For the first time since activating this Cox High Speed Internet account over seven years ago, I had to replace the modem. I initially overlooked some simple networking rules, so I had difficulty connecting through my router at first, so I'm sharing my step-by-step guide to make it simpler for someone else.

Before you begin...

The old modem can be disconnected and removed. If a router was used, turn it off and disconnect one computer. This computer will be used to setup the new modem via ethernet cable, so its wireless connection (if it had been using one) should be disabled until the setup process is complete.

Part 1: Setting up the Modem

(1) Plug the coaxial cable (the, uh, "cable" cable) from your internet service provider into the modem.

(2) Power on the modem and wait for the initialization process to complete. Typically it is complete when the internet light is solid.

(3) Connect the computer directly to the modem with an ethernet cable.

(4) Attempt to access the internet. (Any browser should work, in theory. If you have trouble here, you may need to consult the manual or software included with the modem. Otherwise, I would leave that stuff sealed.)

(5) If things are working properly, the install.cox.net web site will load and prompt you to enter your Cox High Speed Internet account information to verify that you are a paying customer eligible to use their network. Once this is completed, your internet will be activated.

If you are not using a router and there are no other computers on the network, you're finished!

Part 2: Restoring the Home Network

(6) Turn on the router.

(7) Connect your computer (the one you just used with the modem) to the router with a wired connection. If a wireless connection is connecting by default, then disable the computer's wireless connection so that the wired connection takes over.

(8) Access your router's options interface and use the "Clone MAC Address" function to clone your computer's MAC address. It is important that the connection is a wired connection (not wireless!), since you just used that same connection with the modem. This MAC address is how Cox knows who is connecting to its service, which is why you must clone the legitimate address to your router in order for the router to receive the internet service.

(9) Once the MAC address is cloned, save the router settings, and allow the router a few seconds to accept the change.

(10) Turn off the router, disconnect all computers from the router, and connect the cable modem to the router.

(11) Then turn the router back on. Its internet light should indicate that it is receiving the internet signal via the modem.

(12) Restore all previous connections to the router, wired and wireless, and your network should be functional again.

This whole process might takes less than 10 minutes, or it could take half an hour.