XP+D-Link DI-604 Router +PPoE DSL Service = I'm stuck!

I sure could use some of that expert help out there! I'm well-versed in the computer world, but my networking knowledge is not as strong as other areas. Here's a description of my problem:

1) I have two computers at home

2) I have a PPoE provider that requires a username and password for ADSL access

3) I have a new D-Link DI-604 router

4) I simply want to hook both computers to the router, the router to my DSL modem, and have concurrent Internet access from both computers.

5) My access is perfect when I'm just hooking one computer directly to the modem.

I have followed the D-Link instructions to the letter and programmed the router with all my username/password info provided by my service provider. My computer is talking to the router no problemo, and the link between the router and DSL modem is good, but I can't get Internet access when I plug into the router.

I know it has to do with my network settings on my computer, but I'm not sure what I need to change. I've tried everything I can think of. My service provider supplies a disc that automatically plugs most of the TCP/IP settings in so that you have very little you have to do, but now that I'm adding the router to the mix I think all that needs to be adjusted, right? I've even tried fully uninstalling that software, though it's not connection software, just configuration, but no change.

I think with all my fiddling around I may have hosed myself. At one point during this I went through XP's connection wizard and had it setup the Internet Connection Sharing bit and now there is a connection showing in my Network Connection display that is generically labled "Internet Connection ". Don't believe it actually has anything to do with my actual connection and I can't disable or delete it (the "delete" option is grayed out). Any help on nuking this would be appreciated, too.

The strange thing is I had a PPoE provider at our last location (Arkansas--I'm military and we're in Belgium right now) and essentially did all the same stuff, so don't know where I'm off this round.

Sorry this was so long, but I have tried everything, searched all the knowledge bases, and just need to have someone give me a clue. Thanks a lot for anyone who can lend me a cluelight!

 

Hi,
I have the same router with two computers. Don't know if this will help but in order to get mine to "talk" to each other I first had to unplug both the cable modem and the router. then I plugged the cable modem back in and waited until it stabilized, then plugged in the router and everything then worked fine. Drove me nuts until the cable modem provider's tech support said to do this.
Gene

I also have an "Internet Gateway" showing "enabled" and a "LAN or Hi speed Internet" showing "enabled "
Also be sure you are NOT using Cat5 crossover cables! (to check hold both connectors side by side in the exact same position and check the wire colors, they need to be the same left to right)

 

Genestoy,

You may be onto something with regard to the cables. I have a multitude of Ethernet cabling from various projects and maybe that's part of the problem. What is the difference between Cat5 crossover and other Cat5? I see that I've got a variety of colors in the wiring. Do all need to be the same on each cable?

Also, you "Internet Gateway" and "LAN or Hi-speed Internet" settings, where are they? In XP or somewhere in the router settings? I was looking around, but can't find exactly what you're talking about.

Lastly, I'd be interested to know what all your TCP/IP settings are showing as far as what is enable/disabled, choose automatically, etc. That might help me narrow down where the issue is, too.

Thanks again for the quick reply!

 

Cat5 (category 5) simply describes the cable design. The usual ethernet cabling is UTP (unshielded twisted pairs) and uses twisted pairs rather than lots of insulation to avoid static/crosstalk/whatever among the wires in the cable.

The only difference in Cat3, Cat5, Cat6 is the number of twists per inch of cable. The more twists, the better the cable can handle a signal without adding garbage to the line. Cat3 was OK for 10Mbps but absolutely could not handle 100Mbps (the speed your newer network cards can run). Cat5 is good for 100Mbps traffic while you'll need Cat6 to run Gigabit speeds over the twisted pair copper lines and fiber is even better.

'Normal' cable wiring has a wire going from pin1 at one connector to pin1 at the other end, pin2 - pin2, and so on. It's required to make unlike devices 'talk' so PC to router/switch, hub, etc. will demand normal.

'Crossover' cable wiring has Tx (transmit) at one end going to Rx (receive) at the other. It's required when connecting like devices so is used for PC to PC, switch to switch/hub, etc.

If you want more detail, take a look Here and quite a few other sites.

Bottom line - if you have the wrong design cable hooked up, things will not work.

For the specifics of your IP connections, easiest to post them here so we can have a look-see.

Easy to do if you run an NT system (NT4/2K/XP) and as follows:
- start~run~cmd
- ipconfig /all > c:\config.txt (nothing will show on screen)
and then copy the contents of the two c:\config.txt files to a reply here. Saves lots of typing.

If you run 9X/ME, not so easy.
- start~run~winipcfg then click the button for details.
- copy down ALL the stuff you see and paste that into a reply. Since the forum won't allow pictures and 9X/ME only have the option to display the stuff in a nice GUI window, there is no easier way to get the info here.

