Can't get wireless pc to connect in home network 1

[netcert]

I've had a wireless home network for a few years now using laptops but recently when i tried putting a wireless card in my pc (Win XP), the card installs but won't connect to the router/internet.

I can use a network card and physically plug it in with cat5 cables and it works just fine. Yes, my pc is right beside the router so distance/signal shouldn't be an issue.

I am using WEP and my 2 laptops work just fine. I am stmuped as to what could be preventing it from connecting.

Rob

 

[G0AOZ]

A number of questions spring to mind...

Firstly, will assume you've thoroughly re-checked SSID, WEP etc., and that your new WiFi card is compatible with the existing network, i.e. 802.11b, g or a??

Are you using the software that came with the wireless card, or are you using XP's own Wireless Zero Config? Don't try to use both.

Any additional firewall software which may be allowing your wired connection through but blocking the new wireless card?

I presume the wireless setup shows the excellent signal that you ought to be receiving? XP shows a screen with vertical signal strength bars - card software will show it differently, but give some sort of indication.

Normally new cards will automatically "latch" onto the correct WiFi channel. Is yours perhaps trying to connect to a neighbour's wireless system?

Is your original setup with the 2 laptops using dynamic or static addresses? Make sure the settings for the card are the same. If dynamic, I assume the range of leased addresses is actually set to allow more than two I.P.s?

Well that's for starters...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[j0ckser]

Hi Roger (et al).

rather than start a new thread for my own situation, i'll join this one as your advice to netcert may be useable for me.

i have a dell latitude d600 with built in card; o/s = win2k pro. the card is a 'standard issue' intel for my machine and has worked wherever i go.

i have just moved into a new residential situation (rental) and i have a basement apartment. i would estime 30' between my wifi laptop and the d-link wireless router. the 'box' is a combination high speed modem (ADSL), wireless and wired router. my landlord has his computer connected directly and though he has the router p/w protected, he has given me access. my laptop is connected, but signal strength varies between 3-4 bars, never 5. i have noted in other situations that unless i have 5 bars, i get NOTHING. i have some flexibility about where to put my desk, but i'm wondering if there are other ways to boost the trasmitting signal strength, or improve my reception sensitivity.

i have yet to take my laptop closer to the signal to test that it will work. i'll need to return 'home' to try that, but would value any other ideas you might have in the meanwhile.

p.s. for my last rental situation, i had to provide my own wireless router. when i bought it the promotion included two usb 'thingies' (don't know tech name) that would provide any usb computer without a wireless card with wireless capability. might one of these be usefull?

per ardua ad astra

 

[G0AOZ]

Well I guess the 30' between your laptop and the wireless router is going to mean the signal has to go through several floors and probably some walls as well. First of all you'll need to try the laptop in different locations throughout your apartment and note the signal strength.

Ordinarily you'd expect a connection to be maintained even down to three bars, but remember these are just indications of signal level - they are not meant to accurately reflect the strength of the signal.

A USB WiFi adaptor might receive a better signal than your in-built wireless card. You will have to try installing it to see. If you try this option, then make sure you turn off or disable your in-built WiFi device first. Another option you have with a USB device is that you can attach it to an extension cable and place the device high up the wall close to the ceiling.

If you simply cannot get a decent connection then you're down to asking your landlord if he can increase the signal down to the basement by attaching a bigger antenna to his router. If this is not possible or you don't feel you can ask him, then how about of bit of D.I.Y.? (That's Do It Yourself !). Take a look at this and see if you can cobble together some sort of parabolic reflector which would increase the signal level. (The picture shows the antenna pointing horizontally to pick up a distant signal from the left. You would simply turn it through 90 degrees since your signal source is from above).

.

.

See also

http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/

This might at least give you a few ideas...


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[j0ckser]

[!]star to you roger for your thoughtfulness.[/!]

in the interim i have talked to mike and he recgonises the issue. he has only lived in the house for 6 weeks (just purchased) and aside from leaving an unsightly trail of wires, he is amenable to making such changes as might be necessary to assist me. his cordless phone base station is on the computer desk with the transitter not a foot away. there are a number of power cords on the floor also not a foot away and i can move my desk closer (about 5 feet). all of these may help. your endorsement of the idea of using the usb antenna is a big boost to me; i may need a usb hub as my laptop has only 2 ports (both full) but if it works, it will be well worth it.

..ttfn..

per ardua ad astra

 

[G0AOZ]

That's good your landlord recognises the difficulties...

If you go ahead with purchasing a USB hub, I'd suggest buying one with its own mains power unit, rather than the type which draws power through the USB connection. Power through the laptop USB port may be limited...

Here's another thought. This may not work if all the apartments in your building have their own individual meters measuring electric power consumed (for billing purposes etc.). But if your landlord has just the one meter in the building, how about a couple of Ethernet-over-Power adaptors. This system uses the mains power cabling within the building as a network. I have used these devices in the U.K. to very good effect where neither wireless nor cable will work or is acceptable.

Good luck.


