Forcing users of your modems/routers to go through a phone app to configure settings

[dsaf]

Im just going to lay out a couple reasons why the current way of configuring the shaw gateway routers with an app on your phone is a bad idea

1. why force your users to use a LESS secure device, to configure something for their desktop computers or labtops etc.  I have a computer that is hard wired and secured, i use multiple programs to maintain security and make sure nothing malicious is going on, i should be able to fully access all the router settings from it, not a separate device that is wireless and less secure (phone)

2. with the merger of shaw and rogers, i just again tried to configure this app, and it now asks you to sign in with rogers 'ignite homeconnect' app instead of the previous shaw 'bluecurve' app, so now if you were going to use this app you would have to funnel your shaw information thru rogers.

at this point i wont even be able to factory reset our modem because if i do i wont be able to use my computer to configure the needed settings on the modem webpage.  this is ridiculous, all this does is take away convenience, not add any.  there's no need to take away the ability to fully manage the modems settings from a PC, which would be the most secure way of doing it. 

[rstra]

@dsaf  You can still do a reset in 10.0.0.1 or a pinhole reset on the modem.

https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/how-to-restart-or-reset-the-ignite-wifi-gateway-modem

[g-idk]

Hi @dsaf , totally agree with your sentiment about limited access.  But the reasoning behind this ( whether correct or not ) is to make the modems plug and play ready for anybody with only a limited knowledge on how things work, they actually don't want you monkeying around in the advanced settings, which a newb could enter by accident and then screw things up and then Support has to deal with them.  They only train the front line staff on basic support, so for Shaw/Rogers Home internet all basic items were transferred to the app and the modems locked out.  If you have Shaw Business internet then you can still have complete access.  So yes it sucks for people who actually know what they are doing with the advanced settings on home internet,  I can't speak to the security issues you bring up but I don't think the general public is knowledgeable enough to have a completely locked down system, and I'm sure customer support would not want to deal with it.  Anyways just my 2 cents worth, have a great night.    

[dsaf]

Whatever they intended to do with locking access to settings for PC users didn't seem to work, iv seen tons of people online complaining about the app being a hassle. So i get what you were saying about them having to deal with more problems if newbies messed with advanced settings, but this app seemed to not really fix that.  Plus i think they could have just done both and made both crowds happy.

Regardless i will be looking for a new router/modem combo, im just having troubles finding decently priced one that can handle the 1000mbps download speed we currently have with shaw.

[g-idk]

So @dsaf , I presume you mean you are going to bridge your Shaw Modem and use a new router?  Yes I have also heard many complaints about the app as well, and yet for lots of people it woks as intended, crap shoot I guess.  If you run into problems trying to bridge your modem they can do it remotely if you contact Shaw directly.  

[mdk]

@dsaf -- I recommend that you scroll-down on this page, and submit your comments via the "Your Voice" hyperlink.

If your mobile-phone is connected via WiFi to your cable-modem, the connection is encrypted, and thus is "secure" -- none of your traffic goes "beyond" your cable-modem out to the Internet. Anybody physically close to your cable-modem, e.g., parked in front of your home, or in a nearby apartment unit who tries to "sniff" your traffic will have to overcome the encryption, which is not likely at all.

With the merger of Shaw and Rogers, i just again tried to configure this app, and it now asks you to sign in with Rogers 'ignite homeconnect' app 

Given that Rogers now owns Shaw, it is unavoidable that Rogers is rebranding everything to "retire" the 'Shaw' labelling.

I won't be able to factory reset our modem, because if I do, I won't be able to use my computer to configure the needed settings on the modem webpage.  

Doubtful. After the reset, reconnect your mobile-phone to the cable-modem's secure WiFi, and then use the app on your device to securely communicate with the cable-modem.  What configuration changes do you need to make, other than changing the SSID ?  After the "reset", the default settings will be 100% OK & secure.

I'm having troubles finding decently priced one that can handle the 1000mbps download speed we currently have with Rogers/Shaw.

Cancel with Shaw, and subscribe to Telus Optik, to get a good modem/router.

I doubt that Shaw will allow you to connect any third-party modem/router to their network.

You might have some success with some of the "resellers", such as LightSpeed, who purchase "bulk" Internet from Shaw, and provide subscribers with their preferred modem.

If you do connect a third-party cable-modem, Shaw might not "provision" it to set it to your contracted speed.  Certainly, if you contact Shaw Support, and mention that you are NOT using their modem/router, they probably will decline to give any "support" to you.  Paddle your own canoe?

[sasky]

I completely agree.  Just to note, I was able to do a factory reset on the modem by holding the WIFI connect button for 30 seconds.  It resets to the default login as well - which isn't very secure, either.  

Some additional things I find completely absurd:

1.  It's not possible to change wifi network name or password using the desktop portal.  Only the app.

2.  No Guest network.  

Lack of access - not everyone has a smart phone/device (or supported one) - that said, I imagine most people who don't probably won't change the settings using a desktop anyway, but still.

Not loving the supposed "upgrade". 

[mdk]

@sasky wrote: It resets to the default login as well - which isn't very secure, either.

Only the computers and WiFi devices that have connected to your LAN (Local Area Network) can access that  logon-page. So, it is "secure" as the password for your WiFi.

No Guest network.

Really? Which cable-modem do you have?

[Cory239]

I just spent 2 hours with so called "TECH SUPPORT" it was the most painful experience of my life. completely defeats the purpose of managing parental controls when my daughter is the only one with a mobile device!!!!!! this needs to be resolved so users can mange the device via computer....

[rstra]

@Cory239  You would need to also mange your daughter’s mobile data as well.