Abstract: The present invention processes cable modem functions on a host computer. The cable modem receives hardware specific modem functions and transfers these functions to the host computer. An abstraction layer in the host computer receives the functions and converts the functions to/from hardware specific functions. The abstraction layer may be a DOCSIS abstraction layer. A firmware emulator (firmulator) then receives and processes the modem functions. The firmware emulator includes a plurality of state machines and networking protocol agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a cable modem diagnostics application communicates problem demarcation and technical support guidance for customer premises equipment controlled cable modems through a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI presents problem demarcation hierarchically into a software, hardware, and cable network category so that the overall status is instantly visible with minimal or no user action. Icons, colors, and sounds are used to direct the user to the exact cause of the problem within the relevant category. The user is guided to first correct the problem, and then if necessary is further guided to the correct technical support contact information, thereby reducing the customer support burden in servicing cable modem users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a cable modem diagnostics application communicates problem demarcation and technical support guidance for customer premises equipment controlled cable modems through a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI presents problem demarcation hierarchically into a software, hardware, and cable network category so that the overall status is instantly visible with minimal or no user action. Icons, colors, and sounds are used to direct the user to the exact cause of the problem within the relevant category. The user is guided to first correct the problem, and then if necessary is further guided to the correct technical support contact information, thereby reducing the customer support burden in servicing cable modem users.

Abstract: A system of managing security in a cable modem. Rules are defined enabling a host migrated cable modem to maintain security at specified times. The security is maintained by writing encryption keys to a register only when they are detected as being received in an authorized way. When the decryption keys have been received in an unauthorized way, then they can be received, but not used for decryption purposes. The register in includes a write enable function which enables writing the keys associated with a specified service ID. The register also includes a key destruction function.