CM = Cable Modem
CPE = Customer Premises Equipment (i.e. your computer)
- The CM MUST acquire Ethernet MAC addresses of connected CPE devices, either from the provisioning process or from learning, until the CM acquires its maximum number of CPE MAC addresses (a devicedependent value). Once the CM acquires its maximum number of CPE MAC addresses, then newly discovered CPE MAC addresses MUST NOT replace previously acquired addresses. The CM must support acquisition of at least one CPE MAC address.
Ever notice how if you unplug the cable modem and plug it back in the second computer magically works? Mystery two solved (three lines down I might add):
- In order to allow modification of user MAC addresses or movement of the CM, addresses are not retained in non-volatile storage. On a CM reset (e.g., power cycle), all provisioned and learned addresses MUST be discarded.
So basically they restrict the connected device from changing. I'm sure there is a perfectly valid reason for this, I just don't know what it is. I guess this would prevent the internet connection from changing computers when someone plugs it into a switch with multiple computers? Maybe there is some commercial/industrial reason I can't think of. Suggestions?
