MAC advice needed

AndyCalling · 28-09-2009, 01:58

I have two network cards (ports) on my PC. I usually use port 1 for networking, and port 2 is unused and unconnected.

On occasion (when providing Remote Assistance) I need to connect the modem directly to my PC to avoid router resets.

So to be able to hotplug, can I set my 2nd nic to the same MAC address as my router's external MAC so the modem doesn't require a power cycle? Since I use either nic 1 or nic 2 but never both connected at the same time, would this cause issues for me?

I don't want my PC to get confused between the router and the unconnected nic.

Jon T · 28-09-2009, 08:22

I'd be more inclined to find out why the remote assistance session is resetting your router.

But as far as changing MAC addresses is concerned, you shouldn't have a problem, you may have to do an ipconfig /renew on the 2nd NIC though.

AndyCalling · 28-09-2009, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon T

I'd be more inclined to find out why the remote assistance session is resetting your router.

But as far as changing MAC addresses is concerned, you shouldn't have a problem, you may have to do an ipconfig /renew on the 2nd NIC though.

I tried, but it seems that the WGR614v9 simply doesn't like RA sessions. I couldn't get any responses on the forums from anyone else who had tried, so I guess I'm alone on this one. RA seems not to be a popular system.

It's not the firewall (DMZ tried) or port forwarding that's the issue. I could use it fine on ADSL via my Belkin router. It even works occasionally on the WGR614v9, just very rarely.

The router is solid for everything else. I'll have to test with the Sept. firmware (not had an opportunity yet) but otherwise keep switching until a firmware release that corrects this comes out.

Unless anyone has any other ideas?

musicbravo · 28-09-2009, 19:57

Definately not the router that is the problem in this case, i help my dad out using this router and RA

AndyCalling · 29-09-2009, 00:25

Well, the router actually resets when I attempt the connection.

One thought occurs. Perhaps this router doesn't like to connect to my father's?

He has that odd single ethernet port wired 'router' (but with only one port to rout to) that TalkTalk used to provide. It works well for him, but I might give him my Belkin and see how it goes.

Anyone think it's worth it (he lives some distance away, and there would be logistical considerations in getting it to him)?

horseman · 29-09-2009, 09:02

When I've encountered similar obscure problems (but not admittedly on a WGR614v9) I've always used a cross-platform 3rd party solution like TeamViewer (which is free for non business use).

MovedGoalPosts · 29-09-2009, 09:31

You may have more luck cloning the second NIC's MAC into the router than trying to change it the other way round. Even so the idea of "hot swappiing" your connection between router and NIC is likely to be tempermental.

xpod · 29-09-2009, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseman

When I've encountered similar obscure problems (but not admittedly on a WGR614v9) I've always used a cross-platform 3rd party solution like TeamViewer (which is free for non business use).

Even i`ll second Teamviewer for simple remote assistance

It`s so much easier,safer & faster than having your uninitiated family & friends trying to open ports on their routers.I wouldn`t even go there with most of the users i come into contact with in the real world....i`d only have to visit them in person a week later anyway, closing the ports & re-installing Windows.

I`ve only ever used Wine(emulator...not) on *nix for 2 pieces of Software and Teamviewer is one of them.Spotify is the other.I`d love to see both have a native Linux client.