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normacrosby

Feb 11, 2004, 1:28 PM

Post #1 of 13 (3495 views)

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Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Hello Everyone,

I have just started using the Prodigy DSL service. So far, the service works very well. Installation was done with a call one day and installation the next.

However, I am encountering a problem that I hope someone can help me with. Whenever I plug the modem into my laptop computer, the connection works fine. But, I want to plug the connection into a broadband router. When I do, I cannot get an Internet connection.

I am hoping there is a trick that I am missing. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Norma Crosby

HHERRINGTON

Feb 11, 2004, 1:43 PM

Post #2 of 13 (3486 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Some routers require a different type of cable as input from the modem in order to work, i.e. a cross over cable if memory serves me correctly. Check your router manual to determine the type of connection.
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johanson / Moderator

Feb 11, 2004, 2:16 PM

Post #3 of 13 (3483 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Norma:

Where are you located? when I checked your profile it said you are in Houston, Texas. I can recommend someone there to help you with your networking. :) If you are lakeside, I can give you a few names. You could even come the the LCS computer club meeting tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 AM. I'm sure someone there could give some advice.

I have a few ideas what your problem might be, but I would feel better if an expert helped you.

Feb 11, 2004, 10:17 PM

Post #4 of 13 (3461 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Quote

normacrosby writes:
....Whenever I plug the modem into my laptop computer, the connection works fine. But, I want to plug the connection into a broadband router. When I do, I cannot get an Internet connection....

1. Most small office/home office "routers" are equipped with a set of status indicator lights. Look for the set of lights labeled "Link"; there's normally one link light for each ethernet port ("jack") on the router. Make sure, when all your equipment is connected and powered on, that there's two link lights illuminated, one for the connection between the router and the DSL modem, and the other for the connection between your computer and the router. If only one (or none) are illuminated, the most common problem is what HHerrington posted about, an incompatible patch cable being used. If so post the specific brand and model number of (a) the DSL modem, (b) the router you're using, and (c) which light isn't illuminating and if the hardware is recognizable we can probably figure out what type of patch cables you need.

2. If 1, above, isn't the issue, when you connected everything together and powered the equipment up, did you both (a) configure the router, and (b) change your computer's network (internet connection) settings?

2a. Configuring the router most commonly takes the form of firing up your computer's web browser (Internet Exploder, Netscape Navigator, or something more interesting like Safari, Opera, or iCab), and pointing it to a cryptic numerical ("IP") address like "192.168.0.1", which yields a set of configuration pages. You typically key in your Prodigy account name and password, and then click on a "save" or "connect" button.

2b. You normally need to change your computer's network settings from "PPPoE" to "Use DHCP Server for Settings" (various flavors of MS Windows may name things differently like "Automatically Configure Connection" for "Use DHCP Server" mainly because Bill Gates is the devil encarnate.)

2c. It's not unusual for computers running various flavors of Windows to have to be restarted after the network settings are changed (one word - "quaint").

If the link lights are happily lit up, you configured both your new router and computer, and you still can't get a connection, post:
(1) the brand and model number of your DSL modem
(2) the brand and model number of your router
(3) what operating system your computer is running.

juan sanchez

Feb 12, 2004, 12:04 PM

Post #5 of 13 (3444 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Wow, what a well documented thread... I wish I had these advices a week ago.

I have just gone through the setup of my router for ADSL prodigy infinitum @ Guadalajara.

In addition to what everything was mentioned and done, I had to ENTER in the admin configuration of my router the DNS, primary and secondary, if you don't use'em it won't work, seems to be valid for at least the mexican territory.

Here's what I got from the Telmex ProdigyTech assistance:

Primary DNS: 200.23.242.193

Secondary DNS: 200.23.242.201

And, Voilá, surfin' nice an easy with my 3 PC's with different OS!

