Mac Mini not seeing ethernet connection, options?

[Pnoder]

..... I can't believe I spent the better part of my day fighting this and the solution was so simple.... Verified and it works! Comcastic!

Comcast cable and Motorola Surfboard modem.

Thanks! I never even thought of that, it must not be true of all cable modems because I swap computers and routers fairly often at home in ATL without even resetting the modem without so much as a hiccup.

At least my dad is getting a better router and a new mouse out of the deal!