Got one Router, 3 computers that were all hooked up to it and working earlier...?

Question

Now only one computer will work, and as we reboot the router/modem, the computer that works changes. Plz don't advise me to get wireless router, or a new one. This was working, nothing changed, but now its not....I need advice how to get this working, FOR DUMMIES plz, (I'm the dummy) not advice on what new hardware to buy. Thanks.

I have one older router, 3 way, right now trying to get it to work. Earlier we had 2 computers on at once. I have an 8 way router that I used to have working here, with these computers, that was working last week....but now when I plug it in with these computers, NOTHING works...so I went back to the 3 way router and now one computer only works. And which one works, changes....if you switch cat 5 cables around, the same computer will work(be connected to the internet). I want the 8 way router up there working because more computers are coming soon...but for tonight I"d be tickled to get these 3 computers working on EITHER router

The 8 way that worked fine last week, but was disconnected for a week is a Linksys. What is baffling is that all 3 computers can tell you a network cable is unplugged, but only one is providing internet access at any one time.

LOL

Unplugged everything from Router. Unplugged Router and Modem. Plugged Router and Modem in, plugged modem into router, then 3 cat 5 cables.

2 computers now have internet access.

(sigh) and even BIGGER sigh that this is all with the small router, not my Linksys 8way router which I need running up there...when I put it up, nothing worked.

Answer 1

To start off with. Are we 100% sure that these devices are routers, and not switches. 8 port routers are not uncommon, but not as common as 8 port switchs.
If it were a switch, and only one computer was grabing the ip address from the modem, that would explain why only one computer could get online at a time. I have seen switchs work with two computers for a short time before. Afterwards, you will get a message, "Limited or no connectivity" at the bottom of the screen. Also, if anything has changed, that would be helpful to know. Did you just switch from Cable internet to DSL? Or did you change out the DSL modem? If the DSL modem was changed out, and not put in what is called bridgemode, this problem may not come up as an issue until all 3 computers are actually on and trying to access the Internet. (Putting the modem in bridge mode tells the Router it is in charge of establishing the credential info w/ ISP, not the modem. If modem is in charge of this, it may only have the ability to handle one computer on the Lan side of the network.)

Let's start off and assume that you do have routers. Here are some things to check:
1. is the router plugged into a Uninteruptible Power Supply? (I have seen many drop off and connection issues solved with this little piece of heaven. I know you are sceptical about purchasing new hardware, but this should be a pre-requisit for all devices that have any kind of value.)

2. If you are cabable I would read the instructions for your router, and reset it back to factory settings. You may want to write down the existing settings before you do this. (if it is connected to DSL, your username and password, Cable, if it is a static or DHCP wan address etc. etc.) Once back up and running, download the latest firmware from the manufacturer. This would require Internet activity.

3. As was stated earlier, let's connect each computer directly to the back of the modem and check for connectivity. (If the modem was previously set to be in Bridge mode, you will have to change it to be in charge of handling the logon creditials. This usual setting is PPPOE)
Once the computer is connected to the modem, you need to power cycle the components so that they grab new IP addresses from each other. Power off Modem and computer, plug modem in first, let all lights quit blinking then power on computer. If computer is unable to connect, it could be modem issue. But let's not rule out other things.
a. Check the network settings on the computer. Right mouse click on My Network Places and go to Properties. From there right mouse click on the Lan Properties and go to properties there. Click on TCP/IP and hit the Properties button there. Check to make sure the adaper is set to obtain IP address automatically. And the DNS the same.

4. If all computers are set to obtain an IP automatically as described in step 3-a. and they are hooked up the a factory default router, with known good cables, they should be able to at least ping each other. Disable all Norton Internet Security, and Macafee Internet Security and Zone Alarm (Some of these actually block ICMP request so we wouldn't be able to ping the computers) Go to computer 1 . Start --> Run. type CMD and hit enter. type "ipconfig /all" leave off quotes write down the ip address that it assigns you. If you have the Linksys router setup, and it is set to default factory settings, it will probably assign you an address of 192.18.1.100 or close. Go to another computer. Start --> Run type "cmd" and hit enter. type "ping 192.168.1.100" or what ever number that was listed. if you get a reply, that means you are able to pass traffic through the router to the other computer. if you get request timed out that means you are not able to connect.

5. If after reseting the router to factory settings you are unable to ping the other computers on the network, but able to connect to the Internet throught the modem directly, your router is most likely the culprit. I have seen routers loosing their configs and not working correctly until they have been restored to factory defaults.

I am tired of typing now, but that is pretty much the jist of what to look for. There are some other things too look for, like spyware or corrupt TCP/IP stacks,

Answer 2

first, if its a newer router try simply unplugging the power, waiting 15 seconds, then plugging it back in. You could also accomplish the same thing by opening up the router's manual and reading up on any sort of interface (likely using a standard web browser) the router may have. There may be an option for "test" or "reset" within that interface.

If the above doesnt work do the following in the order listed:
1. turn off all devices connected to the router.
2. unplug the ethernet cables from all devices connected to the router except the cable/dsl modem.
3. turn off the router.
4. plug all ethernet cables back into the router.
5. turn on the router.
6. turn on all devices connected to the router.

remember, unlike most other electronics, you should start at the END of the line (i.e. the machines) and work towards the FRONT (i.e. the wall plug your modem is connected to)

Answer 3

First, try running each computer directly from the internet hookup. If that works for each computer, then chances are that your router is toast, like it or not. Routers DO die, unfortunately, so getting a new one may be your only option if the other components of your network (source and all three computers) are working. The fact that your router's behavior is unpredictable tends to make me think that this is the case. Normally, rebooting it via power-down/power-up should reset it completely; since it doesn't, I'm not optimistic that it's in very good shape. Sorry.

Answer 4

You did not say the brand of router you are using. I use only two brands, Cisco or Linksys.

I use Cisco for business config and I use Linksys for home config.

They work, all the time!

If you need more help, email me.

Answer 5

there were times mine would shut off.. soo i just right clicked the router icon in system tray and then clicked network.. a little window popped up and i clicked network again and looked 2 my left on list it says repair,. click it.. sometimes you may have 2 do this a few times before it works..

Answer 6

It sounds like a small problem. Your IP address in this cpu got changed or lost. If you get your service from At&t just call them to get the IP address and manually put it in yourself. They may have an easier way. Once you have the IP address, keep it in a log for later mishaps. It sounds like you know how to do it so I won't explain how to go about finding the area you need to put this infor on your cpu.