linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

hi, ive searched the forum to no avail and was wondering if anyone could help.

ive been on ntl broadband for a few years (with the pc connected via usb to the modem) and decided to go wireless for my new nintendo wii so i bought a linksys BEFW11S4 wireless router because of its compatibility.

ive tried for six hours straight to get it going and its driving me NUTS.

i can access the internet on this computer (which im going to use to setup the router with) but when i turn on the ethernet in the network connections it destroys my connection to the internet.

i have the router connected to my computer via ethernet cable (which is working fine) and the modem connected to the router via ethernet but i am not getting any reaction from it (the "internet" light on the router isnt lit nor is the "enet" light on the modem). i was thinking that maybe it is the ethernet connection on the modem that is causing the problem but it seems to not be the case.

one problem i think is that the connection i use for the internet doesnt have the tab to allow network sharing - its on the other connection which ruins my connection when accessed.

82.29.255.1 is showing as my ethernet IP address
62.254.32.17 is showing as the IP address for the modem / cable altho this might change if its an active address??

PLEASE someone help me before i go nuts! :erm: thanks

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

:welcome: to Cable Forum :tu:

To get the modem to recognise there is a change of device attached to it, you must power off the modem, when swapping from PC to router, or to USB. Only one device can be directly wired to the modem at any one time, with power cycling essential whenever swapping around.

If it is the router itself, I just did a quick :google: and one of the first links suggested threw up these hints.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

thanks for the quick reply - i followed the installation instructions to the word (having tried numerous times) and powering off didnt change anything. also tried it with the computer out of the loop and there was no difference :(

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

bump - someone please help!

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Which modem do you have? Have you got the latest firmware on your router?

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Hi

I know you have said above that you have powerd off but did you do it in the correct order this is important, I worked for a national in home PC repar and configure outfit, and i got called out to exactly the same job as this with the same router. Try doing the power down and up as listed below.

1 Turn off all equipment.
2. Turn on the cable modem and wait for all the lights to become stable (as thay would be if not coneected to the router).
3 Turn on the router and once agian make sure all of the lights are stable.
4. Turn on the PC and once booted up you should have internet access on the pc.

The insructions dont make the above very clear (unless thay have updated them) you must power up as above sorry if i am teaching you suck eggs here lol.

Remember you have to plug the modem into the router with a lan cable and then you must plug the PC to the router with another lan cable dont plug the lan cable to the router and then use a USB connection from the modem direct to the PC as it will not work. If you dont have a Network card in your PC nip out and buy one should be no more than a £5 for a 10/100 one.

If all this failes then i am willing to offer to assist you remotely if you would like this.

Cliff C MCP

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

think the modem is the ntl 100 - its the older grey one not the new one which i think is blue.

i have tried powering up in the required order about ten times to no avail - shall give it one more go.

also, i have the modem linked to the computer via usb and the modem>router and router>computer hooked up via ethernet cables.

the search continues!

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

You can only have one thing hooked up to the modem at a time. You must disconnect the USB from the modem, before you can use the ethernet.

---------- Post added at 17:28 ---------- Previous post was at 17:24 ----------

To rule out problems with the modem & ethernet, try connecting one computer only direct to the modem via ethernet only. Nothing else is to be connected at the time to the modem, via ethernet or USB. Remember the modem must be powered off when you swap things round, and the computer's ethernet port needs to be active with it's settings for DNS and IP detection all on auto.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Hi redcap

Your problem as Rob has said is you cannot have both the ethernet and the USB connected at the same time, unpug the USB Connection from the modem and the computer, then plug the modem into the port on the router marked for the modem, then connect the computer to the router with an etherent cable. once you have it in this configuration repeat the power up as in my previous mail you should then find the router connects to the PC correctly and you will have the internet via the router, and if your going to use the WII with the wireless function make sure you have the security oprions active or you will find your internet will be being used by every one in your area with a wireless network card lol.

Cliff C

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Have a look at the thread I just posted, I think it might resolve your problem

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

no dice - i think it could be a problem with the ethernet port on the back of my modem is there any way of running a diagnostic on this?

