Need help to use a Linksys BEFW11S4 with a Zyxel 642 DSL Modem 2

[CDTrader]

I just purchased this router to make a small wireless network at my home. The only problem is that it is not seeing the Internet connection, although I'm getting the IP's and DNS's from my ISP with the ipconfig/all command.

Please help me as a newbie regarding network connections as I am. Thanks!

-CD Trader

 

[Shocker]

CDTrader,

Please give more info regarding your network like what is the network configuration. How many wireless computers? What is your operating system? What is the model of the network card? What is the model of your access point? Any error messages if there is any? Are you running Infrastructure or Adhoc mode?

Thanks

 

[bcastner]

There are several models of the modem, including some that are in fact routers. No matter what, you need to place the modem into a pure bridge mode and let the Linksys handle the authentication duties with your DSL ISP:

1. First connect your modem to your computer with the cable that came with it.

2. Then go to Start > Run, then type "Telnet 192.168.1.1" then click ok.

3. You will then be prompted for a password. Enter "1234" You will now be in the modems main menu.

4. Now do the following:

5. Main Menu. Select Option 1, then choose ROUTE IP=NO and BRIDGE=YES.
(Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and the spacebar to change the values)
Move cursor to "Press ENTER to Confirm or ESC to Cancel:" Press enter to save.

6. Main Menu. Select option 4 and change the "Encapsulation" to "RFC 1483".

7. Main Menu. Select Option 11, then option 1. Choose ROUTE=NO and BRIDGE=YES.
(Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and the spacebar to change the values)
Move cursor to "Press ENTER to Confirm or ESC to Cancel:" Press enter to save.

8. Be sure to hit Enter and not Esc after you make your changes!

9. Main Menu. Select Option 99 (exit)

10. Shut your computer down.

11. Now connect your modem to your routers WAN port and your computer to one of it's LAN ports.

12. Start your computer and open your web browser and enter you routers set-up menu (with a Linksys, you would enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar and use "admin" for a password. Check your router's documentation).

13. In the router's menu select PPPoE login and enter you user name and password that you set up with Sprint.

14. Save the changes in your router's menu and exit out.

Your computers should be set to obtain an IP address automaticly.

 

[bcastner]

Particularly if you the Version 4 of this router, upgrade your router firmware:

For the BEFW11S4 V.4 (note: Not V2 or V3) you really must get the new update: befw11s4v4-fw-1453.zip
This is dated July 29,2003
You can get it here: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/befsr41/

The BEFW11S4 V.3 firmware is also quite good. This is date August 6, 2003 Same link as above.

 

[CDTrader]

Thanks for all the tips. ;-)

First, you're right, Shocker.... I forgot to include the details. Sorry for that. I strated this thread from my office and I wrote it in a bit of hurry...

How many wireless computers?
At the moment are three: 2 desktops and one laptop. One of the desktops will be connected directly to the Router, the other two using Wireless cards (802.11b compliant)

What is your operating system?
The main desktop has XP pro, the other two XP Home.

What is the model of the network card?
On the computer that will be connected to the Router is a Realtek RTL8139.

What is the model of your access point?

I mentioned that in the subject of this thread... is a Linksys BEFW11S4.

Any error messages if there is any?
is something like "the router can't find the Internet connection"

Are you running Infrastructure or Adhoc mode?
Don't know what is one thing or the other so I can't answer this...

bcastner:

Thanks for all the tips. My connection is with prtc.net, an ISP in Puerto Rico and not with Sprint. When I changed the settings as you suggested, I just lost completely the Internet connection. I had to restore the settings back to gain access again.

I'll try with the new firmware... hope that helps.

-CD Trader

 

[bcastner]

Just do not do step #6. You need to put the modem into bridge mode.

 

[CDTrader]

And why I also lost connection if I set Route=none? Actually is set to Route=IP.

-CD Trader

 

[CDTrader]

Last question was referred to step#7.

Thanks

 

[bcastner]

We must be looking at different routers or differnt firmware models.

The CLI instructions I read from the Zyxel site recommended, as I did that the router function be disabled as I suggested above in steps #5 and #7 to place the router in bridge mode.

I am sorry if they did not work for you, but if you in Step #7 still enable the IP routing you most certainly will not be in bridge mode.

 

[CDTrader]

Another thing that I did not mentioned is that on Step #5 I never found an option for the router... only an "IPCP bridge= Yes" option that already was like that so on Menu #1 I never changed anything

 

[smylies]

Access the setup page of the router (192.168.1.1) and change the LAN ip address to 192.168.2.1...as soon as you get "Page cannot be displayed", restart your computer and you should be online

 

[CDTrader]

It worked!!! It was so simple... an IP conflict between the router and the modem... both had the same IP and even noticing it, I did not believed that was the problem.

Thanks for your help, guys! I discovered this site looking for help using Google and now it will be one of my favorites! ;-)

-CD Trader

 

[CDTrader]

One last question... is there a way to maximize the transmission range of the two antennas of this wi-fi Router?? I mean, how do I place them? upright? to the left? on opposite directions? etc??

I had tested the range with my laptop moving through my house and it seems to not exceed 35-40 ft... I believed the typical range shall be around 100 ft. One of the objectives I want to achieve with this Wireless LAN is to reach my brother's appartment located at the 2 level of my house (his computer's distance from the router shall be around 40-45 ft)

-CD Trader

 

[bcastner]

The antennas are "Diversity" antennas, meaning that the router decides for a given client which antenna has the highest signal to noise ratio at a given time.

Moving the router verticly, even inches, can make a huge difference.

Having said that, I usually point on antenna straight-up sort-of, angled slightly towards the center of the coverage area; the other antenna I put at 90 degrees so that it is parallel to the floor.

I also often use the Michael Erskine antenna trick, using shirt cardboard and a glue stick. I use the "EZ-12" with your model router:

http://www.freeantennas.com/

Another reference with discussion and pictures:

http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template/index.html