User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
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Ethernet connection in TCP/IP not there

I am a newbie to apple/mac. I just bought ($50) an imac G3 400 mhz with 9.2.2 to try out to see if I want to switch to Apple. I have been trying to connect it to the internet and haven't had any luck. I read a bit on this forum from Ronan (sp??) and it was the only thing even close to what I am experiencing. I went into the TCP/IP panel and under the 'connect via' selection there is only PPP and Appletalk... no ethernet. What gives? Any help here would be appreciated.

imac G3 400, Mac OS 9.2.x

Posted on Mar 25, 2006 3:03 PM

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14 replies
User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
User level: Level 1
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Mar 26, 2006 10:23 AM in response to Niel

Thanks Niel, now I have the ethernet option. Can you help me with the next step? I have a DSL modem and a router. My Win XP PC has the internet setup as DHCP and the IP as 192.168.2.2. In the imac, I chose ethernet, DHCP server, then it asks for a DHCP Client ID?... and has the IP listed as 169.254.XX.XX. and the subnet mask as 255.255.0.0. What is my next step?
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User profile for user: Niel
Niel
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User level: Level 10
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Mar 26, 2006 1:31 PM in response to Nordic

That indicates that the iMac wasn't able to get an IP address from the DHCP server; you may or may not be able to share files with the PC in this case, but you can't get online. Check that the cables are plugged in firmly, and that the correct Ethernet cable is used; if the router isn't autosensing, you can't use a crossover cable. To share files between the two computers, use these instructions.

(11335)
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User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
User level: Level 1
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Mar 26, 2006 1:57 PM in response to Niel

I used the cat5 cable from my Dell PC which works and is connected to the router/internet, I unplugged it from the PC and plugged it into the iMac(I am working on them side by side). The iMac indicates a Router address, IP address(which is the same # as the Router address), and a subnet mask. What do I do in the spot for DHCP Client ID? Leave it blank? Should I make it the same as the router address? No, that doesn't make sense. My IP address on my Dell PC says 192.168.2.2, shouldn't that be the same address that the iMac picks up in the 'Router address' spot? On my Win XP PC, I just set the settings to automatic and it does the rest for me, Plug-and -Play I guess? I am not trying to share files, I just want internet access on the iMac. The cable isn't a crossover cable. Sorry this was lengthy. I really appreciate the help.
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User profile for user: Duane
Duane
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Mar 27, 2006 10:47 AM in response to Nordic

What do I do in the spot for DHCP Client ID? Leave it blank?


Yes

My IP address on my Dell PC says 192.168.2.2, shouldn't that be the same address that the iMac picks up in the 'Router address' spot?


No, your router should be 192.168.2.1.

Each computer that connects will get assigned a unique 192.168.2.xxx address.

The cable isn't a crossover cable.


That is OK. Connecting your iMac to a router requires a patch cable not a crossover cable.
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User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
User level: Level 1
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Mar 27, 2006 12:22 PM in response to Duane

OK, I left the DHCP Client ID blank. Saved the settings. Plugged in the patch cable. Opened iexplorer and recieved a 'connection error' so I opened up the TCP/IP settings and it has the IP address as 169.254...etc instead of 192.168.2.1? Also the Router address is the same as the IP, the 169.254...etc (I was told not to give out the entire IP for privacy purposes) Should it be? I think so. The subnet mask is 255.255.0.0 Should I set it up Manually?
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User profile for user: Duane
Duane
User level: Level 10
124,293 points

Mar 27, 2006 12:33 PM in response to Nordic

I was told not to give out the entire IP for privacy purposes


This is good practice when you are discussing your public IP addresses. However IP addresses starting with 169 or 192.168 are private addresses and can't be accessed remotely.

Let's make sure of some things:
  • You are connecting to one of the router's LAN ports.
  • You are using a patch cable not a crossover cable.
  • The DHCP server on your router is enabled.
  • You are using a router NOT a hub or switch.

Assuming all those are correct...

Does the indicator on the router port indicate a valid Ethernet hardware connection? Typically there is a light.

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User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
User level: Level 1
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Mar 27, 2006 12:51 PM in response to Duane

No indicator light on router when iMac is plugged in. It lights up when the Dell PC is plugged in. I am just moving the cable back and forth between the Dell and iMac. Is there a hardware problem? The DHCP is enabled on the router. The addresses start at 192.168.2.2 and go to 100. The router is a Dell 2300 wireless, if that makes any difference.
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User profile for user: Duane
Duane
User level: Level 10
124,293 points

Mar 27, 2006 1:54 PM in response to Nordic

No indicator light on router when iMac is plugged in. ... Is there a hardware problem?


Yes, somewhere. Either the cable is the wrong type of Ethernet cable or the Ethernet port on your iMac is not working.

Your PC may have an autosensing Ethernet port which will work with either type of Ethernet cable. Your iMac does NOT have this type of port and requires the correct Ethernet cable.

Check your cable against the information in this link to determine if it is a patch cable or crossover cable.

Then get the other kind of cable to try.
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User profile for user: Nordic
Nordic Author
User level: Level 1
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Mar 27, 2006 3:32 PM in response to Duane

Well... the cable has a lable from the manufacturer that says 'straight cable' on it but I will try another cable. I would guess that the ethernet port on the iMac is not working. How do I get it to work? Is there a setting? Maybe something missing? In the Apple System Profiler, under 'Network overview' it says 'Not available, Link: n/a, Speed: N/a, Duplex: n/a and it lists a modem as iMac internal 56k v.90 and then 'Open Transport" and lists Appletalk and TCP/IP, both are installed and none are active but the Appletalk displays under Active network ports: Ethernet built-in and lists a hardware address.

When I plug the cable in, the TCP/IP says 'active' (in the Apple System Profiler)and it displays the IP address as 169.254.61.98 and all the rest.

Wow, will I be glad when this is resolved!!!!
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User profile for user: skj
skj
User level: Level 1
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May 5, 2006 1:35 AM in response to Nordic

Hey Nordic,

I am in the same boat different seat. Got the iMac to goof around with and just mainly surf and serve music. I got the same exact problem you have and I'm trying to sort it out as well. Have you had any luck since then? I noticed that you said that you didn't get any indicator lights on your router when you plugged into your router. I do but it's only an intermittent blinking.

I'm using a Dlink 713p wireless router. My PC desktop and my laptop connect to this router wirelessly without any problems through the router's DHCP and WEP is on. I'm just trying to hardwire the iMac to this router but it's driving me crazy (using the same cable that I used when my desktop wasn't wireless.) Anyone have any other ideas?

imac indigo, 400, 640mb ram, 30gb Mac OS 9.2.x
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Ethernet connection in TCP/IP not there

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