Completely Stumped Over Network Problem

[fierceseaman]

Hi, I posted this problem a while back and was given an answer that seemed to fix it until now. I am running 3 computers, all running XP. Have a Motorola SB5100 Cable Modem using Cox High-Speed Internet. I have a Linksys BEFW11S4 Version 4 Wireless Router. 2 of the computers are wireless and the third is wired. Originally I tried to run it like this: Internet-->Cable Modem-->Computer 1-->Computer 2. When computer 2 attempted to use the internet. The entire network died and the cable modem had to be reset. This is where this forum came in and said "its dropping packets, get a router." So I got a router. While computer 2 waited for a wireless card computer 1 and laptop 1 both used the internet flawlessly and at the same time. Comp 1 is wired and Laptop 1 is wireless. Today Computer 2's wireless card arrived and he plugged it in and lo and behold, the problem has returned. Computer 2 is able to use the internet for a short time then suddenly the entire network crashes to a screaching halt. The cable modem must be reset and usually the router must be reset. So now to where yall come in. What is the deal. Could a virus, (previously undetected as of yet virus (XP is updated all the way on all computers and all computers have fully updated Norton and AVG))? Or is it something else? The original problem happened when Computer 2 was wired and the same problem happens when Computer 2 is wireless. What is the deal?

[azscary]

Are all 3 computers set to obtain IP automatically or is the IP hardcoded?

Does computer #2 have the same "name" in the network identification as another computer on the LAN?

Are all three NIC's the same speed? (i.e. 10MB or 10/100MB)

Does the router have a packet collision indicator? If so are you getting packet collisions?

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Internet-->Cable Modem-->Computer 1-->Computer 2

Is the router a multi port router with each computer plugged into its own port or are you trying to do connection sharing?

If the problem occurs both wireless and wired with computer #2 then the problem seems to be with that particular computer. My networking skills are a little new, but it seems as if you are getting packet collisions and it is bringing the network down

[jeresimo]

Go to Safe Mode and remove all your drivers of your Network Adapter Card in your problematic computer. Reinstall your Wireless Card. Follow the steps in your Manual on how to install the Card and idriver. When ready, Power up your Modem then Router then all computers in that order. HTH.

[fierceseaman]

All 3 computer are set to obtain their IPs automatically. Computer 2 does have the same name in the network ID as the other computers. All 3 NICs are 10/100MB. I have no idea if the router has a packet collision indicator and I do not know how to check. The router is multiported and each comp. has its own port. The problem had happened wired and wireless. From what it sounds like packet collision could be a problem but I do not know how to remedy this problem.

[R7044]

I was having chronic cable internet problems, It would be down for houes then suddenly return, I tried resetting thre modem and router. I called my ISP to check the cable. He found that Squirrels were using my coax as a path of least resistance. He replaced it and I have had flawless service since.
Morrow: The problem might not always be your equipment.
HTH

[azscary]

Computer 2 does have the same name in the network ID as the other computers

Therein lies the problem. Change the name of Computer number two and see if the trouble does not go away.

[fierceseaman]

no, not the same Name perse, but like it is on the same network entitled as HOME. that is what i meant, that is wasn't running on its own LAN. and the thing about the squirrles is that the internet works fine as long as that computer isn't online.

[Swimmfree200]

Is the Wirless network card the same frequency as the router? Is it made by Linksys? I dought either of those would cause a problem but worth a shot. Also try to run just computer 2 the one the seems to be causing the problem on by itself on the network. Does that get any connection? IF so then that would probably be some type of IP adress conflict. Try to set both computers to a static IP. Starting with 192.168.1._ _ _ . Fill in the last three dashes.

[fierceseaman]

ok, I am going to try that, and on the note about the network card on the same channel and frequency, yes it is. no it isn't made by linksys but then neither is the other wireless card and it works flawlessly.

[fierceseaman]

No. That didn't work. Assigning an IP wouldn't even allow the computer to register on the wireless network. The router forces the computer to a certain IP and when the computer doesn't want to do that then it won't go online.

[Swimmfree200]

does the comp work when its alone on the router? Do u get connected at all? Such as does it say that there is a connection availible? ANother thing u should try is to upgrade the firmware on the router and make sure u have the latest drivers on he card.

[jeresimo]

Why not return that Wireless card and change it with Linksys recommended model? Sometimes different brand works sometimes they don't. Simplify.