What does it mean: “Wi-Fi has the self-assigned IP address & will not be able to connect to Internet

[prefersmac]

I have internet access but I noticed that in System Preferences/Network, although the W-Fi status is "On" this statement is below: "Wi-Fi has the self-assigned IP address XXX.XXX.X.XX and will not be able to connect to the Internet." There is a yellow dot preceding the "Wi-Fi / Self-Assigned IP" icon on the far left of the System Preferences/ Network window. The Network Diagnostics shows all the items under Network Status as green. My modem does not have a router. It is behind a Verizon (ISP) router that I do not physically own or have access to. I can only access the settings at: "my home.modem manufacturer's name.com". Is this still a problem that needs correcting? Thank you.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), MacBookPro11,3; Airport Time Capsule

 

[JRoDDz]

It means it has an internal ip address, which will not be able to connect outside. Check your wifi router. Reboot it if necessary.

 

[adam9c1]

What is happening is the computer is not receiving a valid IP address from the router. Computer created a self assigned address for limited functionality / peer to peer with other local clients.


Can you connect the laptop with network cable instead of WiFi? In most home setups the available address range will be same for wired and wireless (not segmented).
If you can connect wired this will help you in troubleshooting meaning the wireless confit needs to be looked at:
SSID, hidden or not, security mode, password...

Do you have any other clients (wired and wireless) that can connect?

 

[prefersmac]

What is happening is the computer is not receiving a valid IP address from the router. Computer created a self assigned address for limited functionality / peer to peer with other local clients.


Can you connect the laptop with network cable instead of WiFi? In most home setups the available address range will be same for wired and wireless (not segmented).
If you can connect wired this will help you in troubleshooting meaning the wireless confit needs to be looked at:
SSID, hidden or not, security mode, password...

Do you have any other clients (wired and wireless) that can connect?

Thanks for the response. My ISP says: "Okay that's the issue as it is a 6100 modem it does not have a feature or wireless option you need to get one wireless router from ups store...I will send you a free modem which is an advanced one.."