wireless futility

[funder]

I am attempting to set up a wireless network, 3 PC's, and share a cable connection. The PC's are 2 new Dells running XP and an old clone running win98. The cable modem is connected to a linksys wireless router w/4port switch. The 2 Dells are wireless...and I started with the "tru mobile" cards, but convinced Dell to swap for the Linksys cards. Either case, I get an "excellent signal" but cannot get out to the Internet and cannot see (ping) the other boxes. The "old clone" is connected to a port on the router and I get out to the Net no problem. I've configed the Linksys from the clone and followed the recommended settings very carefully. I'm not as familiar with XP and I'm thinking its an XP issue but I'm not sure. I've tried releasing and renewing the IP and manually assigning an IP....still no luck. I've checked the FAQ's and some of the other posts and some are close but not exactly what I'm dealing with. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[cipher00]

FWIW, I couldn't get XP to work with my SMC 2632W wireless cards on my Dell laptops. Several cards have been plagued by this; it appears to be the chipset. Orinoco cards (using, I think, a Lucent chipest) have not had this problem I think.

Have you checked for updated drivers for the Linksys cards? Another possibility is to replace XP (I went back to Win2k Pro). It sounds like you're in infrastructure mode, so is there anything else on the diagnostics (like WEP, setting the workgroup, etc.)?

Good luck.

 

[goraj]

I am using SMC wireless PC card without any problems on Dell 8100 inspiron without any problems.

 

[SaigonK]

Not that I dont linke the Lucent or other companies (nortel...Symbol...Intellisys) but i am a devout Cisco fan, there next unit coming out is really going to rock!
Its the AP1200 series and is supposed to include an 802.11b port AND an 802.11a slot for future 54mbps upgrades...it also will support the 802.11g standard down the road.....

Remeber that most of your "cheap" routers only support 40bit encryption (basically a joke) so you get what you pay for.

 

[ShamusMcConnelly]

Have you gone into the WAP settings and configured it, or just used the default. The SMC website has every program/driver you ever would need (for instance). If the WAP settings default are different from the default settings of the card, which is possible (probable) if they are different brands. Without atleast knowing the WAP settings, you cant properly configure the card to talk properly, but it will still see the link.

Hope that helps.

Sham

 

[funder]

thanks cipher00, I've had the Orinoco card recommended...will try a little longer and then consider equipment changes. I'm going to disconnect the cable modem and try to establish a network first...then add Internet. Linksys suggested disabling the XP firewall (if its enabled). Ill check that. I'm not against trashing XP for 2k, again, I just want to try working through this. (masochist). Yes, I'm in Infrastructure mode...and have tried with WEP "mandatory" and "disabled".

 

[funder]

Goraj,

are your 8100's running XP? Does your network share and Internet connection?

thx

 

[funder]

SaigonK,

agree you get what you pay for. the Cisco stuff is otta my price range though I'll "step up" a little if that's what it takes!

Sham,

I've tried various settings and changes, not WAP. I'll check out the SMC site. Thanks. Gee, what the heck am I gonna do with my time once all this s*** works???

 

[SaigonK]

Do you have the corect SSID's in your PCMCIA cards?
Also update to the most recent firmware right off the bat, Linksys is always coming out with fixes for their stuff, VPN is one big thing that I see not always working with older firmware revs'.

 

[funder]

SaigonK,

Will check the SSID. It is OK on the config page for linksys and ok on the PC's wireless config. you're refering to the card itself, yes? they are the WMP11's with antenna. I'll check latest updates/firmware....thx.

I've contacted linksys and went through some changes. Disconnected everything, powered down. Connected Cable>>>>router>>>PC(one of the PC is ethernet cable). Then powered up Cable>>>Router>>>first wireless PC (PC connected to port still off)>>>PC connected to port. What happens.....it works!!!.....sort off. The wireless gets out , but now the other PC does not! All of the settings on the config menus, PC and router, are the same as before ( WAN settings, LAN settings....IP's, gateways, DNS). I can ping each machine and ping my way out to the DNS 167.x.x.x. It's better/farther than I've gotten.

BTW, web browser has worked fine and then "can't find server". This is with all the setting same and still being able to ping on out.

I suspect an issue with Optimum...continue to exchange e-mail with linksys.

 

[RFJ]

Funder, did you arive at any success, after your work ? - or will you go with hard wiring, after all ?