wireless network issues

[beaky]

Got a little problem here...
Currently using two Linkzyz routers to provide cabled connections for six PCs to a sinlge broadband modem. No file-sharing or anything like that; it's not really a network of that type.
One of the routers has wireless capability, but nobody's been using it as such, so a wireless network was never set up.
But we have a new resident here who'd like to use a wirelss connection... she's got onto what appears to be the default network for the wireless Linksys, but says it seems to get bogged down often (not the case with the cabled network).

I have two questions:

1) Is it possible that other users getting onto that router via wireless (there are plenty of other wireless users on other floors in this building) is slowing down that network?

2) If so, how the heck do I set up a secured connection so that she can get online with a password unknown to others? I've been trying to figure out how to do this, but can only seem to find info on securing administrative access to the router or encrypting data, not locking the connection itself.

Following the XP network setup didn't help, as one of the steps requires putting setup info on a flash drive then plugging that into the WAP... well, the Linksys has no USB port, so...?

I skipped that step, and can now see my new network on the list, but even with my laptop right next to the router, showing a good signal, I can't connect, even to show a log-on page. I can connect fine to the "linksys" network, however.

[stuart1044]

Is there an option on the router page for MAC filtering?

If so use this to only allow certain machines access, thats what i do, as there are some cheeky neighbours around who like to try and get free Internet

[Harold]

... for six PCs ...

You don't have enough PCs ... you need another one

[beaky]

... for six PCs ...

You don't have enough PCs ... you need another one

Six people; one PC each.
Actually; it's only four currently operational... one of the terminals is for those who cannot keep their POS rigs up and running.

[beaky]

Is there an option on the router page for MAC filtering?

If so use this to only allow certain machines access, thats what i do, as there are some cheeky neighbours around who like to try and get free Internet

Yes, I thought that (MAC) might have something to do with it; wasn't sure.

Do you think having neighbors jumping onto that router would cause lagging, though, with  broadband service?

[Nick N]

Go into the router configuration, make sure BOTH port and Wireless is indeed turned on, then set up the wireless security in the router


If you dont eveyone and their mother will be stealing your bandwidth and laughing about it


In the security settings of the router itself, set a SSID name for the wireless network

then set the wireless network to function on "WPA-PSK" and the encryption set to "TKIP"

Input a network key or password and make a decent one and write it down for the person who will use the wireless connection.. it will be case sensitive

Save the settings in the router.

Go to the person who is trying to set up and have the Windows wireless network wizard find the router. It will show in the list under the SSID (name) you gave it in the router. Double click the network and input the password twice

It should connect and lock out the trolls stealing the bandwidth

[Nick N]

as a follow up.. some network cards use their own connection software. I have always found the Windows default connection manager to be the easiest way to deal with the setup but if you use a connection manager you must make sure that the computer trying to connect to the wireless network is set up to use the same exact SSID (network name) and also the "WPA-PSK" mode with encryption set to "TKIP"


You access the router through Windows.. IE6 or 7 using the IP for the router in the address bar and hit ENTER.


While you are in there, make sure the router itself has a password for that setup function or the thief will simply access your router and change the codes.

You need a password on the router AND the wireless network

Make sure the passwords are at least 11 characters and are 2 different words. You only need to give the wireless network password to the user who is trying to connect and make sure they do not give that information out.

If you need help accessing the router via IE, the website for the router should have full instructions for that and the IP the router uses to connect through the browser.