Video phones, wireless routers, connections?

[Reba]

This week I will be surveying and possibly attempting to resolve a deaf friend's computer problems. Here's the scenario:

Friend has TimeWarner cable service for internet and TV. TV cable works fine.

Friend recently acquired video phone and service. That works fine.

Friend has a desk top computer, Gateway PC, Windows (doesn't know which OS). Friend would like to use computer but says it's "broken." I can't get a clear explanation of what "broken" means. The only descriptive I got was that the DVD tray is stuck. There must be more to it than that because that wouldn't prevent use for email and internet browsing.

Here's my question.

When a video phone is connected to the cable, is it directly connected to the modem or is it connected to a router? If it's a router, would it be a special one for the video phone only, or would it be one that includes regular ethernet ports and wifi capability?

What I need to know is the best way to connect the computer if the video phone is already using the cable modem. I definitely don't want to mess up the video phone service!

I haven't been to the house since the video phone was installed. (I've been there before but not since.)

The computer has been "broken" for about a year, I think.


Part II:

My friend also informed me that now the landline phone service is "broken." Friend sometimes still uses TTY phone equipment. I can't tell from the description if it's the line, the service, the equipment, or an uncooperative person on the other end is the problem. Just that it's broken and doesn't make calls. So, I'll check that also. I'm not going to try to fix anything on the TTY. I'm just going to survey the problem (check connections and dial tone, try to make a call), and contact the phone company using my cell phone, if necessary.

Any tips?

 

[Jane B.]

This week I will be surveying and possibly attempting to resolve a deaf friend's computer problems. Here's the scenario:

Friend has TimeWarner cable service for internet and TV. TV cable works fine.

Friend recently acquired video phone and service. That works fine.

Friend has a desk top computer, Gateway PC, Windows (doesn't know which OS). Friend would like to use computer but says it's "broken." I can't get a clear explanation of what "broken" means. The only descriptive I got was that the DVD tray is stuck. There must be more to it than that because that wouldn't prevent use for email and internet browsing.

Here's my question.

When a video phone is connected to the cable, is it directly connected to the modem or is it connected to a router? If it's a router, would it be a special one for the video phone only, or would it be one that includes regular ethernet ports and wifi capability?

What I need to know is the best way to connect the computer if the video phone is already using the cable modem. I definitely don't want to mess up the video phone service!

I haven't been to the house since the video phone was installed. (I've been there before but not since.)

The computer has been "broken" for about a year, I think.


Part II:

My friend also informed me that now the landline phone service is "broken." Friend sometimes still uses TTY phone equipment. I can't tell from the description if it's the line, the service, the equipment, or an uncooperative person on the other end is the problem. Just that it's broken and doesn't make calls. So, I'll check that also. I'm not going to try to fix anything on the TTY. I'm just going to survey the problem (check connections and dial tone, try to make a call), and contact the phone company using my cell phone, if necessary.

Any tips?

I think you need to see it yourself before you can give enough of a description to be helpful to those that may be able to tell you more about what to do.

 

[Reba]

I think you need to see it yourself before you can give enough of a description to be helpful to those that may be able to tell you more about what to do.

True. I was hoping to get some ideas of what specifically to look for when I go there, such as the connections. If the router for the video phone is a "hands off" item, I want to know that.

 

[diehardbiker]

Its very common for Deaf people say, it is broken, without any explaining the exact nature of problem. Its like driving a car to mechanic and telling mechanic that car is broken, what do you expect mechanic would respond? I would believe mechanic would say "I just saw you drive in here, and I don't see any issues, whats the deal?" The real issue is that many customers not even realize how much stuff would be involved to make the system work.

And your right, not enough information to do troubleshoot procedure. First of all, what kind of modem they are using? Dummy modem or Gateway modem? These are two different types of modems providing by various ISP for home use. Not going to discuss about business, that is whole different thing, Secondly, router? What is needed is brand and model, the reason behind this is that often routers all look same, but there are different kinds of routers and device that have its own purpose. For example, Router as we all know, also there are other device that looks like router but it is not, it can be switch or Hub, Their function are different from each other Router usually have built in switch and some built in Wireless. I have heard people saying it is not router, it is wireless. Of course it is STILL router EVEN if it has wireless unless it is called access point, that is another device with sole function as wireless access point nothing else.

