Trying to get wireless internet to work again

[imported_mitchnozka]

Hi all,

My neighbor switched from DSL to cable internet as part of a package which saved him money. However, we've run into a couple problems.

We used to be able to connect computers via ethernet or wireless with no problems through the 2Wire DSL router provided by the DSL company. The cable company gave us a new router which is not wireless.

The first problem is that I am unable to connect other computers to the cable router. The network icon says it is acquiring the network address, then shows limited or no connectivity.

Secondly, we tried to use the DSL router. We put an ethernet cable from the cable router to the DSL router, and the DSL router to his main PC, and that worked for internet. We are also still able to connect to the DSL router's wireless signal, but we are not able to get on the internet.

Are we able to rectify these two problems? The wireless is the most pertinent problem right now.

Thanks!

Mitch

 

[ch33zw1z]

You have to configure the old router to use the new router/hub as it's default gateway.

What's the model of the new "router" are you sure it's a router and not just the modem?

 

[lopri]

Yes it not very likely that a cable company gave you a modem+router hybrid version. If anything, they'd love to sell you extra IP address so why would they even let people know that they can share bandwidth? Unless you have a business plan, they probably just gave you a crap modem. (They tend to overheat and perform badly) I'd first complain to the cable company and have them replace the modem with a new one, then get a decent wireless router. ($30~40 one from Belkin, Buffalo, etc. should be more than enough)

 

[Peter]

This requires reconfiguration.

The DSL router, once the centerpiece of your network, needs to become a "normal" client in your now cable-router centric network.

In the DSL router, turn off the WAN gateway, the DHCP server, and configure it to use an IP address in the range managed by the cable router (don't forget DNS and Gateway settings).

 

[imported_mitchnozka]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies.

You're right, it is a cable modem and not router (was quickly typing, used the wrong terminology).
Cable modem: Scientific Atlanta WebStar DPC2100R2 Series. And it does look like a cheap modem.

DSL router: 2Wire 1800HG Gateway.

The cable modem is 'new'. Would complaining yield us a better one?

Peter, would you be able to spell out or refer me to a website that shows me how to do the steps you mentioned? (I used to do lots of IT stuff, so I can understand it, but I haven't been into networking for quite a while).

Thanks

Mitch

 

[ch33zw1z]

Originally posted by: mitchnozka
Hi all,

Thanks for your replies.

You're right, it is a cable modem and not router (was quickly typing, used the wrong terminology).
Cable modem: Scientific Atlanta WebStar DPC2100R2 Series. And it does look like a cheap modem.

DSL router: 2Wire 1800HG Gateway.

The cable modem is 'new'. Would complaining yield us a better one?

Peter, would you be able to spell out or refer me to a website that shows me how to do the steps you mentioned? (I used to do lots of IT stuff, so I can understand it, but I haven't been into networking for quite a while).

Thanks

Mitch

If the Modem is also not a router, then the steps peter listed are not necessary. You need to set the router up for cable. DSL and cable are set up differently, DSL requires a user name/password...cable generally does not. Look through the options on your router.

but, peter is right on if both were routers.

 

[imported_mitchnozka]

ch33,

I don't quite understand you. We used to connect our laptop through the DSL router by saving the number on the bottom of the router. Is this what you mean?

Mitch

 

[ch33zw1z]

Originally posted by: mitchnozka
ch33,

I don't quite understand you. We used to connect our laptop through the DSL router by saving the number on the bottom of the router. Is this what you mean?

Mitch

Not really sure what you mean, is that the MAC address you're referring to? Try finding the right setting in the router under a WAN option. It should list a few different ways.

 

[imported_mitchnozka]

I'm referring to the network key.

I don't know how to change the settings in the router.

Mitch

 

[ch33zw1z]

Network keys are not printed on the bottom of routers. You change the settings by accessing the router via GUI using HTTP. For example, my Dlink internal IP (for inside my home network) defaults to 192.168.0.1, and I chose not to change this. So to access the router's GUI, I enter http://192.168.0.1 in a web browser that has java enabled. Then I must enter a username/pw as the final step to getting in. So you should be able to use the 2Wire router, you'll want to use a cat5 cable to get an IP, go into a cmd prompt and type IPCONFIG which will display your IP, Subnet Mask, and the Default Gateway IP(which is what you're looking for).

 

[orion23]

Reset the DSL router by pressing / holding the small pin in the back.

Access the router by typing 192.168.1.254


http://www.dslreports.com/faq/twowire/8._Two_Wire_Home_Portal_Modems

 

[imported_mitchnozka]

Hi,

I tried to access the router via 192.168.1.254, but I got nothing (on IE or Mozilla). I tried to ping it under command prompt and it timed out with every packet sent.

Orion23, I reset it as you said. I had the internet unplugged when doing it, but just reconnected using the DSL router as a gobetween, and the internet works.

What am I doing wrong? I apologize if I'm making simple mistakes, this area of computers is new to me.

Thanks,

Mitch