Member Avatar for coresl

Recently I installed a Verizon DSL line in my office. It is connected to a Dell Desktop and uses a Westell modem/router. When I run an ethernet cable from an older Compaq desktop to the Westell router, it connects fine, and I can access web sites..

However, when I switch computers and run the ethernet cable from the Westell modem/router to my Toshiba M45 Satellite, it will connect to the internet, but it will not connect to web sites.

When I take the Toshiba laptop home and run the ethernet cable to my Cox cable modem, the laptop connects and works fine.

Since I am not setting up a wireless connection but am just running an ethernet cable, can anyone explain why the laptop works with the cox cable modem but will not work with the dsl system?

  • 4 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 259 Views
  • 6 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by techsheaven

Dani AI

Generated

posted a classic “works on one modem, not the other” symptom: physical link but no web access on the Toshiba while the same laptop works on the Cox cable modem. This pattern usually means a configuration mismatch (IP/DHCP/DNS/proxy), a router-side lease or MAC restriction, or endpoint software (firewall/proxy) interfering — not a broken NIC.

’ note about power-cycling can clear stale DHCP/ARP state, but a full factory reset is unnecessary and will wipe DSL credentials. ’s pointer toward checking whether the laptop is using a static address is spot on. A safer workflow than repeatedly resetting the router: confirm the laptop’s adapter is set to obtain its IP/DNS automatically, check the router’s DHCP client table for the laptop’s MAC, and review Internet/Connection proxy settings in the OS/browser.

Quick, decisive checks (run from the laptop) to identify which layer is failing:

ping <router IP>        # e.g. ping 192.168.1.1
ping 8.8.8.8
nslookup www.example.com

Interpretation: if the router ping fails even with “link” shown, check cable/port/duplex or NIC driver. If the router responds but 8.8.8.8 does not, the router/ISP WAN or gateway is the problem. If IP pings work but name lookups fail, it’s DNS. If all network tests pass but browsers show errors, check proxy settings and firewall/antivirus.

If DHCP looks suspect, temporarily assign a manual IP in the router’s subnet (example: IP 192.168.1.50, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.1.1, DNS 8.8.8.8). If browsing works with a static address, the Westell’s DHCP/DNS or lease table is the culprit (look for MAC filtering, reserved entries, or a small DHCP pool). Also try a different router port/cable, update the Toshiba’s NIC driver, and disable third-party firewall during testing. Avoid factory resets unless ISP credentials and router configuration are backed up.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for dreyes

After disconnecting the ethernet cable from your pc and before you connect it to your laptop are you reseting the router. That may be an issue because though you are connected you have limited or no connectivity on your laptop because the ethernet is looking for the pc when it is connected to the laptop.

I am not familiar with your router but I do know that on mine you have to follow these steps before switching between two devices every time.

1. Unplug the ethernet from the cpu
2. Unplug the power source from the router
3. Press the rest button on the router for about 15 seconds
4. Replug the power source in
5. Make sure that you laptop is off and plug in the ethernet cable

Its hould workout but if not let me know :))

Member Avatar for HoustonIT

Your laptop could be setup with a static IP to run at the house. do an ipconfig /all and check if you are setup as DHCP or static.

Member Avatar for techsheaven

Did you resolve this issue? I would love to walk you through it if needed.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.