Cannot access 192.168.1.254 to log in to gateway modem

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Other than a factory reset, I have tried everything the online tools suggested. Since this didn't seem to be an issue the online tools or AI chat would be able to correct or even understand, I looked for a telephone number to call so I could explain the issue to a senior tech. I worked in IT support for a medium sized business, so I have dealt with tech support agents thousands of times. I know that first level support are generally just phone answerers that have a playbook of common issues they walk you through without some of them even fully understanding what the actions do. I also know that issues like this are easily resolved if you are lucky enough to have your issue escalated to second or senior level support. However getting to that point is tedious, frustrating, and time consuming.

To be completely honest, all of my stuff is working so this isn't really an issue as much as a 'WTF' situation discovered along the way. I didn't find anything about this type of thing online, so I thought I'd post here in case anyone had seen this kind of thing along the way, rather than spend hours trying to get to someone who might understand what I'm talking about. I hope the modem isn't going bad, but if, as I suspect, it does, I guess I'll go down that rabbit hole if and when that happens. I just wanted to get out in front of it so I'm not left without service for days if it does. Thank you for taking interest, and I apologize for the long winded post. 

Jack