New Airport Extreme: no LAN lights, base station not found

Question

I just brought home a new Airport Extreme base station 802.11n to replace a Linksys router which I used without too much trouble (it used to boot me off occasionally, which was annoying). I want to connect to my DSL internet using an ethernet cable. There's also a PC and a Mac in the house that are wireless. However, the Airport Utility doesn't see the AEBS, I've got the classic flashing amber light, and at the back, the WAN light shows a connection to my DSL modem, but I've got no lights on my LAN ports. (I have seen them light up very briefly but they never stay on.)
I've tried resetting the modem and the base station countless times. I've reconfigured using different ethernet cables. I've disconnected the base station for over 30 minutes before powering up again. I can get a connection when I connect my modem directly to the mini. I've tried using different LAN ports to connect the base station to the computer.
What should I try next? It's a really simple setup, and all I'm trying to do is to connect to the internet.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

I know you have tried a series of resets, but please try the following with your Mac Mini connected directly, using an Ethernet cable, to one of the LAN ports of your 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), and the AEBSn's WAN port connected (via Ethernet) to the DSL modem.
Try the following, in order, until the Mac Mini is able to access the Internet:
1. If the modem has a reset switch, use it to reset the modem. Wait at least 5-10 minutes for the modem to initialize.
2. Remove power from the modem. If it has a backup battery, remove this as well. Wait 5-10 minutes. Replace the battery, and add power back to the modem.
3. Perform a complete power recycle of your network components as follows:
Modem/Router Power Recycling - Quick
o Power-off the modem, AEBSn, & computer(s); Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the modem; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the AEBSn; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the computer(s)
If this fails to get the modem to "recognize" the Internet router, then try the "Full" version.
Modem/Router Power ReCycling - Full
o Power-off the modem, AEBSn, & computer(s). (Wait at least 30 minutes. If possible, leave the modem off overnight.)
o Power-on the modem; Wait at least 15 minutes.
o Power-on the AEBSn; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the computer(s)
4. Contact your ISP to have them perform a "modem reset."