router/ NIC confusion

Hi, I started having internet connection problems, with my connection spazing on and off or just loading up real slow or not connecting at all. My PC was connected to a wired router which is connected to another PC were the internet is fine. Also, when I switch the router cable from my PC to my game console the internet is fine. Which made me think it was my PC not my ISP.

That made me think I had a virus so I was on the malware board were they ruled out a virus. Then they sent me to the software board were I updated the NIC driver, had device manager re-install the Network adapter, they checked my BSOD reports and then they felt I had a bad NIC. So that brings me here.

One thing I forgot to check was plugging the cable directly from my modem to my PC, leaving out the router to the other PC in my house. And then the connection works fine! At first I thought this meant it was just my router.....but what's confussing about that again is that my other PC routed through another port connects fine. And also the same port on the router (that was used with my faulty PC connection) works fine when connected to my games console. Which makes me think it can't be my router but my PC again.

So it's confusing...does my router need fixing to work with the PC that works fine without a router, or is it my PC's NIC or Network adapter, or maybe settings, that needs to be fixed to work properly with routers?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

I'm using Windows 7 and my NIC is a Intel(R) 82566DM-2 gigabit Network connection.
....if the lack of info is why no one has any idea for me:-o

 

Do note that router ports do go bad. I have a 3-port and a 6-port router that used to be 4-port and 8-port routers respectfully. The routers work great - it is just the integrated 4 and 8-port Ethernet "switches" that have problems.

Note too that Ethernet cables are cheap, low-tech, not robust, but critical network devices. So for sure, I would replace the Ethernet cable with a known good one and see what happens.

 

Yes I've used a new cable to test, and like I said, the same cable in the same port works fine when plugged into my games console, then when put in my PC it doesn't connect.

I have attached a Speccy Info text, if that means anything to anyone.

 

I saw that but note a bad cable often works when you wiggle it just right. So I recommend just replacing it (and trying a different router port too).

It certainly could be a bad port on the computer - fortunately, adding a NIC (network interface card) is cheap and easy.

You might try resetting your network. Unplug the modem, router and all connected devices from the wall. Then power on the modem and wait for the lights to settle. Then the router and wait for the lights. Then each connected device.

 

About the bad "port" on the computer, can't "port" mean both hardware and software port? If I remember correctly from setting up network settings (with my ISP guy walking me through everything on the phone) aren't there "ports" on the PC that are like software number ports....like port 20440 or 23000 or something like that? Like it's a software thing you can change? The thing about changing that to see if it makes a difference is if it screws up what ever my router or modem is expecting and ends up confusing things even more.

As for the hardware port...I opened up my PC a few years ago and saw that the adapter that you plug the cable into....it doesn't connect to a card on the inside, it just connect straight to the mother board? Am I remembering that wrong? Is that a new thing? Can I still install a NIC card besides whats allready hardwired in there? And if so ....will my router automatically adjust to the new input or will I have to go into my router and modem and make all sorts of setting changes?

'Cause at this point I'm willing to just get a new NIC and a new wired modem rather than wonder what the hell is going wrong for another month...I just don't know how complicated that would all be.

 

Yes, but you said when you connected directly to the modem, it worked fine. So that would rule out the computer's port.

You normally don't need to change any of the ports you are talking about unless you are setting up multi-player gaming, or you need to setup remote access - but that is normally done through your firewall controls.

That is an "integrated" card - and normal. And sure, you can still install a card in an available slot and just not use the integrated. You can then go into the BIOS setup menu and disable the integrated, if you want.

If you did not modify your router settings for "static" IP assignments, you will not need to do anything. Your router will simply think you have attached a new computer and assign a new IP (assuming you have DHCP - dynamic - IP assignment enabled, the standard default setting for home routers).

Why a new modem?

 

Pardon all the questions in one post...I'm trying to catch you before the weekend and then head off to my Computer stores.

Sorry I meant a new wired ROUTER whoops. I 've been going through the available stuff at my local store's site. There is this Dlink wired router at this link:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_1046_363&item_id=016220
On this site page under the specifications TAB it says "Wireless: TechnologyWireless N". I'm just wonder why that would even be listed if it's a "wired router"...does that mean it is both a wireless and wires router at the same time?

Also for the the NIC replacement I'm looking at this list:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/sear...ords=&manu=0&search=1&ccid=1048&cPath=27_1048
Are PCI and PCIe the same, do I have to think of that? Would any of the first four listed there be fine?

I also noticed they have USB ethernet adapters...which would be really convenient if they work just as well as the card put into my motherboard 'cause there would be no installation....is that recommended?
http://www.canadacomputers.com/sear...ords=&manu=0&search=1&ccid=1048&cPath=27_1048

Actually, I was wondering more about if I switch THE ROUTER with a new one, if that would confuse either the other PC that is expecting the current router (the one that still works with it) Or the modem that is expecting the other router....I guess I'm just wondering if it's safe to experiment with switching things and then switching things back again if it doesn't work...or do I need to be prepared to change all sort of connection settings in the other PC and the modem if I'm switching between routers.

Thanks for any feedback