Virgin Media Connecting Two Computers
 

Trying to troubleshoot my parents internet connection. They use Virgin cable broadband with a wired router. This is connected to a powerline adapter that sends the connection via the ring main. They can connect their main computer (Intel IMAC) without problems via the ethernet connection, however using a second powerline adapter they cannot connect a laptop at the same time.

However if we disconnect the Mac's poweline adapter and connect their laptop (again via ethernet port) and then reset the router (off then off) then the laptop connectes okay. Then to use the Mac on the net we have to repeat this process and disconnect the laptop and reset the router again.

Can anyone shed any light on this problem? Help...

What is the router make & model?

Possibly they need a x-over connection between the router switch port and the powerline adapter. Most switch ports these days tend to auto-detect this and remove the need for a x-over.

What does the manual for the powerline adapter have to say about connecting to a switch port / uplink port? It probably is automatic, but best to check.

Have you tried both Powerline adapters in the same room? Lots of problems with house wiring can screw up ethernet over mains.

Are both PCs connecting via powerline adapter? Can you test with both connected directly to the router / switch via ethernet? Do they both work? If not, it could be an IP network problem - e.g. duplicate IP address.

When you say they cannot connect the laptop at the same time, what do you mean? Can't connect to the local network at all, or not to the internet?

SD

Also is this a new install or has it worked ok in the past?

They can be quite flakey things very prone to interference especially from things like washing m/cs with noisey brushed motors, also what are the neighbours got in the way of mains video senders etc, any serious noise will reduce bandwith tremendously.