Lightning strikes twice.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a fun thunder storm (although not as good as the one on Monday). At pretty much the same time, our internet broke - specifically, we could only connect to the internet when I hardwired into the modem, and shared my wireless for the laptop. Since the router couldn't see either the modem or (in network mode) the networked printer, I concluded that the ethernet ports were busted.
Now we have a shiny new router (belkin N1 rather than the old Belkin-g). Internet works fine (although it won't let my aged Mac use any of the WPA or WEP options - but that's a different quirk) but the router won't print, or detect the printer (flashing light on the front says there's no WAN). Turns out I can't connect to the printer via an ethernet connection direct to a pooter either (there's an IP address that should interrogate the printer's network settings directly).
So the only conclusion I can reach is that a power surge from a (distant) lightning strike managed to wreck the ethernet ports (or electronics feeding them) of both my printer and the router. If anyone has a suggestion of other diagnostics (or can tell me that I've done sthng stoopid 'cos I don't understand computers) or can second my conclusion, that'd be cool. I just hope that (when I find the old cable) the USB port works to let us print...
Now we have a shiny new router (belkin N1 rather than the old Belkin-g). Internet works fine (although it won't let my aged Mac use any of the WPA or WEP options - but that's a different quirk) but the router won't print, or detect the printer (flashing light on the front says there's no WAN). Turns out I can't connect to the printer via an ethernet connection direct to a pooter either (there's an IP address that should interrogate the printer's network settings directly).
So the only conclusion I can reach is that a power surge from a (distant) lightning strike managed to wreck the ethernet ports (or electronics feeding them) of both my printer and the router. If anyone has a suggestion of other diagnostics (or can tell me that I've done sthng stoopid 'cos I don't understand computers) or can second my conclusion, that'd be cool. I just hope that (when I find the old cable) the USB port works to let us print...