Wireless Router Help

[The Pig]

I just got a free wireless router from my ISP for signing up for another 12 months. The instruction booklet was at best basic, it doesn't even say what it can do. It seems to assume a depth of knowledge at about the Bill Gates level. Despite this, I managed to set it up to connect to the internet through my computer's Ethernet port.

All I want to do is to connect ONE computer wirelessly to the net. It already has a network adapter. Easy/difficult/impossible?

Grateful for any advice (imagine you were aiming any answers at a 10 year old).

Cheers.

[Smike]

This thread may help, but it would be useful to know what kind of wireless router you have, and what operating system you are using.

[ShowMe]

If the ethernet adapter you are referring to is wireless it should be easy.

If the adapter is the type that requires an ethernet cord (RJ45 jack, looks like an oversized phone cord) then connecting it wirelessly isn't going to happen.

If it is a wireless card and you're running XP and your wireless card is enable you should be able to double-click on the network icon next to the clock in your system tray & choose your network.

Now...if you've set it up & you are able to connect to your entwork youknow everything is working. At this point it would be a good idea to start looking at securing your wireless router using WEP or some other means. There are a lot of ways to do this but WEP tends to be the easiest & is going to keep you safe from almost all of the hack attacks. If someone is REALLY, REALLY interested in hacking you networkthen they'll be able to crack the scheme...but that's getting into an area you say you don't yet want to enter.

If you can give the router type (ie, the manuafacturer & model number) and the OS you're using then more assistance can be provided.

[asthmatic camel]

The simplest option is probably to buy a USB wifi adapter (some examples here.) These are fairly easy to set up and use.

I'd look into securing the router A.S.A.P. as it will be wide open to anyone within range; should I so wish, I could connect to the internet using four of my neighbours' unsecured wireless networks. You don't want to be that vulnerable.

[toddjh]

Is your computer a laptop or otherwise moved around a lot? If not, you might be better off sticking with a direct cable connection instead of the wireless. It'll be faster, simpler, more secure, and definitely more reliable.

[Corpse Cruncher]

Originally Posted by toddjh

Is your computer a laptop or otherwise moved around a lot? If not, you might be better off sticking with a direct cable connection instead of the wireless. It'll be faster, simpler, more secure, and definitely more reliable.

I agree, unless you move around then a fixed line is better and faster.

I also received a free wireless router thrown in with my works isp. I am now on the third as the other two blew up after 2 months use. Killed by power surges.

The instructions, like yours were basic and calling them was not productive. I seem to know more than they did which I know very little in that respect.

The only problem that I encountered was trying to work out what wep was and when I did was it better open, shared or wpa psk. Still clueless on that front. At least to use the connection wirelessly you have to have the key so I got something right.

[Soapy Sam]

Was there a setup cd with the router? It may use a web page style instruction manual- ie you use your web browser to set the security settings of the router.

I have a PC with a cable ethernet connection to my wifi router modem. I just use the wireless network for my laptop. I think that's pretty common.

[The Pig]

Thanks for replies.

I'm using a laptop with XP. I want to go wireless because I only have one barely functioning USB port out of four, and I lose connection if I move my laptop.

In Device Manager, my network adapters are listed as:

1394 Net Adapter
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC

My router is an Edimax AR-7064g+, the CD manual went over my head.

My laptop is supposed to be wireless ready. Clicking Wireless Network Connection, it never detects any wireless networks in range.

I did change the password, but it connects automatically when I boot up without prompt.

[Skeptic Guy]

My laptop has an on/off switch for its wireless card. Does yours?

[The Pig]

There's a wireless switch above the keyboard, still doesn't detect any networks when it's on.

[I less than three logic]

Most home routers like this can be configured through your web browser, although initial configuration usually must be done with a cable connection, as the wireless is sometimes off by default or at least set so you can't configure via wireless for security reasons.

The default for most of these is to be set up for DHCP on the Ethernet (LAN) ports. So, just set your network card to obtain the IP information automatically. The router will most likely give it the standard 192.168.1.* and the router itself can is normally 192.168.1.1 (although I've come across some that use 192.168.0.* and 192.168.0.1 for the router).

Once you've got everything hooked up, and you've obtained your IP from the router, simply open up your web browser and go to the address http://192.168.1.1.

