My little comment. First of all the "Jack and Jill" assessment is very correct. Now that I have that said here goes.
First of all when my modem is in the standby mode that I put it into the cable company can ping my location and will not get a I.P. unless they try and reset the modem as you say via remote. Then they, can obtain my I.P. But, they cannot access my pc. They cannot undo the standby condition that I have put my modem into by using the standby switch, that's a fact. They are unable to access any of my computer information as long as I have my modem in this standby mode.
If I take my modem out of the standby mode and then they ping my system they still will not see anything as long as I have my Z.A. Pro activated, that's another fact. Also when I have my pc already turned on, my modem out of the standby mode I can then put the modem into standby and will not be able to access the Internet. Now, I then can take the modem out of standby and I can then access the Internet WITHOUT rebooting my pc as you state. My modem probably is one of the better ones in that it resets itself I.P. wise when I reset it without my pc having to be rebooted. Thats another fact. If you wish I can give you the toll free number of my level 2 tech support guys and they will be more than willing to verify what I have just stated after telling me that I was correct in my knowledge of how the modem works.
So, while this is a free country, a free forum, the general topic section of this forum, once again you have interjected something into one of my posts. That's alright, I don't mind a bit. Proves what I have said all along. But, when I know something about what I am talking about and someone comes into the conversation and more or less indicates I don't know what I have just talked about I will certaintly respond as I have here. Good to see your paying attention to my posts as always even when outside of your "Off Topic" part of the forum.