Is cross use of modem a possibly?

If I was to convert the input connector on my purchased Motorola SB 5120 cable modem (2 leads signal & ground shield) to a telco connector (2 leads signal & ground) would I be able to use the Motorola SB 5120 cable modem for a telco DSL connection? (after telling the telco the mac address of the converted cable modem) Is the signal the same for DSL and cable modems. Need to change from cable to DSL and don't really want to buy another modem.
thanks

 

Hello Tony,
Thanks for the reply, I wasn't sure if the internal operations for the two modems was universal. That would be too simple... and unprofitable... what was I thinking.......

 

Beats me. Most DSL providers supply FREE modems as part of their package. Who are you dealing with that doesn't?

 

This is the fine print from Qwest DSL with MSN.. Modems use to be free but not anymore...

http://www.qwest.com/residential/internet/modems.html

Qwest has a modem to meet your needs, whether you access the Internet with one computer or several. Both of these modems are available to rent or purchase.

Qwest DSL: For residential use only. Service not available in all areas. Plus taxes, surcharges and other fees. Bundle pricing and promo discounts apply after first full month of billing. Limit of one bundle discount for DSL services per account. Requires compatible DSL modem. Actual DSL speed varies depending on a variety of factors. MSN Premium also requires acceptance of MSN's terms and conditions. Other restrictions may apply. MSN is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are owned by Qwest.
Modem promotion available to new Qwest High-Speed Internet customers signing up for Qwest Choice DSL Deluxe or Qwest Choice DSL Premier, and who have home phone service with Qwest. Not available with Qwest standalone DSL. Offer expires July 15th, 2006.

 

drhans2

Guess the $64 question is, what was I thinking. Didn't have any idea that any DSL provider was charging for modems and I've worked with quite a few people in a pretty broad geographic mix.

It looked like Quest had some kind of $21 purchase so you might be smart to go with what they offer. However, this too may depend upon what you are running at your end.

An example - in my area, BellSouth is responsible for the infrastructure although there are several DSL providers offering a variety of options. Personally, I use an Alcatel Speedtouch modem which BS stopped supplying a couple of years ago. It has no problem communicating with my router and I have managed to squirrel away a spare just in case. More recently, BS switched to a Westell modem which is fine for single machine hookups but won't reliably pass on a IP address change or DNS server change to most routers (in association with a dynamic IP). The modem has its own built in DHCP which can be disabled for use as an "ethernet pass through" but it still does a terrible job of communicating changes to most routers. Bottom line is, it just plain doesn't work well for a networked end user. The best solution for this particular situation is a different modem with a built in router and wireless access point which they will provide free of charge to those who know how to complain politely and make the correct technical arguements regarding their "standard" equipment. I pass this along because there may be more factors to consider on your end than just price.