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[j0ckser]

thanks roger.

i am in a house rather than apartment building.

i have heard of EOP adapters, but don't know about using them in Canada - electrical code may deny.

most of the hubs available to me are powered. the one i have at home works better without mains power - don't ask why 'cause i know not. if it ain't broke don't fix (fiddle with) it.

we made a number of changes last night - TO NO EFFECT (moved the cordless phone base; raised the transmitter away from power cords). i even took my laptop to about 7 feet from the trasmitter and still no joy (strength-100, quality 95-100) but no connection.

i have discussed this issue with ISP tech support and they are concerned about the transmission issue, so mike and i will work with them tonight to resolve. perhaps there is a problem with the router itself and it may need to be replaced.

per ardua ad astra

 

[G0AOZ]

As regards Ethernet-over-Power devices for Canada, this might be helpful:-

http://www.directdial.com/ca/shopbelkin/item/prod.asp?item=F5D4070

Ok on the USB hubs - not had a huge experience of them as most of my computers seem to have a bunch built-in. But as you say, if it works don't mess with it!

If you're not getting a connection between laptop and router 7 feet apart, then that looks like a different isssue. Does anyone else in the house have a laptop to confirm the WiFi part of your landlord's router is working ok?

Are you able to initially connect with an ethernet cable? That would be a good first step. Then check if he has any encryption enabled, and if yes, I'd suggest this is knocked off until you've established a good WiFi connection.

Make sure you're both using the same SSID. Is there any conflict with device speeds? They are usually downwardly compatible if one is 802.11b and the other 802.11g.

Does your laptop run any firewall software (e.g. Zone Alarm) as W2K doesn't have a built-in firewall like XP? Maybe the firewall needs configuring?

Check if the wireless part of the router has DHCP enabled, and also that your wireless network configuration is set for dynamic address rather than a fixed static one.

See how you go with that...


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[netcert]

1st - thanks for highjacking my thread 'j0ckser'....

2nd - Roger-

Thanks for your suggestions but all checks out.

-Card is compatible with network.
-I was using both until I read i shouldn't be. I then tried using it with and without the utility thaat came with the card, to no avail.
-i've turned off all anti-viral/firewall app's i can think of.
-it does show excellent strength
-I can see my neighbors unsecured signal (& have used it successfully) but just can't connect to my secured signal.
-it's set to dynamic and a range of 50 IP's.

Any other suggestions?

Rob

 

[G0AOZ]

Netcert, I suggest temporarily removing WEP whilst trying to get the XP machine to connect. Are you setting exactly the same SSID? Also confirm it's using the same channel, as an adjacent channel can give a signal reading at close proximity.

What make of WiFi card is it you're using?

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[j0ckser]

as a followup to my situation, i have managed to connect, but don't ask what i did 'cause i know not. the signal strength/quality have changed not a whit (~80/50), but now i can connect. to answer the queries you were so thoughtful to craft:

If you're not getting a connection between laptop and router 7 feet apart, then that looks like a different isssue. Does anyone else in the house have a laptop to confirm the WiFi part of your landlord's router is working ok?

no.

Are you able to initially connect with an ethernet cable? That would be a good first step. Then check if he has any encryption enabled, and if yes, I'd suggest this is knocked off until you've established a good WiFi connection.

yes (direct); no encryption

Make sure you're both using the same SSID. Is there any conflict with device speeds? They are usually downwardly compatible if one is 802.11b and the other 802.11g.

yes (ssid); no conflict

Does your laptop run any firewall software (e.g. Zone Alarm) as W2K doesn't have a built-in firewall like XP? Maybe the firewall needs configuring?

no

Check if the wireless part of the router has DHCP enabled, and also that your wireless network configuration is set for dynamic address rather than a fixed static one.

not enabled, dynamic.


that having been said, i ponder another solution and seek wisdom: the term 'repeater' comes to mind. what if i use my own wireless router (gigafast) connected by a network cable to one of the LAN ports on the original router? is it likely to set up interference or would it enhance the signal?

per ardua ad astra

 

[G0AOZ]

j0ckser, with apologies to netcert, very pleased to hear you've connected - well done!

I doubt you will be achieving much by cabling another router into the original one, and you may possibly end up making matters slightly worse!

Ordinarily one would place an AP set in repeater mode, approximately half way between the primary wireless AP and your computer(s). This "piggy in the middle" then does exactly what it says on the tin, i.e. repeats the signal of the primary AP, and also repeats back your returning computer signal.

Usually the AP being used as a repeater needs to be at least the same make as the originating equipment, which in this case would be the wireless router. It would also probably have to have the same firmware version. You would need to establish if the wireless router would in fact talk to the repeater, many don't. I have successfully made Linksys WAP54G's (APs) work together, and also D-Link DWL-900AP's, but I never got a Linksys WiFi router to talk to a WAP54G or any other AP.

Hope that helps...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[j0ckser]

'nother star for you roger. your insights are VERY helpful. thank you. i'll leave well enough alone for the nonce.

per ardua ad astra