Internet connection problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Michael Gourley
  • Start date Start date
M

Michael Gourley

I don't know if this is the right place to ask about this, but maybe someone
knows what to do. My husband and I have separate computers and separate
addresses. Our computers are not networked together. For years we
have been connected, at the same time, to the internet via cable modem and a
router. Now we are unable to be connected at the same time. Sometimes it's
me and sometimes it's him, but never at the same time and we never know
who's going to be connected or when. We've called Comcast and they say the
modem is working properly and the problem is the router. The technician, who
was here for three hours and replaced the modem couldn't help. All the
lights on the router are blinking as they should (we've tried two different
routers and they SEEM to be working properly). We are both using Windows XP
and all was well until last weekend when we were at the Comcast office to
exchange our cable box. While we were there, the woman behind the counter
said we only needed one IP address and removed the second one she saw there.
Since then, we've each had connection, but never at the same time. I am at a
loss as to what to do. Should we buy a new router? Should I call Comcast
again and cry or scream? Can someone here give me some suggestions?

I received a few answers in other groups. One suggested that I do this:

After the first PC connects successfully,
then try the following on the PC that does not.

Open a command prompt window and enter these two commands in the
following
order:
1) ipconfig /release
2) ipconfig /renew

I did that and the ip address did not renew and now I have NO ip address and
am not able to connect at all. I should have known better than to mess
around with that! We're getting a new router today in hopes that it will
help. Any more ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks so much in advance for your time...

Maddy
 
Hi
It seems that you did not really used the Router as a Router but had two
independent external IPs from Comcast.
Whether it was Comcast mistake to allow two IPs (or may be it was allowed
years ago) it does not matter since it seems that they are Not allowing it
any more.
One IP can easily used for multiple computers if your Router is working well
and it is configured correctly.
Leave the past to rest, start with Fresh approach. Read the Router's manual
and reconfigure every thing form scratch.
I do not know how Comcast authenticates but in case they use MAC
authentication this can help.
http://www.ezlan.net/broadband.html
Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)
 
Thank you so much, Jack! Your answer makes more sense to me than any other
I've had. I'll install the new router and go from there and let you know how
things worked out. I appreciate your time and kindness.

Maddy
 
Just wanted to let you know that we are connected and all is well. We bought
a NetGear Super-G Wireless Router. While running the software we hit a snag,
so we called the support number. The agent was GREAT and got us up and
running with no trouble. If it helps you or others to know, Comcast does use
MAC authentication. I appreciate your mentioning that and for your trouble.

Maddy
 
You should be able to change the device connected to the Cable Modem
by power cycling the modem. If this did not work, there is a
configuring issue that Comcast needs to address. The modem has a
bridging table that stores the mac address, but if you power cycle
it, that should clear. Don't know what modem you have, some emta's
might require a reset.

Multiple IPs. You are far better off behind a router.

Just wanted to let you know that we are connected and all is well. We bought
a NetGear Super-G Wireless Router. While running the software we hit a snag,
so we called the support number. The agent was GREAT and got us up and
running with no trouble. If it helps you or others to know, Comcast does use
MAC authentication. I appreciate your mentioning that and for your trouble.

Maddy
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
 
If a customer still wants multiple IPs, it should not be removed. A
router is certainly a better solution for most people.

Whether it was Comcast mistake to allow two IPs (or may be it was allowed
years ago) it does not matter since it seems that they are Not allowing it
any more.
One IP can easily used for multiple computers if your Router is working well
and it is configured correctly.
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
 
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