asked on

two of three computers can connect to the internet

I have three computers all connected to a Linksys BEFSR41 router, two of them are wirless connection via Linksys WAP54G access point. Computer one is wired and runs XP-pro service pack 2 and connects fine. Computers two and three are wireless, both have XP-home, and only computer three can connect. From computer one I can see computer one and three from workgroup MSHOME. From computer two I can see computer two and three from workgroup MSHOME. And from computer three I can see everything in MSHOME. The kicker is the above situation sometimes changes. Sometimes I can see all three from each machine and some time just one or two. Why would this change all the time? I have noticed that when I go to the router set up and change DHCP to disable, save it, and change it back to enable, save it, everything works great for a few hours. How do I set this up so I do not have to keep messing around in the router?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

ipds

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

mission

ASKER

Just got more complex. I am very new to this network thing, but this is driving me mad. My situation is as follows: For at least a year I was running two computers networked with a D-link router that was sharing my DSL connection. For some reason I feel the need to add a wireless connection to the works. No problem, I think, just do a little research on the stuff I need and BAM! wireless connection with my wired network. I purchase a Linksys access point, that set up in a breeze, and connected my, used to be wired, computer to modern day wireless. No problem. Thinking I am way cool, I purchase a USB wireless network adapter for a computer I have in my garage. This works withot a hitch. My problem is for some reason I can only connect to the internet with my computer connected directly to my DSL modem. After I went crazy with this wireless stuff I lost my access to the internet. My "super" network skills trouble shot the problem to be my "old D-link" router. Solved with a Linksys BEFSR41, right? Not. I assumed I knew what I was doing, but I am not so sure, so this is what I have going on right now. Like a stated befor , the only way I can connect to the internet now is directly through my DSL modem. My Network properties for the LAN adapter is: Under general tab, obtain an IP aoutomatically and obtain a DNS server automatically. Under Alternate configuration tab, is insert user configured IP, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, and two DNS server numbers.
When I connect the router back up I don't connect. I set the router up for the static IP that the DSL company said I need and the gateway, subnet and two DNS numbers. Why can I not connect to the internet now. Friday afternoon I had a connection to the internet via the router and I come back sunday to find nothing. Why does this change on me? I have the router set up for DHCP, I check the DHCP client list and I can see all three computers and the access point. I run a "ping" to each computer using the windows Start, Run, CMD thing. I even run a "ping" to the IP address that my DSL company uses to connect to the internet with. What am I doing wrong?