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No conexión a la red WAN.

No conexión a la red WAN.

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Zenix_77
Junior Member
2
02-07-2026, 08:54 AM
#1
Hey there! I'm a college student who moved into a new dorm this year. My internet isn't working, so I've been trying to connect using my neighbours' WiFi. Unfortunately, that person isn't around anymore, and I don't have access to it. I could plug my computer into the wall Ethernet port, but my cable is too short. I still have a router from my previous place, but it seems to be acting differently here. The Belkin N900 didn't respond to any settings like WAN or subnet mask.

I'm not sure if the problem is with the brand or something else, because everyone nearby seems to be using TP-Link or Sitecom... I don't want to complicate things, so I'll keep it simple. The logs show some errors around January 1st, and there were issues with caching and route changes.

If you can help, it would mean a lot. I'm not very comfortable with tech stuff, so please let me know what you think.
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Zenix_77
02-07-2026, 08:54 AM #1

Hey there! I'm a college student who moved into a new dorm this year. My internet isn't working, so I've been trying to connect using my neighbours' WiFi. Unfortunately, that person isn't around anymore, and I don't have access to it. I could plug my computer into the wall Ethernet port, but my cable is too short. I still have a router from my previous place, but it seems to be acting differently here. The Belkin N900 didn't respond to any settings like WAN or subnet mask.

I'm not sure if the problem is with the brand or something else, because everyone nearby seems to be using TP-Link or Sitecom... I don't want to complicate things, so I'll keep it simple. The logs show some errors around January 1st, and there were issues with caching and route changes.

If you can help, it would mean a lot. I'm not very comfortable with tech stuff, so please let me know what you think.

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slayer__is
Senior Member
521
02-07-2026, 11:43 AM
#2
Opt for a longer cable; it seems to be the straightforward answer.
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slayer__is
02-07-2026, 11:43 AM #2

Opt for a longer cable; it seems to be the straightforward answer.

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tomyoman
Junior Member
12
02-07-2026, 04:39 PM
#3
You're likely on a shared network in a dorm, meaning everyone shares the same ISP connection instead of each having their own line. You probably don't need a router—just connect your PC to the ethernet port to test. If it works, upgrade to a longer cable. For WiFi, add a switch and an access point. On the router, check if it has a WAN port; if yes, avoid using it and use a LAN port instead, turning on access point mode if available. If not, turn off DHCP and NAT.
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tomyoman
02-07-2026, 04:39 PM #3

You're likely on a shared network in a dorm, meaning everyone shares the same ISP connection instead of each having their own line. You probably don't need a router—just connect your PC to the ethernet port to test. If it works, upgrade to a longer cable. For WiFi, add a switch and an access point. On the router, check if it has a WAN port; if yes, avoid using it and use a LAN port instead, turning on access point mode if available. If not, turn off DHCP and NAT.

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KungFuKiwiGirl
Junior Member
21
02-07-2026, 06:07 PM
#4
The setup was configured for wireless use. A MAC filter might be blocking the DHCP information, requiring registration before proceeding.
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KungFuKiwiGirl
02-07-2026, 06:07 PM #4

The setup was configured for wireless use. A MAC filter might be blocking the DHCP information, requiring registration before proceeding.

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Darkstar_TV
Junior Member
48
02-08-2026, 01:30 AM
#5
It's feasible to configure managed switches to prevent switches or routers from being connected to them. The campus might do this for security purposes. (Based on the errors, this doesn't seem to be the main problem) The issue appears to be related to routing. In the meantime, your best choice is to visit your local store and purchase a longer Ethernet cable.
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Darkstar_TV
02-08-2026, 01:30 AM #5

It's feasible to configure managed switches to prevent switches or routers from being connected to them. The campus might do this for security purposes. (Based on the errors, this doesn't seem to be the main problem) The issue appears to be related to routing. In the meantime, your best choice is to visit your local store and purchase a longer Ethernet cable.

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OmqWolfee
Junior Member
1
02-08-2026, 01:51 AM
#6
I like having Wi-Fi on my phone while I'm in my room. Tried moving my PC around for testing and plugged it in... No internet connection. Ran Problem Solver and it says: "The external device or source can't connect." Also, my router has an access point feature. I was using the wan port before.
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OmqWolfee
02-08-2026, 01:51 AM #6

I like having Wi-Fi on my phone while I'm in my room. Tried moving my PC around for testing and plugged it in... No internet connection. Ran Problem Solver and it says: "The external device or source can't connect." Also, my router has an access point feature. I was using the wan port before.

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ricby
Senior Member
681
02-12-2026, 04:10 AM
#7
If plugging your computer into the wall isn't working, talk to your college about it. You could also inspect the RJ-45 jack for any damaged wires. Kids aren't usually very careful, so if you notice something wrong, fix it yourself using the right tools.
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ricby
02-12-2026, 04:10 AM #7

If plugging your computer into the wall isn't working, talk to your college about it. You could also inspect the RJ-45 jack for any damaged wires. Kids aren't usually very careful, so if you notice something wrong, fix it yourself using the right tools.

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Sunahh
Posting Freak
863
02-12-2026, 09:49 AM
#8
Assessing which ports remain open beyond 80 and 443 reveals insights into our IT team's performance. It seems they frequently restrict access, possibly due to data usage policies. Still, I plan to voice my concerns again tomorrow.
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Sunahh
02-12-2026, 09:49 AM #8

Assessing which ports remain open beyond 80 and 443 reveals insights into our IT team's performance. It seems they frequently restrict access, possibly due to data usage policies. Still, I plan to voice my concerns again tomorrow.

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PowerWarrior07
Junior Member
4
02-15-2026, 11:24 PM
#9
Unfortunately it's not incompetence it's all about control. They don't want you using much bandwidth like you stated. Even so installing your own router should work unless the switches are configured to block them. If plugging directly into the wall doesn't work then yeah that's a IT dept issue they need to resolve. Sometimes though it's because the campus is on a domain that you have to login to and register your device under your account. That's what my college does to keep track of users. (Though they don't do a very good job. Many holes in the security but I won't go into it.) Now that's incompetence.
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PowerWarrior07
02-15-2026, 11:24 PM #9

Unfortunately it's not incompetence it's all about control. They don't want you using much bandwidth like you stated. Even so installing your own router should work unless the switches are configured to block them. If plugging directly into the wall doesn't work then yeah that's a IT dept issue they need to resolve. Sometimes though it's because the campus is on a domain that you have to login to and register your device under your account. That's what my college does to keep track of users. (Though they don't do a very good job. Many holes in the security but I won't go into it.) Now that's incompetence.