What happens if a DOCSIS modem is unable to acquire the current time and date from time-of-day (TOD) servers?

When a DOCSIS modem is unable to acquire the current time and date from time-of-day (TOD) servers, it does not simply shut down, reset, or become non-functional. Instead, it enters a specific operational mode where it continues to attempt to establish local time. The modem is designed to issue at least one TOD request every five minutes until it successfully acquires the time. This functionality ensures that the modem remains operational and can continue to communicate and process data even while it seeks to obtain the correct time from servers.

This approach aligns with the modularity and fault tolerance inherent in DOCSIS standards, allowing the modem to remain useful while it works to complete its setup processes. The ongoing attempts to connect to the TOD servers reflect a proactive strategy to maintain service continuity rather than a complete shutdown or failure mode.