Wireless network - EITHER the PC OR the laptop can work, but never both at once. Ideas?

Question

I just moved to Russia and signed up for DSL here. I setup my Netgear wireless router (WGR614v6) and set up the same wireless network that I had in the US. The only thing that has changed is my DSL modem (D-Link DSL-2300U) and Service provider (avangard.ru).
So now EITHER my laptop or desktop work, never both at once. The desktop is connected by cable to the router, the laptop by wireless. If I leave the laptop off, the desktop works fine. If I leave the desktop off and just the router on, I get wireless internet to the laptop. Is it possible that there is some sort of IP address conflict? I don't get any error messages. It works like this: desktop internet works fine,but, the instant the laptop connects to the netowrk, all internet stops working. After i disconnect either of the 2 devices from the network, internet resumes after a minute or a reboot of the router or modem.

Help! :)

Answer 1

Odd problem but very interesting!

Do you have the router set up to provide LAN IP addresses via DHCP? If not make sure you do.

Second make sure that all pcs are set up to obtain IP address automatically (not static IP addresses).

Third, if you have any static LAN IP addresses (e.g. print servers) make sure they are not in the range that is also used by the DHCP server (e.g. if you set the DHCP range from 192.168.1.2-255, then assign 192.168.1.3 to a print server, and a pc was also given 192.168.1.3 you have conflict. I suggest you set DHCP range from 192.168.1.50 - 255 and use the 192.168.1.2-49 for static ip addresses.

After making these changes and rebooting modem, router and pcs, if there is a conflict or problem, go to the disconnected unit, open command prompt (start, run - type cmd and hit enter) and type at the prompt "ipconfig /release" wihthout quotes, then type in "ipconfig /renew" without quotes and see if this helps.

Answer 2

Quick and messy way of maybe fixing this (if the instructions above didn't work) is to clear your router settings by hitting the Reset button (per your router's instructions). Your router should not be determining which computer to allow onto the internet. Resetting would be a good way to build your wireless network from a clean slate and set it up via your DSL provider's instructions. Also, resetting the router will allow you to determine whether this is a conflict in your household or with your service provider.