> 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.