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Laptop Unable to Connect to Internet
I bought a new Laptop with "wired" Internet connectivity. I also bought a Switch Box and 2 Cables. When, I hooked up the Switch Box and my Desktop PC, I was able to access the Internet. But, when I hooked up the Laptop, I got the error message, "Windows can not find an Internet connection". Now, to make a long story short, I ended up connecting the original modem to PC cable from the modem to the Laptop and I got the same error message. So, I took the Laptop back to the store and they hooked it up. Within seconds, they were able to get connected to the Internet. The tech at the store was unable to resolve this problem. Why did it work in the store, but not at home? Can anyone help? TYIA.
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AllenP
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Hi Tony, what model modem do you have? From your description, sounds like you don't have a router, correct? Did you buy the switch to allow you to connect 2 devices to the modem without a router? If so, that won't work, as you are finding out.
To connect 2 or more devices to the internet, you need a router connected your modem. Or, Cox now sells a gateway which is a modem & router in one box. I don't recommend the gateway but it is available. With separate devices, the connection would be:
- Cable to modem
- Modem to router WAN port
- Your wired devices to the router LAN ports (normally 4 on a home router).
- Your wireless devices to the router via WiFi
When you connected the laptop directly to the modem did you power down the laptop first? When you change connection to a modem you should power down everything, modem and computer. Make the connection then power on the modem. Once the modem powers up, all lights normal solid condition, then power up the computer / laptop. This process forces both devices to obtain IP addresses.
If I'm mistaken about you not having a router, sorry. Please describe your setup in more detail.
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Tony_S
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Hi Allen,
Thanks for your response.
My modem Model # is SB6180 and is on 24/7 (there is no On/Off button). Yes, I did buy the Switch Box to allow for connecting 2 devices (desktop and laptop) to the modem. But, only 1 device would be used at any 1 time (the other would not be connected for the use that I had in mind).
While you are correct that I don't have a router, the problem still persisted with a direct (single) connection from my modem to my laptop, using the original cable.
Yes, I connected the cables prior to Power On the Laptop (the first time, neither device would connect). But, no. When I switched the cables (desktop connected (still had the red "sleep" light flashing, which was weird); laptop didn't connect). And, again no. I didn't Power down the laptop before making the connections since I was in the middle of the Initial Set-Up (I didn't know that was supposed to happen).
Will try that.
Thanks.
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ChrisL
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I'm a little confused as to what device it is you have that you're referring to as a "switch box". In the world of networking devices properly known as routers and switches are used to connect computers together in different ways for different purposes. If you're wanting to connect more than one device to your Internet connection the device you would need to use is a router. A switch is used to connect computes together that don't necessarily need to connect to the Internet.
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AllenP
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Simply, a switch is used to connect devices on the same network. A router is used to route traffic to & from another network, i.e. the internet.
Tony, when I said power down everything I mean including the modem. If it doesn't have an on/off switch just pull the plug. You want everything cleared out so each device reestablishes communications. Also, power down your computer, don't put it is sleep mode.
IMHO, return the switch and buy a router. You can keep the modem and router on 24/7 eliminating the need to go thru the power off sequence when you change devices. Whatever device you power on will connect or you can have both on at the same time. If you have both on at the same time with the switch solution, you will have problems, even if one is in sleep mode.
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Tony_S
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@ Chris,
Hi Chris,
That is what the device is called; mfg by DLink and they call it a Switch Box (though there is no physical switch like with a A/B (Switch) Box). Modem cable out goes into Port 1 on the Switch Box. The other devices (desktop and laptop in my case), goes into Port 2 and Port 3, etc.
I don't plan on having both devices on at the same time (though I did during the initial set up). So, I think I don't need a router at this time. And, as AllenP mentioned, I did not turn off the laptop before making the 2nd connection.
I will try that again and see what happens. And, I'll reply back here the results.
Thanks.
@AllenP, I will try that. Thanks.
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ChrisL
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Using the Internet simultaneously on multiple devices won't be a factor. If you want to plug more than one device into your modem at all you'll need a router. From what you describe it sounds like you bought a switch which won't permit you to connect more than one device to your modem.
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AllenP
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Tony, what do you have against using a router? A switch isn't really made for this application. As I said, it is used to connect multiple devices that are all on the same network. A router is the device made to create a home network. In addition, the router contains a firewall, with your solution, your computer is directly on the internet, no firewall in between. If you are trying to run a server (against Cox TOS) directly on the net, you can accomplish the same thing with the DMZ feature of a router.
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Tony_S
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@ Allen. I have nothing against using a router, though I have never had the need for one. However, I want to avoid spending unnecessary $ for another device to use a laptop that will be used at most, once a week.
Good news is, that your previous Answer worked. Though it was strange, as the Sleep light was flashing even though I had connectivity.
Now, a new problem as arose. But, that will be addressed in another forum.
Thanks for your input. I never would have thought about that.
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ChrisL
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If you're just wanting to be able to occasionally switch between the two computers the cheapest approach would be to simply plug the power from the modem, connected the Ethernet between the modem and the PC you want to use, then power the modem back on. If you're wanting a less labor intensive solution that just works the router will be necessary.
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Tony_S
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@ ChrisL. I am already thinking about buying a router because of the work needed to change the cables, powering off/on, etc.
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MichaelJ
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