Broadband woes...

...can't connect through router.

[Syzygy]

I posted here pre-Xmas that I was having trouble with my broadband connection via the usb modem supplied by my isp. The advice was to get a modem/router as Mac's and usb modem's don't get on - thanks for that.

I bought one (SMC) somewhile ago and have been unable to connect with it since. Much emailing has taken place between the company's support dept and myself, particularly as there were no config instructions for Mac supplied with it (it is OSX compatible...) and it's the first time I've been down this route, thus didn't have a clue how it was supposed to be set up...

However, I still can't get a connection. I'm configuring as follows:

Network:

Show: Built in ethernet
Location: Automatic
Port configure: Built in ethernet

Apply.

Configure: Using DHCP (ip/subnet/router all identified)

Login to router via browser. Confirm set-up - all appears ok here; apply username & password. Submit.

Wan interface doesn't show ip address; cannot connect. Reset modem - still nothing...

As an aside, if I open internet connect, it only shows the now disconnected usb modem.

I'm stuck & feeling inclined to go back to communication via telegraph! I'm obviously doing something wrong, but no idea what...

Syzygy

[DerekH]

Syzygy
I remember the conversations and I don't have a lot of help except to say
a) Your Mac setup looks fine - and if you can talk to the router via its webpage, you're over one of the hurdles.

b) Yes, the router won't appear in the Internet connect because it's permanently connected

c) Have you ensured in network prefs that you
i) Set up a new "Location" for the router
ii) Choose that location from the Apple Menu (use the other "Location" - the old USB one - as a backup, and possibly put a dial-up location in there too.
iii) Back in network prefs for the router location, click the Show menu and choose Port Configurations. Ensure the Ethernet is ticked, the others aren't, and it's top of the list.

If that doesn't fix it, well, there are dozens of transport-level things to fiddle with in the router, and each router is different, but usually the factory presets are pretty good.

Hope c) iii) might nail it on the head for you...
DerekH

[Syzygy]

Thanks, DerkeH.

Have previously set up a new location (took your suggestion and just called it 'broadband'...), but didn't do it as..

ii) Choose that location from the Apple Menu (use the other "Location" - the old USB one - as a backup, and possibly put a dial-up location in there too.

I can understand now why the router doesn't show in Internet Connect. The usb modem was there, so just expected the router to be also...

Will report back!

Syzygy

[Syzygy]

Hmm, that didn't take long. DerekH, reconfigured and followed all the steps - still no success and now back on the usb modem...

Must dash out now. However, anything else I should be doing that might work..?

Syzygy

[whoisgregg]

I'm glad you've got a router. :)

If your mac can talk to the router, you don't need to change any settings on the mac. It's the router that needs some tweaking.

Routers ship with default configurations which rarely match reality. :)

The WAN interface not showing an IP address is the real problem here -- it doesn't have a connection to your provider and I don't figure why not.

First off, your router may have settings for dynamic IP vs. static IP situations. (And options for dynamic IP from RoadRunner and other specific providers.) Ensure that setting matches your situation. If you are showing a field for WAN IP and you have a static IP, then you need to type that number in, it won't get it on it's own.

Next, you may need to type in a Primary DNS and Secondary DNS in the router if it's got a field for it. You also get these from your provider.

The brand/model number of router would be helpful as well.