Network Problems

[Pythagora]

I've been having some problems with my network lately. Today, my computer told me that the network did not assign a network address to my computer, and that that was the problem. I am on a cable connection. I don't know how to go about fixing this, and any help will be much appreciated.

I've tried repairing connections, restarting my modem and my router, and some other stuff, but nothing works.

[Google]

[Walrii]

Your ISP might be down? :(

[Sim9]

Maybe you caught whatever Pyro has ;)

It's most likely an issue with your ISP, so you should definately give them a call if you have not already. :)

[Pythagora]

We've been pestering them like crazy and there's a good chance it is them, but they won't admit it. I just want it fixed, but it's a small, local ISP and they won't upgrade their size until they absolutely have to. So, we'll see what happens.

Honestly, if I got it from Pyro, I'm going to be very angry with him. :P

[rm_you]

Generally, cable modems include a router. Chances are higher that your router is malfunctioning than it being an ISP problem. Have you tried power-cycling the router and the modem? Just unplug both for about 30 seconds (assuming they are two seperate things, a lot of them are coming as one unit these days) and then plug in the modem, wait for all the lights to turn green/stabilize, and then plug in the router. When all the lights on both are all green and happy, then you can try repairing your network connection (Right click on the My Network Places thing, click properties, double click on your Local Area Connection, go to the support tab, and click repair).

If that doesn't help, then your router is probably dead/malfunctioning. I am, of course, assuming that you have a router (which is a safe bet) but it IS technically possible that you don't. If you are positive you don't have a router, you can still try power-cycling the modem and clicking the repair button and hope that works.

For reference, possible causes of cable outage I've seen are:
Interference from other devices on the line (if you also have cable TV)
Low signal levels (could be a partially severed wire, OR just living really far from the nearest cable hub)
Hardware failure (modem)
Hardware failure (your network card/drivers) >_>

[Pythagora]

My router and modem are separate, but I've tried all that before and nothing has worked. I checked the wires and everything looks good. Both our router and modem are brand new. And we reinstalled the drivers and got new cards.

Besides the ISP, I don't know what else this could be.

[rm_you]

If you do have a router, and your problem is "my computer told me that the network did not assign a network address to my computer," then the problem is not your ISP, it is something between your router and your computer. The ISP assigns an IP to your router, but not to your computer. Your router is responsible for that.