If you have a router that is issuing IP addresses, then the best method is really to set everything to get an IP address issued from the router, that way the router can manage any conflicts and make sure that nothing is doubled up on addresses.

Also, you said something I'm not sure is normal, desktop attached to modem attached to router. If you have an ethernet jack on the desktop, you could probably go modem attached to router attached to desktop.

I agree with ND that if you're using DHCP to assign the IP addresses through the router, it really should all be through the router. I have made exceptions to this for a crotchety old large format laser printer that is deeply unhappy with its DHCP assignment, so you might look at our advice and decide that if it works, keep it.

I don't speak mac, but here's a thread that has some suggestions that may be relevant to your situation: [link]

Citibank just revealed that 80% more customers were affected than originally reported.

Also, you said something I'm not sure is normal, desktop attached to modem attached to router. If you have an ethernet jack on the desktop, you could probably go modem attached to router attached to desktop.

It might actually be set up in that configuration; I don't want to crawl under the desk to find out.

I agree with ND that if you're using DHCP to assign the IP addresses through the router, it really should all be through the router.

Okay, but the problem is that the router keeps trying to dish the same IP address to 2 devices. I know it *shouldn't* happen, but it has been for months.

Did you scroll through that link I gave you? There are some scenarios in there that might help you.

The thing is, it might matter how you've got things hooked up. Here's someone whose hookup meant that two different things were trying to serve up the ip addresses. [link]

The thing is, it might matter how you've got things hooked up.

Okay, we have DSL, a Windows desktop, a DSL modem, a wireless router, a MBP, and an iPod Touch.

The phone line from the wall should plug into the modem and then the modem should be attached to the router, and the router should be attached to the Windows desktop?

It's entirely possible that's actually how it's set up; I'll have to check tonight.

Is there something horrifically wrong with assigning IP addresses manually? Because that, so far, is the only thing that keeps the internet connection from dropping out for all the devices. Does manually assigning IP addresses do something...technologically bad? Am I damaging my laptop and iPod by assigning IP addresses manually?

I suspect that you need to change the band/channel of your router to stop the connection dropping. You probably have a remote that is interfering with the router's wifi and you just need to change the channel.

I had to do that about 2-3 routers ago.

If it is your MBP and your Ipod that are the worst offenders, let us know because Apple does have some airport challenges that have multiple fixes.

If setting the IP addresses manually fixes your problem, leave it that way. I set several of my IPs manually for port forwarding reasons. There's nothing wrong with it.

I suspect that you need to change the band/channel of your router to stop the connection dropping. You probably have a remote that is interfering with the router's wifi and you just need to change the channel.

I did that a while ago, and then I did it again last week. Still kept dropping. Honestly, assigning manual IP addresses has been the only thing that fixed it. I just don't want to screw things up if I shouldn't be assigning manual addresses.

You won't hurt anything. It sounds like your router is kind of broken, but no need to replace it if you've got a good workaround.