If the e-smith ip address is on the same subnet, (eg all ip's are 192.168.1.xxx and subnet mask 255.255.255.0) then I would suspect the
net card.
Some of us "gurus" make the mistake when typing ip addresses. Eg. I remember
typing 192.168.0.xxx on a Lan that was set as 192.168.1.xxx. & 255.255.255.0. Naturally, 0.xxx cannot talk to 1.xxx while connected to the common hub.
Try swapping the net card for another and repeat the process.