cable modem and router cables confused big time!

It is very unclear what you are trying to say.   There should be one ethernet cable that runs between the cable modem and WAN (sometimes called Internet) port on the router.  This cable should never be unplugged as it connects the router to the modem and without it, the router will never be able to connect to the internet.   Any computer using a wired connection should have an ethernet cable running from one of the LAN ports on the router to the ethernet port on the computer.   That cable only needs to be plugged in if the computer needs wired internet access.  When the cable is unplugged, at either end, only the computer that was connected to the router in this fashion will lose internet connectivity by the wired connection.   Any computer that uses a wireless connection does not need a cable of any kind, and so long as the cable modem is powered on, is connected by coaxial cable to the wall and by ethernet to the router, the computer should have a wireless connection to the internet.

 

If this doesn't answer your question, try to explain it better and we'll give it another shot.

 

Steve

Thanks Steve,

I knew that I could count on you to try and help me.  When I installed the software for the router it said to do it on a wired- not a wireless computer.  The laptop was plugged into the cable modem at the time so no problem there.  Followed the smart wizard and put the cable and wires exactly where it said to and installed the router.  Then I installed the software for the wireless card. Installed the card on the side of  the laptop.  Ok, now this is where I get into trouble.  What is the next step?  Remove the laptop from the wired connection (cable and router) and it loses it.  I have a netgear router but I have a X410 that it is hooked up to.  I have my old computer upstairs with an adapter. So, I still have a wired computer in my home and all connnections work.   But he has  only one computer and when I remove tthe wires everything is lost. I have a problem comprehending the wiring and when to remove it? At the end, where is the cable wire hooked up to and the router cable also. I hope  I am clearer.  if not I will try and explain a little bit better.  Thanks Steve.

Moe

Ok Steve,

 

The Router is Netgear WGT624 108 mbps.   Wireless card is Netgear WG511T. 

I am going to check out a few things.  First of all, his grandson tried to setup before I came on the scene.  I started from scratch and deleted all the Netgear files to start over.  When I logged in to the router, I couldn't change the SSID or network name.  It came up as when they initally tried to connect.  I am going to reset to factory settings to erase everything and then check out that F2.  Do you know where that switch would be, or is it the F2 key?  Also, if I am successful (she says as fingers are crossed) what is the better utility?  Let Netgear configure or use the Windows XP wireless utility? I am going over there after dinner and I will let you know how I make out.   Did I mention tha when I unplugged the wires from the computer, the tray said " a network cable is unplugged?  Well, it has to be to be wireless. Maybe that can signal that it is the switch?  Thanks for all your help.

Moe

If you were able to connect to the internet when his computer was wired to the router, your halfway done. Disconnect the cable from the router to the computer (doesn't matter which end).

you would reset the router with a button in the back of it...the card i do not believe has a reset other than reinstalling the software...

first things first is to get the router setup with the wireless SSID and Securtity...

you will need to have the computer wired to the router and access the routers set up page then find the settings for setting up the SSID and channel  i would not worry about the security aspect until you get the system setup and talking wireless first....

after you set the SSID and channel you need to go either into the windows wireless or the cards wireless program...which to use is up to you windows is usually simpler to setup ...you will need to go into the TCIP settings to enter the same ssid and channel ...if you do all this right when you search for wireless networks you should find yours by ssid and then click the connect button...

Thanks Guys,

 

I finally got it.  I reset the router to factory settings and after that, it took me 20 minutes.  I can't believe that I didn't think of doing that from the very beginning when I couldn't get a connection.  Even though I deleted the Netgear files, started from scratch, plugged everything correctly in sequence and installed the software again, it still wouldn't work.  It kept coming up with the same SSID etc.  as when they first tried to connect it.  After putting the paper clip in that little reset hole, I was as good as new.  Maybe this will save someone some  time if they can't connect and don't know why.  Try resetting the router. Obviously, you must have to reset it or everything that you put in the first time still remains somewhere.  Thanks for alll your help.  I am sure that I will be asking for help again.  I have a problem with my 2nd computer's wireless adapter kicking off after awhile.  Sometimes rebooting connects, but often times, I have to reinstall the software and settings again.  Too bad there is no reset thingy on the adapter.  Would save me a lot of time.  Thanks for all your help.

Moe

 

XP410 - LOVE IT!!!!!!