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Topic: wireless router ques |
Ron Victoria
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 8 Jul 2009 10:17 am |
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This may be a silly question but here goes. I bought a wireless router so I can use my laptop in another room. My desktop uses DSL. I didn't open the box yet but assume the Ethernet cable goes into it and it transmits. How will my desktop get the signal? Does the wireless unit have an output jack for the ethernet to feed my desktop?
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Greg Cutshaw
From:
Corry, PA, USA
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Posted 8 Jul 2009 12:30 pm
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Your DSL modem will connect to the router via an ethernet cable. Your router should have 4 hardwired ethernet connections in addition to the wireless connection. Just plug an ethernet cable into one of the router's hardwired ports and then into your desktop computer. Your laptop will use the wireless connection to the router and you're all set.
Greg |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 8 Jul 2009 1:12 pm
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If only it is that simple! Maybe it will be, but be prepared to run the CD that accompanies the router before you plug it into the computer, or activate the wireless features. The CD will need to be run on the remote PC, which appears to be the laptop in this case.
Any Ethernet connections should be straight forward, between the router and PCs. You will need to restart the PCs to get rid of the old DSL IP address and obtain the new router IP and subnet. Make sure you have good new Ethernet cables to start with.
The correct hookup process is as follows:
- Disconnect the modem and router.
- Turn off the PC, router and modem.
- Turn on the power to the modem and let it stabilize.
- Connect the modem Ethernet output to the ("WAN" or "DSL" or "Cable" or "Modem") signal input jack on the back of the router.
- Turn on/plug in the router and let it's lights stabilize.
- Connect the router to the PC (PC is OFF), with an Ethernet cable, using the same Ethernet port you used before for the modem to the PC.
- Turn on the PC and boot into Windows.
- Look for the Networking icon in the System Tray, indicating a good or bad Ethernet connection.
- Try browsing to a website on the PC. If it loads, that computer is all set, except for the firewall and security program recognition of new hookup.
- If no Internet, but the Internet light is on, on the modem, open a Command prompt and in the RUN box, type: CMD and press Enter.
- In the Command window that opens, type these commands:
- IPCONFIG /RELEASE (press Enter)
- IPCONFIG /RENEW (press Enter)
- IPCONFIG /ALL (press Enter)
- You should now see a list of the IP address of the computer adapter and the Gateway IP of the router. Consult the router's manual to find the default IP address.
- If there is still no Internet, even though you are receiving a correct IP address from the new router, it may not yet recognize the modem, or visa-versa. Unplug the power cords to the router and modem again. Wait a minute, then plug in the modem power, wait a minute, then plug in the router's power cable.
- Try the Internet again. If still nothing loads, your firewall may be blocking the new Ethernet connection and needs to be taught to allow it.
After you get the Ethernet connection working you can move on to the wireless connections. Read the manual! Install whatever the CD says you need to install, then try to connect to the router wirelessly. Apply security measures the minute you get connected! This starts with setting a good Administrator login password and disabling dangerous features. Read my sticky post about wireless security near the top of this forum's topics.
I have an in depth article about networking Windows PCs and routers, on my About Networking page.
If you have problems getting the wireless section to see the laptop, and visa-versa, you can either hash it out here, or send me an email requesting personal consulting and assistance. Be sure to RTFM before asking questions in forums.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Greg Cutshaw
From:
Corry, PA, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2009 4:43 am
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Wow! I just installed two wireless routers. Unlike the old days where you had to manually type in all the IP addresses, they were a snap. In about 10 minutes I had my hard wired desktop, a PS3 and a Wii all communicating with my Belkin N+ router. I did run the CD on the desktop and that saved me having to manually type in anything.
On my son's router, I just plugged in the router and and it showed on the laptop's wireless list (along with all the other wireless router;s in range), and voila! it's running.
I am sure if you want to prevent others from accessing your wireless router there will be a few more steps.
Greg |
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Cal Sharp
From:
the farm in Kornfield Kounty, TN
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Posted 9 Jul 2009 5:06 am
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After I get the router hooked up I just type its default IP address into a browser and set it up from there. 192.168.1.1 for a Linksys, for example.
_________________
C#
Me: Steel Guitar Madness
Latest ebook: Steel Guitar Insanity
Custom Made Covers for Steel Guitars & Amps at Sharp Covers Nashville |
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Leroy Riggs
From:
Looney Tunes, R.I.P.
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Posted 9 Jul 2009 6:34 am
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I hate routers, essential as they are. I've had more problems with routers than any other computer entity. There is nothing intuitive about them unless you have some basic computer skill. Even if you do understand computers, they can be difficult.
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_________________
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
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Greg Cutshaw
From:
Corry, PA, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2009 8:28 am
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I started using routers just because they have a great firewall built in. So I turn off the Trend Micro and Windows firewall and all of their annoying program blocks. It's important if yu have a braodband connection to have something like a router device with a firewall between you and the net!
Greg |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2009 9:28 am
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| Greg Cutshaw wrote: |
I started using routers just because they have a great firewall built in. So I turn off the Trend Micro and Windows firewall and all of their annoying program blocks...
Greg |
If you are solely relying on a hardware firewall to protect your LAN, you are in danger. While a router with a firewall does block unsolicited incoming traffic, it does nothing to stop outbound communications from stealthily acquired backdoors (you don't know are there). A two way firewall can block unknown outbound communications, until you approve them. Further, a router can be hacked if your security isn't up to snuff. Once a router has been pwned your entire Interwebs usage is compromised.
Typical attacks targeting routers include UPnP, Remote Administration, File Sharing Ports, IM ports, default Administrator passwords, default IP addresses, port 113 Indent, printer ports and more. These attacks can come from email or web page scripts, downloaded threats, or worms from afar.
Wireless routers are also targeted for lack of WPA2 encryption to connect to its SSID. Once connected, other weaknesses are explored.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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