Thanks!

normacrosby

Feb 15, 2004, 4:26 PM

Post #6 of 13 (3414 views)

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Re: [juan sanchez] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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I see so much good info here that I hardly know who to reply to. I will try to cover everything, and perhaps ask another question.

I am in Ajijic right now, so info about local help would be great. My router is a Dell True Mobile 2300, and my modem is a Speedstream 5200 provided by Prodigy.

When I plug the ethernet connection from my computer into LAN 1 and my modem into the port that says "Internet", the appropriate lights come on.

Now, let's talk about the router. When I was in the U. S., this router was configured by going into Internet Explorer and typing "my.router". I had it attached to a desktop computer at that time, but I only have two laptops here in Ajijic. Of course, there was a fine CD with the router, but I neglected to pack it. I have been trying to configure the router by hooking everything up to it and going into Internet Explorer while it is turned on and all the pretty lights were glowing. Doesn't work.

It has been several months since I hooked it up originally, and I can't remember exactly what sequence I used or how I held my nose, but as technologically illiterate as I am, it worked the first time. I appreciate the DNS info, Juan got from Prodigy. Perhaps that will help. All of you have been great, and any other help you can give will be appreciated.

Hopefully, the next time I post, it will be to say that life is good, and I am once again using a router, which I hope will be hooked up to the Internet and Vonage.

Thanks,

Norma Crosby
Norma Crosby

(This post was edited by normacrosby on Feb 15, 2004, 4:43 PM)

johanson / Moderator

Feb 15, 2004, 4:57 PM

Post #7 of 13 (3406 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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That was a great post by ET. If you are still not able to get everything to work, you might ask either Kevin at New Wrld Tech at 766-4343 or Adalberto at Advanced Comp Solutions at 766-3700 for help. They charge of course, but they're good at what they do.

Feb 15, 2004, 11:34 PM

Post #8 of 13 (3391 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Quote

Norma Crosby writes:
....My router is a Dell True Mobile 2300, and my modem is a Speedstream 5200 provided by Prodigy....

1. With regards to the router, when you say "the appropriate lights come on" are you seeing the following:
Power - Solid Green
Internet - Solid Green (NOT blinking)
Lan 1 - Solid Green or Amber
If not, which LEDs are illuminated and which ones are blinking?

2. When both the computer and modem are connected to the router, and the three components are powered up, what are the following status lights on the DSL modem displaying (please differentiate between solid and blinking lights):
PWR -
DSL -
USB -
ENET -

3. Resetting the router back to factory defaults is probably a good idea when trying to configure it to function in a new network setup. To do so:
- disconnect the router from the computer(s) and DSL modem.
- power up the router.
- Using a straightened paperclip, skewer, or similar object, depress and hold the recessed "Reset" button found on the back of the router between the "Internet" port and the router's antenna. After approximately 5 seconds of holding the reset button down the router's "Power" indicator light should go out; when it lights up again you can release the reset button. (warning - factory default for the router is to have encryption switched off. Dumb, dumb, dumb and you get what you deserve if you leave it that way.).

4. When the router is set to its factory defaults, connecting a computer, launching a web browser, and pointing it to either "http://192.168.2.1" or "http://my.router" should give you access to the router's built-in web-based configuration utility. The factory default user name is "admin"; the router's password is also "admin".

5. Although commentary I've seen on the Dell TrueMobile 2300 router configuration software isn't the most favorable, if (a) the computer that you've got connected to the DSL modem for your currently functioning non-networked DSL connection is running either Win 2000 or Win XP, and (b) the Dell software actually performs the way it's supposed to, running the software is probably the simplest way to get your router functioning. Since you left your CD behind (not a wise move....) I believe that this is the appropriate software here (warning 1 - I don't have any functioning Windows boxes to verify the software. warning 2 - the download is 34 MB.). The Setup Wizard should automate the configuration process, which starts with the router disconnected from the budding LAN.

