Uncapping
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Uncapping, in the context of cable modems, refers to a number of activities performed to alter one's internet service provider modem settings. It is sometimes done for the sake of bandwidth (i.e., by buying a 512-kbps access modem and then altering it to 10 Mbps), pluggable interfaces (as by using more than one public ID), or any configurable options a DOCSIS modem can offer.
Uncapping may be considered an illegal activity and many internet service providers check modem configuration files nightly to detect uncapped modems. If caught, uncappers risk possible account termination and/or prosecution for theft of service. Note that regardless of legality, uncapping may be a violation of the Terms of Service agreement that the customer has with the ISP.
[edit] Methods
There are several methods used to uncap a cable modem, by hardware or software tricks.
The first technique to enjoy any success employed Motorola modems (such as SB3100, SB4100, and SB4200 models). By spoofing the TFTP server, one could force the modem to accept a different config file than would be expected. The config file is a file stored on the TFTP server that tells your modem the download and upload caps for it. An example of spoofing would be to edit the config file (Requires a DOCSIS editor) or replacing your config file with one from a faster modem (Through Gnutella Networks).
An alternate method employs dhcpforce. By flooding a modem with faked DHCP packets (which contain configuration filename, TFTP IP, etc), one can convince the modem to accept any desired config file, even on one's own server (provided the server is routed, of course).
Another more advanced method is to attach a TTL to RS232 adapter, and get access to the console directly thus making the modem download new firmware, which can then be configured via a simple web interface.
