How do I change my MAC address

MAC addresses were designed to be fixed numbers that cannot be changed. However, there are several valid reasons to want to change your MAC address

Thomson Technicolor Cable modem DCM 476

Changing a MAC Address To Work With Your ISP
Most Internet subscriptions allow the customer only a single IP address. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) may assign one static (fixed) IP address to each customer. However, this approach is an inefficient use of IP addresses that are currently in short supply. The ISP more commonly issues each customer dynamic IP address that may change each time the customer connects to the Internet.

ISPs ensure each customer receives only one dynamic address using several methods. Dial-up and many DSL services typically require the customer to log in with a username and password. Cable modem services, on the other hand, do this by registering and tracking the MAC address of the device that connects to the ISP.

TekSavvy Cable Internet & Double NAT error

I'm hoping that someone's been in a similar boat or has a few tips that could fix this. I've just recently switched from Rogers High Speed Internet to TekSavvy Internet. I'll go ahead and give you the network info...

Cable Modem: Thomson  DCM476
Airport Extreme running 7.6.1
Airport Express running 6.3
MacBook running 10.6.8
Mac Mini running 10.7.4

I wanted to share my experience.
Switched from Rogers to Teksavvy.

Experience was horrible so far, but we do have a solution. (scroll to bottom)

I switched from Roger to TekSavvy this past week... had Rogers for > 1 year and everything worked smoothly. Switched occured this past Thursday and ever since, I've had problems with Double NAT & No DNS error... let's just say that watching streaming video has become a tedious process of having to get up every 5-10 minutes or so to restart the clip (ie. watching TV shows on CTV.ca for example) is a task I wish on no one!

I contacted TekSavvy support and they've basically said "NOT OUR PROBLEM. FIGURE IT OUT". To be honest, I was floored. Not the type of service I was expecting from what was a tons of referrals from friends and acquaintances.

I googled a few variants but nothing appears to stick out in terms of steps to fix/resolve this issue.


With Rogers - everything worked. Time capsule worked automatically with the cable modem.

Switched to Teksavvy. Cheaper and Rogers wasnt willing to offer more usage. Went through retention dept and the most they offered was 20% off - but with their usage caps, it made sense to go to Teksavvy with their 300 gb limit.

I cancelled Rogers. Same day I got Teksavvy. I ended up buying their cable modem. DCM476 for $100.

Day 1 - the day of the switch Teksavvy they kept saying - it should switch over automatically, just be patient. It never switched over automatically.

Day 2 - called and got bounced around. Note - you need a PC to troubleshoot. This doesnt work well for me as I have a macbook air and the apple time capsule. Not friendly to mac. No internet for the day.

Day 3 - I finally borrowed a laptop from work. I plugged in laptop to modem. It works on direct connection. But it doesnt connect to airport time capsule. I have latest firmware for everything @ time.

The airport time capsule worked with Rogers. However it doesnt work for Teksavvy.

Note - i probably have had 6 calls with Teksavvy - basically I got the run around - it works on a direct connection - that's all we need to do - tough luck.

I saw another website - and tried to get them to give me the DCM475... but they dont offer that anymore.

Honestly - they need to know this problem and at least have some support for this. They should know this error and tell people - not force people to search the internet for solutions. It's ridiculous their attitude. That might be the worst.

So it didnt work.

Is it Teksavvy's problem? or an Apple Time Capsule problem? i.e. why did ATC not connect to the DCM476?

To me - the ATC connected to Rogers - so it's a Teksavvy prob.

Day 4... I was able to get a cheap router from work.

*** SOLUTION: for me was to get another router. Just a cheap one. DCM476 -> connected with cheap router -> which connected to the Airport Time capsule.

So my problem is solved. After many hours and lot'sve of problem solving. What a waste of time. We'll see how my experience continues with them.

I would not recommend Teksavvy to anyone.

What are Best place to buy Docsis 3.0 cable modem DCM476 ?

What are Best place to buy Docsis 3.0 cable modem DCM476 ? Hi Can you please advice me where is the best and safe place to buy a Docsis 3.0 cable modem. My internet service provider want $100 + $10 shipping = $124.3. A friend of mine got a modem on Kijiji , but it was a not working. and he could't return it back , So i'm afraid to buy it there. Does anyone know where i can buy it in Mississauga ? or Online ? ( if online can somebody recommend me where. please comment below....

If I copy a Valid MAC address in my Router could I get free service?

No, and here's why:

As far as I know, there are three major ways that cable companies allow cable modems to access their network:

1.) Filters/Traps:

Some cable companies don't care about the MAC address of your cable modem. They prevent your modem from talking back to them by installing a filter and/or trap on your cable line at the tap.

When you get your service activated, they come out and remove whatever they need to.

This is not used often because it's very easy for people to steal cable modem service.

2.) HFC (Cable Modem) MAC Authentication:

In this case, the cable company would authorize your cable modem by it's MAC.