Help for some DSL and router problems, please

Zeke · 05-06-2005, 04:01 PM

The computer I'm on right now is old and doesn't have an Ethernet port, only a couple of USBs. I run my DSL modem into the computer through one of those.

I bought a D-Link wireless and had nothing but trouble with that one and a second. So, BTDT. Now I have a NetGear gizmo that I'm going to hopefully use with multiple computers. One is a Dell laptop that is set up for the card. Good there. The other is a desk top that will use a wireless adapter through its USB.

BUT, the setup disk wants me to connect hard through an Ethernet port to get this all going. No can do and can't seem to find how to activate the wireless function of the router to get the other two online.

Ideas are appreciated and don't think I didn't go to the NetGear site to try to find out how to do this. I know many folks who have nothing but wireless in their homes.

I purchased a WGR614 v5. Did I get the right one, or one that will work anyway?

TIA, of course. Us old ****s need all the help we can get (in more ways than one, LOL )

BTW, you wanna hear the best? The spell checker actually would have corrected my little indiscretion there. Hoot!

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Zeke,

Just finished browsing through the Instruction manual for your Netgear router. Looks like you really need the wired LAN connection to the router from your pc so you can make the proper configuration settings.

According to step 3c, on page 2 of the instruction manual, you need to be connected to even enable the wireless feature.

This really shouldn't be a problem, because you can easily pick up a network card that would fit into your old computer at your local computer shop for $10 or $15. (I'd stay away from the CompUSA type stores, cuz they'll want to sell you a more expensive one.)

They're pretty simple to install, basically, just shut down the pc, open it up, find an open slot and plug in the card. Then, boot, load the drivers and you're finished. You should be able to connect right up.

Something else you can try.... Seeing as how you have to enable the wireless on the router, itself, this may not work, but I also saw that the default SSID for the wireless network is NETGEAR. You can try configuring the wirelless card on your laptop to connect to this SSID, but again, if the wireless network isn't enabled by default, you'll be outta luck. But, it doesn't cost anything to try.

My advice would be to try the wireless idea above first, and if that doesn't work, spring for the $25 or $30 for the LAN Card and Cable (Patch, not Crossover) and hook it up.

Randy

Zeke · 05-06-2005, 05:03 PM

Working on it now...........

stomachmonkey · 05-06-2005, 06:04 PM

Zeke,

Stupid question as I'm sure you checked but hey you never know, does the laptop have built in ethernet?

Scott

mikester · 05-06-2005, 06:35 PM

Yeah, that was my question. Zeke - if you can't get it working I'll be happy to come by sometime this week and do it for you. I'll be going down to Irvine from El Segundo all week so if need be I could stop by on the way home.

No problemo either - you've been plenty help to me in the past with advice.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

Milt,

I would be glad to help you set it up. Best idea is a PCI network card that you can install within a few minutes or get one of these - http://www.netgear.com/products/details/FA120.php, a USB network adapter. With the second option, run a network cable to it and this will get your network up and running so you can start using your wireless.

Chris

mikester · 05-06-2005, 07:55 PM

I've got extra network adapters, USB and PCI so I think I'm cool. Easiest thing though is for me to just bring my laptop with it's network card and wire in and configure it.

Halm · 05-07-2005, 04:38 AM

Another silly question: Does your DSL modem have an ethernet port? The BellSouth units I have seen use USB for power and data. If that is the case you will need to get your phone company to swap out for a different modem too.

Zeke · 05-07-2005, 03:12 PM

Thanks for all the help. The modem has both ports, the router only Ethernet. Can't use the router wireless only to set up and didn't want to set it up with the laptop, which is ethernet ready then switch over to setting it up to wireless. Why? Well, we had nothing but problems sicne the beginning with all of this starting with the D-Link.

I'm just gonna buy the card and hope I can put it in this old E Machines that has been working like a dog flawlessly for 6 years. Someone told me the thing won't even have an open slot for a card on the motherboard. If not, I'll put it in another tower I have.

I think I can do this, just wanted to do it without having to go back to the store. But, Iguess it's kinda like plumbing, you can't just go the the store once.

mikester · 05-07-2005, 04:28 PM

Zeke - if there isn't an open slot you can by a usb based ethernet adapter.

Zeke · 05-07-2005, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mikester
Zeke - if there isn't an open slot you can by a usb based ethernet adapter.

Excellent!! I can get that puppy at Radio Shack.