work. Modems have to be provisioned by the head end before they will connect to the internet. Even if your modem was operational before the move, chances are that the cable that you are attaching to is not connected at the tap (cable hookup for your general area).

There is 0% chance that you can do this without them.

Source: Used to work as a cable technician.

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KPT t1_isgcspb wrote

If the line was connected on the other end, the modem should at least sync up with the CMTS and keep you in the walled garden. Then OP would know if it was the right cable.

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IndigoHero t1_isgzage wrote

Based on OP's post and comments, they probably don't know how to put a proper compression fitting on. This matters because those shitty crimp on fittings that people buy should NEVER be used on cables connected to an ISP.

The frequencies running on coax are the same ones used by air traffic to communicate (as well as tons of other frequencies). Crimp on fittings do not keep all the RF inside the cable and can introduce noise into the system. Not only that, but they let those frequencies out into the air.

While the RF radiating out of the cable line isn't harmful to humans, it can be picked up by all sorts of things that shouldn't be able to hear it. Then cable companies have to drive around with an RF sniffer to find these leaks.

So maybe OP can just throw a fitting on and connect it, but as someone with a basic grasp of these systems, I would highly recommend leaving it be.

Edit: but, the forgotten word

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rvgoingtohavefun t1_isg0gj7 wrote

There is a 0% chance it can work without them at all, but that's because (minimally) they need to provision it on their end for the modem to function. It may be connected at the tap.

I've definitely moved into places and the cable was still connected at the tap. One of them had been vacant for months. There was a filter on it so that it didn't get cable TV but I could get the internet connection on it immediately, since that had to be provisioned on their end anyway.

I'd imagine you'd have to put a filter on it for internet-only customers, no?

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KPT t1_isgd6gb wrote

Filters aren't really a thing anymore. That was back in the analog TV days. It's all encrypted digital these days. The broadcast channels in your area might be unencrypted but that's it.

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rvgoingtohavefun t1_ish87sb wrote

The last time I had cable a shitload of it was encrypted and the broadcast channels and some other shit wasn't. You could get it with the digital tuner without the STB.

If everything is encrypted, though, there is no need for a filter OR to disconnect it at the tap.

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Uhgfda t1_isg020c wrote

> We are going to at least put a connector on the coax outside the house and connect the modem and just see if it works prior to this

Do you understand nothing about cable? A modem wont work without service, it wont even work if everything has been hooked up and it's "on" without them provisioning the modem.

Just make the appointment and wait. JFC.

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antiduh t1_isfvi4p wrote

In order for the modem to work, it needs two thing:

  • To be able to communicate with your ISP.
  • Permission from your ISP to operate.

Fixing the cable will allow it to communicate, but unless you have an account with your ISP and they have that particular modem attached to your account, you won't be able to get internet.

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brock_lee t1_isf4kxd wrote

OK, hope it works out. I have comcast, and whenever I get a new modem, the only place I can get to at first is comcast.com and their "register your modem" page, where it links the individual modem to my account. Then, it usually takes maybe 5-15 minutes for that to stabilize and I can reach the internet.

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Shenanigamii t1_isf2r3s wrote

When the cable company comes to install your coax, if they don't bury it that day and leave, call them and tell them it's a tripping hazard. They will be out the next day. I had xfinity do this to me where they installed the new line after replacing a faulty one, and just left it on the ground across my yard (about 80 feet of cable) for over a month. I called every day and they kept saying they can't and were sorry for the inconvenience. I also had to mow around it, then stop mowing, move the cable then continue again...serious pain in the ass. When I told one support rep that I was probably going to run it over one of these days, she got super defensive and started accusing me of threatening to damage their equipment. It was wild. Anyways...the moment I said to a different rep that it was a safety concern, they were out the next day and buried it.

TLDR; use safety as a reason to get them to actually do the shit they need to.

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shoziku t1_isfju48 wrote

Sometimes they don't bury the cable right away. Usually due to winter conditions where the ground is frozen. Also, the techs can do hookups but burying the cable is manual labor so they would refer it to lower paid workers at a later date. But it's good you became a squeaky wheel because sometimes they don't follow up with the burial.

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alohadave t1_isff7a7 wrote

Don't have the cable tech install your internal wiring. They will drill through floors and do the absolute bare minimum required to get the wires in the rooms you want.

Have the cable brought to one spot, and either have an electrician run cabling through the walls, or DIY it.

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last_rights t1_ishlmzk wrote

CAT6 cable is so small anyways that you can also temporarily run the cable behind the baseboards. It's super easy to make the cables too.

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KCDPT OP t1_isfhpu5 wrote

My thoughts exactly. Might just have them set up the box and run the cable along the side of the house and then do the rest

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gsfgf t1_isguhfr wrote

Are you sure they charge to hook up your cable? Even with Comcast, they foot the bill for everything outside.

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