How to set up wireless router for laptop

Question

Hi all!   I am a new user to this site and to my Dell Inspiron 9300.  I am trying to set up a wireless router and am totally confused.  My internet hook up is through a Gateway 5.4 Mbsp Wireless DSL Gateway Modem (I have Qwest as my DSL provider and a local ISP).  My friend gave me her wireless router.  I tried following the steps given on the CD that came with the router, but am not getting it.  It says that I need to plug a blue LAN cord into my computer.  This is where I'm lost.  If I do that, how do I move about the house with my laptop?  I don't have the blue cord they're talking about, and don't want to go and purchase one if this setting does not work for a laptop.  Also, if I'm traveling with it, do I just do a search to find a wireless network?  HELP! Message Edited by blakvelvt on 01-15-2006 09:04 AM

lpatteson30 · Answer

Here are the problems/solutions I encountered in setting up my router. The main problem is that my router and network adapter had to be the same company. Too bad since I already had two network adapter cards...at least in my experience.

I purchased a linksys router with speed booster. (a cisco product). I ran the CD and followed every direction to no avail. I went online to the linksys site and they gave me a site to automatically set up my router to my laptop. All the directions I had seen were from router to desktop. What was confusing is the blue cable you refer to. The directions don't tell you that you have to set up the router to the laptop via the modem with the second cable. You would not be able to move about the house at that time. This is only for the router to be set to your laptop. After the router finds your laptop and the link is made then you unplug the cord from your router to the laptop and it will pick up wirelessly. This may be clear as mud and I will try to explain better if you do not get any help from this.

Run the CD from the router and the CD from your network card adapter first

Hook up router plugging the cable from the internet coming from your modem

Hook up your laptop from the router (should be several slots)

Insert your network card adapter and follow instructions.

Good Luck!

lpatteson30 · Answer

I just finished getting my router set up to my laptop. I purchased a linksys router with speed booster. I thought I had the wireless adapter in my computer (Dell Inspiron 6000). I had to purchase the linksys notebook card adapter to make it work. There seems to be some connection with the CISCO components.

blakvelvt · Answer

Thank you for your help!  Actually, I understand what you're saying.  My wireless card is already built into my computer.  I didn't understand the whole blue cord thing, but what you're saying makes sense.  Someone else has given me the same information.  I will try it when I get home this evening.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

How to set up wireless router for laptop

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