Cable Modem Question

[Ustauk]

 Question for you guys: my brother has cable internet in Ottawa.  Currently, he can only get it working with the USB connection to the modem.  He can't get a direct line to his machine, a wired line to his router, or a wireless connection to his router working properly.  His NIC was working well with his previous internet connection.  Do you guys have any ideas about what might be going on?

[Mr. Analog]

 Does he need a crossover cable between the modem and the switch and/or computer?

[Ustauk]

Does he need a crossover cable between the modem and the switch and/or computer?

I had him use the network cable that came with the modem, which I imagine would be a crossover cable.  He said he tried other cables as well.  I'll make sure he goes and gets a specifically crossover cable, though.

[Mr. Analog]

 Everything you wanted to know about crossover cable from good old Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossover_cable