hex0101 Typically its because they used MACSec encryption and the firmware in the XER10 or XB7/8 had the required software and certificates needed to decode that and get online. Maybe its another security layer on top of DPoE (Docsis provisioning over Ethernet).
I wonder if they are able to move that from the router to the ONU - though traditionally ONU’s are just simple “bridges”. Maybe they are forgoing MACSec completely.
My ISP just uses a Nokia ONT bridge and you can connect it to anything. Though the provisioning database is different than modems, my ISP is undergoing a huge outage at the moment. Those of us with valid IP leases like myself are good. But once a modem, router or ont is rebooted - nobody is getting an IP. Word is they had to rebuild all servers over the weekend. There are people going on no service for 6+ days now. My DHCP lease expires on Wednesday so I’ll see if I lose internet then or they have the problem fixed. In the past they had a similar outage to fiber customers only, not DOCSIS. This was before I had fiber but I read enough about it on NextDoor. Xfinity is going to get a boatload of new customers in our PA region (as well as Windstream, Verizon, T-Mobile, Starlink, AT&T Air).
Provisioning, DHCP assignment, billing and all of those have to be pretty well protected, so we’ll see how they continue to do it with customer owned devices here.
