Internet Access

Question

I have just received a Dell Inspiron 1501 and have attempted to connect to the Internet via wireless and wired Ethernet with no success.  My network hardware setup is as follows:   Thomson TCM420 Cable Modem connected to Homeplug Powerline network adaptor. Homeplug 485 WAP connected to Belkin Wireless G Router 1 Laptop connected wireless to the Homeplug WAP 1 Laptop connected wirelss via the Belkin router I desktop connected wireless via the Belkin router (previously connected wireless via the Homeplug WAP)   The Homeplug items are used to connect to the Cable Modem, which is in the basement.  The Homeplug WAP and Belkin router are installed in a central location on the ground floor.  The Belkin router is connected by cable to the Homeplug WAP.  There are three computers accessing the cable modem:  One laptop connects via the Homeplug WAP, one laptop (the Inspiron 1501) connects wireless via the Belkin router, and one desktop (located upstairs) also connects wireless via the Belkin router.  The installation is arranged as it is to insure all the computers are in range of the wireless gear regardless of the location in the house.  The laptop connected via the Homeplug WAP and the upstairs desktop computer successfully connect with the internet via their respective wireless access.  The Inspiron 1501 connects to the Belkin with no problem (I can ping the router and access the router mangement page via the web browser) but it will not access the internet.  I should mention that the Belkin has been recently added to the system, as the Inspiron would not connect via the Homeplug WAP - it would time out before getting an IP address, so the Belkin was added to provide a local DHCP server.    Any suggestions?

volcano11 · Answer

You can't have two DHCP servers on the same network.  If you set the router up as an access point and assign it an IP address consistent with your HomePlug network, it should work.   Steve

Bawang · Answer

Hi Steve,   Thanks for the reply.  One of the problems that has apparently been messing things up is that it seemed that the cable connection was missing a DHCP server: i.e.  the connection would time out wating for an IP address.  I will give your sugestion a try, report back on the result.

Bawang · Answer

Actually, using just the router is where I eventually ended up. Setting the router up as an access point intially worked (thanks Steve), then discovered some issues with the Belkin which were hardware related (the Belkin kept shutting down after some time, requiring a hard reset each time) so I bit the bullet, went out and purchased an extended range wireless router, removed all the other stuff, and installed the new router in the basement.  So far, working like a charm.  Guess the 'kiss' adage (keep it simple, stupid) still reigns supreme!     Thanks all for the good advice, definitely got me thinking a bit differently.

volcano11 · Answer

I agree that simplifying the network is usually the best option.  It is particularly advantageous when and if you have to do any troubleshooting.  Thanks for letting us know.   Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Internet Access

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