Yesterday I just bought a brand new Linksys Wireless - G Cable Gateway, Model No: WCG200.

It is a new type of consumer networking device that combines both the cable modem and the wireless broadband router all in one box. The product is marketed as "The All-In-One Solution for Internet Connectivity in Your Home"

So on the same day, I ordered Comcast through their 1-800 phone number and the first comcast support said it was on. I connected it all up, but the "cable light" on the WCG200 was OFF. No blinking light whatsoever. But its wireless connectivity was working fine.

So I opened up the browser, to access the web admin app on the WCG200 and looked up the Mac Address for the Cable modem section of the device (the device has more than one mac address for different functions).

Then I called up Comcast and gave them my mac address. They tried again, but could not get my cable modem to work. I was passed around to 4 different support girls. We finally decided to give up and the choice was made to just wait for 3 more days. Then after that if it doesn't work, I might have to get a tech to visit my apartment.

I would like to avoid that. Does anyone have this device WCG200 that is working fine? If so, then who is your internet cable service provider? Or are you stuck like me?

Thanks for any advice.

-SHOGO

I don't know what the girls were thinking...

Comcast techs have to register your modem. I have had comcast at two differnet houses now and they had to come out both times. Second time was using the same modem as before. They still had to register it.

What does it mean when "they have to register the modem?"

By the way, I found this on comcast site. I don't know why the phone support from comcast didn't ask me to do this:

If the connection still fails, do the following: With the computer on and modem power on, press the reset button on the back of the modem (it is a small hole in which you will need to insert something equivalent to the end of a paper clip) for approximately one minute. When you let go you should see the top three lights lit up solid green.

I received the same modem (Linksys WCG200) yesterday. I also have Comcast. I called Comcast and gave them the cable MAC address - took a little bit (5-10 minutes) for it to get entered into their system, but is working great.

I suggest you call them back. Make sure you're giving them the correct MAC address (cable side). Make sure you get rep who knows what they're doing. One thing to note, I got a cable link LED on - even before being registered - I just could not get an IP until Comcast entered my new MAC.

For a previous comment: "What does it mean when "they have to register the modem?""

They DHCP out IP addresses only to registered MAC addresses. (A security function on their side to guarantee service is only being provided to registered, paying customers.) Thus, if you ever have to replace your cable modem, the MAC address registered to you in Comcast's system must be updated with MAC of new modem or you will not get issed a IP address.

Thanks for the advice. But my situation was different. I finally spoke to the 6th tech support rep, and this guy nailed the problem in seconds.

It turns out that "cable modems with integrated routers" such as "all in one devices" require a different type of service.

It is still the same monthly price, but uses a different configuration on their end. Basically the moral of the story is this:

Request for the "Home Networking Package". This service is compatible with the new generation of cable modems with embedded routers/wap/combo with cheese etc. Next thing you know these all in one devices will make your coffee, but will need lots more tech support :)

It is strange that the first 5 tech support people did not know this and asked to do try many things, except for stand on my head and sing.

Now pray for me that this will work... if you see me post again, I'm probably standing on my head, singing.

-SHOGO

darnit. I'm back.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I followed the advice and upgraded. it did not work.

I upgraded for nothing.. and now i lost my introductory $19 special. :(

back to tech support.

The 6th tech support person said that there is a filter completely blocking my line and that a techie needs to remove the filter from my apartment. He also says that there was no need to upgrade.

The story, the nightmare.. goes on. :(

-SHOGO

I work for comcast. with all your equipment turned on and plugged in, you must call in and the modem serial # and the modem must be "in your account" as well as they need the MAC address. if this particular modem is not rented from Comcast, then you need not be upgraded to the home networking package. it is possible in your system a filter needs to be removed before any signal will pass to your modem, so a tech will need to come out for this. also, make sure that your are not using any cheesy radioshack splitters, wires or anything as such and all wires and equipment are new and up to date as they affect the signal getting to the modem. have a person on the phone "poll" your modem to make sure everything is in working order also (after the previous steps) have been performed.

You guys at comcast are all total morons and don't know jack about your services. First of all I know exactly why you're having problems.. And its not because of broken routers or loose cables-- Truth of the matter is its poor customer service and technical support... Before comcast sends you on any wild goose chances (which they did to me) heres what you need to do. Either A) purchase one of their routers. You'll receive the software you need via comcast because you'll have the correct encryption. Or B) what I did. The problem lays in the fact that there is a small encryption on their data. Unfortunately, if you don't have one of their routers with software you can decrypt the encryption. However, because comcast is such a lousy organization they havent explained this problem to any of their employees. So it is your job to explain to them what you need them to do. Essentially, you need to get one of the higher up technical guys to remove the encryption requirements from your account so that you can receive the initial packet of information from comcast. After that problem solved. BTW, I've personally gotten so sick of comcast blaming me for their mistakes... Every other month they screw something up and make me jump through ten hopes till what I tell them turns out to be true... Oh well I gues thats the reason I've only paid for 2 months of service inthe past 8 months. ;)

Hi folks,

I'm looking into an all inclusive modem and router. I saw what you all have to say about the linksys wcg 200 and am not convinced on the apparatus. I was given two others by comcast:
Motorola sbg 900
Netgear cg814 WG

Which of the three do you rate the best?

Thanks