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Can you connect a single PC to the modem via ethernet, not USB (all USB cables disconnected, and modem power cycled), or not? Forget the router for now.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

thats why i think the modem might be playing up - i can connect the ethernet card to the router and it shows so the card isnt the problem but when i connect my modem to the ethernet port the light doesnt even light - i can only get a connection via usb. i tried reinstalling my broadband but the cd is playing up freezing the computer but i doubt that is even involved with the problem seeing as i can connect to the internet via usb

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

When you have the PC plugged into the modem via ethernet, please let us know what LED's are lit on the modem.
What OS are you running on your PC? I had a problem setting up a WinME system switching from USB to ethernet because of the USB drivers. Only worked after I had completely removed the USB modem drivers.
Try noting the lights first and let us know.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

im using windows xp and the modem with the ethernet cable attached lights up the pwr, sync and rdy lights, obviously when the usb connected it lights up the usb light as well

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Hi

Just as a matter of intrest what type of ethernet cables are you using, if you have been useing the USB cable, did you buy the ethernet cables seprate and if you did are thase normal ethernet cables or cross over ones, if you have got cross over ones thase will not work as thease are ment for attaching 2 computers together via the lan ports but without a hub, much like a null modem cable, there is a possibility your ethernrt port on the modem is damaged, but not likley, I would also remove all USB drivers for the modem as well.

CLiff C

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

its a standalone ethernet cable, not crossover. i removed the modem hardware from the computer and reinstalled (windows recognised it immediately) but it hasnt helped! :(

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

You've got two ethernet cables there (one for modem to router, one for router to PC) - do neither of these light up the ethernet LED on the modem?
Is the PC able to communicate with the router when plugged in to one of the Lan ports? (try browsing to the admin web page, often http://192.168.1.1 (or look up in router manual!))

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

you need to uninstall the software, as well, so that it doesn't re-install when you reboot :)

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

the ethernet card communicates with the router ok with both cables, theres no response when connecting to the modem though - thats why i was suspicious of the modem causing the problem. i managed (once) to get through to the admin page and im nearly sure thats how i did it altho it took a LOT of tinkering!


what do you mean - you mean the cconnect software that provides my connection? i toyed with this idea but the macromedia flash on the cd keeps freezing my computer (even though i can use it fine in other situations).

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

That would indeed suggest a faulty modem.

If the cables and PC have been eliminated the only thing preventing the 'enet' led from lighting would be the ethernet port on the modem!

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

it is pretty old - ill phone ntl and see what they want to do about it. i bought the router for a hassle free installation and now ive virtually pulled out my hair in frustration! it would be ironic if the modem turned out to be the problem - ill post when i find out! thanks

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

To be honest I'm not sure about cconnect, as I have never installed it, but there should be an entry for the Modem USB drivers in 'add or remove programs', which should be uninstalled.

- if you did want to uninstall cconnect, you should be able to do that with 'add remove programs as well :)

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Hi

If you modem is still being detected by the computer you have still got the USB cable connected, as it will only be detected as the cable modem via a USB connection, I have my modem plugged in direct to my PC and in my device manager its not listed as a device the computer sees only the Ethernet card and the network gets deliverd directly into that, and if you have the usb cable pugged in the ethernet light on the modem wont come on. In your device manager you should only have your ethernet card showing, and the modem should not be detected at all only when connected via USB should it show in your device manager.

Cliff C

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Had the same problem when sorting out connecting a friend's new Linksys router to her NTL modem.

Resolved it by getting the MAC address from the USB connection* and putting that into the Linksys "MAC Spoof" config settings, then a quick DHCP renew and working fine.

The router had tried to spoof the MAC of the ethernet port while the modem was looking for the MAC of the USB port.



*Easiest way of doing this is to open a Command Prompt window and type in IPCONFIG/ALL then write down the physical address settings for the USB port.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

I have a Links BEFSX41 and it's an absolute COW to get it to work with my SB4100 SACM. When the modem is plugged into the router the WAN light not being lit shows it's not recognising the modem and I have to reboot the modem/router umpteen times to get it to be recognised!! Just wondering if your modem is having trouble being recognised by the router like mine does?

