Ok, so I am in a rough spot and could really use some help. I was so happy to find this kind of service available to the community. Thank you to everyone involved for making this service available. Im not accustomed to typing out these kinds of issues, so please bear with me.
I am fairly good with computers and in need of more income. I decided to start doing some contracting work on my own, and this is my first networking gig. I have a lot of experience with computers, but almost zero business networking experience. I have setup routers, modems and wifi at multiple residential locations. So, I thought it wouldnt be a problem taking on an upgrade/networking project for a small auto repair business. Turns out, I couldnt get things working and am at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. Im not sure if its a router hardware compatibility, setup or settings issue or all the above. I'm feeling a little defeated, and could really use some guidance.
Current Scenario: They have Time Warner Business Class internet service. Im assuming this is DSL. There is a front desk computer, an office computer with a wireless router, and then multiple laptops throughout the location that share internet access on an already installed/setup wifi network. In the garage area, a fairly large distance from the front desk and office, is where the Time Warner modem and another wireless router are installed and mounted.
Equipment Im adding: I setup new computers and printers for their front desk and office area. We got a new router, a Netgear Nighthawk to replace the cheaper and older ASUS model presently in the office. We also got Buffalo Tech NAS to automatically back up all computers on the network and have remote file access.
Here is the problem: I didnt know the modem for the internet was in the garage. I assumed it to be in the office. I originally thought the router in the garage to be just another access point or a wife extended network of sorts. Now, Im realizing it may be the main router. I replaced the office router with the new router and it wouldnt work. All the lights came on except for internet connection. I even let the wizard have me user the prior routers exact same settings and it still didnt work. None of the windows or router wizards could resolve the problem. I tried different computers, and that wasnt the issue. So, I disconnected the new router, put the old one back in place and everything worked fine again. I then went to the garage where there is the mounted router, and attempted to replace that one. It also did not work for me. This router has a connection that the new router doesnt have. I believe it is a Coaxial cable. Even though this new Netgear Nighthawk router is one of the best out there right now, it doesnt have this. I hooked everything up minus the coaxial cable and it did not work for me. I was sure to hook up everything else that was attached to the previous router. I did reboot and reset in both orders to see if that helped, and it didnt. So, I put the old router back up so that business would not be affected. That is where I am stuck.
Im not sure what Im missing, but since I'm only allowed one question. I will phrase it in terms of the outcome I would like to achieve if possible. Of course, I'm open to any suggestions. How do I install the new router and NAS in the office and have everything up and running correctly? The router in the office presently does not have a coaxial cable either. I am hoping to replace this one with the new router. I'd love to just leave the garage alone, and simply replace the office router and add NAS there.
If I HAVE to put new router in garage, I would have to make a new wall mount and there is no location ideal for NAS equipment. I also dont know how this coaxial cable comes into play. Im kind of in over my head, and would really appreciate some help before I make a fool myself (fingers crossed). I have to work on this network tomorrow, and do not want to fail. I am hoping to establish some much needed income in this area.
God bless, and thank you in advance for your time & assistance.
Newtek777
I am fairly good with computers and in need of more income. I decided to start doing some contracting work on my own, and this is my first networking gig. I have a lot of experience with computers, but almost zero business networking experience. I have setup routers, modems and wifi at multiple residential locations. So, I thought it wouldnt be a problem taking on an upgrade/networking project for a small auto repair business. Turns out, I couldnt get things working and am at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. Im not sure if its a router hardware compatibility, setup or settings issue or all the above. I'm feeling a little defeated, and could really use some guidance.
Current Scenario: They have Time Warner Business Class internet service. Im assuming this is DSL. There is a front desk computer, an office computer with a wireless router, and then multiple laptops throughout the location that share internet access on an already installed/setup wifi network. In the garage area, a fairly large distance from the front desk and office, is where the Time Warner modem and another wireless router are installed and mounted.
Equipment Im adding: I setup new computers and printers for their front desk and office area. We got a new router, a Netgear Nighthawk to replace the cheaper and older ASUS model presently in the office. We also got Buffalo Tech NAS to automatically back up all computers on the network and have remote file access.
Here is the problem: I didnt know the modem for the internet was in the garage. I assumed it to be in the office. I originally thought the router in the garage to be just another access point or a wife extended network of sorts. Now, Im realizing it may be the main router. I replaced the office router with the new router and it wouldnt work. All the lights came on except for internet connection. I even let the wizard have me user the prior routers exact same settings and it still didnt work. None of the windows or router wizards could resolve the problem. I tried different computers, and that wasnt the issue. So, I disconnected the new router, put the old one back in place and everything worked fine again. I then went to the garage where there is the mounted router, and attempted to replace that one. It also did not work for me. This router has a connection that the new router doesnt have. I believe it is a Coaxial cable. Even though this new Netgear Nighthawk router is one of the best out there right now, it doesnt have this. I hooked everything up minus the coaxial cable and it did not work for me. I was sure to hook up everything else that was attached to the previous router. I did reboot and reset in both orders to see if that helped, and it didnt. So, I put the old router back up so that business would not be affected. That is where I am stuck.
Im not sure what Im missing, but since I'm only allowed one question. I will phrase it in terms of the outcome I would like to achieve if possible. Of course, I'm open to any suggestions. How do I install the new router and NAS in the office and have everything up and running correctly? The router in the office presently does not have a coaxial cable either. I am hoping to replace this one with the new router. I'd love to just leave the garage alone, and simply replace the office router and add NAS there.
If I HAVE to put new router in garage, I would have to make a new wall mount and there is no location ideal for NAS equipment. I also dont know how this coaxial cable comes into play. Im kind of in over my head, and would really appreciate some help before I make a fool myself (fingers crossed). I have to work on this network tomorrow, and do not want to fail. I am hoping to establish some much needed income in this area.
God bless, and thank you in advance for your time & assistance.
Newtek777