Hi,

I was researching a query on MAC cloning and network latency or dropped connection issues and ran across reviewing a rather old post (thread583-646818: Linksys router dropping connection constantly) which seems to touch on it.  My client has had issues as of late with her Business class Cable service with Cablevision (Optimum).  My speed tests via Broadbandreport.com all pointed to issues on the line as I could only get a speed of about 5Mb\sec while the line is rated for up to 15 Mb\sec.  After calling Cablevision and troubleshooting, the rep, as expected pointed the finger at the Linksys router my client has.  He advised that the MAC was obviously cloned as the port appeared to be identified as a 1GB connection and he correctly assumed we did not have a Gigabit router.  He indicated this could be a cause.  So appease and get through the call, we removed the router from the equation and conected a PC directly to the modem.  lo and behold, speed initially increased, but only marginally, to around 7 Mb\sec and only when tested on their recommended site http://www.speedtest.net.  A test at Speakeasy.net also returned a line speed of 5Mb\sec.

In the end, they replaced the cable modem and the field technician got the line speed up to 15Mb\sec.  We'll see how long it last.  But I'm curious as to why cloning the MAC would have any impact other than fooling the ISP into thinking you're using one PC and not a router.  Which of  course in 2010, is no longer a reasonable concern of any ISP.