 

Go to "start" > "settings" > "network connections" and the window will display what is connected and what is enabled or disabled. As far as the cabling is concerned it does not matter that one cable has red wires the same on both ends or the next cable has yellow wires in the same spot because different manufacturers may use different colors. What matters is that the same colors on one cable are the at same location on both ends of the cable side by side. I know that the DI-604 will only work with "normal" cables.
Gene

 

I know that the DI-604 will only work with "normal" cables

True if you are connecting PC or printer to the switch ports unless the PC/printer has a smart NIC that can sense what is at the other end and make internal changes to allow connection with either cable style.

False if you are connecting another switch/hub to the switch ports. Crossover required in that case unless you have a high-end device with a port that can be toggled from 'normal' to 'crossover' to allow for connecting to another switch without needing special cables or a 'smart port' that will auto-adjust itself.

The DI-604 device will support up to 253 network devices that require an IP address but with only 4 ports, you would have to connect switches or hubs to the available ports to expand past 4 devices and lots of folks do that.

 

Thanks, guys. I'll take a look at all the things you suggest this evening and see what I can come up with. I'll also post my settings so that you can possibly give me some insight. I'm 6-9 hours ahead of you over here in Belgium, so have to do some running around this morning, but will get back online tonight, which will be daytime on your end. I greatly appreciate your detailed insight word. With your help I'll solve this yet!

 

Newt is correct and I should have been more clear in my posting. I was looking at the original post and read that he was only trying to connect two computers the same as I have done, so was refering to that setup, which would have to have the two "normal" cables, one to each computer from the DI-604.
Gene

 

Newt / Gene,

My current IP settings are below, according to what comes up following your instructions. Keep in mind that I've switched back to the settings that allow me to hook directly to my dsl modem. If you see anything here that I need to change to make it where I can go through my router let me know and I'll do it. Oh, and I am running Win XP with all the latest updates in place.

Bottom line again is that I have two standalone computers and I want to use the one Internet service by hooking both into the router that is hooked to the modem.

On the cable thing, I think what I'm using is just fine, as I've used them previously for hooking up this operation, particularly since I'm not hooking directly from one computer to another, but from the computers to the router to the modem.

Thanks again for the help!

Matt

HERE ARE MY CURRENT SETTINGS:

Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : matt

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 2:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : lan

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-07-95-56-AA-55

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.41

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.138

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.138

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 10.0.0.138

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, December 23, 2003 6:14:12 PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, December 23, 2003 8:14:12 PM

 

DarthMatta - I sorta gather you are running two XP machines. So this is aimed at that setup.

- unhook everything from the modem.
- hook both PCs to the router/switch and boot them.
- after they are running, do on each of them
start~run~cmd
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /all > c:\config.txt

Then post both the config.txt files here. Identify the PCs as PC-A an PC-B or something. If both those files look like they have workable settings, the next step will be to hook the router to the modem and recycle power on both devices.

If the PCs are correct and you aren't connecting, there is a problem with the router side of your router/switch and we can work on that.

Gene - I sorta figured you were answering only this thread but the problem is, these things sit in the archives and some folks who never post will look for answers and use the info they find here. So I always like to either specify that the answer is only for this particular case and may not apply elsewhere or else put in answers that are pretty much universal. Your answer was absolutely correct for DarthMatta hooking two PCs to a switch.

 

I have a few observations I would like to comment on.
Darthmatta,
You said your machine worked fine hooked directly to the modem. Was that both machines? Or just one?
I am suspicious that your ISP has a mac address filter. If this is the case you will have to get the mac address off your machine that does work with your modem.

and run the mac address clone in the D Link router so that your ISP continues to see the same mac address.
Second,
Were you successful connecting to the D Link router configuration web page?
You will type into the address bar 192.168.0.1 and when prompted for a user name and password you will leave user name blank and a password of admin.

Let us know,
Thanks.

 

Newt-

Here are the readings, as produced by following your instructions. I've used the "PC-A" and "PC-B" nomenclature to differentiate between the two.

SSmith, I have answered your questions following the configuration data.

PC-A:

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : matt

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 2:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-07-95-56-AA-55

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.101

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, December 24, 2003 3:38:46 PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, December 31, 2003 3:38:46 PM



PC-B:

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : matt1

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . . : skynet.be

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 2:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-07-95-54-CA-FB

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.100

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, December 24, 2003 3:54:40 PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, December 31, 2003 3:54:40 PM


There are some subtle differences. Interesting... However, both computers get access no problem as long as I'm going through the modem direct. Thoughts?


SSmith-

The answers to your questions are:

1) Yes, both machines, hooked up one at a time directly to the modem work fine.

