Member Avatar for Lorraine_2

Hello, I recently had to change my Comcast router/modem. My laptop which runs Windows 8.1 does not list new network. My old network is still listed along with all my neighbor's networks. My new Comcast signal is split, 5g and 2.4ghz. All other devices have connected to new network except for this laptop. I have uninstalled Network driver and restarted laptop and still no connection. Driver is updated. I have also logged into my Comcast router to see if I could change this laptop from 5g to 2.4, but cannot find option to do so. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Anthony6534

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Brief diagnosis and where to focus (based on , and ): because a USB adapter was able to join a different home network but reported "limited" on the Comcast gateway, the problem is most likely the gateway's wireless/DHCP/security settings or a provisioning/blocking rule — not the laptop hardware or general driver state. The next steps are to diagnose what the gateway is doing and verify whether DHCP, DNS or isolation settings are stopping internet access.

Practical diagnostics to run on the laptop while connected to the Comcast SSID:

ipconfig /all
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ping <gateway IP>   (e.g., ping 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1)
ping 8.8.8.8
ping google.com
netsh winsock reset

What to watch for: an IP in the 169.254.x.x range = DHCP failed; you can ping the gateway but not 8.8.8.8 = upstream ISP problem; you can ping IPs but not hostnames = DNS issue.

Gateway settings to check (log into the Comcast admin page): make sure the device is not blocked or put on a restricted/guest profile, disable client/AP isolation, confirm DHCP pool has free addresses, check for MAC filtering, turn off any band‑steering/SmartConnect so 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz use separate SSIDs for testing, and set security to WPA2‑AES (avoid WPA3‑only or mixed legacy modes while troubleshooting). Reboot the gateway and, if available, update its firmware.

Other quick tests: plug the laptop into the gateway with Ethernet (verify internet), try a phone hotspot (verify laptop can browse), or assign a temporary static IPv4 address from the gateway subnet to see if that restores browsing (if so, DHCP is the culprit). If gateway settings look correct and Ethernet also fails, contact Comcast support and ask them to check provisioning, device blocks, or DHCP lease table.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

Small world. My neighbor had the same problem. Drivers didn't resolve this one so we installed a USB dual band WiFi stick and it works now.

commented: I looked on Amazon and there are many to chose from. Anything special I should be looking for? +1
Member Avatar for rproffitt

Try looking at the best sellers then look for DUAL BAND models. We pay under 20 bucks each for these.

commented: ok, will do. Thank you so very much for your help. +0
Member Avatar for Lorraine_2

I did purchase the Wi-Fi adapter from Amazon. My Comcast new network showed up. I have 5.0 and 2.4. I was able to connect to either one. However, when I went to browse the Internet, nothing happened. My Internet icon said "limited". I returned this item to Amazon. I then took this laptop to my son's home. He has Verizon FIOS. My laptop connected immediately to FIOS and no problems browsing. Do you think this is a Comcast issue?

commented: Yes. But they will tell you it's your PC. +17
Member Avatar for Anthony6534

If your new Wi-Fi network isn't showing up on your laptop, try refreshing the network list or toggling Wi-Fi off and on. Ensure the router is broadcasting the SSID and check if it's set to a frequency your laptop can detect (2.4GHz or 5GHz). Update your network drivers to the latest version from your laptop manufacturer's website. Finally, confirm you're within a good range of the router, as distance and obstacles can affect visibility. If the network is still not appearing, you may need to delve into more advanced settings or consider hardware issues.

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