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    Problem with Sprint DSL and ethernet connection to laptop.

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by pjizel00, Jul 30, 2008.

  1. pjizel00

    pjizel00 Notebook Guru

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    I currently have Sprint DSL on my desktop, but no wireless router. I take the ethernet cord out of my desktop and connect it to my laptop, only to find that it doesn't connect. I have a T61p and I have tried setting up a new connection and making it connect through ethernet but it doesn't work. I says it renews my IP but then cannot connect using the IP. Anyone have any advice? Thank you.
     
    pjizel00, Jul 30, 2008
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  2. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Perhaps you have to clone your laptop with the same MAC of your PC.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 30, 2008
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  3. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It's quite possible that Sprint is using MAC addresses to filter connections so that only the computer with the original MAC address that was used to set the connection up can be used. You might want to check with your terms of service or Sprint's FAQ or support to see if that's the case.

    If it is, the simplest solution would be to buy a basic ethernet router (i.e., not wireless), which can be had for about $30 to $40. You would then clone your desktop's MAC address to the router (a fairly easy operation that's self-explanatory on most routers) so that Sprint's servers would continue to see just the one MAC they're expecting. You would then connect each of your two computers to the router via ethernet cable (that way, you could have both connected at the same time, and at any rate, you'll save on wear and tear on the ethernet cable because eventually the little plastic tab on the plug wears out and breaks, at which point the cable will not stay plugged in to the computer).
     
    Shyster1, Jul 31, 2008
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  4. Dook

    Dook Notebook Virtuoso

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    I second what the others said. That sounds exactly like Sprint is using MAC provisioning. Get a router and clone the MAC and youll be fine.
     
    Dook, Jul 31, 2008
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