Virgin cable modem problem

00ec25

Hi all

I have been running an NTL/Virgin cable modem very happily for some time using a USB connection from modem to my PC. However, I now need to use a second PC and a laptop at home and have bought a Netgear wireless router to do this BUT as this only has ethernet ports I must obviously be able to access the (cable) modem via an ethernet cable and the problem is I CAN'T.

The cable modem will ONLY work on my existing PC using the USB port, I cannot get internet connection if I try to use the ethernet port. I have tried 2 different ethernet cables and both ethernet ports on my PC but no joy. I even tried the modem ethernet cable direct into a new laptop and still no joy.

I tried re-installing the modem on the PC but kept getting the same message - check cable connection from modem. When i switch back to the USB cable everything is OK.

Virgin tech support simply asked is the ethernet light on the modem illuminating (it is) and if so then there's nothing they can do!

Please any help gratefully received

busbyam

I think that you have fallen into a bit of trap here, cable modems require a special router for them to work, ie a broadband router. If you have a just a normal wireless router (Which I think that you have then) it cannot create a connection with the cable modem.

I know linksys and belkin both make them. I actually had to buy a inksys one from staples the other day for a client (who wouldn't wait 24hr for one to be delivered) and it was priced at £50 (Hey it was the clients money), which I thought was overpriced, you should be getting one for about £35 including delivery.

The link below is to a decent one on dabs.com

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=2CM7

I suggest that you take you netgear back and get your money back. Once you have the proper kit, it is easy to setup

BillScarab

It depends on the netgear router, Telewest used to sell netgear routers to use with cable modems. I use one myself, a Netgear WGR614, any cable DSL router should work such as these at ebuyer

The first question is what is the model number of the Netgear router you have bought?

Does the modem work directly connected to the PC via ethernet? If not it may be a problem with your NIC. Have a look in device manager and see what network interface is listed there and whether there are any crosses or exclamation marks against it.

spud17

Have you actually setup an ethernet connection? Via new connection wizard, or are you just assuming the connection is the same as usb.

Start, click "connect to", LH box Network Task, Create New Connection.

BTW, I'm VM and use a Netgear RP614 wired modem, POP to set up.

00ec25

BillScarab wrote: »

Does the modem work directly connected to the PC via ethernet? .

Thanks for the help so far

No, the modem does not work when connected directly to the PC via an ethernet cable. The PC does however connect without problem to the internet when using the USB ports on the PC and modem

As I cannot get internet via the modem ethernet ports I cannot connect the router and so the question of whether I have the correct router model has not arisen yet because I have not got that far yet.

To repeat I cannot get the internet when using the modem's ethernet port connected direct to the PC (or when also trying with a laptop just in case the problem is with the PC)

I have tried reinstalling the modem software on the PC from the original VM supplied disc and as part of that the default installation mode is to use ethernet connections. It says it has checked all software is present but when I get to the next stage saying plug the modem into the PC via the respective ethernet ports it gives error "check cable connection".

Anyone got any further thoughts please ?

BillScarab

Try going into start, control panel, network connections and see what you have listed in there. You should have a Local Area Network connection listed.

gavsto2005

Bit of advice. Make sure you are using a patch cable and NOT a crossover network cable.

Follow Billscarab's advice, and while in there connect everything up and plug it in and out of the back of your PC. As you do this the Local Area Connection should change each time you plug it in / out. If it doesn't there is something wrong with either your network card/motherboard or cable modem. Make sure the Local Area Connection is enabled. Right click it and enable.

BenL

Are you re-booting the modem inbetween changing over connections?

The modem probably would not like the USB and ethernet both being plugged in.

spud17

Have you done as suggested in #4 and#6?

00ec25

spud17 wrote: »

Have you done as suggested in #4 and#6?

Not yet
I'm posting these questions and answers while at work and I work away during the week - I'll try the suggestions on Saturday morning when i get home so please bear with me until then

Thanks again all
John

FORESTBRI

i had the exact same problem and spent weeks tearing my hair out.

I requested a new modem from Virgin telling them of my/your problem and they sent me a new one and hey presto all working fine now!!!!