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Original poster

what exactly am I doing wrong with my wireless connection?

16 replies

TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 18:51

We changed ISPs and this seems to be when the fun started.

We had to get a wireless USB adaptor with which I've successfully connected the laptop, PC and a joggler to but initial set up has only worked when I have connected an ethernet connection from the router to the device.

How can I connect other devices if they do not have a USB or ethernet port?

The connection is password protected by WEP but unable to connect using this password when not cabled up.

Any help would be appreciated.

OP posts:
NetworkGuy · 07/08/2010 19:52

First, may help to mention which ISP, and make and model of router.

Also, when you've connected via an ethernet cable, have you been able to use the router's control panel ?

Although it might sound daft, there's a chance that the wireless is disabled initially (considering the fiasco about Google Street View cars logging information from wireless networks while driving around, perhaps ISPs have opted to have this turned off by default, for those households who don't need wireless to be safe.

When you mention the connection is password protected by WEP, is there a chance you have been attempting to access a neighbour's network?

Some ISPs send out their routers with unique SSIDs (the beacon message announcing the network name), such as BT, TalkTalk, Be There, but some others just announce themselves with the same network name (so it is more difficult to know which "PlusnetWireless" is yours and which belongs to a neighbour, just as one example).

nannynick · 07/08/2010 20:03

Think lots more info is needed - such as which ISP, the router model (should be a panel or more than one panel on the router with some technical details on it). Is it a Wireless Router (so a router with built in WiFi) or is it more like a modem?

We had to get a wireless USB adaptor with which I've successfully connected the laptop, PC and a joggler to but initial set up has only worked when I have connected an ethernet connection from the router to the device.

I can't make sense of that. Where is the USB adaptor plugging into... the router?

Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 20:21

Router is DLink Dir- 615 wireless home router
USB wireless adaptor is netgear wn V2 - rangemax
ISP is Virgin

I am trying to connect to my network it shows other local wireless networks which are available.

The WEP key I have copied from the connection settings - when I cllick properties - Advanced security settings.

USB adaptor is usually connected to the home OPC as we didn't have a wireless doodah (I've reached my tech language limitationGrin)

The laptop consistently connects to internet but the PC connection is erratic.

But the connection seems to be coming from the USB - it's always the netgear icon which appears at start up.

Hope this helps - I feel I may have muddied the waters now!

Thanks for helping Smile

OP posts:
nannynick · 07/08/2010 20:41

So the laptop is working fine, it's just the PC which isn't always connecting.

Netgear WN111v2 I suspect may be the USB adaptor. Is that right?

The netgear icon appearing at startup on the PC I suspect is the adapter configuration utility. From having a quick read of the netgear troubleshooting docs, seems like using that utility rather than the MS Windows Wireless Configuration is generally better.

The icon should have a Green square in it... representing a good active connection. If it is Red or Orange then it's not working correctly... click on the icon to open the Configuration Utility Smart Wizard.
See if the settings status section of that gives any hints as to what may be wrong.

Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 21:11

Yes - it's green and has five bars. I've tried to open the wizard and it doesn't want to stay open on the screen. I've tried opening it from the startmenu and from the desktop but it only stays a metter of seconds.

It stays up on the PC and I was able to have a look there.

Do you think this is because the laptop has it's own wireless device and netgear is kind of piggybacking on top of the inbuilt system?

OP posts:
Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 21:16

Oh and just to be clear - I'm trying to connect 2 devices - I didn't pay much attention to the DS not connecting as it wasn't really that important but DH has just got an iphone for his birthday and it's our first foray into the world of apple. Iphone wouldn't connect today.

OP posts:
nannynick · 07/08/2010 22:04

Do you think this is because the laptop has it's own wireless device and netgear is kind of piggybacking on top of the inbuilt system?

Yes could be. Thought you said the laptop was working fine?

How far did the iPhone get? Would have expected it to pick up the network, try to login, get prompted for WPA (or whatever encryption is being used) passcode.

What encryption are you using? That may be part of the issue... try setting it to WPA which should be able to be used by most devices. DLink DIR-615 RevC click FAQ to see some help on common issues/solutions. Note: Your version may not be RevC, so instructions may vary a little.

nannynick · 07/08/2010 22:10

Also check settings such as if the DHCP is enabled. That will then assign IP address for each device.

There is a button the right hand side of the router, this is for WPS - see here. You may need to push that button whilst trying to get the device (the PC or the iPhone) to connect. Worth a try.

Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 22:36

The WPS didn't work

It's set on WPA - damned technology, it's driving me insane!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 22:38

Shall I just try to re-set up my network? and add everything at the same time.

OP posts:
nannynick · 07/08/2010 22:47

So does it not all work with WPA then?

It's very hard to help via this, tends to be something you physically have to see.

Keep checking:

Do the devices see the network?

Do the devices make an attempt to connect?

Do the devices request a passcode?

Do the devices get an IP address assigned to them?

Work on getting one device working at a time... so Laptop first by the sounds of it as that seems to give the least trouble.

Original poster
TheDailyWail · 07/08/2010 23:08

Okay nick,
The devices see the network, make an attempt to connect but the DS and iphone says "these settings are invalid"

Laptop was already connected - sorry about mentioning the piggyback thing - I was trying to work the logic of a network through my brain.

IP has been allocated on my joggler - so I assume it would attempt to do the same.

I did a diagnostic and it fixed something through the trouble shooter - but I haven't the foggiest what it was.

Thanks for sticking with me. You'd never know that I did "A" level Computer Science would you?

OP posts:
nannynick · 07/08/2010 23:37

I don't have a DS or an iPhone so can't help there. Not a very helpful error message they give is it.
Try googling for instructions on how to connect a DS to a network.

Joggler having an IP is promising, does it work? Don't have one of those either.

nannynick · 07/08/2010 23:41

NintendoWiFi.com

Quick google appears to indicate that a DS won't connect to a WPA network. It want's WEP.

So if you change the router to WEP and then reconfigure the devices, see which work and which don't.

Original poster
TheDailyWail · 08/08/2010 08:37

Thanks Nick. I'll let you know how we get on and how we fixed it (if we ever do...)

OP posts:
Original poster
TheDailyWail · 08/08/2010 19:50

Okay, worked out the problem with the iphone...

DH out in his original simcard after speaking to CPW and O2 helpine and it worked!

It's no biggie that the DS doesn't connect.

Thanks for your help! (We posted on another forum about this and didn't get any response - that's why I love MN)

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