[Archive] Wireless network issues

Archive [Archive] Off-Topic Discussion
1

Grimstonefire:

Stupid wireless network :mad

Having real troubles connecting my laptop to the internet via a wireless modem router.

My laptop supposedly has intel centrino, which if I understand correctly means it also has a built in wireless adapter.

I can’t seem to configure my router settings to get it to work, though I do get the green light to say it would work…

There’s me thinking painting NMM was hard :mad

Anyone got any ideas? I guess the router maufacturers’ website would be a good place to start.

2

torn:

your getting a green light on the modem saying a computer is connected to the network? if you are something is blocking you from the inside. open up a web browser, go to your routers url (usually htp://192.168.0.1 or thereabouts) and follow the instructions on there.

If the green light isnt showing for a computer connected to modem the the network card is either not switched on, not installed properly, or not existing.

I used to work for an internet technical support department, so hopefully i can be of some help.

3

cornixt:

Could be a firewall problem. Can the laptop see the router or the network at all?

4

torn:

firewalls can stop it, and sometimes antivirus if it is set too high. norton can be a pain i usually delete it off everything straight away and replace it with zonealarm

5

Hashut’s Blessing:

My laptop dislikes connecting to the internet in my house, but not in other wireless areas, so try it in a different area to check. Also, trying switching the WiFi catcher off and on again as that sometimes work. If that fails, unplug the wireless emitter for 10 seconds, plug it back in, disconnect from the network, reconnect to it. You may not even be on the correct network. Make sure you have no other WiFi catching device installed or plugged in as well as it can interfere. Your WiFi catcher may not be compatible with Vista (if that’s what you have) or some piece of hard/software you have. Hope this helps…

6

Grimstonefire:

I made some progress last night.

I used a dial up connection to download an update for my router, then did a hard reset (button on back).  This seemed to work as I can now connect to IE using it, but not my ISP…

Is there an issue with conflicting IP addresses and ISP’s?

I don’t really know much about IP addresses.

Do Routers normally have their own firewall settings? I also have Norton 360.

7

cornixt:

Your last line shows the problem! Norton is horrible, but if you want to keep it then you’ll have to find out how to let your router through your firewall. It will probably have the IP address of http://192.168.2.1/

8

torn:

yeah id get rid of norton, there are so many others out there that are better and dont mess your system up.

for one thing when your payed/free period on norton runs out it blocks all your internet access unless you pay/remove it.

9

Grish:

I made some progress last night.

I used a dial up connection to download an update for my router, then did a hard reset (button on back). This seemed to work as I can now connect to IE using it, but not my ISP...

Is there an issue with conflicting IP addresses and ISP's?

I don't really know much about IP addresses.

Do Routers normally have their own firewall settings? I also have Norton 360.

Grimstonefire
Unsure what you mean. Connect to IE but not your ISP? Must be confused with the terminology.
I doubt it is your Norton. If it was, it'd be blocking in other sites most likely. Norton is fine, if a bit resource intensive and invasive.

What operating system are you using? Windows XP? Vista?
What type of Router do you have? Is this a new problem? Did it just 'stop working' one day? Can other computers connect through your router? If yes, do they have to be plugged in with an RJ45 (Network cord) or is it purely a WiFi problem?

Steps to troubleshoot:
1) Connect directly by cord to your modem. See if you can connect through this. If you cannot, reset your modem. If it is cable, you will have to call up your ISP and get them to reset your cable box as you have a new computer plugged into it and it needs to rebind to the new MAC address.

2) if that goes well, attach the router, reset your modem again. Call up your ISP again if it's cable you have. If it's DSL rebooting should do the trick (leave power off for 10 seconds to let the capacitors discharge). Connect by cord to your router. Set up your router (run software or whatnot).

3) If you can connect to the internet by cord, then you can safely say it is an issue with the WiFi on the router, or a setting on your computer to connect to the WiFi. Checklist: Plug into the router via cord. Check the SSID. Check security settings (none, WPA, WPA2, keys, data encryption method). Check signal strength.

It also helps sometimes to have another computer check the same step, in case it is a strange issue with the hardware/software.

There is a ton of advice I can give you, and step by step instructions. My initial advice is to start small: get rid of the router, plug directly into the modem. Try a different computer. See if the issue is with your computer, or the modem. If it is neither, move up to the router. Check with your computer and another one. See if the issue is with the router.

If you have access to some kind of IM service (MSN, Yahoo messenger) I can be reached on it. PM me for details.
10

Grimstonefire:

I’ll be a little busy for a while to attempt any of that, but I’ll have a go and let you know how I get on.

11

Grish:

If you have 2 computers, and one is working at home, the best is if you log on to one computer so that you can ask questions while trying different things.

Computers are tricky beasts.

To answer some other questions:

My laptop supposedly has intel centrino, which if I understand correctly means it also has a built in wireless adapter.
-All this indicates is the processor and chipset must fit a certain criteria. Centrino’s are geared towards a long-lasting battery life (and somewhat performance), that’s it. They ‘go faster’ when needed and ‘slow down’ if your computer isn’t doing much. This helps the battery life. I do believe that wireless adapters come standard ever since they were released.

can’t seem to configure my router settings to get it to work, though I do get the green light to say it would work…
-Green light on the modem or the router? If it’s the router, it probably means it’s connecting to the modem.

Important pieces of information:
Laptop make and model. Example, Dell Latitude D820. This will let me know what hardware you have (barring options). If you remember where you bought it and with what options that would be a bonus.
Router make and model. Example, Linksys WT54g.

If you’re trying to connect a N wireless card to a B Router… well good luck lol. I know they’re supposed to be compatible, but have not played around with them yet.

12

Grish:

So did this get resolved Grey?