IP addresses and subnet masks

[TonyE]

I have had a lot of trouble getting a simple 2 PC home network to operate. 1 PC connected to a D-Link ADSL router (502T) using USB cable. 2nd PC connects to 1st via switch. Using Windows XP network wizard fails every time to establish the link between the computers. Manually setting up is ok, with IPs of 192.168.1.50 and 192.168.1.51, subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Modem's default settings are 10.1.1.1 and 255.0.0.0. This arrangement allows the USB connected PC access to the internet, but the second not. Pinging between the PCs is fine.

I tried altering the IP of the modem to 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 (as I understand for the router to be seen it should have the same subnet mask), but that caused to router to become invisible to the PCs, so I reverted and its fine.

Not sure what to try next - a bit fearful of unleashing XP wizard again....

[Greenstead]

Your equipment connections are unclear. I don't see a 502 in Dlinks range.
Best is to have router -> switch -> PCs.
It is best to allow the PCs to automatically get IPs from the router.
Your change to the router default IP and mask looks good to me. Remember to also change the DHCP server range in the router to correspond i.e. 192.168.1.2.

You don't need the XP wizard.

[TonyE]

Many thanks for your help. Gradually the fog is clearing.. Desoite the numerous websites with tutorials, its quite hard to find one that is nither too simple or too erudite.

I will try the direct to router connection next - I have been having connection problems too (the ISP techie is coming tomorrow), and I want to get hat sorted before experimenting further. The D-Link 502T router may be one not sold in UK/Europe - it was bought in Australia. Interestingly, the D-Link tech support pointed back to the ISP, so we shall see.

Cheers