Can Cable Modem USB MAC be cloned to Router?

Rooke · Post by **Rooke** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 5:49 pm

First the history: I've got a Motorola SB5100 connected to my wifes PC thru the USB port. My PCs internet connection passes thru hers using a hub connected to her NIC and then ICS.

Knowing that thats not the best way to do it, and after having some issues with ICS, I've decided to upgrade our network by using a router ( Linksys BEFSX41 ) to connect to my PC and my wifes PC, then to the modem.

Question #1 : The modem ( and I'm assuming my ISP - Charter ) already has my wifes USB MAC address registered, so is it possible to clone the USB MAC address to the router and/or will the modem get confused because its now connected using the RJ45 port instead of the USB port?

( Btw, I checked the modem's addresses page and the PC's Ipconfig /all listing and the two USB MACs match - if thats worth anything. )

Question #2a : If #1 isn't possible, can I power off the modem for 10 minutes or so, then connect it to the new NIC on one of my PC's, have it pick up the new NIC MAC, then clone that new MAC to the router?

Question #2b : Do I have to call my ISP - Charter, to have them replace the MAC addr. at their end, ( I never had to call them with any MAC address when I first installed the modem - I assume their Setup program took care of it. ) or can I just run the Setup program again?

Rooke · Post by **Rooke** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:40 pm

Anybody?

Rooke · Post by **Rooke** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 5:20 pm

Nevermind.

I already got the info I need from the DslReports - Charter HSI forum.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:38 am

Sorry, didn't see this one.

Questions 1 and 2...Yes and Yes.
2B, sometimes the ISP registers the MAC upstream on their end (instead of in the modem/bridge), and a phone call is required.