[Leaplist] Offer for DSL Modem and Router From Verizon

[pberry2]

Hank Lambert wrote:
> 
> My DSL modem and my current cable modem both have USB connectors that
> have never been used. I believe they are there to provide a way to
> connect your computer to the modem via USB if you do not have a NIC. The
> software might be required for that, but if you are using a network
> connection ( CAT-5 ), then the modem doesn't care what it is sending and
> receiving info to.
> 
> Hank Lambert
> KB4MTO
> Certified Geek

The USB is simply a different style port, and I was led to believe it is
in parallel with the NIC, gets the same IP address, but, on Bright House
and RoadRunner,  I can see that it does get connection, when I tried
connecting two computers, one to the USB and one to the NIC port.

I didn't notice any conflicts with two systems on the single cable modem.

I have been through about 8 different cable modems, none of which were
defective.  The low brow techs just are in the mode of swapping out
modems whenever they encounter a problem.

There is something to be said about getting the latest revision levels
of the firmware, though.  So, the newer modem might have better through-put.

I would NOT connect my systems to both of the output connectors, USB and
NIC.  I prefer an IPCOP box or other hardware firewall/router to protect
the network, make me invisible to most sniffing, and disguise my network
from all probes, including the illegal ones by the ISPs.

I respect their server networks, and don't probe them, so they shouldn't
probe my network!  As if they have a few competent admins.