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Homechoice: General Questions

Why can't I connect using the Ethernet port on my ADSL modem?

There is an Ethernet port on the back of the Alcatel SpeedTouch modem that many HC users have, which is designed to operate in parallel with the ATM connection through to the HC box. So, one might think that it would be possible to get an Internet connection via this port.

It is possible to connect to the port, make configuration changes on the modem and even be assigned an address via DHCP from the modem.

However, no Internet traffic can be exchanged because the Homechoice Set-Top Box is used to encapsulate it in the control stream used for keypresses on the remote control (amongst other things). Sending data direct to the modem to the Ethernet port does not encapsulate it within this control stream in the required manner. Since the encapsulation is likely proprietary, it's possible that there will be no progress in this area unless HC provide software or specifications.