VM Cable Modem Query

Can I buy a non VM cable modem (not router) from say PC World? The shiny VM box I believe has developed a fault - I get a steady blue standy light, network connectivity light, upload (flashing) light and a steady download light but no tick against the other light. Upon checking the Internet IP address on the router there is no DNS address.

I've spoken to Virgin and they tell me there is a fault with the line....but I think the problem is the router. If I disconnect the cable between the wall plate and the modem, power off the modem and power it on again...the same lights light up. So I'm guessing there is an issue with the modem. Owing to work I can't take time out to wait for VM to investigate.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

No. The modem has to be registered on the VM system to get beyond what VM call "The walled garden" which is just a few VM pages and very boring.

As mentioned previously a third party modem will not work as it needs the mac address assigned by VM to get out the walled garden.

I would go with VM saying there is a fault on the line. The lights on the modem as you indicate would mean the modem cannot get upstream sync lock onto the VM network. Modem faults themselves are quite rare in comparison to the chances of being a break in the cable, dodgy connection somewhere from your house to the hub site or some other issue. However if it is the modem then the engineer will have one on the van and will replace it for you at no charge and take the old one away.

There is not really much you can do except wait for the engineer to come and fix it for you

Thanks buddy.

I guess I'm stuck with Virgin coming to my house. Yet another day off for VM!

I've only been on cable a few weeks so I've no idea really but check the appointment times available - I was at a friends house and the cable guy arrived about 7:00pm. Of course they may only offer large timeslots so it may not help any.

I think the time slots are divided in to 3 or 4 hour intervals with the last one finishing at 7pm.

NB: if you schedule an engineer appointment and either you or someone over the age of 18 is not at home when he or she arrives you will incur a £10 charge from VM

If the engineer doesnt arrive, call VM a few minutes after the time schedule is over (ie. for a 4pm to 7pm slot call at 7:05pm) and explain the situation and they will compensate you.

have you tried sitting on the modem?

Edited by deleted (Wed 26-May-10 19:43:03)

Timeslots are as follows
8-12
12-4
4-7