How to Obtain a New IP Address Through Comcast Cable

By Gwen Wark

Wired and wireless routers commonly connect to cable modems via Ethernet cables.
i Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

For Comcast customers, IP addresses are not static. Your IP address is assigned by Comcast and is an essential part of routing your data from the computer to a website's server. Unfortunately, this connection can sometimes become slow or cause conflicts with different sites. When this happens, it it is possible to "roll" your IP address by forcing Comcast to assign you a new IP. These addresses are assigned based on your Media Access Control (MAC) address and are easily changeable using a router.

Step 1

Purchase and set up a router to control your Internet connection to the computer, if you do not already have one. A router is connected between the modem and the computer; instructions vary based on the type of router. The router can be used to control the Media Access Control address, which designates the assigned IP address.

Step 2

Enter your router's configuration screen by using your Internet browser and entering the router's home address into the navigation bar. You will need to navigate to this using a computer that is connected to the router, either wirelessly or by a cable. Each router has a different address on the network; these addresses all begin with 192.168. Check your manufacturer's instructions. Enter any administration passwords needed to access the router.

Step 3

Look for the area marked "Clone MAC address." It will be under the configuration screen and might be password-protected. Write down the current MAC address in case you need to restore it later, then select the option to clone the MAC address.

Step 4

Look for the option marked "Release" or "Renew" your IP address. This last step will assign a new IP address. Since the MAC address has been changed. Comcast will recognize the router as a new computer and then will assign a new IP address within its range of available IPs.

×