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What would explain the reason my desktop can use my cable connection fine, but my laptop cannot? *Update now a PS2 also!

P

pg22

Platinum Member
Hello,

I've just switched to Adelphia cable from Verizon DSL, and before, if I wanted to use my laptop with the DSL, I would simply unplug the network cable from my desktop and put it into my laptop, and all was good. I've since switched to Adelphia cable and when I try to do the same thing, I cannot get an Internet connection on the laptop. It's confusing the hell out of me since I've triple-checked the network settings for both systems, and they look identical. I simply cannot figure out what's wrong... 😕

Any help? Thanks guys!
 
Usually when a cable provider sets up your internet connection they take your MAC address and limit your connection to that address. Since your desktop and laptop have different MAC addresses the cable only works on the one that the provider set it up on. Hope this helps.
 
Yeah, I vote for the MAC address too. In my case, insightbb.com's DHCP server will assign an IP address in the 10. range (ie. not reachable by the outside world) if you attempt to request an address from a different MAC. This could happen if you try to use a different computer or if you merely switch ethernet cards.

You can get around this by setting up a home network and letting your desktop provide firewall and NAT services to the rest of your home network or by setting up one of those little firewall/router appliance thingies like D-Link and Linksys sell.
 
ahh..well, that is indeed a big deal since I just came home with a PLaystation 2 network adaptor. So what you guys would suggest is a router from Linksys or D-Link? I'm going to Best Buy in a bit, I'll go to their website and see if I can get some links to get your guys approval. Thanks for the help!
 
Yea, if you get a router, you will probably have to clone your primary computer's mac address. But this is probably the reason you can't connect.
 
I don't know if you tried this or not, but try to reset the cable modem (ie disconnect it from power, and then reconnect it). With my service provider, Optimum Online (Cablevision), I cannot just switch the CAT5 from one comp, to another. I have to reset my modem to get that to work, so I reset the cable modem, and then I can use another computer.
 
I think you just need to unplug or reset the Cable modem each time you switch computers. Thats how mine works 😀

edit:KraziKid beat me to it 🙂
 
I tried the cable modem reset (or unplug) thing...it didn't work 🙁 😉

Right now I've just come home with a bag of goodies, including a Linksys 4 port DSL/Cable Router...and my main desktop is working fine. Now on to my lappy and PS2 😀
 
Originally posted by: KraziKid
I don't know if you tried this or not, but try to reset the cable modem (ie disconnect it from power, and then reconnect it). With my service provider, Optimum Online (Cablevision), I cannot just switch the CAT5 from one comp, to another. I have to reset my modem to get that to work, so I reset the cable modem, and then I can use another computer.
Click to expand...

I have to do that as well (switch cables to the other computer and then physically unplug the power cable from the modem and wait 60 seconds or so and then plug it back in). But, getting the router was a good move. Is it working now?
 
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