Re: New Wifi Questions - please help

rose1222 <rose1222.2v9y74@no-mx.wirelessforums.org> hath wroth:

>Just set up my DSL (bellsouth) and Wifi Router (trendnet). I set an
>encryption key as well.

Hint: If you post a question devoid of any numbers, that's usually an
invitation for a general, theoretical, and non-specific answer. If
you want something that directly applies to your situation, the
missing model numbers are quite useful.

>In order to connect the router, I have one ethernet cable going from a
>desktop computer to the router and another from the router to DSL modem.

Yep. That's the way it's normally done. DSL modem to the
WAN/internet port. Desktops and other PC's to one of the LAN ports.

>Is there anyway to make the desktop totally wireless as well? (So that
>no cables from the desktop computer are connected to the modem or
>router?)

Sure. There are wireless devices suitable for the desktop. 3
different ways. I'll be general as it varies by desktop configuration
and type:
1. USB wireless adapter.
2. PCI card inside the desktop.
3. Wireless Ethernet Client Bridge (or Game Adapters) to the ethernet
port.

Each has their advantages. USB wireless is easy to setup and install.
However, the radio and antenna quality are really only suitable for
short range, where you can see the wireless router.

PCI cards will work, but you have to have a PCI slot. The location of
the antenna on the rear of the desktop is rather non-optimum. If you
need range, then you'll also need to purchase an external antenna and
extension cable.

Wireless ethernet client bridge is literally an extension cord for
your existing CAT5 ethernet cable. Setup is a bit messy, but you only
have to do it once. It's also somewhat more expensive.

>My other laptop in the house picks up the wifi signal that I set up,
>but everytime I try to connect from the desktop computer to the wireless
>signal, it keeps giving me an error message, saying that it's unable to
>connect to the network because the network is not in range although I
>have a full strength signal.

Well, you have a connection failure. The usual goof is that you setup
WEP instead of the more secure WPA encryption in the wireless router.
Instead of telling you how to fix the WEP problem, methinks you'll
find it easier and more productive to dive into your router
configuration, and change the encryption to WPA-PSK or WPA-Personal
(same thing).

>Please help! Thanks.
>E-mail at rose122282@hotmail.com

If you can post a question to usenet, you can also read the answer via
usenet. However, if you require a personalized response, I'll email
to you my consulting rate card.

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Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
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Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558