Re: Issues in connecting wirelessly with Mac Powerbook and Linksys Router

kansonch <kansonch.2vpazf@no-mx.wirelessforums.org> hath wroth:

>OK. Here's the deal. I am entirely frustrated and also over my head
>trying to solve this on my own as I have no idea what I'm doing.

Great. We're starting at zero. Punch reset and clear brain.
>
>I have a Mac Powerbook, OS X (3.9). I have always connected to the
>internet wirelessly through my Linksys router (Wireless B Access Point,
>Model Wap 11).

The WAP11 is an "access point", not a router. They're quite
different. Note that using an access point for wireless is really
only appropriate if you have a "cable router". If you have a "cable
modem", I suggest you go shopping for something better. The WAP11 is
802.11b only, with limited security, lousy speed, and old.

>I have recently moved and now use Comcast for my internet.

So, you now have a Comcast modem. Any particular model number?

>When they
>installed my internet, I had not yet unpacked my wireless router, so I
>was set up to be connected via the actual cable plugged in.

Good. Does that part work (when you plug your PowerBook directly into
the cable modem?

>Now that the
>router is all set up, I cannot for the life of me get my wireless to
>work.

Ummm... is the thing that Comcast left a "cable modem" or a "cable
router"? Big difference. If you're not sure, just supply the model
number.

>Currently, I can use the internet wirelessly in other homes/school
>no problem. In those cases, I don't do anything, I just turn on my
>computer and it connects automatically. But for some reason in my
>apartment I cannot make it work.

Ok, the PowerBook works.

>I *think* the problem lies somewhere in the IP address area? If I look
>at my Airport settings and go to the TCP/IP tab, there is no information
>contained on the screen. Meaning, in the area where it says IP Address,
>Subnet Mask and Router, there is NO data listed, just gray empty space.
>The same goes for the DNS Servers and Search Domains areas, but at least
>in that case there is a white box to input text.

Probably. There are some other places where you can do things wrong.
The most likely culprit is the CAT5 cable that goes between the cable
modem or router. When you plug it in, does a light come on at the
cable box *AND* the WAP11?

>I can choose the "Configure IPv4 Using DHCP Manually" and that will let
>me input numbers, but I have no idea if I should even be playing around
>with this.

Well, if you can find that, we can have some fun. Setup your MacBook
for:
IP address: 192.168.1.15 (the 15 is random)
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.15
DNS: don't care
Run a CAT5 cable from your PowerBook to the WAP11 ethernet jack. Make
sure the lights come on when you plug in the cable.

Now, point your web browser at:
http://192.168.1.251
I think (not sure) that this is the default IP address of the WAP11.
It really depends on the hardware version of the WAP11 (see serial
number tag) which you didn't supply. Sometimes it's 192.168.1.250 or
192.168.1.240. Try them all. You should get a login followed by a
configuration page. That's how you make any changes to the WAP11
settings.

>Also, perplexing me even more, is the fact that I can choose my Linksys
>internet connection through the Airport screen, and when I have selected
>it, I show full bars. But I can't actually connect.

That usually means that some settings have changed. If it says
"linksys" for the SSID, the WAP11 probably got reset somehow during
the move.

>Silly me, I attempted to call Comcast for help with the issue, but they
>say that as long as I can connect to the internet in any way (plugged
>in) then they do not care that I can't connect wirelessly.

Yep. They supply cable service, not wireless service.

>I miss checking my email in bed...someone please help!!!

Move the bed closer to the Comcast modem/router/whatever and run a
long CAT5 cable.

>Thanks a million in advance for any and all help.

Try to find the model number on the Comcast box.
I would go shopping for something better than a WAP11.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558