Really basic networking/wireless question

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I run Windows 7 on a Dell desktop (4600). I recently added a Cisco/Linksys router to my system.
I primarily did so for security purposes; and my desktop is the only system going through the router.

Because my daughters were coming home for Christmas I thought it would be nice to give them wireless
access to my system, so I enabled guest access on the router with a guest-id for logon and a password
to access the internet through my machine.

They cant log on, even though each of their laptops has been able to access other wireless sites (i.e., hotels etc.)

The only account on my desktop is mine, with administrative priveleges.
What else do I have to do on my side of the network or within Windows to allow them wireless access?

You can tell I’m a networking novice; so I appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you,
Dick

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What level of security do you have on the router? If WPA2, check to make sure the laptops will support that level. If you are using WPA2 on the router your might try using WPA instead and see if that will work.

JB

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If your setup is like this, Internet cable/dsl modem router your PC, you don’t need to configure guest access on your router. You need to setup the wireless configuration on the router to use the highest wireless security that your daughters PCs will support. Try using WPA2 (the highest) and go down from there if you need to. Also, setup a pre-shared key that is sufficiently complex it will be difficult to guess. Unless you absolutely have to you don’t need nor want your daughters PCs accessing your PC for anything.

NOTE: you can use guest access if you care to but should still configure the highest possible security on the router.

Joe

--Joe

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What happens when they try to access the router? Is the broadcast SSID feature enabled and can they see it?

Jerry

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Hi Dick, if possible, set up your router with mixed WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK then access can almost be guaranteed, ( router will use best security automatically ) When your daughters visit connect each laptop 1 at a time wired. Access your router’s ‘Access Control’ and disable it, add the LT’s to trusted list, ( MAC controled ) one at a time then reactivate access control. Click apply or OK

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Sorry guys and gals. I’m so “network challenged” that I dont know what SSID’s nor LT’s are.
When I set up my Lynksys E2000, I basically followed the default set-up menu.
I also allowed up to 3 guest wireless logon’s.

I guess I need “set up for dummies.”
Dick

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Sorry guys and gals. I’m so “network challenged” that I dont know what SSID’s nor LT’s are.
When I set up my Lynksys E2000, I basically followed the default set-up menu.
I also allowed up to 3 guest wireless logon’s.

I guess I need “set up for dummies.”
Dick

Dick,

Not to worry that’s why the lounge is here.

SSID: {Non technical definition} the name your Router broadcasts so other’s know it’s your router. This usually defaults to the manufacturer’s name, e.g. my Jefa Tech router/repeater shows: jefatech-repeater 2 as it’s SSID. So you should probablly see Lynksys or some variation there of. If you hover your mouse pointer on the wireless icon in the notification area of your Win-7 machine it will show you the SSID you’re hooked up to and if you have internet access or not. You can change the SSID by entering your router firmware per instructions in your user manual.

LT: From the previous posts in this thread I think they are refering to Laptops.

If you look in your manual you should find the instructions on entering the router’s firmware, usually by entering http://192.168.1.1 or similiar address into your browser (Internet Explorer or FireFox, etc) then answering the logon screen with UserID and Password {these are printed in your manual also}. You should change the default password since everyone, especially black hat hackers, know what these are for all brands/models of routers.

As other questions arise post away.

I hope this helps get you started.

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Thank you all for bearing with me. After googling, reading, going to the Linksys/Cisco site I did
the following (in non-networking-knowledgable terms):
From my “Cisco Connect” control panel I created an EasyKey installer on a thumb-drive.
I installed that software from a USB port on each of their laptops, connecting their laptops to
my router.
Each of them was able to hover over their network icon on their task bar, find my network, and
logon to the internet, through my router.

RetiredGeek:
Thank you especially for reminding me that the Lounge is here so that folks like you, Roderunner, JoeP,
and everybody else can share and help each other out.

Blessings, and a Happy New Year to all,
Dick

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Dick,

You’re welcome…always glad to help like all the other loungers here! It’s such a great place!

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Now that you have it running it is worth checking to see what settings are in use. Login to the router via your browser and check the wireless set up. Hopefully it is using WPA2.

cheers, Paul

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PT:
It says it’s “WPA2/WPA mixed mode.”
Cheers,
Dick

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