USB/ethernert adapter connection trouble

[-Gerard-]

Hi, please excuse any poor computer terminology I use.

Just moved into a new block of apartments that already have a LAN internet connection ( each room has a router and an ethernet cable). The office gives everyone their own IP address (the same one but the last two digits in each case differ), a Gateway no., a Preferred DNS no., and an Alternate DNS no.

My ethernet port is damaged so I bought a USB/ethernet adapter and connected via this. I put in the IP address, Gateway no., and the Preferred DNS no. (these were the only ones my flatmate, who also has a mac, needed to connect in his room. It's telling me I'm connected but none of the browser pages will load, msn,yahoo messenger etc... won't open.

I took my friend's computer into my room and did the same (via my etehernet adapter) and it works fine. So the problem is definitely with my computer, most likely a setting somewhere? Any ideas?

I'm using Mac OS X 10.4.1. His computer is a slightly newer version.

 

[belvdr]

Did you use the same IP as him? If so, and his computer is on, that won't work. You need to use your IP.

 

[JKColo22]

You can trying changing the last 3 numbers in the IP address and see if you can find one that is not in use. The "IP Address" is like a telephone number for your computer, you can't have the same one as someone else. You might also try "Use DHCP" you may find that it will assign one for you if the network is set up to do so.

 

[-Gerard-]

His ends in .83, mine in .84 -- but, I had assumed each IP address was room specific, i.e., the .84 would only work in my room. I tried .84 with his in his room and it worked fine still (It's now back at .83). So with .84 not being in use the problem can't be there...?

I've also previously tried the Use DHCP option.

 

[JKColo22]

Might be too basic of a suggestion but have you tried restarting? This often fixes a lot of networking problems.

 

[-Gerard-]

I've tried that yea. Are there any other sites you'd recommend I should ask on?

 

[belvdr]

Once you assign an address, try to:

1. Ping your IP from that machine. In other words, if you assign 10.1.1.1 to your Mac, then on your Mac, ping 10.1.1.1.

2. Ping your default gateway.

It's sounding more and more like this USB/ethernet dongle is not compatible or has failed.