LinkSys router suddenly cannot get an IP address

I have a linksys router WRT54G2 connected to a cable broadband. Just last week, everything was working perfectly - I would be able to connect my laptop to the internet using WiFi.

However, starting last week, I suddenly lost my internet connection. At first I thought something was wrong with my ISP. However, when I tried connecting the cable directly to my laptop, I found out that there was no problem with the internet connection after all.

It appears that it is only my router that cannot get IP address. I have already tried cloning my MAC address and reconfiguring my router using the setup CD, but nothing worked.

What could be the problem here?

user37277

Posted 2010-05-15T01:44:03.627

Reputation: 131

What's the model of Cable Modem? If it's a DOCSIS 1.1 modem it might have been phased out; I've seen this a lot lately. – Chris S – 2010-05-15T02:28:39.527

Honestly, I'm not sure what to call this cable, but this one was supplied to me by my ISP. The cable is connected to a canopy on my roof. The model is PSA15R-295 (Motorola). Was this info helpful? – None – 2010-05-15T03:03:59.583

@Chris Since OP can get an IP address on the laptop, we know it's not an issue with the modem. – NReilingh – 2011-02-11T03:37:06.243

Answers

Update the firmware. LinkSys firmware is made from pixie dust. Tinkerbell might have escaped so you need a fresh sprite to take her place.

Seriously, any firmware that starts with L and ends with inkSys should not be trusted. Update the firmware to the latest version. Consider switching to DD-WRT. I've had spontaneous failures like this with the LinkSys devices I've had the displeasure of managing and often a reboot or firmware upgrade "fixed" it.

It's the closest thing to voodoo I've ever encountered in this profession.

EDIT: Sounds stupid, but have you rebooted the thing via a power cycle?

Wesley

Posted 2010-05-15T01:44:03.627

Reputation: 4 359

1i've also seen both Linksys and Netgear routers simply die for no apparent reason, even with 3rd-party firmware. maybe power spikes fried them, i don't know. but yeah, if you can still flash firmware onto the device, reflashing with DD-WRT or OpenWRT or Tomato is a good thing to try. – quack quixote – 2010-05-15T06:41:47.660

+1 "LinkSys firmware is made from pixie dust. Tinkerbell might have escaped so you need a fresh sprite to take her place" for AWESOME. – goblinbox – 2010-12-25T04:09:43.073

In addition to powercycling the router and ensuring it's configured properly to get a DHCP ID from the modem, you might need to powercycle the modem after the router is connected. In the past, I've seen situations where the modem/gateway will only distribute IPs to the MAC addresses that were plugged into it when it booted. – NReilingh – 2011-02-11T03:40:05.867

After trying the latest firmware, you may need to consider that your router has passed on to the big bit bucket in the heavens.

dbasnett

Posted 2010-05-15T01:44:03.627

Reputation: 459

Some ISP modems have a built in DHCP server (i.e. it gives IP's). Therefore your Linksys router should become a switch. Try disabling DHCP on your Linksys. If you can't get to it, hard-reset it and hook it up directly to a computer.

PsychoKlown

Posted 2010-05-15T01:44:03.627

Reputation: 11