Need help with wireless network problem!

Question

I am helping a friend set up a wireless network in her home to share a cable broadband connection. Here is the scenario: My friend's new Dell desktop is connected to a Linksys BEFW11S4 broadband router, which sits betwen the Dell and the cable modem. I have also installed a Linksys WUSB11 network adapter to one of the computer's USB ports. I am able to access the Internet fine from this computer, which is not surprising since it is connected to the router with an ethernet cable. I have installed Linksys WDT11 PCI Instant Wireless adapters in each of the other machines -- an older Dell desktop recently upgraded to Windows XP and an HP Pavillion also running XP. On both of the other machines, they can see the wireless network, but I cannot access the Internet from either one. When I run the configuration utility or check the My Network Places, both show having strong signals from the router, but I just can't hop onto the Internet. What am I doing wrong? Is there some piece of configuration that I'm missing? I have set an SSID on the router and then configured the other computers to look for the 'ANY' SSID, which is supposed to allow them to access any available network. I have been over all the configs several times and can't figure out what I'm missing...

ecd1211 · Answer

Yes, both of the other computers get their own IP addresses. Is that what you mean?

Please bear in mind that I am by no means an expert on home networking. I even bought "Wireless Networking for Dummies," but, apparently, I am even beyond that level of help...

ecd1211 · Answer

Yes, that's exactly what I'm getting...

mjhns2 · Answer

What are the IP they are getting. They should be 192.168.1.101 and 192.168.1.102 (or something very close to that) or are you getting 169.XXX.XXX.XXX?

mjhns2 · Answer

Do they at least get an IP?

ecd1211 · Answer

Well, I know that the client computers are connecting to the proper network -- I can check the network status and see that the network I created is the only one available and the active network. I gave the wireless network my friend's last name and that's the network name that shows up in the config utility/Network Connections on the other two computers...

ecd1211 · Answer

Well, I know the modem is connected to the router because I can access the Internet on the main machine -- the router sits between the modem and that machine.

I'm stumped -- everything looks right, but it just won't work...

mjhns2 · Answer

Whats the IP of the dell desktop?

ecd1211 · Answer

Oh, sorry, I'm getting 192.168.1.101, etc.

mjhns2 · Answer

which one 192 or 169?

ecd1211 · Answer

Well, I'm not sitting in front of the computer now -- it's at another house. However, I took some notes and I think that the primary machine (i.e., the one connected to the router) is .101. I know that the other Dell is .102...

mjhns2 · Answer

Next time you see the computers/router... check the IP of the desktop, it should be 192....

Then log on to the router

Click -> status -> DHCP client table

You should see all the computers... If you dont see them check the wireless computers to see what router they are logging on to

mjhns2 · Answer

It almost sounds like the router isnt connected to the cable modem. I'd have too look at it to give you a better guess. Sorry wasnt much help

PolarOrbit · Answer

As previously mentioned, make sure all computers and the router have addresses on the same subnet. Can the computers see each other? If so, you know you are connecting okay. Double check your default gateway and DNS settings. Since you have one system working you can compare the others to it.

wblanchard · Answer

Here is another thing to check:  On the 2 computers running XP - Go to Start > Run > and type services.msc.  Scroll down and make sure the Wireless Zero Configuration is set to automatic.  Also, make sure you have downloaded all the Windows XP updates pertaining to wireless networking.  Good luck. Message Edited by wblanchard on 02-08-2004 11:08 PM

yodadaddy · Answer

Did you get it fixed yet?

I had the same problem with my laptop and desktop running W2K using a DLink router with a generic pcm card and ended up going through the internet setup wizard selecting web access via a LAN and I got access on my laptop. The DLINK tsupport said I should just open IE and I should have access, but nooooooo.

I wouldn't know what a problem would look like it one arose, but I do get the web, have downloaded MS files at 60k and can bid on eBay effectively.

You should also call Linksys, they should have 24/7 support.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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