2 Cable modems of the same type :)

Okay, as the title suggests...I got two cable modems of the same type...

One works...it's the first one that I've had...

Then, I've bought the same EXACT type of modem, and it does not give me any connection to the 'net...

Now...my question is...Do I need to call my service provider to "activate it"...or did I waste me 30~ bucks...

Don't ask why I'm doing this either, cuz it's the most ridiculous story/reasons..

Thanks

Not really sure on cable modem technology, but I doubt that you could plug in 2 modems to the same cable. o.O

If you accidentally broke the existing modem by introducing liquids to it, it might be that the new cable modem isn't configured the same way as the old one

If you are trying to use them both at the same time, try unplugging one, and see if the other works.

Muha, thanks for the reply...

Actuallyyyyyyy....here's the story...mesa still lives with my parent's...and they remove the modem every night cuz I stay up late...even though I'm 19 (adult)

*SIGH*

So that's the reason why.....they remove it...and I plug mine back in...but no 'net

I work for a cable isp, and most likely the reason you are having issues is that there is only 1 modem registered to the account. the 2nd modem is not registered and therefore won't work anywhere on that network. so either you have to add the modem to the account (which seems unfeasible) or replace the other modem (equally unfeasible). Another option that may work if you have to be sneaky about it is try having a friend add the modem to their account (which means paying for it on that account) but using it in your house - the modem may work anywhere on the network as long as it is registered (you can try it anyway, I'm not saying it will definitely work).

edit: also make sure the cable outlet you are using is functional and the modem is actually getting a signal where you are using it, and online.

I hope your right.

I hate those stupid ISP Phone Customer service people, they absoutely suck. They ask you your problem, you tell them the problem and what you've done. Give you a loada obvious crap over the phone for 30 minutes then ask you to do around 10 things you've already said you've done.

Sorry, kinda random but it's annoying.

Why I moved to Wanadoo, there more...intelligent.

Is the fact that my provider is comcast, help?

Josh:
Hey! I'm one of those ISP support people! though I agree that some have no clue what they are doing

Virgo:
Not really, I don't work for them. What I would do, since you clearly have SOME internet access, is go to dslreports.com/isp forums and either do a search there or just ask if that would work on the comcast network. But first, check the lights on the 2nd modem and make sure it is getting an online signal. If the cable outlet you are using isn't functional, then that aspect has to be resolved first.

Umm.....I'm pretty sure that you can't just plug any old modem into your cable jack and get internet access. In fact, I'm 100% sure. You have to call your internet provider and give them the serial number and MAC address of the 2nd modem or their network will not accept it and assign it an IP address.

You'll probably have to pay for 2 internet connections. I don't think there's any way around it.

Yeah...all lights show...but I can't connect (I'm on a wireless connect, if that makes ANY difference)

But I'll look on there and see what I can do...and I hope that I wouldn't have to pay for my own connection...

I'm pretty positive about the fact, though, that I would have to call my provider and do some stuff with it to get it "activated"...thanks for all the replies

sorry to possibly pop your little sneaking bubble but when activated the cable company will want a billing address.

unless you can have a friend add it to their account and you pay them (if that will work at all) your parents may question the second modem charge.

also if you simply went into modems-r-us and walked out comcast will have to activate it.

as to wireless and working anywhere in the net i dont think so as anybody could hook in for free.

each account has a specific package so they are able to keep track and sort them out house by house/account by account.

We are not taking about wireless networking, we are talking about a link to your local gateway, or isp.

What the support agent means, is that, by his friend adding the mac address to his friends account the modem is indeed active anywhere on his friends carrier's network. This also keeps the cost of his/her parents bill. You are not identified by package or home address, An Isp requires the MAC on your device in order to identify who you are and authenticate your access rights on thier network. This is specifically the case with Perdominently (mispelled) cable internet services. Dsl System use pppoe or pppt typically to authenticate by a user account and password hash.

As an example, I have a cable modem I own, and the MAC is linked to my account, I can unplug my modem and go anywhere I want on my carriers network.(<- that being the key) Now that said, some compaines will charge you roaming fees, so be careful, mine dosn't, that dosn't mean yours won't.

thanks for the info

Well, here is what you could do.
Around the time they usually come up to take the modem, plug in the one that doesn't work. They will take that, then you plug the working one back in!

absolute ownage.

Hehe. That's actually a much better solution. Way to go all low-tech on us, Alias.