General Wireless LAN Question

[DCCoolBreeze]

OK. Why can I not browse the computers (or even see) on my network when I use the wireless connection on my router? I can browse when I connect through one of the RJ-45 ports.

 

[bcastner]

Assuming you have "Obtain an IP address automaticly" enabled in both circumstances: wired and wireless, and hence, not a static IP, the issue is one of tcp/ip property differences, and name resolution issues.

1. Make certain under the Advanced button, WINS tab, that you have "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP" checked for both your wired and wireless connections; that Netbios is the default protocal in both settings; that no other protocal is used in either setting (IPX or Netbui); and that without error you can do an Ipconfig /release, Ipconfig /renew sequence from the worksation.

If any of the above is not exactly right, your issue is a likely result.

2. If you find yourself going back and forth with a logon to a Workgroup with Netbios as the name resolution under Windows, you really should consider using Netbui for all clients, XP or pre-XP. Or disabling the "Computer Browser" service under this laptop. Or both.

I suspect you are confounding name resolution through traditional Browser services with all this testing.

If it is a test of Netbt, then make it a fair test by specifying the Master Browser, secondary Backup Browsers, and disabling the ability of clients to assert their own notion of being Master.

If this is a regular, and practical matter, disable Computer Browser service on the laptop, and possibly implement Netbui Workgroup-wide to simplify matters.

Forum member Bob Lin has written extensively on this issue, and I recommend strongly you look at his Troubleshooting site under "Browser Issues":

http://www.chicagotech.net/

 

[DCCoolBreeze]

Thanks for the help! I tried several things including what you suggested...still cannot see me other computers from the wireless connection. I can ping the ip address but I cannot ping the computer name or see the computer name in the browser. Again...if I remove my PCMIA (or whatever it is called) from the slot and plug an actual RJ-45 network cable into the laptop whose cable is connected to the wireless router, I can see everything. Incuding my other laptop working under a wireless connection.

I have setup each computer under a workgroup named WASHINGTON. My laptops (wireless connections to the network) using DHCP. My printer and my desktop I have connected via RJ-45 and they have static IP's.

I have set NETBIOS over TCPIP set. I have file and printer sharing set.

Again. Why can I see my computers while connected to the router via RJ-45 but not see them connected via wireless. I am using a D-Link router

 

[smylies]

Make sure that there isn't any firewall installed in any of the computers. Internet Connection Firewall installed in Windows XP must disabled for the wireless network connection.

 

[DCCoolBreeze]

No firewalls and al XP firewalls disabled but still not luck

 

[smylies]

What are the operating systems of your computers? If it's a combination of winXP and other OS like Win98/ME...run WinXP's network wizard to setup a small home and office network and create a network setup disk. Run that disk to other computers

 

[DCCoolBreeze]

The OS'es are all XP. It is interesting because I have no problems seeing each workstation from the "wired" connections. It is just when I use wireless that I cannot see any of the other workstations. Oh yes. I can ping the IP addresses successfully from the wireless connection