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Solved: Router Not Communicating with Modem

On Networking » Networking

4,326 words with 6 Comments; publish: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:52:00 GMT; (45078.13, « »)

I have an Arris telephony modem patching the home telephones and computer onto Cox Cable ISP. The desktop is connected via ethernet to the modem through a Linksys WRT54G router. Yesterday I attempted to update firmware on the router in an attempt to get a clean wireless connection for my DTR notebook, which had not been able to connect wirelessly. The notebook had been connected via ethernet. After the firmware update to the router and reboot of the desktop, neither the desktop nore the notebook would connect to the Internet. LAN connection to the router was fine, but there was no Internet connection. LEDs on the modem indicated connectivity. I put the modem, router, and desktop through power cycle, but with no improvement, even after resetting basic settings in the router. I disconnected the desktop from the router and plugged it directly into the modem, and the connection is fine (I'm writing this post on that desktop computer through that modem). The notebook connected via ethernet cable to the modem indicates a LAN connection but stalls at "acquiring IP address."

The problem here appears to be in the connection between the router and the modem, but is the problem in the router or in the modem? Any suggestions on strategies to pursue?

Thank you in advance.

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  • 6 Comments
    • Sounds like a firmware update gone bad and you may have a paperweight.

      I would try this first. Turn off the PC, the router, and the modem. Then turn on the modem and let it sit for 2 minutes then turn on the router and let it sit for 2 minutes, lastly turn on the PC and let it log in and check its IP. If its not getting an IP from the Router then you need to replace the router if you have already performed a hard reset and if you have tried rolling back the firmware update.

      Quote:

      The notebook connected via ethernet cable to the modem indicates a LAN connection but stalls at "acquiring IP address."
      Quote:

      The problem here appears to be in the connection between the router and the modem, but is the problem in the router or in the modem?
      Actually this appears to be a problem between the PC and the router. You get your IP's from the Router that get sent to the devices. The fact that the PC works direct connected to the modem but not to the router really screams of a firmware update gone bad.
      #1; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:42:00 GMT
    • Wow. A firmware cataclysm had not occurred to me. How does one roll back a firmware update? Would this be in the unit's documentation? Maybe it's just re-installing the original default software? After doing that, I'll do the power cycle again. If that doesn't work, the solution seems simple enough--buy a new router. (Uggh.)

      Thank you!

      #2; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:43:00 GMT
    • Usually the mfg has multiple firmwares on their website for downloads (some only have the latest, yet others hide their firmware updates so you have to call their support to get them to point you to the link). I would have a go on the website see if you can find an older version firmware and try that but first I would try a hard reset and see if that does anything for the situation.
      #3; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:44:00 GMT
    • Finally got the problems solved. I needed to clone the MAC address of the wired PC to the router. The follow-up power cycle got everything working as it should, including the wireless connection on the notebook PC. I'm writing this post on the notebook, listening to streaming radio over the wireless connection. All is cool again!

      Thanks for good suggestions given in this thread. I'll be back to this forum, and hope to contribute sometime.

      #4; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:45:00 GMT
    • Ahhh so your ISP requires mac address registration and your last firmware update probably wiped it out.

      Just an FYI if you ever do a firware update I usually suggest going in and taking screenshots of ALL the tabs so I can reset it just the same once the firmware update is done.

      Glad to hear you got it solved though.

      #5; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:46:00 GMT
    • You've probably hit the nail on the head. The network was working just fine until after the firmware update. Since resetting the MAC address got it going the way it is supposed to, your point seems most accurate. And what a good idea to take note of all the device settings before updating it. Thanks again for good advice!
      #6; Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:47:00 GMT