Question: ATTBI and correct PC/Router setup.

HeadRusch · Post by **HeadRusch** » Sun Mar 03, 2002 12:36 am

Very simply, I've had @home and now ATTBI for more than a year...used to be REALLY HAPPY (with 500KByte downloads on average), but I'm still satisfied with the 1.5mbit (190Kbyte) cap....but....admittledy...not REAL happy.

However, all this talk now about NAT and ATTBI trying to wave a magic wand so that my router wont work anymore...whats next...blocking VPN traffic so I can't connect with my work on snowdays?? :P

It dawned on me.......how the heck does AT&T even know whats up? And then more dawned on me......I really DONT understand how this setup works. Was hoping someone could break-it down for me..

Kinda clueless about how it all comes together.
Right now the only distinguishing feature I've got my router set to is my HOST NAME.

Is that all AT&T uses to determine if I belong on their network or not? I have nothing in workgroup, nor do I have any gateways or DNS's set up.

I do, however, have some info set up in my TCP/IP setup.....
Oh, and I'm using a Linksys router...the 4 port one from a year or so ago.......using a newer flashed bios which used to allow me to change the MTU speed to speed up transfers (not anymore, AT&T!).

Can someone explain the process to me? ie: The cable company to the modem to the router and how my PC's TCP/IP settings affect things.

From what I gather, there are a few different ways to "set up the connection" but I'm not sure whats right or wrong...

MtCableman · Post by **MtCableman** » Sun Mar 03, 2002 2:45 pm

Make sure that the router is set up to accept DHCP. The host name is no longer an issue. Everything is based upon the MAC address.

I am not sure if you are having a problem or what you are really asking. But here is the web site that could help you with the router set up. It is provided by AT&T:
http://help.broadband.att.com/faq.jsp?content_id=1217&category_id=11&lobid=1

Make sure that you "reboot" the router and computers after the config is setup. ATTBI relies on the reboot to acknowledge the MAC addresses.

HeadRusch · Post by **HeadRusch** » Sun Mar 03, 2002 4:23 pm

The Mac address, eh?

So that means AT&T decides wether or not to let me into their network based off the hardware address of my Cable Modem?

earthmofo · Post by **earthmofo** » Sun Mar 03, 2002 6:53 pm

That's correct. Most providers use the modem's Mac address to determine who should be assigned access.