Hardwiring issue

We have recently installed CAT5 cable for internet access at our office. We have four lines running to a router. I try plugging my laptop into all four jacks and it will not connect. I have a credit card machine that will work only in one jack. However, I have a Dell desktop that will connect to the internet on all four lines. I can plug my laptop directly into the router and it will work. I am using the same cable when I try connecting the PC or the laptop so I know the cable is good. I am totally baffled why the PC will work but the laptop/CC machine will not. HELP I have the wireless disabled on the laptop.

 

How is the router configured?

 

Who ran and setup the router. Im guessing it is just a consumer grade router/switch.

Have the cables been tested? If they were custom made maybe they were terminated improperly? An injector could test the validity of the pairs quickly.

 

Yes it's a consumer grade router. I set it up. Basicallty, pluggerd it in and hooked up the cables to the back. Should I have done something else? What I don't understand (one of many things) if they were not terminated correctly why does it work on the PC? Shoudn't it not work at all?

 

Ok. If the cat5 cables were bought precut and in set lengths already with the plugs on the end, then they have been terminated already by the factory. If you bought a spool of wire and ran the cable yourself, you must terminate the ends either into a wall outlet, or just the plastic clip. Doing this, however, brings in human error as you could put the wire in the wrong spots. This is why they would need to be tested.

We need to know more about your network as well. Is this in your home or an actual office?

Are there any other computers on he network besides these 4?

Where does your uplink to the router come from?

 

Try cloning the MAC address of the pc used to set up the account into the router. This will make the router look like the pc.

 

It depends on his setup. He may or may not want to do that. Thats why we need to give us more info.

 

Human error is the key. I had a different person come in and redo the ends. Everything is working now. The thing that really threw me was why the PC worked. Apparently some things will work even if wires are crossed. Thanks for all your help.