Problems with new Wired LAN

[starbuck_]

Hi all,

Installation of a new Sitecom LN-112 - Network Switch 5 port has been completed.

Both computers are wired and both connect to the internet, however, not at the same time. If either boots up first and connects to the internet, the second will always fail to connect (Limited or No Connection error status).

Could anyone shed any light? Thanks. I have tried to follow FAQs etc but to no avail.

[Jay]

does this connect right to your modem? If so they may only support one IP so you may need a router with DHCP.

[starbuck_]

Yes it connects right to the modem, (the cable modem is a Virgin Media E08C007). Im trying to find out now if it supports DHCP or not...

Thanks for your quick reply.

Edit: From my Network properties, DHCP is enabled..

[Jay]

you should get a router, having your PC's connected right to the modem is not safe.

[smargh]

I don't know if this is a new network setup on the PCs, but check the event log on each PC - perhaps they have the same IP address. Check ipconfig /all and see if they have the same MAC address - that has been known to happen in rare cases.

Otherwise it sounds like it might be a faulty switch, or a faulty power supply. If you have a spare power adapter of the same voltage and >=amps, give it a go.

[peterb]

Is the computer taking a public IP address or a local one (ie does the Virgin modem support NAT?)

If the compute is taking your public IP address, the second one to boot won't get anything. If the Virgin router supports NAT, then each computer has a local IP address and the modem sorts out the rest.

But if it is a simple modem, it is unlikely to support NAT - so you need a router to separate your local lan from the Virgin WAN.

[Templar87]

As Jay says, you need a router to map the one IP provided by the cable line onto a number of local IP's for use with your home LAN.

Something like this would do the job. A bog-standard switch will not.

[starbuck_]

Thanks guys for all your replys.

I suppose the solution will be to buy a cable router like the Linksys.

I will sort that out.

Thanks again.