Ethernet Switch compatible with Windows VISTA

[barryb1]

I just plugged in my Windows 10 ethernet cable, and my Windows VISTA ethernet cable.  I can't get on-line with my VISTA cable (tried 2 different cables).  All lights are green....

Help?!

[barryb1 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for ALL your help!!  It works as I needed it to.

PS: Anyone in need of a ethernet 'switch' that I can't use?

Thank you!

[DarrenM]

What is the model of the switch that you have?

DarrenM

[barryb1]

FS205

Thanks.

[JohnRo]

Hello barryb1, 

Welcome to the community! 

The FS205 is an unmanaged switch and basically a plug-and-play unit. Here are some things you can check: 

1. If you are using a router, make sure you have them setup in this order: Modem>Router>Switch>PC(clients). 
2. If you do not have a router, check if your modem can give enough IP addresses to the devices connected to it. 
3. Do an ipconfig on the vista and see if the IP address is on the same range as the other devices on the network. 

To better help you with this issue, I have some questions below: 

1. What is the model number and brand of your router? 
2. Has this been working before? 
3. Do you get internet when the Vista PC is connected directly to the modem/router? 

Thanks, 

[barryb1]

I just have a cable modem?  And yes, it works with Vista, OR my Windows 10, but not both together.  That is why I got the switch.  I wanted them both to be connected for ease, but, as of now, I just plug the ethernet in from either one, into the modem.

So, this switch should work?  I plugged it into the modem, then attached each PCs ethernet into the splitter.  All lights are on, but no matter which port I put them in, the Vista just won't come on.

Thank you!!!

[DaneA]

@barryb1,

The cable modem you have can only provide one IP Address for just one client that is why even if you connect the FS205 directly to the modem, only one PC will be able to access the internet.  The FS205 does not have the capability to provide IP addresses to each PC connected to it since its just a pass-through, unmanaged switch.

You need to have a router in between the cable modem and the FS205.  Its because the router can provide private IP Addresses to all clients connected to the local network.  I suggest you the network setup below: 

From the diagram above, the modem is connected to the WAN port of the router.  The FS205 is connected to one of the LAN ports of the router.  The two PCs connected to the FS205 will be able to have internet access at the same time because the router will provide private IP address to each PC.  You can also connect other PCs directly to other LAN ports of the router that are not being used and still can go online at the same time with other PCs.  

For the router, I suggest you the FVS318Gv2.  Kindly check the data sheet and comparison to other ProSAFE VPN Firewall Routers here.

Regards,

DaneA
NETGEAR Community Team

[DaneA]

@barryb1,

Let us know if you have further questions.

Regards,

DaneA
NETGEAR Community Team

[barryb1]

So, I'm not trying to be a smarta** - I just get confused with all this "stuff".

If I understand, I not only need COX's cabled modem, but then also need a router, which I plug into the modem, THEN can attach the FS205?

I guess, looking around here, I have another "modem" or two, but not a router.

Can you recomment (if this is the case) a 'cheap' router?

Maybe I'll just put up with changing cables, and rebooting the systems.....

Thank you SO much for all this information, though!!

[DaneA]

@barryb1,

The FVS318Gv2 that I have suggested is ideal to business environment.  As you have mentioned that you want a 'cheap' router, I believe you are referring to a router that will be used in a small office / home office (SOHO) environment.  NETGEAR has a vast selection of WiFi home routers.  Kindly check it here.  You may also post your inquiries in the NETGEAR WiFi Home Routers here. 

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team

[barryb1]

Will the N300 WiFi Router work?

[DaneA]

@barryb1,

Yes, the N300 WiFi router would work. 

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team

[barryb1]

Thank you SO much!  I will try and hook it all up later today!

[barryb1 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for ALL your help!!  It works as I needed it to.

PS: Anyone in need of a ethernet 'switch' that I can't use?

Thank you!

[DaneA]

@barryb1,

You're welcome! 🙂  I'm glad to know that its working fine.

Feel free to post your future concerns here in the community.

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team