Thanks for the responce.
Just to add to all this.
I did get another wireless router, linsys B
And I did run smartxx remote flasher-search xbox and this time did get a ip address and mac address. ?? dont know why now and my belkin didnt find when it worked.
So now I am ahead again from last night.
Glad my router gave out now than later.
So as not to burden you further, can we pick up from the past posts -thanks