Connecting a Linksys Router to your COX Cable Modem

Connecting a Linksys Router to your COX cable modem. This works in Lafayette, LA. and should work anywhere.

  1. Note that this document assumes that you have a working peer to peer network setup already. If you need to setup a network please read this web page. This document uses Windows 98 Second Edition in all of it’s examples.
  2. Determine the type of modem you have. You will need either an ethernet based modem.
  3. Purchase the router. You can find them at Office Depot or check Pricewatch.com if you want to mail order. If you do not have a network the BEFSR41 is your best bet as it includes a 4 port switching hub. If you already have a network (and a hub) the BEFSR11 will save you about $30 to $40 dollars.
  4. Go to www.linksys.com and find the latest firmware upgrade for your router. Currently there is a link on their main page for this. Download this and extract the files before continuing.
  5. Connect the router as shown in the router’s manual. From the Ethernet port on the modem to the WAN port on the router and from a LAN port on the router to the computers Ethernet card.
  6. On your PC open the Network Properties dialog box. (from Control Panel select Network or right click Network Neighborhood on your desktop and select properties)
  7. Select the TCP/IP that’s connected to your network card and click Properties. (picture)
  8. Select the “IP Address” tab and select “Obtain an IP address automatically”. (picture)
  9. Select the “WINS Configuration” tab and select “Disable WINS Resolution”. (picture)
  10. Select the “Gateway” tab and remove any gateways installed. (picture)
  11. Select the “DNS Configuration” tab and select “Disable DNS”. (picture)
  12. Select the Advanced” tab and check “Set this protocol to be the default protocol”. (picture)
  13. Select the “Bindings” tab and uncheck “File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks” as well as “Client for Microsoft Networks”. You will need “Microsoft Family Login” or something else to bind to TCP/IP, otherwise you’ll get an error. (picture) For file and print sharing use the NetBEUI protocol.
  14. The remaining tab “NetBIOS” does not matter here. (picture)
  15. Click “OK” and “OK” again and Windows will prompt you to reboot. Reboot.
  16. After the computer comes back up, launch a browser (I.E. or Netscape) and type in “192.168.1.1″ and press enter.
  17. At the password screen (picture) type “admin” for the password (not User Name) and press enter.
  18. At this point you’ll see the router’s setup page. Check your “Firmware Version” and verify that it is the same as the version you downloaded. (it probably won’t be) If you don’t have the latest version, close your browser and follow the instructions to install the latest firmware.
  19. After the router reboots, re-launch your browser and login again.
  20. Click on the status tab and and check the IP Address in the WAN: section. If you have 0.0.0.0 click on the “DHCP Renew” button and wait for the screen to refresh. You may have to do this as many as 10 times to get a valid IP address.
  21. Now click on the Start button and select Run. Type “winipcfg” and press enter. Select your network card and click the “More Info >>” button. If the DNS Servers line is blank, click the “release” button and then the “renew” button. You should now have a DNS server listed.
  22. Go to your browser and click on the “Tools” menu option and then “Internet Options”. Select “Never dial a connection”. Click the “LAN Settings…” button and make sure the “Automatically detect settings” box and the “Use a proxy server” box are both unchecked. Click “OK’ and “OK” again.
  23. At this point you should be able to surf.
  24. On each additional computer follow steps 6 – 15 and 21 – 23.

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