Connection problem in modem or router?

Question

My setup is a cable modem (Comcast) and then a wireless-G router (Netgear).

This has happened more than once:

My internet connection goes out. 
I try power cycling the router, and it comes up saying it can't get an IP address from the modem.
I try the "stand by" button on the modem. It doesn't fix the problem.
I have to actually unplug the modem, wait for it to re-connect, and then turn on the router.

At this point I have internet access back. But my computer's diagnostic still says "The wireless router/AP for your network is working, but your computer is not able to use an IP address to connect to the Internet."

Comcast says there's nothing wrong with their modem, blaming it all on the router. 

What is the most likely cause for the connection loss? Is there any way to prove whether it's the modem or the router without replacing both?

Brandon · Accepted Answer

By pass the router and plug your PC directly into the modem and make sure you have decent internet.

moo man · Answer

Maybe this is a long shot...but if the above doesn't work, try to log directly into your router and set IP addressing for the private interface statically.

This means 192.168.1.0 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0. Scope range 1 to 244. etc.

Also try to ping 127.0.0.1 from the C-prompt. Another longshot, but maybe your TCP/IP drivers are screwing with you.

Also, use google to type what's my IP.

If you get an IP, ping it. If that works, it means a packet has successfully made its way to the TELCO and back.

Are there other hosts plugged into the network?

Just throwing ideas out there to try to narrow the problemo.

Connection problem in modem or router?

2 Answers