A router with MAC cloning capability can be used to easily get a new IP lease.
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned to every router or computer on a given network. Comcast cable automatically assigns a unique IP address to your computer through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP. Comcast cable systems provide this IP address based on the MAC (Media Access Control) address of your router or your computer's networking card. MAC addresses of computer network cards cannot be changed, but if you add a router with "MAC Address Clone" capability, the MAC address can be changed to warrant a new IP address through this cloning process.
Step 1
Unplug your Internet router from between your Comcast cable modem and your computer, and unplug it from the wall outlet. If you don't already have such a router, or your present one doesn't have "MAC Address Cloning" capability, purchase a new or used router that has this capability. If you purchase a new one, it will come with its own unique MAC address already and you may jump to Step 7 of this article.
Step 2
Connect your router to the Ethernet networking port of the alternative computer system and plug it into a nearby wall outlet. Power up the computer and the router, then start the Web browser on the computer.
Step 3
Connect to your router's configuration settings via the Web browser by entering the router's local IP address. This differs between different manufacturers and models and you will have to consult with the operator's manual for this portion of the configuration. Most router access IP addresses will generally begin with the numbers "192", such as any of the following examples: 192.168.1.0, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.0, or possibly 192.168.2.1. Enter your router's number into the Web browser's address bar and then press the "Enter" key on the keyboard to begin the connection process.
Step 4
Log into the router's configuration settings screen by entering the username and password you have provided for logging into the router. If you are using a new router, or have never made any changes to the login username or password, you will have to use the default username and password provided to your router by the manufacturer, which is documented in the setup documentation that came with the router. Many manufacturers use the word "root" as the username, and "admin" for the default password, as just one example.
Step 5
Enter the area of your router settings where you are able to view networking devices to which your router is currently connected. Since there are literally dozens, if not hundreds, of configuration software versions in different routers on the market, this may require you to browse through the configuration tabs of your router. In the popular Linksys routers, for example, "Mac Address Clone" is located under the "Setup" tab. Once you have located the MAC address section in your router, you will see a list of MAC addresses of the network card to which the router is currently connected.
Step 6
Clone the router's MAC address using the "MAC Address Clone" function provided by your router. You will be asked which MAC address you would like the router to be changed to from the list of available MAC addresses. As there should be only one, be sure to select it. Once it is selected, click the "Clone," "OK" or "Save Settings" button. When finished, it is safe to log out of the router and to disconnect it from the computer and its power source.
Step 7
Disconnect the power from your Comcast cable modem. Connect the router between the cable modem and the networking jack on your computer. Leave the power disconnected from the router and the modem for at least one hour, then plug them in and turn on the computer.
Step 8
Log into the router once again via the Web browser on your computer. In the network configuration settings, search for where you can drop the current IP address and ask the network for a new one. For example, on Linksys routers, click on the "Status" tab. At the bottom of the resulting screen, you will see two buttons labeled "DHCP Release" and "DHCP Renew." Once you have found this or a similar option in your router, release the DHCP information and then renew it.
Step 9
Wait for new IP and DNS information to appear in your router configuration screen, which may take a few seconds. The router will request new information from Comcast cable services, which will display on the router configuration screen once received. If the information doesn't change after one full minute has expired, click the renew button for another attempt.
Step 10
Compare the new IP address to your old one. With an hour-long power recycling of the modem and a new MAC address in the router, you should now find that you have a completely different IP address.
Tips & Warnings
- Be sure you save the changes you make in the router. Most routers will provide a "Save Changes," "Save," "Save and Exit" or similar button to make your new changes active. Without saving the changes, the router will retain the old settings when you log out of the router's configuration area.
- A second option, rather than concerning yourself with routers, is to purchase and install a new Ethernet network card in your computer. This can be a less expensive option if you are capable of installing a new network card by yourself, but not any less expensive if you have to pay a technician to do this for you.
- If you have a business Internet package from Comcast, chances are that you were given a static (unchangable) IP address. In this case, you will have to contact Comcast and request a change to your IP address from the central office.
References
- Forcing Comcast ISP To New IP Address With Router And PC, by Jim "Warholic"
- Maxim IC: Glossary Definition: MAC Address
Resources
- Motosat: Default Router Information (various manufacturers, makes and models)
Photo Credits
- Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images