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jdsklfjdslf's avatar
jdsklfjdslf
Follower
Aug 09, 2021

New modem; router can't connect to internet, disconnects during setup; ethernet fine

We had to replace our modem after a water leak. New modem only had one ethernet port, so we bought the GS108 ethernet splitter. This was connected to our Nighthawk X6 R8000 router and wifi was setup just fine. However, attempting to connect our desktop computer to the GS108 yielded no internet connection. The computer could detect everything just fine, so we did a quick power cycle on the modem and all was well. Then, the router suddenly had no internet, but connection to the modem was detected. After troubleshooting, power cycling, and multiple factory resets on all items, we still can't get it to connect. I've been able to get into the reconfigure menu for the router a few times, but each time, the internet/connection will cut out in the middle of updating the addresses (including red blinking "no internet" light on router). Should also note that both the computer and router are linked to the splitter with the exact same type of cable. All relevant connection lights on the splitter are on.

 

Here's what I've tried so far:

  • Simply unplugging the router, splitter, and modem. Waiting about 5 minutes between plugging back in each item; modem, then splitter, then router.
  • Same as above, but leaving all ethernet connections plugged in during the power cycle
  • Factory resetting each item once while the others are off
  • Turning off all items and then factory resetting them individually, beginning with modem and ending with router

Things I tried in the reconfigure menu, but didn't seem to work:

  • Changing MAC address to match that of the desktop computer
  • Dynamically get the info from the ISP
  • Manually inputting all info

 

Any help and advice is much appreciated.

 

1 Reply

  • antinode's avatar
    antinode
    Guru
    Aug 10, 2021

    > We had to replace our modem [...]

     

       What was it?  Maker?  Model number?  Was it actually a simple "modem"
    or a modem+router?  Did you connect multiple client devices to it?

     

    > [...] New modem [...]

     

       What is it?  Maker?  Model number?

     

    > [...] only had one ethernet port, [...]

     

       So, probably a simple modem.

     

    > [...] so we bought the GS108 ethernet splitter. [...]

     

       Unwise.  A modem plus a network switch (not called a "splitter") does
    not replace a modem+router.

     

    > [...] This was connected to our Nighthawk X6 R8000 router and wifi was
    > setup just fine.


       What, exactly, was connected to what, exactly?  (Hint: If a device
    has different types of ports, then "connected to device" is not enough
    detail.)

     

    > However, [...]

     

       All as I'd expect.  Your ISP is providing only one external/public IP
    address, so you can't connect multiple devices directly to your modem.
    Adding a network switch doesn't help.  Adding a NAT router does.  You
    need to connect the router (WAN/Internet port) to the modem (LAN port).
    As shown in all the product documentation.

     

       You can connect (any one port on) the switch to a LAN port on the
    router.

     

    > Here's what I've tried so far: [...]

     

       All pointless.  Lipstick on pig.


       Visit http://netgear.com/support , put in your model number, and look
    for Documentation.  Get the User Manual (at least).  Read.

     

       If your R8000 was previously connected to a modem+router, then it
    might have been configured as a wireless access point, rather than as a
    full-function router.  If so, and that other router is now gone, then
    you would need to put the R8000 back into full-function router mode.  A
    settings (misnomer: "Factory") reset and reconfiguration might be the
    best way to do that.