Wireless works, wired doesn't. NIC or Router? FIXED (More or less..)

[cipher00]

Wired router is dead; wireless still works. Ok, these things aren't meant to last forever. I've changed to Linksys draft-N since SMC is backordered everywhere I look, but I have to wait for the (too expensive, IMHO) hardware print server. At least I can move the printer to somewhere more convenient! My uneducated guess is that the heat from these units eventually cause problems, and maybe the wired ports are more susceptible(sp?) to failure.

As always, thanks to all who replied.

Cipher



Ok, here goes. I'm running an SMC7004AWBR network (802.11b). I have a direct wire to my desktop (win2k) and 3 wireless laptops (1 win2k, 2 winxp). The network has been running without a hitch for years.

The laptops find the network (192.168.123.0) just fine. The desktop is given a "new" network: 169.254.0.0, which doesn't actually exist. Sometimes, rarely, the desktop finds the actual network. However, with the "new" network, listed as Internet by Zonealarm Pro, I have no network at all.

So, something's going wrong. Before I start pullig/buying/replacing, I thought I'd come to the forum. From my description, is the problem likely to be the NIC in the desktop or the SMC router? I'm puzzled since the laptops find the "right" network but the direct wired desktop doesn't. If everything failed, I'd be replacing the router/laptop cards, but it's just the desktop.

Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[spidey07]

first off, replace the cable with a one you bought from the store.

Also try different ports on the switch.

 

[JackMDS]

And if the above does not help, it is probably the NIC.

In General you can debug the Network Setting of the computer following these steps.

Step One. Check the Network parameters in the Computer?s Device Manager. Make sure that the drivers are installed correctly; there is No IRQ conflict, and No Ghost installation. http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ghost

Step Two.Verify Basic network setting in the OS: http://www.ezlan.net/Installing#verify
If the above two Steps indicates that every thing looks good but functionally it does not work.

Step Three. Check (and repair if necessary) the Socket Layers, Winsock, and or refresh the TCP/IP Stack. http://www.ezlan.net/clean#refreshnet

:sun:

 

[Tommouse]

The 169.254.0.0 network is the network a machine gives itself when it can't contact the DHCP server. Jack and Spidey are right though, try a new cable/port and verify that you are configured and working properly from your end first.

 

[cipher00]

Thanks; will do. I've tried different ports: no luck there. I've also tried plugging the cable from the modem directly into the desktop: that doesn't help, either, which leads me to believe it's not the cable (at least not the one from the modem to the router, since the wireless connections work).

So, it's off for a new cable & a new NIC. I will post when resolved. Thanks to all.

Cipher

 

[cipher00]

Update: no conflicts, no ports work, all laptops still fine. Managed to get through - once - by running the new network wizard, but that's not reliable. So, my guess is it's the NIC, so it's off to buy a new one. Will update when fixed. Thanks again.

 

[cipher00]

Hmmm. More oddness. I've replaced the NIC, and the machine tells me everything is ok. I'm still getting the 169.254.0.0 "new" network, though, not my LAN.

So, is it reasonable to assume that the router's DHCP process is failing, but ONLY for the wired ports where the wireless connections/associations are fine? That doesn't seem very likely to me, but I'm (obviously) no expert. I didn't plan to upgrade the network until next year, but perhaps it's time for a complete overhaul?

Thanks again to all.

Cipher

 

[athoennes]

I just had the same/similar problem with my SMC7004BR. I reduced the number of ports I was using from 4 to 1. The network started working. If I plugged anymore ports into the router it stopped working. A bit later I moved the router about 6" over and it stopped working. The Wan light would light up for a brief time (1 second then less), now the thing will not power on at all. I also noticed that the unit was not generating the usual heat during the time I was unplugging ports. I think my ports went bad -- component(s) associated with the ports and then something additional failed. Any idea of how to fix this? I can do some light soldering....

I do like the parellel port for the printer, I'd like to fix/replace this with a 7004 or 7008.

I just called SMC, they transfered me to supportminds. This is who take care of their home now. -- actually not this is a subscription service with the first call free (when refered from SMC?) Anyway they told me since my unit will not power on that this product is nolonger supported by SMC and I should buy a new router. (Awesome free advise!) Anyway that wasted some of my time I did not need to waste...

I am ready to open my router when I get a spare minute and see if there is anything obvious that needs to be replaced and see if that fixes the problem. If anyone knows of something specific to try please let me know.