If you're considering buying a Linksys BEFCMU10 cable modem...
...here's a suggestion.. stay as far away as possible. Yes, don't even get near it. I have one and it's been the biggest POS computer equipment I've ever owned. Even worse than the broken-ass break out box I bought for my PC a couple years ago.
It started off being OK. I switched from DSL to cable because of the new ZOMG 3Mbps transfer speeds, and the fact that Verizon DSL was a steaming pile of cow crap. But, the more I used it, the worse it became. It's got to the point where if I even try FTPing a file from my web server to my computer and it starts getting around 300-400Kb/s or have a few too many open network sockets coming from my router, it locks up completely. The send light goes dark. I can't connect to its diagnostic page. Nothing. Only fix is to unplug and plug it back in.
Apparently, the version I have (V2 with the 1.06 firmware) has a "known" issue, and the only fix is to have Comcast push out a new firmware (1.07) to the box.
Now step back for a second and read the last half of the sentence. Once the fit of laughter has passed, you'll understand why it's completely hopeless that it'll ever get fixed. Some people have had their devices upgraded by dumb luck, others bought them pre-flashed. However, the rest of us with this version are essentially fucked.
Anyway, I have RMAed the modem with Linksys and requested that it is replaced with a V3 box, which is supposed to be much better. Meanwhile, I'm stuck with this high-speed Internet connection that craps out on me whenever I start using any of that speed. It's extremely frustrating.
Just do some searching on broadband reports, and you'll see hundreds of people like me with the exact same problem. It's kind of a catch 22 for owners of this device. Linksys can't provide firmware because only the cable providers are allowed to push them out. Comcast's techs are too retarded to understand how to get a push done or even request it. Most just blindly say, "oh we don't upgrade firmware, contact your hardware provider."
It's a big bunch of bullshit. I just hope that when I get the V3 box in the mail (any day now...) it'll be less of a piece of shit.
Until then though, stay away. Stay far away. Go with a Motorola or Toshiba cable modem instead.
Comments
I've had this same problem, and I cannot get Linksys to admit they even have such an update. When presented with the boatload of online postings of people who have been in the same boat I am and have managed to get the update, they have the nerve to claim, "The firmware you are referring to may come from other software developer. The 1.0.7 firmware is not officially release by Linksys."
My cable provider, Charter Miscommunications, at least admits that such an update might exist, but the manufacturer would have to send it to them and that I'm not involved in any way. Funny, I could have sworn it was MY cable modem that was locking up.
I guess my next option is to bail on Linksys altogether. I love their WRT54GS wireless-G broadband router, but perhaps I'd love it less had they not used GPL software, been forced to release source code, and a community building high-quality customized open firmware sprung up. If only that were true of the unfortunate BEFCMU10.
Posted by: Thuktun | August 23, 2005 10:04 PM