Theoryshare - The Broadband Experts

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.