don't think so. as I said, I downloaded a big file from apple OK, while smaller files from some links don't. And it is not erratic as I first thought, some sites go and other simply don't.

Can downloading "time out"? Ha! But seriously, if the Mac works well with the modem, then the problem must stem from the router. Maybe the router was previously set up with a PC and is now acting snobbish when connected to a Mac!!

Windows sharing enabled?

It's a mac only network, and the router is PC virgin so to speak ;)

I tried setting fixed clients ( IP / MAC ) in the NAT table but it didn't help. I'll try to focus on that when I get home.

I would also examine the ability to log into the modem, first and foremost. In today's day and age, most manufacturers want to give the customer some configuration option, given their respective networking situation. I would be very surprised if you cannot log into it and change the DHCP settings in there.

I'd also go through this manual and see if it could help.

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/pro...s/DPC2100A.pdf

I tried bored28, but it didn't allow to change anything, probably due to my ISP.
I checked that manual too. The CD came with a director assistant ( OS 9.2 only ) that had an option "About my cable modem" that linked 192.168.100.1 through internet explorer. But all the setup was disabled.

even if I could disable DHCP, how would my router know my modem's IP changed ?
Router manuals, if anyone wants to take a look:

http://www.estarque.net/router/C-XRT401E-1.pdf
http://www.estarque.net/router/EM-XRT401Ev1.pdf

If you disable DHCP in your modem, it will only do the modulation/demodulation functions and would forward the IP address provided by your ISP to your router.