I am in the process of setting up a home-based LAN, using an NT Workgroup. The first step involved finding an electrician that would actually show up and wire the house. Accomplished. The next step involved installing a Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router, so that we could all share the download only RCN Cable Modem. Partial success. Whenever we connect DIRECTLY to the router (i.e. we do not use the electrician supplied wall-connections), we have success. We tested the wall connections, and determined that the quality electrician installed crossover connections in the wall, instead of straight-thru. They admitted their fault, came by, repaired the connections at the wall-plates, and left when each cable (cat 5e) tested fine. We still a modified version of the same problem. The router indicates a live connection now (top light flashes, others stay lit) when we use the wall connections (it did not before the electrician came back and "repaired"). But we still cannot access the router or any web address when we use the wall connections - only when we connect directly to the router with a direct piece of cable. This situation applies to ANY computer...connect directly (not through the wall) and there is no problem. Connect via an electrician-supplied connection, and no web access. All connections are cat5e, no more than 100 ft. I suspect that the electrician should have ALSO corrected the OTHER ends of the cables (those that all come together near the router). I was not home when this happened, but here is the question: Is it possible for cables to test OK, if only ONE end is wired correctly (straight-thru)?

Can you ping the router if you are connected to the wall connection

Nope...with the wall connections we cannot communicate with the router, not even through a ping....

ok it time to check to see if the wires were left crossover on the router end(since you cant ping). Make sure the color order is the same on all the wires on both ends. should be easy enough.