[mosdef]

yes i have it plugged in right now

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But is the laptop DIRECTLY connected to the modem? Or is it connected to the router, which connects to the modem?

[computerwiz12890]

But is the laptop DIRECTLY connected to the modem? Or is it connected to the router, which connects to the modem?

[mosdef]

oh sorry.
my modem is connected to the router is then connected to the laptop

[computerwiz12890]

And the router is connected to the laptop wirelessly, or with a network cable?

[mosdef]

with a network cable, i dont yet have wireless set up on this laptop

[computerwiz12890]

Alrighty, this may be within my abilities then.

Pull the cable from the laptop and look at the ends. See the different colored wires at the ends?

Do they look like:

1. With the green pair separated and orange pair together on both ends?


Or

2. Green pair separated and orange pair together on one end, while on the other end the green pair is together and the orange pair is separated

Edited by computerwiz12890, 04 May 2006 - 10:17 PM.

[mosdef]

the 1st option

[computerwiz12890]

That's the correct cable for the job.

Check the lights on the router. Is the light for the port that your laptop is connected to on?

And check the lights on the back of the computer where the cable is connected. Are they on?

[mosdef]

jeez, it works now. lol

i unplugged the cables to check the colours as u asked, then when u mentioned the ports on the router i tried a different one and it worked.

thanks so much for walking me through this.


heres a follow up for ya. in my house, apparently every bedroom has a jack for the internet.

so now if i wanted to connect in one of those rooms, would i have to buy a new D-link ethernet modem, similar to the one i have hooked up in my den?

[computerwiz12890]

I'm no network specialist, but I believe the answer is yes. You would need a modem for each jack so it can convert the incoming data to something usable for the computer.

Or you could connect each computer to your router and share the internet with each, using only one modem. Or go wireless, which would get rid of the mess of wires and you'd only need 1 modem, but then you'd need wireless adaptors for each computer.

Edited by computerwiz12890, 04 May 2006 - 11:14 PM.

[wannabe1]

Good job, you two...

Thanks for popping in, Wiz!

[computerwiz12890]

Anytime wannabe1

[mosdef]

gotcha

the problem with connecting the laptop to the same router is, i'd have to still be in the same room, which doesnt make sense.

seems like wireless would be the way to go. lol, i guess thats my next challenge, how to set up a wireless laptop (i had someone else set up my other laptop for me). is there a section for that here on geeks2go?


oh and thanks for your help as well wannabe. looks like i just have a crappy router. its an old U.S. Robotics one. any suggestions on a newer, reasonably priced one?

[computerwiz12890]

There is a networking forum, where you can receive help when you decide to go wireless.

As for a different router, go with D-link. You can find it at just about any electronics store (including Wal-Mart). There's really nothing specific to look for in a wired router, they are all pretty much the same. But D-link is the better brand.

Edited by computerwiz12890, 04 May 2006 - 11:30 PM.