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Losing IP address from cable modem in bridge mode every two weeks
Hi, I am Comcast Customer with an ARRIS TG1682G Gateway/modem in Bridge Mode. I have a new Netgear 7000P (V1.0.0.58_1.0.50) that is connected to that gateway. When I installed it about 6 weeks ago, ...
ElaineM,
Thanks for the link. I understand MAC spoofing now because of the troubles in getting this router to run continuously.
Please understand what I am saying:
1) The initial configuration is clunky because I restarted the cable modem BEFORE trying to configure the router and it failed to get an initial IP address. I then restarted the router again and then it got its IP address. I didn't do the second restart until two days ago and that is when it finally got its IP address with its OWN MAC address.
2) Before two days ago, for the last couple months since purchased as guided by your telephone support, the router was using a PC's MAC address that was able to easily obtain an IP address with only one cable modem restart, not two. Using that MAC address during initial configuration would get the router to get an IP address and work. It would only work until a future DHCP renew attempt. Here is where I am guessing on the problem: Either the DHCP server has a problem renewing the lease (not sure on this because it is Comcast and they have millions of customers...but maybe it is because it is Comcast...), or the Nighthawk is not making the renew request correctly (maybe using its own MAC address when it should use the spoof).
The router successfully renewed it DHCP lease last night on time (half time renew).
I have a working system now and I know how to make it work if I ever need to factory reset again but I have seen posts with similar problems here and elsewhere without solutions. I think it bears investigation.
Anyway, when the Nighthawk works, it is great. Great range and great speeds. I am very happy with the product, except for the challenges to get it to finally work consistently.
I will have to call the Customer Care line a third time as I still have not received the replacement router. I think the problem is solved now anyway, so we will see if they can cancel that.
Thanks for your help.
MarcG1
Please keep us updated.
Update 4: The problem happened agin this morning. I have been monitoring the DHCP Lease since the factory reset and the router was getting 4 day leases and was getting renews well before 2 days left until yesterday. The last time I checked it had about 2 days and 12 hours to go. This morning, we did nothave a connection and when I checked for the IP of the router, it was 0.0.0.0. I did the reboot cable modem, reset IP from my PC, and reboot the router to get things running again. I still don't know if the problem is with the router or Comcast. Neither Netgear or Comcast are giving me ways to find out.
It looks like you are in the process of returning the unit back to us.
Keep us updated once you have tested the replacement router.
Hello ElaineM!
Thanks for following up. I have an update and a question.
Update: I was in contact with Arris support and they told me that their DHCP server is probably having a problem with the MAC spoofing when the router requests a renewal. They told me to try again to get the router to get its IP address using its own MAC address.
I factory reset the router again and restarted the cable modem. Upon rebooting the router for its initial configuration, it still failed to get an IP. Instead of using the MAC spoofing, I restarted the cable modem a second time and the router was able to pick up an IP address using its own MAC address.
Maybe it was me but the initial configuration of the router is clunky. Also, it would seem that when using a PC's MAC address, the router seems to try to renew with its own MAC address which causes the problems over time. Just a guess by me.
It is running now and its first renewal should be coming up tomorrow. I am cautiously optimistic that it will work as it will use its own MAC address.
Question: I have not received the replacement router yet. When I processed the RMA, I paid for the Advanced Delivery so I could get the router before returning the old one. When I check the status, website tells me that the status is that Netgear is waiting for me to return the unit. I have called twice and have been told that I will still receive it soon. The page is confusing. Again, it may be me but it is not clear that you have shipped it.
All that being said, it may be that the problem has been solved now that the router is using its own MAC address. If I get the router, I may just return it to you unopened. If it hasn't been shipped yet, I don't think we should shake it lose just yet to see if we should cancel it.
How do you suggest we proceed?
Thanks,
Marc
I would suggest that you send an inquiry directly to our customer care team to verify the status of your RMA.
You may reach to them directly at customer.service@netgear.com.
Indicate your case number or RMA number in the subject line.
Regarding the MAC Spoofing, it's normally configured with cable ISP.
Back in the day, Cable ISP's would register one computer from your home network to allow internet access for that computer.
Now, if you have multiple devices in your network it would be impossible to connect all of them without paying more for additional subscription.
So, in order to get around with that you will then use "Use Computer MAC Address" or "Use this MAC Address" feature on the router.
See article below about MAC spoofing.No Internet with new router - MAC spoofing