Same with Wifi and POE (Power over Ethernet), often they think POE is wireless, but it is really not wireless, it is just using house electric wiring to make connection.

Without enough information, I can't really help. So, want tip? Collect all the hardware information, brand of device and model of that device. Once all the information is collected, it is easier to figure out what the system would be and easier to figure out how to set up the right way.

When I work as technical support, I often end up discovered that there was loosen cable connection as root cause of problem. Always check the connections. That is where I often start with and often solve problem right there. There are one story, I could share because it has nothing to do with my old job. I happen to help several Deafies with their computer and network issues. I had one Deaf customer demand that I come over and fix the computer problem. At first, I asked her whats brand and model number of modem she had from Time Warner. She refused to cooperate for a while. Finally got the information I needed, I asked a specific light on modem ask her whats status of it? She said blinking continuously, I asked her to check the coaxial cable make sure it is not disconnected. It was connected fine. I then said CALL Time Warner. She refused many times, mind you I already knew exact the problem right away because I had enough information to diagnosis the problem. After several days of her struggling and messing up settings on VP, computer and so on. It was big mess, she finally gave up and called Time Warner, and guy came in. Guess what? Time Warner technician found the cable on telephone pole got disconnected, fixed it. Bam, now it works but she had to clean up and redo everything and yes I had to fix everything. If had she listen to me and called Time Warner, I wouldn't have to come out and clean up the mess.

Another story, true business, the installer struggling for two hours to get VP working. I mean two hours of struggling. Computer, VP, everything not working. Friend of mine suspect it is bad Ethernet cable, that installer disagreed and refused to replace the Ethernet, why? Cause he said it is brand new. My friend said so? Sometimes brand new can be defective. He disagreed completely and keep on struggling for another hour. Finally he gets to the point of "alright, I will try your suggestion and replace the Ethernet cable". Guess what happened after he replaced the Ethernet cable? It works fine! Image struggling 3 hours of struggling and if he had used his head and replace the Ethernet, he could have it work in just 5 minutes instead.

So, up to you, bring in all the information and I may have to ask for more information or call technical support, either way will work.

 

[Jiro]

When a video phone is connected to the cable, is it directly connected to the modem or is it connected to a router? If it's a router, would it be a special one for the video phone only, or would it be one that includes regular ethernet ports and wifi capability?

in most cases - a videophone is connected to a router. there is no "special" or "specific" router for videophone only. it's pretty much the same router that many people are using.

Usually - if the VR technician deems your router as inferior or outdated.... he will provide you a new router for free that can handle both videophone and computers and also properly configure your router.

What I need to know is the best way to connect the computer if the video phone is already using the cable modem. I definitely don't want to mess up the video phone service!

I can't see any other way except to connect videophone to a router. If the videophone quality got degraded by switching to a router even if it's new, sufficient, and properly configured... then you'll need to call cable guy to come over to increase a power/signal output (whatever it's called) to a house.

My friend also informed me that now the landline phone service is "broken." Friend sometimes still uses TTY phone equipment. I can't tell from the description if it's the line, the service, the equipment, or an uncooperative person on the other end is the problem. Just that it's broken and doesn't make calls. So, I'll check that also. I'm not going to try to fix anything on the TTY. I'm just going to survey the problem (check connections and dial tone, try to make a call), and contact the phone company using my cell phone, if necessary.

Any tips?

 

[diehardbiker]

Its not hands off item. The only time needs to be hands off is if you don't know what it is, and what you are doing. That would save bunch of time and headache. Just collect information first The only two things from each device needed is brand and model number.

For example, I have Linksys router WRT54G. The brand is Linksys, WRT54G is model number. I also have WAP54G and it looks like wireless router, but nope it is access point. WRT54G is wireless built in router with switch (Integrated Router). The trouble I often see with Deaf people mostly, few hearing, I don't know why but anyway that often "Model No" isnt even printed, and I think that is what cause problem.

