Help a networking n00b out...

[Miklebud]

Hi guys, need some help with my internet networking.

Set up:
Motorola Surfboard Modem
D-link router (forgot model number and Im at work)
LINKSYS EZXS55W 10/100Mbps Workgroup Switch

Objective:
Connect the 2 desktop PC's AND 2 Xboxs up to the internet.
The only cable is located in the living room. Which means modem has to be in living room. 1 Xbox in living room. 2 PC's and an XBOX are located 50ft down the hall in another room.

I've tried setting it up this way to no avail: Modem --> Switch (1 output going to an XBOX next to the Switch, 2nd output to Router) --> Router --> PCs + 1Xbox

What happens is the 1st XBOX gets internet access (coming straight from the switch). But the PCs and XBOX in the other room dont get signal. So I rotate the router/switch and at that point the Xbox in the living room doesnt even get signal, nor do the PCs. Which first? Switch -> Router? Router -> Switch?

I've tried countless at resetting each numerous times in different set ups, but still no luck. So in the meantime, I've bypassed the XBOX in the living room, and have only hooked up the router in the PC room. But I'm really trying to get the XBOX in the living room up and running as well as the PC's so I can use NetFlix Streaming!

Any help guys would be appreciated. I feel so defeated after trying to get this set up to work countless times.

 

[shempf]

Modem > Router > Switch is what I'd prefer (any gateway/firewall closest to the Internet)
Verify that the router has internet access (polling an IP from the modem) -- see config.
Xbox 50ft away isn't polling an address apparently -- see router config to verify?


Personally it sounds like that router isn't worth the plastic it's in. Does it have a directional antenna since a device in the same room can't get signal? I've used a Netgear & TrendNet (both high-priced; $80 & $150 respectively) in a 4500sqft + 1200sq ft basement home & never had signal issues.

 

[Miklebud]

Wired Networking.

The router works when it's all by itself, giving access to both PC's and XBOX. So, it works...

 

[bruceb]

For only 4 devices, I don't see any need for a switch. Most routers have at least 4 wired output ports in addition to the WiFi which can feed any
number of WiFi devices. And if you do need a switch, on some routers, you need to use a specific output port to feed to the switch WAN input.
See your user guide. Best way if you need to is: Modem ---->, Router ---->, Switch, ----> PCs and Xboxes

 

[Miklebud]

I wish I didnt need both, but the modem is stuck where it is, it can not be moved. And if I were to only use the router, it'd require me to run another 100ft cable to just the xbox in the living room.
Here's a diagram of my living quarters. We can not hide/snake any of the wires.
My Apartment

Thanks for the help thus far guys.

 

[shempf]

are the South PC's (coming off the switch) getting an address? run the ipconfig command [could also try a ipconfig /release & /renew although it's about useless]
verify router's dhcp allows for enough address for all devices.

Assuming it's a simple issue.

 

[Miklebud]

Originally posted by: shempf
are the South PC's (coming off the switch) getting an address? run the ipconfig command [could also try a ipconfig /release & /renew although it's about useless]
verify router's dhcp allows for enough address for all devices.

Assuming it's a simple issue.

They recognize that they're on a local network. I'll run the "ipconfig" command tonight, though.

Is there an order what what devices should be turned on first? Like... turn the modem on, wait for it to get activity, then turn on the router, etc? Or...?

 

[Kelemvor]

Cable modems tend to remember what was plugged into them unless you unplug them for 30-60 seconds or so.
I would plug them in starting at the wall.

Cable modem and let it boot all the way up.
Router and let that boot up.
Switch and let that boot up.
PCs don't matter

The pic in your link above is exactly how it should be setup and should work fine with no fancy settings.

Make sure you have the switch plugged into the right port.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Miklebud
LINKSYS EZXS55W 10/100Mbps Workgroup Switch

There's your problem. Those switches absolutely suck. I had one, and I couldn't use certain ports of it with certain devices, it just wouldn't stay linked.

Get a better switch, like this

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Get a cheap DD-WRT compatible router, flash it, then make it an ethernet bridge. BTW, you only have 1 coaxial in your whole apartment??

 

[Miklebud]

Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
Get a cheap DD-WRT compatible router, flash it, then make it an ethernet bridge. BTW, you only have 1 coaxial in your whole apartment??

Yup. I'm renting an apartment in an old brick complex. Cant drill through the hardwood floors.

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
There's your problem. Those switches absolutely suck. I had one, and I couldn't use certain ports of it with certain devices, it just wouldn't stay linked.

Get a better switch, like this

Ironically enough, I think it's the switch that is working fine, and the router that's causing the problems. The last few days I couldn't get the router to work at all. The router refused to connect after twenty-something times, I plugged the switch in, and it worked no problem. Time to invest in a new router.