Setting up a Linksys router with Cable Internet service

Title: Setting up a Linksys router with Cable Internet service

Article ID: 3686

This article will discuss how to manually set up a Linksys router with a Cable Internet service.  For Linksys E-Series routers and Valet Hotspots, it is recommended to use the Cisco Connect software to initially set up the router.

QUICK TIP:  If you are unsure about the type of Internet connection you have, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

To set up a Linksys router with Cable connection, you need to perform four (4) steps using the computer that is registered with the ISP:

i.    Verifying Internet connection
ii.   Connecting devices together
iii.  Checking the router’s LEDs
iv.  Configuring a Linksys router for Cable Internet connection

QUICK TIP:  To reconfigure a previously used router, reset the router to factory default settings before doing the following procedure.  To learn how to reset your router, clickhere.

Verifying Internet connection

Connect the computer to the Cable modem using an Ethernet cable without the router installed.  If your computer is getting Internet connection, you may proceed with the next step.  Otherwise, contact your ISP.

NOTE:  Some Cable modems have their USB ports configured by the ISP to give your computer the Internet connection.  If the physical connection is through a USB port, you will not be able to go online using an Ethernet connection.  Contact your ISP to have the Ethernet port of the modem configured.

NOTE:  The image may vary depending on the computer and modem you’re using.

Connecting devices together

NOTE:  Images may vary depending on the type of computer and router model you are using.  In this example, Linksys E4200 and a laptop computer are used.

Step 1:Connect the Cable modem to the router’s WAN or Internet port.

Step 2:Connect a computer to any of the numbered ports (1, 2, 3 or 4).  If you are using a wireless computer, you will need to connect it first with an Ethernet cable.

NOTE:  In this example, a computer is connected to port number 2.

Step 3:Connect the power adapter of your router to the power outlet.

Checking the router's LEDs

After connecting the devices together, check the lights on the front panel of the router.  Ensure that the lights corresponding to the ports where the Ethernet cords are connected to are lit.  For further instructions, click here.

Configuring a Linksys router for Cable Internet connection

Step 1:Access the router’s web-based setup page.  For instructions, click here.

NOTE:  If you are using a Mac computer to access the router’s web-based setup page, click here.

Step 2:On the Setup tab, click the MAC Address Clone sub-tab.

Step 3:Select Enabled then click on Clone My PC’s MAC.

 

Step 4:Click .

Checking Internet connection status

Once the MAC Address Clone feature is enabled, Internet status should be active.  To check the Internet Connection status, follow the procedure below.

NOTE:  Ensure that the Internet Connection Type is set to Automatic Configuration – DHCP.

Step 1:Click on the Status tab.

 

Step 2:Check the Internet IP Address.  If it has numbers, this means the router has been properly configured.

NOTE:  If the Internet IP Address values are showing up 0.0.0.0, click on Release IP Address then the Renew IP Address buttons.

 

NOTE:  For wireless-B and wireless-G routers, click on the DHCP Release and DHCP Renew buttons.

You should now be able to access the Internet.  If not, powercycle the modem, the router then the computer.  To know how, follow the steps below:

IMPORTANT:  You should do the following procedure with caution since most Cable modems run together with the phone line and Cable TV connection.  Most Cable modems also have backup batteries that may prevent it from being powered OFF even if the power adapter is detached from it.  Refer to your ISP for detailed instructions on powercycling the modem. 

To perform the powercycle process:

Step 1: Power OFF the modem.

Step 2: While the modem is powered OFF, unplug the power adapter from the router and shutdown your computer.

Step 3: Power ON the modem and wait for its lights to go steady.

Step 4: Power ON the router, wait for its lights to go steady, then turn ON the computer.

Your Internet connection should now be active.  If you’re still unable to go online, contact your ISP to reconfigure the modem.

NOTE:  Most Cable Internet Service Providers (ISP) use Media Access Control (MAC) Address authentication to establish Internet connection to Internet subscribers.  A MAC address is a unique identifier pre-assigned to the network adapter/s of the computer.  When you connect a computer directly to the Cable modem, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) verifies if the MAC address is allowed to obtain Internet access.  All routers also have a unique MAC address.

If this MAC address is not recognized by the Cable Internet Service Provider, you will not be able to share Internet connection using a router.  To set up your Linksys router to work with a Cable ISP, you have to enable the MAC Address Clone feature using the router’s web-based setup page.  This feature will allow your ISP to recognize the router as the computer with the registered MAC address.

  
Related Articles:

Setting up WEP, WPA or WPA2 personal wireless security on a Linksys wireless router
Installing Cisco Connect after setting up the router manually

Thanks to:

http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?pid=80&vw=1&articleid=3686