You should be greeted with a login screen. The default is normally something like username: admin with no password, or username: admin; password: admin. Hopefully this information can be found in the manual.

Once in, it shouldn't be to hard to navigate the menus. Most of the settings can be left on the default, and you shouldn't need to worry about things like port forward/filters and such. I'd start by finding the menu for the wireless setup.

First, make sure it is enabled.

Second, change the SSID, in case others in the area have a similar model and left it as the default. For extra security you can disable the SSID broadcast, but then you'll need to remember what it is in order to find your network again because it won't be broadcast as an available one.

Finally, enable some type of security for the network. I'd suggest just using the WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection Privacy), it isn't the greatest protection, but it is simple and will prevent most from just signing up on your network. It consists of 4 or 5 (if I remember correctly it's 5) double digit groups of numbers. These are in hexadecimal so you can use 0-9 as well as A-F as numbers in each field. Type them in kind of randomly, don't use 12 34 56 67 89, or AA BB CC DD EE FF, that kind of thing. However, remember this number because you'll have to enter it on any computers you want to be able to connect to the wireless network.

This should be all there is too it. Also, it is a good idea to change the username and password for the login to the configuration menus also.

[The Pig]

Thanks for taking time to reply.

I think I already did all of the above, except changing SSID and some of the security stuff, but no networks are found in range. I ran diagnostics, installed the the driver again, looked all over the net for help, but it doesn't detect any networks.

Should I be contacting Compaq support?

[Soapy Sam]

Maybe.
Do you know anyone with a wifi laptop or a wifi finder who could double check to see if they find a network?

[Wudang]

Is the WLAN led on the router lit?

[Soapy Sam]

Originally Posted by The Pig

I'm using a laptop with XP. I want to go wireless because I only have one barely functioning USB port out of four, and I lose connection if I move my laptop.

Your laptop has four USB ports and only one works?
You should look into this. It may be a symptom of a wider connection problem.
If nothing else, buy a plug-in USB extender and use it in the working port . It costs about $15 for a 4 port version.

[The Pig]

I packed it all up last night, maybe I'll dig it out again at the weekend. I may see if somebody else's computer can detect a network. I've been told that the block of flats I live in, I should be picking up plenty of networks (even if my own isn't one of them).

As I remember, the WLAN led was lit (flickering I think).

My USB ports have gently died one by one, mainly due to accidental misuse (bumping etc).

[The Pig]

Latest news (help/advise still welcome):

I set the router up again today, and connected again through the ethanet port.

I checked available wireless connections, it detected a network in range (password protected), but my wireless network was still not found. I refreshed a few times, it detected two other networks at different times (protected).

It then detected my own network, I entered the password, and disconnected ethanet, but then it couldn't detect my network any more. This happened again, I entered password, disconnected ethanet, then no network found.

At the moment, it's back to no networks found again.

I'm thinking my laptop (and its wireless networking) must be working ok. Myabe a problem with the router or its settings?

[D2011]

How did you connect before the router was in the picture? Do you have a modem or just a data point on the wall.

If you have a modem, you may have to set it to bridged mode.

Just use the cd that came with the router & set a very simple SSID. No wep yet.

Then try to connect to that.

With the ethernet cable unplugged & the wireless button turned on the laptop.

Go to start/run & type in "cmd" then hit "enter". In the black dos screen type "ipconfig /all" & tell us what it says.

By the looks of your manual, the default subnet is 192.168.16.0 with your gateway being 192.168.16.1

D2011

[The Pig]

Originally Posted by D2011

How did you connect before the router was in the picture? Do you have a modem or just a data point on the wall.

If you have a modem, you may have to set it to bridged mode.

Just use the cd that came with the router & set a very simple SSID. No wep yet.

Then try to connect to that.

With the ethernet cable unplugged & the wireless button turned on the laptop.

Go to start/run & type in "cmd" then hit "enter". In the black dos screen type "ipconfig /all" & tell us what it says.

By the looks of your manual, the default subnet is 192.168.16.0 with your gateway being 192.168.16.1

D2011

I used to connect through USB modem, but I just use the new router/modem now because the ethernet connection on my laptop is much more robust. I've tried both with & without WEP, and no network found. Yes, I use 192.168.16.1 to change my settings.