2) You may very well be onto something about the ISP limitations. I have heard of some ISPs doing that, but have yet to meet someone who had the problem. I saw the MAC clone option in the router setup pages. I'll check it out.

3) Yes, I was able to access all of the configuration pages for the router perfectly by plugging directly to it and typing in the 192.168.0.1 IP address. No problems there. Both computers speak to the router no problemo. Both will speak to the modem no problemo. It's just the darn access going through the router, the modem, and accessing my ISP. Let me check out what the MAC settings are sitting at, as that may just be it!

Thanks again for the responses, guys!

Matt

 

Matt - he may well have nailed it with the MAC issue. Luckily you have both MAC addresses just above.

The only things I see with your IP settings as given you by the DHCP firmware in the router (and a few that probably did not come from there) are:

PC-B
DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . . : skynet.be

I think I'd remove the skynet.be[/b] and have it blank like PC-A is.

Both PCs
Node type listed as Unknown isn't real thrilling although I can't say right off how you should best change that. Ideal for a larger network is to have all the cards running as Hybrid. Small networks either Hybrid or Broadcast should be fine. With a larger network, the node type is usually set by the DHCP server which tries Hybrid and if that fails, backs off to Broadcast. Not sure if your router's DHCP can configure that option though.

And the Unknown may not be a problem. Just concerns me a little and calls for some additional digging.

 

Newt / SSmith,

I did go ahead and clone the one of the MAC addresses that was working when I hook directly to the modem, though unfortunately no change in access through the modem.

Newt, I did go ahead and remove the "skynet.be" reference in PC-B's settings, though obviously that has little bearing here.

Those settings--Username, password, etc--I entered into the router using the setup wizard, so I would figure that would be sufficient. I'm wondering if there are some other settings on the computers that need to be removed before it can properly talk through the router? Everything currently on there was set up using the provider software. One of the features of the software is that it allows you to "protect" (Belgian use of the word may actually mean back up) your settings, so that if you change something accidentally you can just open up the interface and click on "repair" to have it reestablish your original working settings. I don't think this prohibits anything to work with the router, but maybe... This software is not a gateway that I have to click on before I get access, just purely set up/backup as far as I can tell, but who knows. I did try removing it the other day as I was trying to work through this problem, but at the time it made no difference, though I hadn't cloned the MAC then. Think I should try it again?

Any other pearls of wisdom you may have are welcome, but don't feel like you have to answer until after Christmas! Thanks again for all your help thus far...

Matt

 

Matt - this is really beginning to smell like a router issue or PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet and written as either PPPoE or PPoE) setup on the PCs possibly. Good explanation of the whole thing is Here. This one was written a while back and for a specific provider but the facts are accurate if you ignore the ISP specifics.

Check for a router firmware update and install one if available. There may be PPoE updates included in addition to whatever else they are updating.

Set the router back to it's default values (should be a feature for doing that) then power it off, the modem off, then modem and next router back on.

On both PCs, start~run~ipconfig /renew

Check the PC IP addresses to make sure they are the same (should be but possibly changed) and then from PC-A

start~run~cmd
ping 192.168.0.1 and make sure you get 4 good returns with very short delays. < 1ms is what I'd expect but certainly no longer than 1 ms
ping -a <pc-b ip address> and you should get the name returned along with 4 results. Time should be very similar to that returned from the router.
ping -a 10.0.0.138 and if this one works at all, you are seeing your ISP from the PC.

Let me know.

 

I don't think you have to do any MAC cloning since both your computers work individually attached to the modem. Your ipconfig settings look good as long as that is the router the gateway ip is pointed to.
Your ISP might require you to input a host name or domain name. Check the website and see if they have specific DNS, I have to manually enter mine. I also have to make sure my MTU is set at 1452 to work with my ISP. I use Neotrace to find a bunch of info when you can't get it off their website or techsupport. You might be surprised a lot of ISPs support routers now. Just not wireless ones. Firmware upgrade is a possibility for your router.

 

Yea if both PCs will work on the modem then I dont think it's a mac address issue (and for sure after you ran the clone)
Im starting to think you have one of the following:

A bad patch cable from modem to router.
Or, a bad WAN port on the router.

 

Newt,

We are up and running! I went ahead and did the hard reset and then just let the computer settings tell the router what to do vice setting up the router itself. Both computers now are talking through the router and have full access. So ends this saga. Thanks again for all your help and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2004!

Matt

 

Hey, Hey, Hey. Well all righty then.

Very glad to hear that Matt and a great holiday season to you too.

 

Well guess I was on the right track! This quote was in the first reply to your question. Anyway glad you are up and running!
Gene