NTL Modem w/router

[Pmartin86]

Hi all

Here's the situation, I've been asked by my Uncle to set up a wireless network for him, no problem you'd think, however, he's already gone out and bought a Router without knowing much about what he was doing and got one without a modem built in. His current modem is an NTL one dating back to approx 2003. I was wondering if anyone would know what details I need to set-up the modem with the router? I have a user name and password but I'm afraid this sort of tech is before my time, as "Cable internet" to me has never needed a user name and password?

Any advice greatly appreciated,
Paul

[dave87]

When you say NTL (now Virgin) - I take it you mean it is a cable connection? I'm unsure if NTL ever offered ADSL broadband (that is, over the BT style phone line), if it is ADSL then you are correct, he would need a modem router.

If it is cable, your Uncle is right to get simply a Router - the cable modem should have an ethernet output and that should be connected to the WAN port on the router. The computer can then be connected to the other ethernet ports, or alternatively, wirelessly.

If it does not have an ethernet output and is a cable modem, you need to contact NTL for a replacement. A USB modem would not be suitable for connecting to a router.

[Pmartin86]

You're right in your assumption that it is in fact cable, however when I connect the modem to the router it fails to connect to the internet properly, the only settings I can find that require a user name and password are PPPoE, which I believe to be for DSL as opposed to cable? It is also Ethernet not USB .

[jim]

So the modem connects to the internet fine, but when you plug the router in it won't do that anymore?

Are you using the routers configuration pages to verify that there's no connection?

Along the back of the router you should see a load of ethernet ports, definitely no telephone ports, and one of the ethernet ports should be marked clearly as WAN. That's definitely what you're seeing, and you're definitely plugging the cable into the WAN port?

[dave87]

Worth checking the PC has not been assigned a static IP address at some point in its past - this will prevent it from connecting to the router if it is set incorrectly.

You can change it under the Adapter Settings - TCP/IP v4.

[Pmartin86]

Yes, the modem connect fine when its plugged into the PC but not with the router. I am using the router config pages to check connectivity and getting no connection, thus my reasoning behind the possible log in?

[Dareos]

First of all, modems are not hotswappable, so turn it off, and make sure there is no power going to the router. Connect the modem to the internet/wan/modem port on the router and then plug the modem in.

wait for the ready/cable light to go solid then turn on the router, wait for router to boot and then check IP settings, should be online, do not use internet setup options on the router, only wireless setup options, should be good to go

would need model of router for more info

[Dareos]

Oh, cable is DSL, phone line broadband is ADSL, some cable companies need a username and password but Virgin go by MAC addresses registered to accounts and UBR's, so usernames and passwords are not necessary