InformationWeek

August 17, 1998

More Cable Modem Conundrums

ast month's Internet Zone column [July 13, 1998] generated a lot of heat from cable modem users. First, a recap of my point: I'm a fairly sophisticated user of Internet access services. Because of the work I do, I have several static IP addresses and run my own Web server, mail server, and DNS server. I'm in a city (Austin, Texas) where the cable system is owned by Time Warner and so its Road Runner cable modem system will be my ISP when it is rolled out this fall. But the consumer rollout of Road Runner only offers dynamic IP addressing, which isn't compatible with my Internet access needs. What I'm hearing from Time Warner is that it will cost $500+ to get static IP addressing along with the ability to run my machines as mentioned above. That price is not very attractive compared to xDSL and even fractional T1 costs, so maybe this cable modem stuff isn't for me?

Workarounds
Some people felt that I missed the point. They said: a cable modem connection is a big, inexpensive pipe to the Internet so who cares about running Web servers--I just want to get rid of this 56-Kbps modem and free up my telephone line.

I couldn't agree more. In fact, I have every intention of getting the consumer grade, $45-a-month cable modem service, even if I only use it for basic Internet access. And there are, of course, ways to work around the limitations of dynamic IP addressing. Proxy servers, IP masquerading, and tunneling can all be used to hide your LAN behind your cable modem, or to circumvent certain problems with the Road Runner system. Now first, a disclaimer: I do not advocate the misuse of your cable modem service.

There are resources on the Web that address some of the problems with cable modems. Phil Karn's comprehensive page on the Road Runner cable modem service is a great resource if you're interested in trying any of the techniques mentioned above. The site also has a list of current problems with the Road Runner architecture and software.

At least a few users complained about the NetManage access software that is used to connect to the Road Runner service and authenticate your machine using Kerberos. Fortunately, there are ways around that as well. Todd Wilson's RRlogin (RoadRunner login) program replaces the NetManage software with a small, flexible client.

Several users of the @Home cable system pointed out that they have static IP addresses--but they're wrong. Like RoadRunner, @Home uses dynamic IP addressing. The only difference is that with @Home, they assign you an IP address and every time you boot up your machine and connect to the @Home NOC (Network Operations Center) via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), you get the same IP address. This gives the illusion of having a static IP address, though the reality is that the address is being dynamically assigned every time your machine boots up and connects to @Home.

As with Time Warner's RoadRunner, static IP addressing with the @Work system (the business unit of @Home) is considered "business-class" service and is priced comparably.

Just a few more months until I get my cable modem service. I'll let you know how it goes.

AuthorITies Archive

Send Us Your Feedback

Top of the Page


Karyl Scott: Enterprise View Karyl will explore the business and technology issues surrounding enterprise systems.		Stuart J. Johnston: Redmond Watch As our eyes and ears in Redmond, Stuart gives his perspective on the latest events at Microsoft.		Charles Pelton: Eye On IT Charles explores IT management issues and strategies that business and technology managers must face.		Lou Bertin: The Observer Lou offers a view of the good, the bad, and the bizarre developments in the technology business.