Cable modem question.....

[Mucker]

I have a desktop PC and a laptop (both with LAN). I have a Motorola Surfboard 4100. I can connect fine with the PC (which is what I originally set up on) but when I unplug from the PC into the laptop, I cannot get a connection. Is there a hidden identifier that is not allowing me to use the cable modem with my laptop?

Thanks
GPJ

 

[JackMDS]

Most cable ISPs authenticate (Like Password), with the MAC number of the NIC.

Since your ISP uses the MAC of the Desktop, your Laptop (which has a different MAC) cannot connect.

If you want to solve the problem, read the content of the following links:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[SaigonK]

I have this same issue, Adelphia does MAC address registration and then hands you an IP from their DHCP server.
If you only need the laptop connected infrequently, just shut down the modem for 5 minutes then plug it back in then plugin the laptop..should work fine.
It clears the MAC address and the assigns you a new IP for your laptop, consequently you will have to do the same thing when you plug back into your PC.

Or buy a router...cheap easy way to get around this.

 

[Mucker]

Thanks a ton for the info guys! This helps greatly!

GPJ

 

[SaigonK]

Anytime! 🙂