Need Help with my wireless network!!! PEASE!!!

[jbw]

So you have two pcs, one laptop and one desktop, connected to this router.
Have you set this home network up as a workgroup?
Are both your PC's setup for DHCP?
Is the router's DHCP on?
Can you check IP addresses using ipconfig /all to confirm?
Can you ping each PC from the other fine? Can you ping the router?
Can you log on to the router from both machines via wireless?
Can you do this whilst one of them is on the internet?
Are you using Mac addresses?

How was the desktop setup. Did you just run XP's wireless network wizard? Or do netgear products need a utility installed?

I'm not exactly a pro with wireless networks but these are the things I would start with.

ta,
jbw

[Geta-Ve]

wow, lots of good info there, i have a wireless setup at home, and it all works fine for the most part, the only problems I get is disconnections.. very often.. like x-amount of times PER DAY... very freakin annoying, sometimes its good for weeks, then other times im restarting the router almost every 20 minuts...

as per your problem? hmm not too sure.. need more info, but definatly look at jbw's info

[jbw]

Geta-Ve - have you looked at updating the firmware on your wireless router. My old d-link would disconnect every hour or so for no apparent reason. A firmware update fixed it.

ta,
jbw

[buhlerks]

Have you set this home network up as a workgroup? No, I am not sure how to do this?
Are both your PC's setup for DHCP? I believe so, but I am not sure where to check?
Is the router's DHCP on? YES
Can you check IP addresses using ipconfig /all to confirm? YES, but the Laptop won't get one, it says "invalid IP"
Can you ping each PC from the other fine? Can you ping the router? once again not sure how to do?
Can you log on to the router from both machines via wireless? NO, only the desktop
Can you do this whilst one of them is on the internet? YES, the desktop can do both, Laptop can do neither (while wireless, hardwire doe both)
Are you using Mac addresses? Yes I tried that as well, no change in IP status, the wifi connection to the router on both machines is still great.


THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

[jbw]

Before I answer can you confirm what OS's are running on both machines and what software firewalls, if any, you have please.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

Not a problem. :)

[buhlerks]

Desktop XP HOME SP2 windows firewall turned off - Norton internet security (turned off to see if that was the problem)

Laptop XP HOME SP1<----could that have anything to do? because at first the Laptop worked and not the desktop?! Laptop also has Norton internet security (turned off to see if that was the problem)

[buhlerks]

I got Ping figured out (not hard stupid me)

Desktop pings router no losss, 100% loss pinging laptop

Laptop cant ping anything

[jbw]

OK, I'm not 100% sure of Home but I'll give it a go.

Go into your network connections and right click the Local Area Network connection then choose properties. You should now be able to see what installed network components you have. If you double click on the tcp/ip protocol you should be able to see if DHCP is enabled (IP addresses should be set to automatic also clicking the advanced button will confirm). Check this on both desktop and laptop. If DHCP is enabled on both then you might need to change this to a static address but not quite yet.
Also check to see what workgroup settings you have. You can do this by r-clicking on my computer and selecting properties. Now, in the system properties window click the computer name tab. This should show you the name of your workgroup and this must be named the same on all computers. If it doesn't match change it so it does.
Your wireless network SSID much also match this workgroup name (it is case sensitive). Check in your router settings to see what the name is and also in any netgear hardware utilities to make sure it all corresponds.
If at any point it asks you to restart, do so and test again to see if pinging works. If so, try going on internet.
Let us know how you get on.

ta,
jbw

[buhlerks]

Tried everything (it was all as hould be) still no luck. Then I assigned static ips and nothing changed!?!?


I am ready to throw somthing out the window, but I there is so much hardware in this setup I wouldn't know what to throw first!

[Valkyrien]

you can always just remove all your internet connections and start that from scratch...:)

[jbw]

You any closer to fixing it buhlerks?
If your netgear router at 192.168.0.1 your ip addresses on both machines are 192.168.0.x, right? Your desktop is connected via wireless, right? Are you using the same brand of wireless cards?
Check your settings on the desktop against your settings on the laptop. Is everything the same?
I recently changed some WEP settings only to find that my wireless machine wouldn't connect. I restarted the wireless AP and it found it again.

Have you been through the Netgear forums?
http://forum1.netgear.com/support/viewforum.php?f=6

ta,
jbw

[buhlerks]

Whew. I figured it out. WEP was not set up properly, since I don't have Netgear brand cards in my computers. Plus, did you know you can use the same keyphrase on every computer on your network? They don't all need there own, this is a much simpler way to set it up, especially if you use a 10 digit phone number you have memorized. Thanks for your help everyone!

[Geta-Ve]

jbw - ya man i upgrade everything like VERY often.. lol.. in fact I just upgraded my actualy ethernet card tonight.. still getting disconnected.. im seriously ready to snap man SNAP!:eek::argh::banghead:

[Geta-Ve]

oki doke.. anyone with any hints on this.. right now my net has went off about 8 times in the last hour.. and im seriously flipping out.. lol just ready to get out the nail gun :p

i have been thinking of trying those Powerline products, anyone use em yet?

http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=34&scid=33

powerline ^^^^^^^^^

[jbw]

Are your cards and router all the same make? I believe certain combinations can cause problems.
If you've got any mates that could lend you a different wireless card to check?
Is XP managing your wireless network? I just upgraded the family PC and windows XP wanted to manage everything, that caused me loads of hassle. Switched to D-link utility and it all worked fine again? What's the signal like before it drops the connection? It could something as daft as a mobile phone or someone walking infront of the signal?

I can't really offer anything else. :shrug:

ta,
jbw

[psparey]

If both systems are connected to the router and you can share files but you cant access the net then check the following: In the cmd prompt (start menu/run and type cmd) type ping 194.74.65.85 then enter (this is dns BT number) u can use any valid ip number. If you get a reply then cool, now try a dns request, type ping www.linksys.com (http://www.linksys.com) then enter. Now if you get a reply also then you know that your connection is fine. Now you need to look at what programs your using. Myself i play a lot of games and use gamingchat software so i needed to open the correct ports. Hope this helps.

Cheers

[JMulder]

Geta-Ve-

Here's another thing to look at... Are there other wireless networks in your area. Every once in a while, I get attrocious connection problems, and find that someone else is running on the same channel. Once I change the channel on the wireless router, everything works great again.

[Geta-Ve]

JM - thats a very interesting thing you mentioned because I recently changed the channels i was on and things seem to have gotten better.. but it never clued in to me that that might be the problem.. hmm

is there any easy way to tell what channel the other people are using?

because there ARE 2 or 3 different wireless people in my area.

Thanks guys :)

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