Struggling with a wireless access point 1

[dignick]

I recently bought one of these -

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132431/show_product_overview

- to use as a wireless access point for another device connected via ethernet. I managed to get it set up correctly, obtaining an ip address over wireless. It worked fine for a while, but when I had problems with the wireless network it was connected to it could not reconnect and needed reconfiguring. As the device could not connect to the wireless network it could not obtain an ip address even when connected to the router by ethernet (slightly odd). This means I can't access the device. I tried resetting it with the small button but this seems to only restart it (i.e the default settings don't work).
Is there anything else I can try to access this thing?

 

[G0AOZ]

Here's a few points to check:-

1). I presume the device is recognised by the router when an Ethernet cable links it to one of its ports, i.e. router port l.e.d. lights up.

2). Have you tried changing the Ethernet cable for a known good one?

3). Can you detect if the device is sending out wireless signals even though you cannot connect to it? I.e. My WiFi client software on my laptop will show me other networks, which channel they're on, and if they're encrypted or not. If you don't have this facility, get a copy of something like Netstumbler.

http://www.netstumbler.com

4). Sometimes you need to hold the reset button in for several seconds, (upto 10 maybe?).

5). I don't immediately see from the blurb about this device if it has a DHCP server within it - some of them do. If you attach your PC to it using an Ethernet cable, and set the PC to obtain its IP Address DYNAMICALLY, does it get an address?

6). I'd try this procedure for resetting. Turn power off to the device and leave it off for 5 minutes. Press and hold in the reset button, and THEN apply power to the device. Keeping holding it in for 10 seconds. Give the Access Point 3 or 4 minutes to configure it's ports, etc., then turn power off for 2 or 3 minutes. Now turn power back on and see if you can access it (by wire) using its default IP Address.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[dignick]

Thanks for such a helpful response, but I managed to get the device reconnected to the wireless network by changing the wireless network settings. The 'reset' button obviously doesn't reset the device, so I'll just have to hope it keeps working!

Thanks

 

[G0AOZ]

Ok, glad you've got it working, but that's a nuisance re the reset switch. I'll assume that because you bought it off e-bay you've got no guarantee with it. If so, might be worth opening it up to see if the reset switch is stuck, or could be replaced. I was once fooled by a stuck reset switch!

Good luck.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[marias0]

If the distance is ever an issue for you, you may want to get a better antennae. Here are some that may help you:

http://www.icpdas-usa.com/ant_8.html

http://www.icpdas-usa.com/ant_15.html

Best,
Maria Santella
Technical Sales Engineer
ICP DAS USA, Inc.

http://www.icpdas-usa.com