Interfacing with a cable modem?

Question

My ISP supplied me with a Motorola Surfboard modem after signing up with them. I didn't get any documentation at all but I eventually found out that port 80 is open on it and it has a crappy web interface that doesn't do a whole lot of anything. I don't trust anything I can't play with. If an intruder gained access to my home network, I don't want them having access to that interface, no matter how little it actually can do. There are no options on the crappy interface to lock it down. How does the ISP interact with this thing? Better yet, is there anything I can do to get better administrative controls than a web interface?

Answer 1

You've got the equivalent of a "builder's stove".  If you want a real modem buy your own - they aren't that expensive.  Then the interface will be completely open, not locked down.

Answer 2

I know the feeling. I just signed up with  Rapid Comm. and they gave me a Motorola surfboard too, no documentation, and they didn't even tell me about the web interface, i had to find that out for myself. All you can do is get a good firewall, and hope and pray, if you swing that way.