kanewolf :
That is certainly WAY more router than is required for a private LAN. But that isn't the question.
Is your laptop configured for DHCP? -- Using a DOS command window -> Start -> cmd.exe in search box -> click on it. Type ipconfig /all in the DOS window. Look for "DHCP Enabled" The laptop may have multiple network adapters listed so you will have to find the one for the wired connection. The DHCP Server listed should be the IP address of the router.
Do the LED lights on the router (and laptop) show a connection ?
The router was ok and all lights on.
The laptop was set to auto connect to the local wireless so we unchecked that tick and used the standard IP address listed on the router.
We were able to connect just fine.
Thanks for taking the time to answer this question.
The reason we selected such a router is we need to be able to download large data fast in a remote location from a video server connected to this router. It's cold as can be up here in Alaska and it's nice not to have to leave the truck to access video backups from the server located in a heated insulated specialty box designed for extreme weather. That and some days during really extreme weather, we don't want to open any remote server box exposing the server to the elements.
Thanks again!