Updated: 8/28/2002
Topics
Introduction
Recently many different Cable ISPs began adopting a procedure
to prevent customers from allowing multiple computers to get online through
their modem connection. With this procedure, the ISPs register the Media
Access Control (MAC) Hardware Address of a computer’s Ethernet card so that
only this computer can get online. Sometimes the ISP will register multiple
computers allowing the customer to switch which computer is connected to the
modem. This MAC Hardware Address Registration is usually done without the
knowledge of the customer; therefore, customers will encounter connection
problems when they try to get their computers online through a Cable/DSL
Router like the MIH-130A, WSR-5000 and PR-100.
Such ISPs known to register the MAC address are Cox Cable,
AT&T, Comcast, Road Runner, Media One, RCN and most customers of the former
Excite@Home network.
Check List
Verify the following before continuing:
- Verify that you can reach the Internet when connected
directly to the ISP's cable modem. If you cannot get online then you’ll
need to contact your ISP to resolve these issues before continuing.
- Verify that you can reach the router’s One Page Setup
when connected directly to the router. You won’t reach the Internet
through the router if you can’t reach the configuration pages first.
- Update the router firmware to the latest available from
our website. You can verify the router’s firmware from the Device Admin.
Page.
The following are the latest firmware updates for the
Macsense Router line as of July 9, 2002:
- WSR-5000 v1.04
- MIH-130A v1.19d
- MIH-130 v1.23
- PR-100 v1.1
- MIH-120 v1.23
You can download the latest firmware updates at the
following link:
http://www.macsense.com/support/driver.html
Quick steps for Excite@Home
customers
These quick steps are for customers switched to AT&T that
are familiar with the setup of our router.
- Connect to the "One Page setup".
- Remove the Host Name and click "Apply".
- Perform the Powerdown/Powerup procedure.
You should now be able to get online. If not, follow the
instructions below as you may be missing one important configuration.
Full steps for Excite@Home
customers
The procedure below is intended for customers who had
excite@home and were recently switched to AT&T. These steps are to help
those with a Dynamic IP Address from AT&T get back online through the
router. We suggest using a standard browser such as Netscape or Internet
Explorer.
- Connect your main computer to the router’s port #1 and
verify that there is a green or amber LAN Link LED.
- Connect the modem to the WAN port and verify that there
is a green WAN Link LED.
- Configure your computer’s TCP/IP control panel as the
User Manual explains.
- Log into the router’s One Page Setup, remove the Host
Name and click “Apply” to save these settings.
- Perform the Powerdown/Powerup sequence.
- Try to connect online. If this is unsuccessful, try the
Powerdown/Powerup sequence again but wait one hour before powering up the
modem.
Important: Macintosh AT&T users need to add “attbi.com”
to the Search Domain field of your TCP/IP control panel.
If the suggestions above do not help then we suggest
cloning the MAC Hardware Address of the Ethernet card to the router. The
Macsense Router will adopt this new address as its own so the ISP will not
block it. You must update the router to the latest firmware and obtain the
MAC Hardware Address of your main computer’s Ethernet card before
continuing.
How to retrieve the MAC
Hardware Address
For Mac users:
Classic OS
- Open the TCP/IP control panel under the Apple menu.
- Use the Edit menu to go into Advanced Mode.
- Click “Info” and copy the Hardware (MAC) address (e.g.
xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx).
OS X
- 1. Choose Network Preferences under the Location menu.
- 2. Choose Show and then Built-in Ethernet.
- 3. Copy the Ethernet (MAC) address (e.g.
xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx) at the bottom.
For PC users:
Windows 95/98/98SE/ME
- Go to Run under the Start menu.
Type "winipcfg" and click OK.
Choose your Ethernet adapter in the pull-down menu.
Copy the Physical Address (e.g. xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx).
Windows 2000
- Go to Run under the Start menu.
- Type "command" and click OK.
- Once the C:/ prompt displays, type "ipconfig /all”.
There must be a space between ipconfig and /all.
- Copy the Physical Address (e.g. xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx).
How to clone the MAC
Hardware Address to the Macsense Router
WSR-5000, MIH-130A, PR-100
- Connect your main computer to the router’s port #1 and
verify that there is a green or amber LAN LNK LED.
- Configure your computer’s TCP/IP control panel as the
User Manual explains.
- Log into the router’s One Page Setup and click the
“Modify” link.
- Choose “Manually” and enter the MAC Hardware Address
from your main computer.
- Click “Apply” to save these new settings.
- Perform the Powerdown/Powerup sequence.
MIH-120 and MIH-130
- Connect your main computer to the router’s port #1 and
verify that there is a green or amber LAN LNK LED.
- Configure your computer’s TCP/IP control panel as the
User Manual explains.
- Type "192.168.1.1/More.htm" into the URL field and
click Return/Enter.
- Enter the MAC Address manually that you retrieved from
your main computer.
- Click “Apply” and then “Finish Settings” to save these
settings.
- Perform the Powerdown/Powerup sequence.
How to perform
the Powerdown/Powerup
Procedure
- Connect your main computer to port #1 of the router and
the modem to the WAN port. Verify that you have the proper LED lights lit.
- Power off the computer, router and modem and then wait
ten minutes.
- Power on the modem and allow it to fully start up.
- Power on the router and then the computer.
The Technical Support Team at Macsense can be reached via
email or paid phone support to further help the customer.
Email support:
support@macsense.com
Premier phone support: (650)552-9110
Phone support is provided at 75 cents per minute. |