Windows 7: Unidentified Network

Ive been through many of the posts on here about the Unidentified network error. Ok first I am using a computer that has Win 7 Ultimate 64 Bit installed. It has an Intel 82562 Network Adapter and I am connecting it wired to a Netgear WPN824v3. Yes both of these have the most recent firmware and it didnt work before I upgraded the firmware on both. Prior to using this Netgear I had been using a Netgear WNR2000 but we were having issues with the wireless on that router where it would just completely stop. Ok this is where it gets complicated. I am too far from the modem to connect directly to it. This was not the case 24 hours ago when I was plugged into the WNR2000. The computer was moved across the house and most of the network has been changed. Windows Update also installed a bunch of updates right when I shut it down to move the PC but I have uninstalled all of them and it didnt change anything. The room with the modem has a DLink DI-524. Everything connected to that router works fine including the Netgear WPN824v3. The Netgear WPN824v3 has a computer with XP on it connected to it and it is running perfectly. I can also plug my laptop into it and it works fine and also the wireless on it functions great. I need to use both these routers right now because I have that many wired devices that I need all the ports. Ive tried setting up a static IP as well as letting the router assign one and I can't get anything either way. I can not even get into the router settings or anything else on the network. A ipconfig /all shows that the default gateway is blank so I put the proper address for the gateway in and it comes up in ipconfig but I still have no connectivity. I originally thought the cable had something to do with it so I bought a new one and there was no change. I am completely lost here if anyone has any other ideas please help thank you.



In short I think Ive tried all the most common fixes and I still have made no progress whatsoever.

The easiest way to fix this problem is to replace one of your routers with a switch. The way you have it now your routers will be fighting over which default gateway to use and it ends up creating a big networking mess.

It's not meant to work that way which is why that set up isn't working for you. There are ways to use a router as a switch but it's not considered to be a reliable set up,...it's just not meant to work like that, you would much better off just purchasing a switch.

Switches are cheap and easy to set up, just plug it in to one of the routers ports and plug your other machines into the switch. Your unidentified network problem will most likely just go away once you remove the extra router and install a switch.

If you really want to save the money for the new switch or just like to mess with networks you can use the instuctions below to set up a dual router network.


Installing a router to work as the second one on a home network requires special configuration. Do the following on the second router to ensure it (and the devices attached) function properly:

• 1. Connect as local device or bridge - If connecting the second router via Ethernet cable, plug it into one of the LAN ports on the first router. If connecting the second router wirelessly, ensure the second router is set for client mode. Note that some home wireless routers do not support client mode; these must be connected by cable. Check your router documentation for details on its client mode configuration support.
  
  2. Check / change IP address - Most home network routers use a default IP address setting. Often, these default IP addresses will not work in a two router environment. Check the second router's IP address value and reset it if necessary to work within the valid address range of the first router (and to not conflict with any other device on the network).
  
  3. Disable DHCP - To avoid IP address conflicts between all of the devices on the home network, only one of your two routers should assign addresses via DHCP. All mainstream routers provide an option to disable DHCP as part of the router's configuration screens.
  

Instead of adding a second wired router to an existing network, consider adding a network switch instead. A switch accomplishes the same goal of extending the size of a network, but it does not require any IP address or DHCP configuration, greatly simplifying configuration.

If you are still seeing the problem with the Unidentified network you can use the procedure in the link below to fix that problem.

http://pocketpccentral.net/blog/2009...blem-resolved/