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

how would i get into these mac spoof settings as i cant get into the router config?

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Why can't you get into the router config? You say earlier that your PC communicates OK with the router, or is this not the case? When connected to the router (the USB is unplugged) does your computer get an IP address in the range 192.168.1.xxx?

If there are passwords and stuff set on the router, do a factory reset on it.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Going from memory here, so if anyone has the installation manual, feel free to correct me!

Connect PC to router via ethernet, open internet explorer and type the IP address for the router config page (see manual but may be 192.168.1.1) in the addess bar.

Popup box will ask for name and password - see manual again but unless you have not already changed it, will be admin/admin (remember to change the password once you've sorted everything else out!).

One of the config tabs will ask if you want to spoof the MAC address. You have the option of letting the router do it automatically or for you to enter it manually. If you let the router do it, it will use the MAC address of the Ethernet port - you do NOT want it to do this, so enter the MAC address of the USB port manually, then save changes (bottom of screen).

Power everything down then power up the modem, wait until it stabilises, then the router, again wait until it stops flashing, then the PC.

Sit back, or go and make a cuppa, until the ENET light comes on the modem. You should now be connected. If not, go back into the router settings and renew DHCP.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Hi Red

I have just found this program while i was looking for another util its called network magic and it helps set everyting up including detecting your router if you need help locating this prog send me a PM as i am not sure about the forum policy on posting links.

Regards

Cliff C

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

did this and the router and modem still wont communicate! :mad:

just cant get them to work! i cannot have my ethernet connection and the internet connection running at the same time regardless of whether or not the ethernet cable is connected - is this normal? i know that you cant have two connections running through the modem btw...

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

What do you mean 'ethernet connection and the internet connection'?
That implies you are still trying to use the USB cable?
If you are connecting a router to your cable modem there should be NO USB involved at all - just ethernet between PC and router & ethernet between router and cable modem.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

From what has been said the modem has a faulty port and will need to be swapped out. No amount of mac spoofing or anything else is going to rectify that.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

im just going to phone ntl and see if they will replace the modem - im going round in circles. i cant access the internet via the ethernet connection so it must be the modem - i am aware that i cant use the usb and ethernet for an internet connection at the same time - its either the modem or a problem with the settings

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

If the ethernet or lan light comes on the router when connected to the pc but the modem ethernet light is dead whether connected to pc or router its going to be the modem port mate. Just let t/s know you have tried connecting to both and the same results are returned and they will arrange a swap out for you.

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

phoned ntl and the employee ("neil" as he was called) was a cheeky b******! ive never been so patronised in all my life - apparently they wont run diagnostics unless your sitting at your computer with phone in hand (our phone is connected downstairs, not cordless). previously it was not a problem as my mum relayed messages and we got it sorted quickly but this idiot basically told us to like it or lump it and that an extension was only "about two quid" implying that we are paupers.

and here was me thinking a swap out would be simple! now where do i complain?

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

Redcap, I am sure that you are getting good advice from CF. I have a linksys router and have found the linksys forum Q&A a great help. It may be of help or not. See link below.



http://forums.linksys.com/linksys/bo...essage.id=2243

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

cheers pachelbel - ill look it up.

phoned again and a nice indian girl helped me greatly - a swap out is arranged for tomorrow.

the complex diagnostic that was "impossible" to complete via a relayed message? CONNECT THE ETHERNET CABLE AND SEE IF THE ENET DISPLAY LIGHTS UP. words fail me, that ponce definitely had a chip on his shoulder! im actually quite worked up at the moment! :s

Re: linksys / ntl connection nightmare!
 

problem sorted - was the ethernet port all along as i suspected. apparently its quite common (shame on ntl for giving out duff modems). thanks for all the help here you were all patient and kind - keep up the good work - miles better than ntl's tech support anyway!