Migration assistance help

I am trying to transfer files from a MacBook OSX to a new MacBook Pro Snow Leopard. Using Setup Assistant, and connected via an ethernet cable (through my cable modem), my new MBP computer informed me that the network connection had failed and the other computer could not be accessed. I tried again using Migration assistant (after I set up the new MBP), and received the same message. I also tried using my wireless connection, but received the same message. I have tried several iterations of this and am having the same problem. To my knowledge, there is nothing wrong with my home internet (either wired or wireless). I have a firewire cable, but the size/shape of the connector does not fit with my new MBP (scam?).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,