For example "Model NO WRT54G" would normally printed somewhere on router as "WRT54G" that is it.

True. I was hoping to get some ideas of what specifically to look for when I go there, such as the connections. If the router for the video phone is a "hands off" item, I want to know that.

 

[diehardbiker]

Most cases? Nope, not what I see on regular basis, Time Warner provided two types of modem for residential, Dummy modem or gateway modem. Do you know the difference?

Here is two scenarios

If Time warner provide dummy modem, and customer has two or more device, then router is needed to share single public IP address, thus computer and VP each need to connect to the router, switch? A BIG No no! it won't work unless ask for additional public IP address at a fee.

If Time warner provide a gateway modem, then router is not needed, just plug straight to modem, and if port is full, just add switch. Can use router but will have issue with firewall unless configured properly. Term "Gateway modem" really means that the modem has built in router while dummy modem don't have built in router.

Two completely different scenarios buddy.

in most cases - a videophone is connected to a router. there is no "special" or "specific" router for videophone only. it's pretty much the same router that many people are using.

Usually - if the VR technician deems your router as inferior or outdated.... he will provide you a new router for free that can handle both videophone and computers and also properly configure your router.


I can't see any other way except to connect videophone to a router. If the videophone quality got degraded by switching to a router even if it's new, sufficient, and properly configured... then you'll need to call cable guy to come over to increase a power/signal output (whatever it's called) to a house.

 

[diehardbiker]

I'm showing two different model of same brand of modem (Ambit) provided by Time warner

This one is called gateway modem

This one is called dummy modem

Notice the difference in back of these modems? Both are made by same company, and each of them functions different than each other.

 

[diehardbiker]

Difference between router and switch, Im using Dlink brand for clarification

This is wireless router, note port with blue surround and grouped together is switch, the grey one with only one port is router which needs to be connected to modem to share single IP address.

Notice all ports together, no single port separate from the rest ports, that is switch, it does not have router built in

notice only single port with wireless antenna, that is access point and should not connect straight to modem because you will end up limit only one device, so connect that to one of ports thats group in blue shown in first image above to be able to expand wireless coverage.

 

[Jiro]

Most cases? Nope, not what I see on regular basis, Time Warner provided two types of modem for residential, Dummy modem or gateway modem. Do you know the difference?

Here is two scenarios

If Time warner provide dummy modem, and customer has two or more device, then router is needed to share single public IP address, thus computer and VP each need to connect to the router, switch? A BIG No no! it won't work unless ask for additional public IP address at a fee.

If Time warner provide a gateway modem, then router is not needed, just plug straight to modem, and if port is full, just add switch. Can use router but will have issue with firewall unless configured properly. Term "Gateway modem" really means that the modem has built in router while dummy modem don't have built in router.

Two completely different scenarios buddy.

huh? what are you talking about? Time Warner doesn't provide videophones......

 

[diehardbiker]

Huh? Where did I mention Time Warner provide videophone? Where is picture of Videophone in post #8?

huh? what are you talking about? Time Warner doesn't provide videophones......

 

[Jiro]

Huh where did I mention Time warner provide videophone?

why were you talking about Time Warner and some modems?

I said in most cases... videophones are connected to routers.... why? because VR technician installed them....

what does Time Warner has to do with my post?

 

[diehardbiker]

You forgot, I used to work for VRS for almost 6 years, I would say 50-50 need router or not. Sometimes trainer are too lazy to set up properly and just throw in router only to complicate the system.

If Time Warner provided GATEWAY modem then router is NOT necessary.

I know you work in IT, for me, I did work in IT, specialized in what? NETWORKING, dealing with wireless and Ethernet with router, switch modems all the time. And I know how they work by heartbeat. You may know programming, and stuff which I don't.

why were you talking about Time Warner and some modems?

I said in most cases... videophones are connected to routers.... why? because VR technician installed them....

what does Time Warner has to do with my post?

 

[Jiro]

You forgot, I used to work for VRS for almost 6 years, I would say 50-50 need router or not. Sometimes trainer are too lazy to set up properly and just throw in router only to complicate the system.

