Problems with NIC/Router.

[BlueForce]

I'm trying to set up a network using a router, but is running into problems. The situation is as follows:

I'm running XP and connecting using a Linksys broadband "modem" via USB.
We have a Mac we want to get on the net too, and I figured the easiest way would be to get a router. Unfortunately there is no USB port in the router so I buy a NIC with a RJ-45 jack, and install this.

I connect the router and modem via a crossover cable, and then connect the router and pc using a patch cable. Then I get a message that the network cable is unplugged.

All the lights in the modem is on. The WAN light on the router is blinking and there is no light in the port where is pc is connected. If I ping the NIC 127.0.0.1 I get 4 responses on time, but if I type ipconfig, I get a message saying that the media is disconnected. I've tried several cables, and the light on the NIC is on.

What am I missing? Is the NIC bad (it's brandnew) or is something wrong with the router?

[pop pop]

If I'm wrong, the others here will correct me.

1) Did you install the drivers for the NIC? Does Device manager show that the drivers are functioning properly (no yellow "?")? Are the light(s) lit on the NIC?

2) I don't think this is correct: I connect the router and modem via a crossover cable. I think that should be a regular CAT-5 ethernet cable.

3) If I ping the NIC 127.0.0.1 I get 4 responses on time. Unless I am mistaken, 127.0.0.1 is "local host" which means that box. Essentially, you are pinging yourself from yourself. That IP is not one that the router assigns to a node.

4) but if I type ipconfig, I get a message saying that the media is disconnected. Did a CD come with the router? Did you set up the router? On mine I open a browser and enter "http://192.168.0.1" (the router) and that get's into all the router's menus/oprions/settings/configurations.

5) I don't know Mac's. For XP, did you configure/setup the network/client?

[pave_spectre]

Have you tried conncting the PC to a different port on the router?

[deddard]

As pointed out, the link between router and cable modem should be a straight through patch cable.
before doing anything though, it's best to divide and conquer - sort out one side of the link before wondering about whether you can access everything.

On the pc, check device manager to see if the nic is working ok. also check your tcp/ip settings - go into control panel>network connections>local connection (or whatever yoru nic is called) and double click. select properties>tcp/ip>properties and see if you are using a dhcp address ('obtain an address automatically') or a manual address.
as long as the nic appears ok in device manager, the thing to do is check whether your ip address matches the network you are using on the router. for example some routers will automatically configure themselves with a 192.168.1.1 address and are dhcp servers, in which case your pc needs to be set as dhcp client (obtain an address automatically) - you can check your manual to see what the default address is.
The other side of the link is the WAN link - you need to check whether you are being assigned an IP address by DHCP from your ISP, or if it is a static address - this is the address the rest of the world sees you as, and your router wan port needs to be configured accordingly. In the UK, most cable modem users are assigned dhcp, whereas ADSL users are often given static addresses. check which one you need and take a look at the manual to see if anything needs adjusting.
It would help if you post the model of your router, so we can go take a look at the manual. let us know how you get on so we can give more advice if required.

[BlueForce]

The Router is an Xterasys, not sure about the model. However I got it to work after I reset the cable modem and configured it with the RJ-45 NIC instead of the built in USB port. Also changed the crossover cable to patch. I have no idea why the manual said to use a crossover. Anyway, it works :D So thanks!