Need Help with Wireless Network Equipment Configuration and WPA2

Question

Hi,
I am having problems setting up a wireless network. The equipment I have is: A DSL Modem/Gateway (Westell 327W) which is a wireless Modem/Router supplied by my ISP - Verizon. I would like to set this up with WPA2 Security, but when I contacted Verizon Suppont for firmware upgrade, they gave me a Westell toll free number, but as I reach Westell at that number it says Verizon customers are to contact Verizon. I have sent an e-mail support request to Verizon, no response yet.
1) In the meantime I also have a D-Link DI-624 Router; would it be possible to put this between my computers and the Westell 327W for wifi access through the D-Link (with WPA2)?
2) If this is possible, how would I configure (neutralize) the wifi of the Westell so the neighborhood could not use it?
3) How would my computers distinguish between the Westell and the D-Link for wifi access?
I am currently using ethernet connections to the Westell Gateway for both my systems (wires stretched across the room).
I am sure these questions convey my lack of knowledge of Wireless Network Connections; I know just enough to mess things up real good.
Thank you all for your every consideration.

try2help · Answer

There's no need to use an additional router with your Westell 327W. It's a DSL modem/router/switch/wireless access point all in one box.   To set it up, go to your 'launch modem' or 327W home page (you must have an active DSL connection for this to work) and log in so your DSL is up and running. Sounds like you already have this working.   While ethernet hard-wired to your 327W home page, select the 'Wireless' button and then select 'Configuration'.   Enable 'Wireless Operation'. Give your network a name, or leave it at the default. Select a channel. 6 is the default. Select 'Mixed' mode and leave '4X Support' and 'Hide SSID' disabled.   Under 'Wireless Security' select 'WPA-PSK'. Make up a passphrase for 'WPA Shared Key'. 12-16 letters and numbers only. You'll type this in each time you log into the network from one of your computers. Leave the WPA Interval at 3600. Leave MAC Filtering disabled. BE SURE TO SAVE YOUR SETTINGS. Your modem will reset and your page will display a successful reset.   Quit Explorer and Disconnect your ethernet cables. Restart your computer. Connect to your network using your passphrase.   Now, you'll have as secure a network as your 327W can provide for you which is about as good as using the D-Link. You don't need the additional router and by trying to use it you will introduce additional problems while using the 327W. Nobody can get on your network unless they're dedicated hackers or have your passphrase.   Don't bother emailing Westell for anything. Verizon modifies the firmware and they are effectively your modem manufacturer. They provide periodic firmware updates and your 327W defaults to automatically update when they're available.   Report back whether you were successful, okay?

rjmat · Answer

Hi Try2help, Thank you very much for your prompt reply.  I don't have the time to follow your instructions tonight, and unfortunately I will be out most of tomorrow, but if I can get to it tomorrow evening or thursday afternoon/evening for sure I will post back afterwards. Just two more questions. 1) I have made attempts to set this up before, do I need to 'reset' back to default settings? 2) Also pardon my stupidity, (I'll soon be 70 years old and systems are failing) but I'm not sure I understand 'To set it up, go to your 'launch modem' or 327W home page'  would that be http://dslrouter or http://192.168.1.1? Thank you.

try2help · Answer

Before beginning above steps, I would do a modem reset to defaults by holding in the reset button on the back of the 327W for 15 seconds; power it off for 15 seconds; and power it back on.   You sure don't sound stupid so no pardons are necessary ;-). You are correct. Use http://dslrouter to get to the modem homepage after you launch Explorer. Use the IP address to set up for the first time after a modem reset.

rjmat · Answer

Hi Try2help, Thank you very much for your assistance. I am now sending this message wirelessly. The only thing I did different from your instructions is I enabled 'Hide SSID' because I understand that is an extra security feature. Just one more question; can I still hook up the ethernet cable if I want to be 'wired'? Thanks again.

try2help · Answer

Yes, you can connect via enet anytime you choose. Wireless will not be disabled, but wired enet will handle ALL traffic until you physically disconnect it at which time wireless will automatically resume.   Hiding SSID is fine as long as you or another authorized network computer don't need to log in. Having hidden the SSID you won't see the network to log in to. As long as you're the only user and you don't disconnect, you'll be okay. I leave mine enabled for convenience. I don't really buy that an experienced hacker who can defeat WEP or WPA cannot find your network just because you hid the SSID.   Glad you're up and running!

rjmat · Answer

Hi Try2help, Thanks again. if I have any problems with the sign on I can just disable 'Hide SSID'; can't I? Another gremlin has just appeared. I have read on this board that there is a critical update for the Intel 2200BG WIFI driver whichI have just downloaded from Dell Support; but I am also seeing that there could be problems if I install this critical update. It seems the people that got the download direct from Intel have no problems while the supposedly same update from Dell for Dell Systems has problems. What to do? What to do?

try2help · Answer

If your SSID is hidden and you are logged out and try to log back in, even you can't see the network. You can plug in over enet and unhide it 'til you re-log in and then hide it again........   I have a Dell card so I'm unfamiliar with the Intel update. I'd tend to stick with the Dell network card updates rather than Intel's direct anyway. Until you know more about the supposed problems with the Dell version why not stick with what you have? If it ain't broke......

rjmat · Answer

Hi, There is at least one problem that I am aware of; there is a memory leak. When I signed on ~two hrs. ago the mem Usage for the Intel wifi process was ~10,700K, it is now up to 31,844K and steadily rising. But, you're right I have no choice but to wait and see. Before I followed your instructions and went 'wireless', I had the wireless card 'disabled' because of the memory drain.

try2help · Answer

Well, if you can't live with what you have, go ahead and apply the Intel update. It certainly can't hurt anything and then you can go back to a Dell update in the future......

rjmat · Answer

Hi Try2help, Well I took the plunge and installed the Dell Intel 2200BG driver update and it did fix the memory drain and so far as I can tell has caused no other problems. So I guess I'm good to go. Thanks again for all your help and for sticking by me.

rjmat · Answer

Hi, wELL   Just ignore this one, it's and oops. Message Edited by rjmat on 09-22-2006 08:47 PM

try2help · Answer

You're very welcome.

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Need Help with Wireless Network Equipment Configuration and WPA2

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