>> So I finally think it's a hardware issue.
>>
>> Thanks for all the input.
>Routers normally have their own static addresses (different for
>different router companies) which allows you access their configuration
>interface.

Some network-admins at my job examined the router and it looks like a hardware issue.
Not only did they confirm the LED lights are very dim, but they couldn't detect the router using any hardware / OS / computer / network cable.

So thanks again all for your help.
I'll go to Microcenter soon and purchase a nice new LinkSys router.

I heard someone mention NFS and static-IP addresses.
So I'll start playing in that ballpark and see how far I can go.