If Time Warner provided GATEWAY modem then router is NOT necessary.

uh..... what? no I didn't forget you used to work for VR. who can ever forget your rambling and tirade about VR business :roll:

and nothing in my post is incorrect. you clearly misunderstood my post. that was pretty obvious. router's a router. simple as that. I'm not gonna get into some trivial details since it's irrelevant. just about everybody I know have routers connected to their VR. you know it.

anyway - no time to be quibbling around with you :roll:

I know you work in IT, for me, I did work in IT, specialized in what? NETWORKING, dealing with wireless and Ethernet with router, switch modems all the time. And I know how they work by heartbeat. You may know programming, and stuff which I don't.

you need a degree to know how to install a router and ethernet?

unless you're CISCO-certified... you're not impressing me. I've never took a course in some router and ethernet stuff and it's pretty much what an average guy knows how to install along with a simple google search. it's as easy as installing DVD to a tv

 

[diehardbiker]

Your just making it unclear and more confusing for everybody while I made this very clear on differences. You are "Telling everybody" that they are basically the same thing. DEAD WRONG!

Guess you can't tell the difference between Gateway modem and dummy modem. Sad!

uh..... what? no I didn't forget you used to work for VR. who can ever forget your rambling and tirade about VR business :roll:

and nothing in my post is incorrect. you clearly misunderstood my post. that was pretty obvious. router's a router. simple as that. I'm not gonna get into some trivial details since it's irrelevant. just about everybody I know have routers connected to their VR. you know it.

anyway - no time to be quibbling around with you :roll:

 

[Jiro]

Your just making it unclear and more confusing while I made this very clear on differences. You are "Telling everybody" that they are basically the same thing. DEAD WRONG!

Guess you can't tell the difference between Gateway modem and dummy modem. Sad!

um... like I said - I'm not gonna focus on some trivial details. it's self-explanatory.

you really are bored today, eh? have a good day!

 

[diehardbiker]

have a great day!

um... like I said - I'm not gonna focus on some trivial details. it's self-explanatory.

you really are bored today, eh? have a good day!

 

[Reba]

Since I also have TimeWarner cable, I would say that they provide a dummy modem. We connected our own wireless router (with multiple ethernet ports) to the modem. I'm assuming that the friend's modem is the same. I just don't know if my friend has a wireless/wired router attached to the modem. I have a spare router we can try if needed.

I want to be prepared, so I'm taking my bag of tiny tools, a router, a multi-plug electric cord, flashlight, computer glasses, and length of ethernet with connections. I'm also bringing TCS for any heavy lifting or crawling under furniture.

 

[Reba]

You forgot, I used to work for VRS for almost 6 years, I would say 50-50 need router or not. Sometimes trainer are too lazy to set up properly and just throw in router only to complicate the system.

If Time Warner provided GATEWAY modem then router is NOT necessary....

I suspect that they did not provide a gateway modem since I've seen other TW customers' equipment, and it's always been the dummy kind (various brands and models but still the same configuration). It's possible that they might offer the gateway modem for higher tier customers but I haven't seen it.

 

[Jiro]

Since I also have TimeWarner cable, I would say that they provide a dummy modem. We connected our own wireless router (with multiple ethernet ports) to the modem. I'm assuming that the friend's modem is the same. I just don't know if my friend has a wireless/wired router attached to the modem. I have a spare router we can try if needed.

I want to be prepared, so I'm taking my bag of tiny tools, a router, a multi-plug electric cord, flashlight, computer glasses, and length of ethernet with connections. I'm also bringing TCS for any heavy lifting or crawling under furniture.

that's why I didn't bother explaining little things about modem because it's very self-explanatory and you are sufficiently technical-literate as demonstrated. all you have to do is look at it and you can easily tell if it's got ethernet port and/or wifi. you already know that.

I would recommend connecting VP to router via ethernet cable for a better & stronger connection. If it's not possible to do that - then I hope the router has enough juice to handle the load and distance. the newer, the better... and configure it properly.