Modem + Router Connection Issues

RapidSnail

Diamond Member
Apr 28, 2006
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I'm working with a computer which has recently switched to Comcast cable. The modem which was used before was a Speedstream 5100. The new modem is an Arris TM402P which apparently has no user configurable options. Apparently Comcast restricts access to the interface to combat piracy or something. I don't know.

The problem seems to be that his laptop's wireless connection periodically turns on and off. The wireless connection is unstable. The modem connects through USB to the computer, but if we disconnect the USB cable and use a direct ethernet connection, it does not work. In other words, the modem will only work with a direct USB connection.

However, the wireless connection through the router does work every now and then, which is very strange. But, as of right now, I cannot access the router's internal configuration page (192.168.2.1). This means that we cannot configure the router with personal options. I've tried hard resetting the router by holding the little button on the back, but nothing happens. I've also power cycled the router, but that didn't work either.

When we visit the modem's status page (192.168.100.1) it says that the USB connection is enabled and up, but the ethernet connection is enabled and down. We ran the Belkin CD that came with the router, but the CD cannot detect the router. There is an ethernet cable running from the modem to the WAN port on the router, and another ethernet cable running from a LAN port on the router to the PC. However, the modem's "Link" light (internet access) turns off when we unplug the USB cable. The ethernet cable has no effect, but it has worked in the past. :confused:

We do not know why the ethernet and wireless connection is unstable, but hopefully some of you can offer advice.
 

RapidSnail

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Apr 28, 2006
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Originally posted by: JackMDS
Comcast is an ISP that plays games with their customers.


http://torrentfreak.com/comcas...c-interference-080711/

If they do not provide you with a solution about the USB, switch to another ISP.

Unfortunately, it is not my computer or my choice. I'm just troubleshooting for a friend, but I've never come across this problem before. I've never seen a modem which does not have configuration options, and I've never not been able to access the router's IP after power cycling.

Like I said in the OP, his wireless internet connection through the router has worked before. In fact, it worked yesterday, after it had been down before. But today it is down, and I don't know why his modem will not work through ethernet, or the router's IP cannot be accessed.

Edit: Also, this is not an issue with port forwarding or bittorrent/p2p. I am just trying to fix the stability of his wireless connection.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Most Modems do not have configuration options.

The one that do are usually Modem/Router combo.

In order to log to a device using the browser and an IP like 192.168.xxx.xxx the device has to be already on the LAN which is the case with the LAN side of the Router.

When the computer works with the USB what IP is assigned to it.
 

RapidSnail

Diamond Member
Apr 28, 2006
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Originally posted by: JackMDS
Most Modems do not have configuration options.

The one that do are usually Modem/Router combo.

In order to log to a device using the browser and an IP like 192.168.xxx.xxx the device has to be already on the LAN which is the case with the LAN side of the Router.

When the computer works with the USB what IP is assigned to it.

The desktop's internet is working now (through the cable modem), but neither the laptop nor the desktop can see the router. When I use the ipconfig/all command on the desktop, the default gateway is something like 76.28.28.1, but when I put that in FF, I cannot get anything. The computer's IP is (I think, I'm not on it right now) 76.28.216.1 or a something like that.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Where is the Router connected.

A computer with External IP (76.28.28.1) can not conncet to the Router LAN side.

If the Router is connected to a second NIC then it has to be configured as an Access Point and Windows ics has to be configured to Route to the USB side.

I think that enabling the EThernet has to be dealt with through Comcast Tech. support.
 

RapidSnail

Diamond Member
Apr 28, 2006
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Originally posted by: JackMDS
Where is the Router connected.

A computer with External IP (76.28.28.1) can not conncet to the Router LAN side.

If the Router is connected to a second NIC then it has to be configured as an Access Point and Windows ics has to be configured to Route to the USB side.

I think that enabling the EThernet has to be dealt with through Comcast Tech. support.

We figured out that the router was broken. I brought over my Belkin router and he was able to connect. We will go to buy a new one.

Thanks for the help. :)