New DPC3939B modem - "Stealth" WiFi activation.

[evazquez00]

DOCSIS Software Version:2.3.10.13_5.5.0.5

Software Image Name:DPC3939B_3.9p18s1_PROD_sey

Advanced Services:DPC3939B

Recently "upgraded" to this modem to resolve some packet drop issues.

I run my own firewall and WiFi access point, so I set the modem into "Bypass" mode, disabling all unneeded services.

When the modem was first installed this past Monday (the 31st), all was working as expected.

As of this morning (the 5th), I see the WiFi indicator light flashing on the front panel.

On checking the configuration - both WiFi bands in "Gateway > Connection > WiFi" are showing as "Disabled" and "Gateway > Connection > Status" says both bands are "Inactive".

However, "Gateway > At a Glance" shows WiFi as "Green Check" and I can see the modem broadcasting the allegedly inactive 5GHz SSID.

Connection to the SSID is possible with no password.

A reboot does not change the status of the WiFi.

Setting the modem into "Bridge" (Advanced or Basic) mode does not change the status of the WiFi (though it does "grey out" settings).

This is a significant security concern as I do not want or need uncontrollable and unrestricted WiFi into my network.

Can someone explain why this is occurring and how to fully disable WiFi on this modem?

[Comcast_Anisa]

Good morning, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to the Digital Care Team here through the forums and I am so sorry for the delayed response. I am sorry to see that you are having some issues with your internet network. I know how important this is for your business and you have reached the right team to help! Can you please send us a private message with your name, the full address, and the phone or account number? 

[evazquez00]

PM sent to you and general "ComcastBiz_Support" with the requested account details.

[Comcast_Joseph]

Thanks for your help locating your account and for being a valued customer with us Ed. I can see you have been with us at your location for almost three years now. It's been great serving you with Comcast business for this long! I have been at my location for about six years. Not sure where all the time goes.

I want to make sure I understand your goal. Are you trying to make sure the Hotspot or general Wi-Fi network on your business modem is disabled? How many networks do you see that are not associated with your owned equipment? I appreciate you answering my questions in advance.

[evazquez00]

Joseph:

The point of this request is not that I want all wireless services turned off (that should be understood), the point is that I already turned all wireless services off...

AND THEY TURNED THEMSELVES BACK ON.

Without my approval, without my knowledge.

AND WITHOUT ANY ABILITY FOR ME TO TURN THEM BACK OFF.

This is a _serious_ security issue since WiFi is now passwordless, can't be administered from the modem and will accept any connection from any client.

To restate, as clearly as I can:

I want all wireless services on my Comcast modem disabled.

I don't care whether they are "hotspot" or WiFi, I just want them turned off.

I have attempted to do so via the "official" means provided by the "cusadmin" logon.

Somehow, "magickally", they have turned themselves back on in a way that I cannot now disable.

[Comcast_Joseph]

I can understand why this would be concerning and I want to continue to get the best possible understanding I can of what you are experiencing. The reason I was asking about the Hotspot or Xfinity Wi-Fi is because in some situations, we would need to collaborate with our advanced repair team to disable that feature. I want my network to be as secure as possible, and I know you want a secure network also. I promise I will take the right actions to help with this concern.

Sometimes when a firmware update occurs on the modem, this can update the settings on the modem. I recommend logging into the My Account from the Comcast Business portal and update these settings. This link will help us out. (https://comca.st/338hXmw) Do you have your Comcast username and password to sign in with? Once signed in you can disable you’re your Wi-Fi networks from Manage Private Wi-Fi.

[evazquez00]

Joseph:

So let me see if I understand this.

Comcast, at any time, without any warning, can turn WiFi on with no password (potentially compromising my network) with a "Firmware Update"?

Just to be thorough, I did go to the "Services > Internet" page and selected "Manage Private WiFi" and "Manage XFINITY WiFi Hotspot".

As you can see with the attached - both are turned off.

And as you can see with the attached, WiFi is still active on the modem (Green Check on the At A Glance page, despite WiFi 2.5 and 5 being "Disabled").

I would attach a quick video of the Modem's WiFi light showing activity, but I can't upload MP4 files...

  

    

[Comcast_Joseph]

This type of activity is not expected, but it is something that can potentially happen and I want to make sure we cover our grounds. If your Wi-Fi networks are disabled from My Account from our website and after logging into your modem, and you are still seeing your wireless networks broadcasting on devices, we will need to work with our business advanced repair team to get this fixed. What is your best contact email address and phone number to use to forward this work to them?

[evazquez00]

PM sent with contact info.

[Comcast_Anisa]

I do apologize, for some reason the private message did not go through. Can you please send over the private message once more so I can get this information sent up to our advanced repair team? 

[evazquez00]

PM resent as requested.