I see no reason to pay somebody for support service yet.

normacrosby

Feb 16, 2004, 12:42 AM

Post #9 of 13 (3385 views)

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Re: [ET] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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E. T. I appreciate the post. Here is what is happening with regard to the lights. When both the computer and modem are plugged into the router, the light next to "power" is solid green. The light for "Internet" is green but blinks every so often . The light for "LAN 1" (the computer" is green but blinks from time-to-time. The modem lights up as follows when connected to the router: "power", on and green; "DSL", on and green; "ethernet", green, but blinks when the "internet" light on the router blinks.

As a note, when the modem is hooked directly into my computer, the ethernet light also blinks sometimes, but I can get online with no problem, so I assume that this is normal. Seems to me that my cable modem at home blinked too. Only difference was that I could get online both through my computer and through my router at home.

Finally, since we are discussing lights, there is a light that comes on by the ethernet port on my computer. It is what I would call a solid orange, and occasionally a separate amber light blinks. I tell you this to make sure that you have more information than you can possibly use. Again, it is the same whether hooked to the router or directly to the modem.

I had reset the router to factory defaults before posting the first time, so that is done. I know that having the CD would be ideal. That is just a case of packing 1,000 things and leaving the one thing you really needed. Also, I know that I should have encryption on, but I appreciate the reminder about the factory settings. As you can see, i know just enough to get me into trouble, but I am very good at taking instruction.

I have written to Dell without much satisfaction. I have generally had good luck with their products, but their tech support people are not always very helpful when there is a problem.

Anyway, if you know anything else to advise, I will be glad to have the help. I am about to throw the router through my second floor window just to see if it would work better.

Thanks, and by the way, I am running Windows XP.
Norma Crosby

Feb 16, 2004, 1:39 AM

Post #10 of 13 (3383 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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The status indicator lights on both the router and modem sound like you're good to go from the hardware end of things. I don't know what the indicator lights on your computer's NIC mean, but since your router is reporting a good connection with the computer I suspect it's not important.

1. I'd suggest downloading and running the Dell router configuration software from the link provided in the previous message and reproduced here.

2. You didn't have any luck accessing the router's internal configuration software by pointing your web-browser to "http://192.168.2.1" (without the quotation marks, naturally)?

normacrosby

Feb 18, 2004, 3:08 PM

Post #11 of 13 (3339 views)

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Re: [ET] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Well, I got it done. I am on the Internet and using Vonage once again. It turned out that I had to re-install Windows, and that resolved the problem just fine. I even have both my laptops set up on my wireless network. Life is good.

By the way, our grandchildren just used our Vonage number to call, and at least today, the speed on Prodigy was such that it sounded as good as it did in the U. S. Now, if I can just get Telmex to leave all my telephones on for 24 hours.

Thanks to all of you for your help.
Norma Crosby

blancasis

Feb 18, 2004, 6:07 PM

Post #12 of 13 (3330 views)

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Re: [normacrosby] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Norma,

I am experiencing exactly the same problems... question is: out of your reinstalled Windows, what did you do to the router: did you programmed it with the DNS numbers mentioned above? how did you do it? I am here in Chapala, too.

Blancasis

(This post was edited by blancasis on Feb 18, 2004, 6:08 PM)

normacrosby

Feb 20, 2004, 8:40 AM

Post #13 of 13 (3308 views)

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Re: [blancasis] Router Problem When Using Prodigy High Speed

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Blancasis,

Sorry it has taken me a couple of days to reply. I have been fighting with Telmex about one of my phone lines, and I haven't logged onto the forum.

Anyway, I did not use the DNS entries listed above. It may be that you will need to, but I did not. Apparently there was just some glitch with my Windows XP installation, and when the machine was re-loaded everything worked fine. If you need additional info, feel free to send me a private message.

Good luck, and let me know if I can help in any way. I am not a techie like some of the very helpful people who post to this forum, but I am willing.
Norma Crosby