Cable modem and router connectivity issues

Question

So, I have a router that is plugged into my cable modem. I was getting connectivity issues, so I plugged my machine directly into the modem to find out which was the weak link. I could get connectivity plugged directly into the modem, so I figured it was the router. So, I bought a new router and I still have the same issue. Does anyone have any thoughts as to why I could get connectivity plugged directly into the modem, but not plugged into the router when it is plugged into the modem? Thanks.

Answer 1

Here are some guesses:

• The cable modem is looking for your computer's MAC address only. The router needs to spoof that MAC.
• The cable modem needs to be power cycled after the router is on and booted for the cable modem to connect.
• The wireless network is not working, either on your computer or on your router.
• The router is configured improperly for NAT.
• One of the patch cables you are using is defective.
• Both routers were defective from the factory.

Try connecting modem -> router -> computer and logging into the router to see if it receives a WAN address from the modem. For example, a Linksys modem has a Status page that can indicate it is receiving a connection from the modem: http://ui.linksys.com/files/WRT54G/v8.2/8.2.05/StaRouter.htm