setting up internet for new mac user

[Nashmann]

My in laws recently purchased a new iMac but they have had a hge amount of problems getting their DSL router, vonage box and iMac to play nicely with one another. I am new to Mac and noobie with networking so I am not sure where to start. I tried searching for support at the Vonage sight but there was nothing of real use. I don't know what DSL router they have. Thank you for any help you might offer!!!

[Natobasso]

First, make sure their router is getting an internet signal. Is their service turned on?

Next, how is the iMac connected to the router? Hopefully it's a combo router and not just the translator box that you have. Ideally you'll have the vonage box then router then mac as your connection steps.

Set up a "Location" on the mac and make sure it recognises the DNS it's given (should autofill a number there when connected). If not, repeat the steps above.

[Satcomer]

One thing you have to know ISP monitor the device by MAC address that is right behind the modem. So when you put new things on the internet modem you must power it down for 5 minutes so the ISP server will re-issue the IP and reset the MAC address it is looking for.

Now i have a Vonage box (when there were using Linksys routers) and it sits actually behind another router that is connected to my ISP cable modem. It works rather well too.

Did you go into the router and see if it is getting an IP from the DSL modem?

[Nashmann]

Satcomer,

My in laws did go into the Linksys router and were able to get things configured correctly. Thank you so much for responding so quickly and for your willingness to offer help!

Natobasso, thank you also.

[Natobasso]

You're very welcome, though Satcomer did most of the heavy lifting.