First time Linksys wireless installation - unknown parameters required

Question

I'm just trying to install my new Linksys router with my new Dimension 5000 - I've got all the wires connected, and following the CD supplied.   But I get to the installation page where I need to enter about 5 different parameters and the only one I know is the IP address.   What are those other ones and how do I find them ?   I do have all the bits for the other two computers to be networked - all new.   ( I did have NetLogic around at first to install the wireless connection along with my new machine but because I was short of one wire they didn't complete it. They don't seem that eager to come back either, thats why I resort to this forum to try to sort it myself).   Thanks.

jmwills · Answer

You'd been better off in the wireless forum, but since you are here, try this link.  Sub WPA for WEP. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277020,00.asp

davowolf · Answer

Thanks for that JM. I've looked throught the pcmag pages you linked me to and they're very helpful - I must be quite low down on the learning curve 'cause I picked up a lot I didn't know before; at my level thats not hard.   The other thing I did on a practical note was to try to install the Linksys again (Linksys Wireless-G 54mbps Broadband Router) and let it do it automatically this time. Before I must have opted to put in the parameters manually and ran into trouble because I didn't know what these parameters were. (And still don't).   Anyway it ended up not being successful even now by saying it couldn't make a connection.   I then ooked at the remote computers and they, despite this, did seem to recognise they were part of a network - offered some set up pages - but still no connection.   What I need is a step by step series of instructions. Can anyone do this for me to follow ?   This is just why I paid Dell to employ the NetLogic folk to install this wireless network when my new computer was installed. They happily took my money but never delivered the service. I was a lead short - they don't carry leads !! - and visit only once. So tough on the customer eh !

jmwills · Answer

Basically there are three settings you need to be concerned about. First, is the name of the network (SSID), chnage it to something else other than Linksys. Secondly, and some people disagree on this, is to disable the SSID broadcast. Yes, with certain tools you can still see it but it keeps the neighbors kids away.

Thirdly, use a pass phrase of at least 12 characters with upper & lower case letters along with numbers and special characters (&*%).

The fourth is optional, is to use MAC filtering which allows on the MAC address you specify to connect. Yes, MAC addresses can be spoofed but again someone really wants to hurt you if they do that. A fifth would be to set the DHCP scope to one address and that really locks you down.

davowolf · Answer

Massively useful advice JM - and when I'm up and running I'll certainly put all that into action; certainly can't have the neighbours kids listening in !

But JM that all has to be for another day. I'm stuck on ground level, square one, infants class and first grade (as you would say...).

Assume I know absolutely nothing, a network and wireless virgin; take me from the bottom in slow, step by step fashion.

Perhaps a numbered list of things to do as I sit down in front of the screen of my Dim 5000 and with the router in front of me; but assume wired together.....and with the Linksys CD in the drive......

So now what do I do next, to get these computers talking ??

jmwills · Answer

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

First time Linksys wireless installation - unknown parameters required

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