Why is there a USB port on my cable modem?

Question

Is this a way I can bypass my router that is currently hooked up to the modem? If so, that would be great. I personally don't like being behind a firewalled router that I don't have access to.

Let me rephrase that: I don't like being behind a firewall that I DON'T have access to. I would rather use my own firewall.

So what I'm understanding is that you cannot have a computer hooked up through the USB port at the same time as a router hooked up through the wan port?

Anyone have any idea on how to hook up the router I have now to the lan port on another router which would be directly connected to the modem? I've tried it, but I didn't get the configurations down. Everything worked, but it was sloppy : /. I want to leave pretty much all of the secondary router's settings intact (i.e. ip address, gateway, dns settings).

Answer 1

That's probably because the modem is also a router. If you have a second router connected to the modem, you should go with that one.

So you want to be naked on the internet?

Answer 2

USB port is only there for convenience, although I don't see why is that convenient, you could have just hook the PC directly to the Ethernet port and USB is quite garbagely item for a cable modem if Ethernet is active.

I am hooking direct to the cable modem myself via Ethernet port, I use router in between only if I need to split to a wireless device, both Linux and Windows can handle the change seamlessly except the machines better power off while reconnect the wires.

Answer 3

Yes, should mean you will be able to plug the cable modem straight into a USB port on your pc.
Don't understand the problem though of being behind the Firewall in your router, it's just adding an extra protection layer, which can only be a good thing.
(Unless you're experiencing problems, of course), but otherwise I'd be quite happy with that 'extra layer'.

Answer 4

You can interface with most of these devices either via ethernet or USB. Ethernet is the preferred method - and you can still access the features of this device through that connection.

The USB connection and ehternet cannot be used at the same time - and again - is not a desireable means of connecting to the net.

Any Broadband ISP is going to use these devices. It's not a bad thing.

Answer 5

It is for single machine use. Once you connect to it you need to load the drivers. This can make it a very slow connection and will stop other machines from connecting. Why would being behind a firewall be a problem? It is the best protection against internet intrusions.