I got the following:

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\sp>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : ir-e04fa2d0fd66
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Eth
ernet NIC
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0A-E4-DC-D0-5A

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network
Connection
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-15-00-45-A2-22

Tunnel adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : fe80::ffff:ffff:fffd%6
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled

C:\Documents and Settings\sp>

Thanks.

[D2011]

Quote:

I've tried both with & without WEP, and no network found. Yes, I use 192.168.16.1 to change my settings.

Ok, so you can get into the web interface of the router ok through 192.168.16.1.

But you say youve tried with & without WEP & no network found? So on the router, you have first given the wireless router an SSID & set it to broadcast?

Looking at your manual in the "interface setup" section you should have it set up like so.

1) Access point : activated
2) SSID : mrpig
3) Broadcast SSID: yes
4) Channel: by the looks of it your default is channel 10, but try channell 6 as well.
5) Security type: disabled
6) Advanced settings : leave it alone
7 ) Wireless MAC filtering: Deactivated.

I gather your laptop has an auto site survey when the wirel;ess is activated. Try that & see how you go. Hopefully you will see the SSID you have made, connect to it & you will then receive an ip address through dhcp on your router.

D2011

[The Pig]

My WAN settings are as above now, I switched to channel 6. I Refreshed networks, none found.

An hour ago it found my network while I was connected through ethernet, it said my signal strength was 5/5. I tried to connect without disconnecting ethernet first, it said "Unable to connect", and when I refreshed it didn't detect my network any more. It hasn't been detected since.

[The Pig]

Recently It's been detecting my network every few minutes. I disconnect ethernet, click "Connect", and it says "Unable to connect to ...". When I refresh, it isn't detected any more.

[D2011]

It sounds like the wireless NIc on your laptop has either a hardware or driver problem. Highly unlikely a brand new W/Router will be at fault, but not improbable.

If you go into device manager, your look down the list unti you see "Network Adaptors". The wireless one hasnt got a yellow exclamation point next to it has it?

If it has, you might have to reload the drivers for it. Maybe even search the manufacturer of your laptops website for updated wireless NIC drivers.

Not sure how comfortable you are with downloading & installing new drivers.

D2011

[The Pig]

In Device Manager, my network adapters are listed (no "!"):

(1) 1394 Net Adapter
(2) Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
(3) Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC

I'd already installed a new driver for (2) from Compaq's website yesterday. I assume (1) and (3) aren't relevant?

Looks like a hardware thing then, thanks for your time anyhow.

[D2011]

Yes, I suspected drivers/hardware issue.

If the yellow explamation point went away when you installed the driver for the Wireless, then yes its most likely a hardware issue with it.

Its best to install the drivers for the firewire 1394 & NIC, even though you are already connecting to the net & wont use firewire.

The other thing is. Sometimes if you get the wrong driver from the same website, it will say your devive is ok, but it may not necessairly be the correct driver.

D2011

[I less than three logic]

Hmm, seems like a solid problem you’ve run into. Have you tried forcing the router and/or your wireless NIC to a specific range (e.g. 802.11-B) instead of using an auto select option? I had a wired NIC in the past that had this problem. It was meant to be able to auto select between 10baseT and 100baseT, but wouldn’t. I fixed the problem by forcing it to run at 10baseT, and then I proceeded to fix the problem further by buying a new NIC.

[The Pig]

In my advanced adapter settings, it gives the following options:

Ad Hoc Channel
Intel Throughput Enhance
Mixed mode protection
Power Management
Preamble Mode
Roaming Aggressiveness
Transmit Power
Wireless Mode

Are there any of these settings which are important, or could be restricting its range?

[D2011]

Quote:

Ad Hoc Channel
Intel Throughput Enhance
Mixed mode protection
Power Management
Preamble Mode
Roaming Aggressiveness
Transmit Power
Wireless Mode

Are there any of these settings which are important, or could be restricting its range?

Yes. Is there something that switches it from "Ad Hoc" to "Infrastructure".
Your runs mixed mode (802.11 a & g) so mixed mode is preferd to be on, but shouldnt matter as it can take both.

Roaming agressive & throughput enhance leave on.

Wireless mode: what is the options?

D2011