[TriLUG] OT broadband question

[Chris Bullock]

I know we have some broadband employees in the group so helpfully someone can answer my question.  I wanted to set up a small mail/webserver at my house but my ISP blocks a lists of ports, 80 and 25 being the key ones I need.  They claim that the ports are blocked at the modem not at the routers.  How is this?  Does the modem receive a TFTP on the initial activation?  Just wanted to know for curiosity.

thanks 

Chris