Stc Modem 014 Firmware Upgrade
Germana Layng
Firmware is the software programmed into your modem that makes it run. Firmware is updated periodically to add new features and keep modems performing their best. Updates are done automatically through the CenturyLink network, so as a rule you never have to think about it. However, if your modem isn't working properly, you can check to make sure the firmware is fully up to date by logging into the modem settings.
15. Once the upgrade is complete, you will be taken back to the main Modem GUI Login screen. Wait 2-5 minutes for the DSL and internet lights on the modem to turn green before trying to browse to a webpage to test that your connection is good.
I purchased the AC1900 C7000v2 cable modem for use with Spectrum Internet a few years back. Everything has worked fine until a few days ago. My instincts told me to update the firmware (currently V1.02.09).
As the Netgear Genie (internet portal) listed nowhere to update the firmware, my investigation lead me to download and install the iOS app and waste time setting up an account. After installing the iOS app I was excited to see the app confirm that the firmware was out of date... but gives absolutely no way to download and push it to the modem. I was frustrated and annoyed to discover that other uses have had the exact same experience with Netgear offering no specific solutions - especially for this model.
Right now it's all working and the page you suggested I look at shows that the firmware listed above is the only firmware approved by Spectrum even though 2 newer versions are available. As mentioned I haven't had a problem today (and I think that the real issue was on Spectrum's end).
This might sound stupid question, but I need to know: can only my ISP update the firmware of my cable modem? Or can I do it? And if yes, should I?I have vague memory of once updating something using my PC after AVAST gave false alert about network being compromised (it was later solved as their screw-up).
It doesn't matter at all if you own the cable modem or not. Providers have policies (for several good reasons) about how endpoints are managed and most of them (especially the big ones, Comcast, Cox, Charter/TWC/Spectrum, etc) require that in order to connect to their network, your cable modem must run their firmware. Its not even a choice, during initial connection handshake the cable modem downloads the appropriate firmware (every time, no matter what) and runs it. Trying to update the firmware to some other version, if even successful, would only result in losing connectivity until you reboot the modem, at which time it will load again from the network.
Now, its important to not confuse the cable modem with the router/firewall gateway device, in most circumstances these are two different pieces (the modem is strictly responsible for providing IP/ethernet connectivity over the coax, nothing more) so a much different answer would apply if you ask the same question about your router/firewall device.
It depends if the ISP has granted you access to the cable modem or not. Most ISPs don't change the default credentials for the cable modems. You can easily Google your cable modem manufacturer for default credentials.
Once you have the default credentials, connect the PC directly to the cable modem (Don't use any device between your PC and Modem, while updating). Login in to modem configuration panel. Search the Cable modem manufacturer's website for latest update for your device.
This is going to depend on your ISP - it isn't something that we can definitively say. Likely, if your ISP owns the cable modem, they may not grant you access to do that. Then again, they might. A question for them.
If you are concerned about the security of this device (which is great) or are concerned about the integrity of the ISPs network (or about anything the ISP might do, like inserting ads or messages into http traffic), my advice would be to first ensure there is hardware you own between your devices and the cable modem and to ensure that that hardware has good passwords and is kept up to date - product recommendations are off topic here, but there are some good open source router firmware replacements out there that might be more reliable and secure than factory default ones.
Secondly, don't allow unencrypted traffic to go out over the modem, wherever possible. You can do this either by using https everywhere (this takes work, though there are browser plugins that automatically update to https where available) or by using a VPN (this just moves exit point, though, and requires you to trust the VPN provider - https everywhere is still an excellent idea)
My company plans to use the MKRNB1500 in one of our products, and as such we will need to perform the firmware upgrade on every new modem. I understand that there is some frustration among the community concerning which party should be responsible for this, but this post is not going to discuss that. Instead, I am looking into a solution for making it easier for the DIYers to upgrade their device(s).
I'm working on designing a programming socket/cradle that will hold an NB1500 for programming. Pogo pins will make contact with the four modem USB test pads, which will then be broken out to a simple USB header. This will allow flashing firmware to the modem without needing to solder a cable to each device.
I had to recently update firmware on a couple of my own MKRNB1500s, the soldering wasn't terrible, but having a cradle like this would be really great. I considered trying to build my own, but for only a couple units it wasn't worth the effort. However, if my project proves to be successful, I may have the need to do this on dozens of units or more (hopefully).
I can't think of any other features, but I do have a couple of questions. How will the board be held in place on the cradle? How will we be able to get one of these? Are you planning to sell them or make plans available to 3d print/diy? I'm definitely really interested! Definitely keep us updated.
How will we be able to get one of these?
The company I work for has expressed interest in selling them, so I think that will at least be an option. I'd like it to be open source, but that will be up to my company.
Firmware upgrades with possible unstable connections (just press a header on a oxydized contact) doesn't sound very wise to me.
I bet i'm also faster to solder two cables on N$12 and N$9 and pin two more then bring the board into the fixture and press the construction, pray for connection etc.
Regarding unstable connections, that is the biggest concern that I will be focused on mitigating while prototyping this design. "Pogo pins" are specially designed for this application (automated test fixtures, programming, debugging). The ones that I am looking at using are gold plated, which should help prevent/reduce oxidation. As far as "praying for connection", I'll be using the four mounting holes in the MKR NB PCB to locate the board on the fixture. Height will likely be fixed using spacers, which will ensure that the pogo pins are properly depressed.
In addition to the idea of securing the board to the spacers using nuts, I've gotten another suggestion to simply use a rubber band around the test fixture and the device. I'll be prototyping the design and making changes where necessary, so the concerns you've addressed here should hopefully be resolved through that R&D. I'll keep this thread posted with my progress.
For my company's purposes, this device should make it easier for technicians without soldering experience (or steady hands) to perform this firmware upgrade. In an ideal world, the devices we order from Arduino would come with the latest firmware preloaded, rendering this obsolete (which would be fine with me).
On a general note- I have nearly finished the first prototype design. Hopefully I will get the boards & parts ordered by the end of the week. I expect the design to go through a couple of revisions before it is polished (just how these things typically go). Once I have tested a working design, I am happy to share the files for anyone who wants to build one themselves. My company does still plan on selling them, but I don't know the particulars yet. Thanks for the interest.
I see. I think it should work with pogo pins with N$12 and N$9. I won't blame Arduino for the outdated firmware, every Windows PC out of the box needs tons of updates, nobody worries.
It's a shame that the ublox software has no xmodem support on their software which would make a firmware upgrade via serialSARA possible. PS: Talking of industrial devices, if someone is intersted, i developed a Arduino MKR general shield with Display, LS, DC supply etc. check out mkrshield.com
I have received the PCBs and parts for the first revision (PCBs arrived yesterday). I need to test USB comms next, but so far it looks promising. I plan to have that tested by the end of the week. I will update here as I go.
I then used my custom PCB to upgrade the firmware to version 5.12A02.19. After a couple of hardware modifications to my custom PCB, I was able to perform the upgrade. I found it much easier than the other method. I've written a detailed guide for using my custom PCB, but I'll give the outline here so you can compare.
That's it! No confusing switching between USB cables in between steps, switching things on and off, or bridging pins at the right time. Also, no soldering at all necessary on the MKR NB 1500 (not even bridging pads). This is great, since it means the firmware can be upgraded right out of the box.
I'm going to test programming the second device on Monday using the same guide to verify, but so far this is looking promising!
Our company recently bought a couple of the MKR1500 boards, but they all came with the old firmware and the intermittent connection issues. Are these boards available for order yet, perhaps with quick-guide to follow? Saw your post in this thread where it seems you managed to successfully update the board without much hassle.
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