Problems with the intial set up for Linksys compact router (WRT54GC)

Question

I just purchased the Linksys compact router listed above. In the initial set-up page the user ID spacing doesn't allow me to input my full logon (which is my e-mail address). My internet provider says this is a common problem with Linksys, but Linksys says this is a login problem through my internet provider. My DSL modem works fine without the router, which obviously means my login to DSL is fine. Is there any way, that I can use this router without having to change my user ID??? Please help...I've had my laptap for a couple of months now and cannot use it in my home unless I'm directly connected to the modem. What's the point in having wireless if I can't utilize it???

obannon · Answer

yes, my firmware is up to date and I am using the set up CD. The problem is the my ISP login ID is one letter longer thant the space provided (tkobannon@ameritech.net). It leaves off the "t", therefore the login ID via router is incorrect.

esquire · Answer

Is your router firmware up-to-date?   Are you logging on to your router to configure the firmware or are you using a setup CD?  You should see something similar to this if you are logged on to the firmware:

BBraxton · Answer

Just for kicks, does the following login work? ameritech	kobannon

obannon · Answer

I will have to check once I get home. Will advise tomorrow, thanks.

obannon · Answer

It didn't work!

_Paladin · Answer

obannon,   In the last few years SBC (formerly Ameritech) has been shipping the SpeedStream 5100 or 5100b or 4100 DSL modem to new DSL customers.  Those modems can be configured to perform the PPPoE themselves and then pass a public IP address to the client.  If you have one of those modems, you could configure the modem for PPPoE and then configure the router for Automatic Configuration - DHCP.  This may not be your case.  Since your ID is Ameritech.net you may have an older modem.   Here is a link to the AT&T - Midwest forum at BroadBandReports.com.  AT&T Midwest is, of course, the former SBC, which is the former Ameritech.  You may want to post there.  The FAQs in that link in the column on the left may be helpful.  The FAQs contain information about configuring the SpeedStream modems as well as older modems.

esquire · Answer

@obannon wrote:

yes, my firmware is up to date and I am using the set up CD. The problem is the my ISP login ID is one letter longer thant the space provided (tkobannon@ameritech.net). It leaves off the "t", therefore the login ID via router is incorrect.

Try logon to your router at http://192.168.1.1 to configure it instead of CD. If it still won't accept your broadband login ID, it is most definitely a Linksys problem. A friend of mine has a WRT54GC and his PPPoE login ID is 2 characters longer than yours but setup without using the CD.

Message Edited by esquire on 05-10-200609:18 AM

obannon · Answer

Thanks, but I've tried both the CD and IP address and neither works. I may have to contact my IP for a new modem that will automatically configure the logon.

obannon · Answer

It turns out I didin't have the latest firmware. Firmware version 1.02.8 supports up to 32 characters from the original which is 22. My user ID is 23 characters. I will download this evening and hopefully be on my way to using my 2 month old laptop. Thanks for your help!

esquire · Answer

Good luck with upgrading the firmware. Remember to upgrade using a LAN connection and not wireless.

Many people also advocate resetting the router to factory defaults (aka Hard reset, see below) before and after the firmware upgrade so as to clear out any remnant of the old.

http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=602

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Problems with the intial set up for Linksys compact router (WRT54GC)

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