Non RC Question - Internet Router problems

[mrlexan]

I don't why this continues to happen, but I keep having problem after problem with Internet Routers. I don't consider myself computer iliterate (to a point), it all seems real simple. Seems like everytime I move I go through this, 1st in Michigan moving to a new house, 2nd in our apt here in AL, and now again in our new place in AL.

Anyone else have problems with Linksys products? Check me to make sure I am not missing anything. I just left Comcast and after buying a new 4 port, it worked fine for a year and a few months. Now moved to ATT DSL (existing at the new place).... I simply removed the output cable from the modem running to the single PC in the office, plugged that modem output into the input port on my 4 port Linksys, plugged my laptop into Channel 1 on the Linksys, all the lights indicator lights came on, but no worky on my computer, checked the connection on the computer said it was there.

So, I disconnected the power from the Router and plugged it back in and now, to top it off, I can't get any indicator lights on the router in any of the four channels.

What am I missing? This constant battle really annoys me. I am on my second router and I would prefer not to get another phone line in the new place. HELP?

[MOmo]

The main line for the internet should be in a port called line or Main.

The other "ports" are for the devices that are going into it.
I'll try and find some info to help you out.



MOmo

[mikedealer]

if ATT DSL doesnt use DHCP to assign adresses, you will need to configure the router.

DSL typically uses a static ip, or a ppoe connection, both are options within the linksys router. my guess is its probably a ppoe, for that you need a username/password from att, and a server name usually. make sure you have DSL filters on any phone lines also that are shared

[call-911]

Yep, you need to reconfigure your router for the new connection. I would personally do a hard reset (factory default) on the router and start from scratch when changing a service like that. Your DSL modem may also have a router/wireless access point built into it if it was an option when the previous owner set it up. I can't remember if DSL binds your service with the mac address of your router/PC that it was set up with like Comcast does, but it wouldn't hurt to call tech support if you have 8 hours to spend on the phone.

[mrlexan]

Thanks for the info guys..... maybe I am not as computer literate as I thought. How do I reconfig the router? To me is a box with inputs and outputs. Any additional help would be appreciated.

[purpletimbo]

http://192.168.1.1/
Try opening an explorer window with that address, hopefully you will reach the settings home page for your router to input the user name and password for your internet, system reset should be in there as well.
http://www.tech-faq.com/forgot-linksys-router-password.shtml
and this may help

[call-911]

If the above address is not it, open up a command prompt and type "ipconfig /all" without the quotes and use the address described as your Gateway (or GW). I can't remember the default IP for Linksys stuff. It's either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 I think.

[purpletimbo]

192.168.1.1 is from linksys site, so that should do it

[JPAE07]

Is your Linksys connected to a separate modem or is it all one piece (modem/router)?

If it is two individual units you should reset both when your trying to reset your service. Simply resetting the router by itself usually doesn't correct the issue if its your router. Also when you plug a live connection directly into you laptop while the computer has already booted up and is on. That may also be your problem since most computers recognize the plug in type connection during start up. In this case it would be good to follow this order:
1. Unplug both the modem and router from electricity (so the device looses any static memory built up on the circuit board)
2. Also shut down the computer.
3. Plug the modem back into power and wait until all the lights stop flashing, importantly when you see the internet light solid and lit (usually 5 - 10 secs)
4. Plug the router back in and wait for all the lights to complete flashing and become solid. (usually 5 - 10 secs)
5. Restart you computer.

If you still have an issue you may need to reset your router / modem. If you reset either you will need to go through the installation process all over again. Esp. if you reset the modem you will need to call at&t to get the modem working again.

Hope this helped.

[martinthegenius]

Im a pro when it comes to this subject. Been doing wireless for 4 years, and 1 year professionally at the california public utilities commission.
When it comes down to routers- netgear is the best one for newbies and people who are comp savy/ but not pros. they dont tend to have problems and are easy to setup nip with directions.

If ur like me, u buy linksys. Linksys routers tend to last at least 4 years, maybe more. They are a little bit more tricky to setup and have a couple of problems once in a while.

The best solution, and most common for cable modems/ at&t boxes is the unplug and replug technique. this can be mastered by everyone- they featured this in a south park episode. Ur best bet is to follow the steps of the guy who posted ahead of me.

After doing that, have the stupid cable modem replaced. The ones by comcast are pure junk & have problems after a year or 2.

Not sure how good at&t boxes are, gonna switch to at&t next month- its faster & cheaper in my area- 6mb/sec for $35 month.

[mrlexan]

OK guys, this stuff really bites. I am dealing with the equipment for my wife's work/office and I can't change it.

This is what I have:
the address: 192.168.1.254
It is a Netopia Router (I also have my Linksys Router from my apartment)
It has a DSL Sync (which is the input into the router)... the light is on. There is a standard telephone cord connected into that port.
It also looks to be a router as well as it has 4 LAN ports..... I can't get but on LAN port to work, which is the PC or my wife's work computer. Once I plug in my laptop, no light and no worky.

If it will help, I can take a picture.

Sorry in advance for being a computer idiot. Can anyone call me and step me through the process? Someone in the US? Keith, maybe?

[mrlexan]

This is what my wife's work uses and what I have to work with, but now I really don't know what to do:

http://www.netopia.com/support/hardware/3347nwg006.html

Call bellsouth? Is that the best thing to do?

There is a lot of info, steps and options on their site. I really don't now where to start and I don't want to screw things up as this is through my wife's work. No worries, her manager told me to do what I needed to so that it works. I assume I need to plug my laptop in and change some settings? Set up a new connection? I dunno.

[mrlexan]

Ok, nothing like responding to your own posts, but.............

It is working now. I have NO IDEA what I did. I didn't change anything settings wise. The only thing I did differently this time is plug in the power supply to my laptop.

This basically doesn't help me. I was one of those kids who constantly asked "why?" and I would like to understand how all this works, plus it would help to trouble shoot it in the future should I need to.