Two computers can't access the internet at the same time

trell · 03-14-2007, 11:23 AM

Hey, all.

Strange problem. Hopefully I can tell the story behind it without being too confusing. Here goes:

In the beginning I had one computer. It connected to the internet through a linksys NR041 4-port router that was connected to a surfboard motorola modem. (isp: comcast).

A few weeks ago the computer lost it connection to the internet. The lights on the router and modem were lit up but I still could not connect. I connected the computer directly to the modem and the problem was solved. The tech support guy over at comcast said since they don't support routers he could not help me. He said he was going to 'zap' my modem but couldn't because he could not detect it.

Later on, I buy two new dell computers w/ vista. I connect them to the router hoping that they problem will be solved but it's not. Now, only one computer can connect to the internet at a time. (whichever one is turned on first gets the honor.)

I run out to Compusa and buy a linksys wireless 24ghz modem. The new modem helps the problem but only slightly. Now both computers can connect but they will both lose/regain their connection until one computer is shut down.

I call comcast again and this time they bless me with a new touchstone telephony modem that does not solve the problem at all.

Can anyone here tell me what the problem might be and how I can solve? Thanks for any help.

**hwm54112** · 03-15-2007, 10:57 PM

Most likely both comptres are being given the same IP

Check the router settings:
- get dns automatically
- use router for dhcp server

03-14-2007, 11:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
trell Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6 OS: Vista	Two computers can't access the internet at the same time Hey, all. Strange problem. Hopefully I can tell the story behind it without being too confusing. Here goes: In the beginning I had one computer. It connected to the internet through a linksys NR041 4-port router that was connected to a surfboard motorola modem. (isp: comcast). A few weeks ago the computer lost it connection to the internet. The lights on the router and modem were lit up but I still could not connect. I connected the computer directly to the modem and the problem was solved. The tech support guy over at comcast said since they don't support routers he could not help me. He said he was going to 'zap' my modem but couldn't because he could not detect it. Later on, I buy two new dell computers w/ vista. I connect them to the router hoping that they problem will be solved but it's not. Now, only one computer can connect to the internet at a time. (whichever one is turned on first gets the honor.) I run out to Compusa and buy a linksys wireless 24ghz modem. The new modem helps the problem but only slightly. Now both computers can connect but they will both lose/regain their connection until one computer is shut down. I call comcast again and this time they bless me with a new touchstone telephony modem that does not solve the problem at all. Can anyone here tell me what the problem might be and how I can solve? Thanks for any help.

03-15-2007, 10:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
hwm54112 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,233 OS: WINXP	Re: Two computers can't access the internet at the same time Most likely both comptres are being given the same IP Check the router settings: - get dns automatically - use router for dhcp server