Can't Connect To Internet With Comcast! Help!

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Level 1

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Can't Connect To Internet With Comcast! Help!

So I just purchased my new macbook today and love it but I can't seem to connect to the internet. I already have a mac so I know the basics. I just unplugged the ethernet cable that provides Comcast cable internet to my mac mini and connected it to my macbook. Obviously when I opened Safari it told me I wasn't connected to the internet. Do I have to set up a network? If so how. I tired to figure it out myself but got confused when it started to ask my about if I was DHCP or PPPoE, passwords, servers, etc. Please explain any of the terms and how to connect to the internet. Also would suggest that I call Apple or Comcast phone support if I can't figure it out? To me since I already have internet working in my house I don't think its a Comcast problem. Thanks for all your help.

Mac Mini G4, Intel Macbook 2.2 GHz 2GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.5), 30GB 5G iPod

Posted on Jan 21, 2008 8:38 PM

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Answer 1

Macaby

Level 3

923 points

Jan 21, 2008 9:07 PM in response to Macs

I don't have any answers to your problem, but I also just bought a MacBook about a month ago. Fastest and easiest internet connection I've ever had with a computer. The first time I turned it on, a window popped asking if I wanted to join a wireless network at my step-son's home who has WPA encryption. After typing in his pass phase, I was instantly online.

When I got home, I got the same response to my WPA network (both with wireless and ethernet). I also have Comcast and I've found they are more than willing to aid in accessing their network although it probably isn't their responsibility to tune your laptop to their service. I think if I had your problem, the first thing I would do would be to disable any WPA or other network security that you may have and try to connect that way. When you do, then you can reestablish your network security;

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Answer 2

Jan 22, 2008 1:47 PM in response to Macs

This isn't a "problem" in the true sense, but it is an issue that often catches people off guard. I'm guessing you're not connecting to Comcast through a router. (More on this later) The reason why you can't connect on your new computer is because Comcast's network recognizes your computer by it's MAC address.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address

Since your Macbook has a different MAC address, it is not recognized by Comcast's network, so you don't get access. If you want to deauthorize your Mac Mini and authorize the Macbook on the network, it usually requires a phone call to Comcast - the tech will ask you for the new MAC address, and they'll update their system. But you can't just swap the cable back and forth.

If, however, you want to still use both computers to connect, you will need to invest in a router so that you can share the single incoming connection amongst all your computers.

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