Random IP Addresses stopping me use the internet

Hi Grant,

To be honest, I'm not sure if I have "Sky Router and your AirPort base station configured to pass out DHCP Addresses?" In the past, there have been no issues. What appears to be strange, is that using the Sky router for internet does appear to be the problem more than the airport. How would I get them to pass out DHCP addresses? I have a relative knowledge of IT but not sure how to go about this?

Thank you. I have basically switched off the Airport now, and I still get 169.254.174.81 or other IP addresses coming up.
I have tried manually configuring the network with -
IP Address - 192.168.0.8
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Router - 192.168.0.1

This then shows I have a green light in Network Status, connected to the internet, and my Realtek PCI network status card shows I have a signal, however I still cannot get onto the internet.
v.v.v.v.v.v.v occasionally it comes online, then immediately goes off again. Any help would be appreciated, as I do not want to go and buy the original Airport wireless card for me to have the same problem, and I really cannot figure out why it isn't working.

thanks, Ian

If I use iStumbler, what is the next process?

I have downloaded iStumbler but because I do not have airport on my G4 it doesn't give me the option to view other wireless networks for some reason? It does on my Macbook Pro but not on the G4? I did manage to change the channel the router is broadcasting on from 11 (which there are 2 other networks in range on) to 6 (which there are none) and the G4 still does not connect correctly?
If someone has any more suggestions I would be most greatful as it is getting very frustrating. If any suggestions of DNS servers are mentioned you will probably need to talk me through it as I am not totally computer literate.
THanks Ian

Okay, let's back-track a little and start removing variables.

"You have the AEBS shut down now, right?" Correct (However when this is turned on, my PC and Powerbook both connect to either wireless network without a problem)
"And the Sky router is up and broadcasting wireless, correct?" Correct

"Are you running a secure wireless network with WEP or WPA authentication?" Running WPA

"Is the G4 in close enough proximity to get good signal from the Sky router?"
It is through in a conservatory about 8 metres away, almost in a direct line from the router with a glass opening door in between. It has always previously worked fine when the router was upstairs and the G4 downstairs. I have also brought it in next to the router and tried wireless and it still has not worked. I have plugged the ethernet cable directly in and we do get internet.

Based on what you're describing, it sounds a lot like the G4 is getting spotty wireless connection and dropping the link. Have you tried just opening System Preferences/Network, making the wireless connection and just watching what happens there? (Yes, now, I have 2 setups, "Automatic" and "Desk" one for manual DHCP assignment and one for Auto using DHCP.
I have sat there, and with the manual IP addresses given installed, I get a green light and it states that it is connected to the internet, but when you try and open a browser it doesn't work. My Auto setup now just consistently defaults to a 192.254.xxx.xxx and now vv.v.v.v.v.v. randomly may it actually connect to a 192.168.xxx.xx IP address and get the browser working, then it will default back to a 254 setup.

When using DHCP routers, it's usually not a good idea to manually assign IP addresses on client machines unless that IP address is reserved in the DHCP server and tied to a particular machine record (MAC address). That said, there are some devices that will only work when they're assigned a reserved address in the DHCP server, and your Realtek card might be one of them. If you're comfortable working in the router DHCP configuration settings, you should be able to add the G4 to the address reservation list if the router can see it.

the above to be honest I would have no idea on how to set up so if you could talk me through it that would be great. I also do not know what the renew lease does and whether this is something I should click on each time.The ther part of the problem I have is I am unable to run a diagnostics check or assistant because I do not have airport running and the setup for the step by step guide isn't geared towards having a 3rd party PCI network wireless card?
Help would be greatly appreciated, because I do not know what to do and cannot afford to replace this machine currently.
Thanks Ian

Thankyou for this. I can confirm that the antenna is attached securely. As I mention there seems to be a problem with self assigning an IP address rather than the signal strength.
When I manually assign with the IP addresses, subnet mask and router, when you check in network status it advises "the ethernet slot is active and has the IP address 192.168.0.8. You are connected to the internet via PCI Ethernet Slot 3" with a green light.
However it still does not allow a web browser to surf correctly. As I speak my Skype status has just come online, however I still cannot browse the internet?
Are there any step by step instructions of how to rectify this problem?
Thanks

Hi. Okay, well it isn't anything to do with busted cables as hard wiring into the Apple G4 works fine, as do both other laptops I have work fine with the wireless router. So, maybe it could ultimately be something to do with the wireless card. I just find it incredibly strange that it randomly works then goes back to an assigned 192.254 address.
With regards to the following -
Open System Preferences > Network > Airport > TCP/IP

... and click the "Assist Me" button to start up the "Network Diagnostics" program"

This isn't possible, because when I click on Network > Airport isn't listed as I do not have an Apple Airport card.
When I click on the PCI ethernet card, then click Assist me, when I go to Diagnostics it only lists "Built-in ethernet > Internal Modem and Other, Airport isn't a highlightable option.
When I click on "Assistant" it gives me all other opions apart from "I use Airport to connect to the Internet wirelessly".

Any other suggestions?