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gchtvc15's avatar
gchtvc15
New Contributor
5 years ago

Steps to Connect Computer Directly to Cable Modem

Looking to connect my computer via CAT6 directly to my cable modem. Do I need to manually set an IP address on my computer to get them to connect? If so, what IP address doing I need to use?
cable modem
Bruce's avatar
Bruce
Honored Contributor III
5 years ago

The modem operates at Layer-2 of the networking protocols, aka the MAC Layer.  Your public IP address will be what Cox assigns to your modem.  When your modem receives data addressed to it, it'll pass it via MAC address.  No IP addresses involved.

  • gchtvc15's avatar
    gchtvc15
    New Contributor
    5 years ago

    Thanks Bruce! When I connect my laptop directly to the cable modem I do not get internet connectivity according to my laptop.

    • Bruce's avatar
      Bruce
      Honored Contributor III
      5 years ago

      You may need to just unplug/replug the modem to clear its MAC table.  It probably thinks it's still communicating with your router.

      Also, ensure your LAN (wired) NIC is enabled on your laptop.  This task should be under your Network & Internet properties.

      • gchtvc15's avatar
        gchtvc15
        New Contributor
        5 years ago

        Going to try it now. Actually, my whole goal is to check the speed I'm getting from Cox Gigablast before it hits my router.