Cable Modem/Networking

The long wait for the Cable to get to my Rural Area arrived. Yesterday finally got the Cable Modem working. The problems involved are probably to uninteresting and length prohibitive to post here.

I do have what I think is a problem and the Help People at Cable are "not exactly Help People" with some things.

It seems that when I have to reboot, or when I shut down my PC, there is no Cable connection after the start/restart.

Also, the ICS with my client doesn't connect.

I've found that I can reboot the Cable Modem to correct my HOST problem. Then I have to run the Network Wizard and/or run REPAIR before I can get the Client back up and running.

The Cable People have no clue as to why. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Shouldn't the status of things be the same after a reboot?

I can live with this, but don't want to.

By the way, went from a 2.75kbs download on dialup to a 500kbs on this Cable. That really put a smile on my face.

 

Mudd - step #1 is to get yourself a router/switch (Linksys & DLink make good ones) and get rid of ICS. Make sure the router contains a firewall.

I seem to remember that you have 2 PCs at home so a 4 port switch will do you fine.

You can get a Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router (4-Port 10/100 Switch / VPN Endpoint) for about $70 at this link. I'm partial to the Linksys because it's what I use but others may well prefer a different one.

Just hook the modem to the modem port and each PC to a switch port using a normal cable (rather than the crossover you would use for direct PC-PC connections) and you are pretty much good to go.

 

Newt

Thanks Newt. I may have found the problem already. But I think I will go for a Router anyway. The information you gave will be great to select.

I went into my Services and found that the DHCP was set on MANUAL. I changed it to AUTOMATIC, rebooted and this time it did just fine. Will be satisfied with this until I get a Router.

I'm running the "super networking configuration" you gave me many months ago. Hate to part with it as it has ran without flaw.

BTW. New file is on the way.

Thanks

 

Yup. With the settings on manual and your present style connection, you wouldn't have much fun. Glad you got it going.

The router/switch is sure a better option though and a hardware firewall is the best way to go. Protects all your PCs, faster than software firewalls, and not going to be disabled by any malware.

The new file - got it, ran it, loved it. Stupid dog running around with a roman candle in its mouth. Stupider humans standing around laughing instead of hiding from the thing.

 

Newt

Router is still on my mind. Had to disable the XP Firewall for Grouch to be able to connect for some reason. Depending upon ZA in both units.

Good thing it ran out of ammo before it got to the other animals! That hound might have got into bigger trouble that he already was.