You sound like you are unfamiliar with wireless networking. The security key or passphrase is for your own wireless router for network security--also called WPA , so no one else can provide it. You set it up yourself when you set up the wireless router and connect your ISP's broadband modem. That is so no one else can tap into your wireless network. Do you have a wireless router? That usually comes with the necessary instructions. Try Vista Help and look up Networking. Also research wireless networking on the Internet. Many good sources there.

Hi Mary,

 

Thanks for responding. You are right I am not an,"IT" guy. Fact is though  I was told by someone at cingular that a, "Router" was not required with this 5510 Wireless express card. It would seem if the solution is as simple as you describe it that certainly someone at Dell or Cingular would have told me the same thing (They didn't) and short of a tech providing at least the basic steps I must follow I would be concerned that I may actually cause more harm than good. Then I own the computer for sure!

 

A little guidance through thier tech support would be really helpful.It also seems that paying this kind of money would allow for a bit more support. Until you posted today (thank you) none of the ,"Pro's could shed any light. Guess I need to spend another day away from work trying to find out if this actually requires a router. The purpose of the card was ostensibly to make me completely mobile.

 

Carrying a router around all day in sales seems a bit cumbersome. If that is what I must do so be it but in that case wouldn't you think the Dell sales rep would indicate that I would be needing one at point of sale. I appreciate your help and will do the research you suggest however it really should be this much of a pain and someone should be able to provide the definitive answer. This is how to correct your problem etc. Thanks again! Any other assistance you might be willing to lend would be greatly appreciated. All the best.

Both Mary and Orion do not understand that you are trying to connect to the Cingular broadband service.  This is not normal WiFi and does not require a router.  It is broadband service through the cell phone network.  If Cingular cannot solve this problem, then there is something competely lacking.  It is, after all, their service and they are charging you a good deal of money for your subscription.  Dell sold you the broadband card.  Cingular provides the service.  How can you expect Dell to solve a problem that is clearly related to the service provided by Cingular?  Call Cingular and get them to fix it.  It is their responsibility.

 

Steve