Forum Discussion

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

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.

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

        Connecting directly to the modem is the correct way to perform a speed test.