Network nightmare

[jeffbert]

My linksys router has suddenly stopped working. I am now connected directly to my Motorola SURFbord modem. I can connect any 1 computer this way, but neither the Linksys nor a new Belkin router works with this modem anymore.

Please, only helpful replies.

[jeffbert]

I feel So dumb! It was a cable, a simple RJ-45 cable.

[fafner]

And guess who tried to make work a uncooperative computer for more than 10 minutes before realizing that the network cable wasn't plugged?
Yep, that was me And I am supposed to be a "professional" :d oh:

[jeffbert]

I still cannot understand why, a cable that just sits there day after day, suffering no known stress, would just fail while still working enough to keep the leds on the router happy.

So, anyway, I bought a new Belkin router, which naturally failed. The guy on the Belkin help line seemed to be completely devoid of IT skills, & appeared to be reading from a script. He several times put me on hold while he apparantly flipped through a book of symptoms and cures. He eventually sugessted upgrading the firmware.


Now for some reason, the linksys router rejects my PW. It still passes the signals ok, but if I should need to tweak it, tough.

I too, had been a pro in a small area of telecom, & occasionally experienced things like you mentioned. But now, I want a non-technical field.

[Big Astro Fan]

The connection can loosen up even with a small amount of movement. That's why i put my Mother's computer on a Linksys wireless connection. It's a little slower but it works. I still have the cable just in case that stops working. I also have a Linksys router. I did have to buy a new one only because the first one just got abused and dropped. I'm such a klutz.

[Big Astro Fan]

I have you beat fafner. I was on the phone for over 20 minutes with my internet provided trying to figure out why I wasn't getting any internet. I finally realized that I plugged the cable into the old onboard network card that I disabled and not the new gigabit network card. I did admit to the tech guy that I was such a bonehead.

[jeffbert]

The connection can loosen up even with a small amount of movement. That's why i put my Mother's computer on a Linksys wireless connection. It's a little slower but it works. I still have the cable just in case that stops working. I also have a Linksys router. I did have to buy a new one only because the first one just got abused and dropped. I'm such a klutz.

I tried a Belkin wireless router, but my mom's PC is so old--"How old is it?" (reference to the old Match game on TV) It is so old that it only has USB1, & although the software worked, it kept griping about "little or no connectivity." I tried my laptop in the same room, & it worked fine w/ the wireless.

But this cable that failed went between the SURFboard 'modem' & the router, so nothing worked even though the Linksys router's LEDs were all happy.

[fafner]

I have you beat fafner. I was on the phone for over 20 minutes with my internet provided trying to figure out why I wasn't getting any internet. I finally realized that I plugged the cable into the old onboard network card that I disabled and not the new gigabit network card. I did admit to the tech guy that I was such a bonehead.

At least you had it plugged somewhere I had the cable hanging before my very eyes and I didn't tilt What is that cable? Damned!
By the way, have you ever tried to plug a USB into a RJ-45 plug? It fits quite well and can trick both the amateur and professional... for a few seconds for the latter at least Especially tricky when the plugs are behind and hard to reach...