Wireless Router Question

[Kilgore Trout]

I bought a Cisco Linksys WRT160N wireless router to replace a D-Link wired router that I have. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this type of router to give me some insight.

Anyway this is the router:
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRT160N

I plan on 99% of time using it in a wired way and just want the option to sit and wirelessly surf on laptop if I want to.

Anyway, it works fine as a wired router; but, when I try to install the software on computer using "LELA" software I get this "Error 323" where it doesn't like my user name and password for some mysterious reason and basically stops everything in it's tracks as far as software installation goes.

When I google "linksys error 323" I just get a lot of confusing all over the map gobbledygook and I don't understand what to do since there's no written manual to accompany the router.

But anyway, I'm confused about something else. Router works fine on all my computers without the software installed as long as pc's are hooked up by cable. But, if I unplug the notebook and then go to the "connect to" menu to find a wireless router broadcasting a signal on an unsecure network, it's not there in the list.

Everything on the list is a security enabled wireless router.
I don't understand why the router is not broadcasting a wireless signal on an unsecure network that I can log into with the notebook.

Do I have to get through the headache of installing this cranky LELA software before the router will broadcast a wireless signal.
Thanks for any info.

 

[djk]

What is the LELA software you're using?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The Cisco wireless routers all have "LELA" software package inside the box to install the router. LELA software is on CD.
LELA software advantage is also prominently featured on the exterior of blue Linksys box if you ever see one.

The sales rep at Staples told me that the Linksys Lela software is the best in the router business and very easy to install. He told me LELA is a million times easier to install than D-Link wireless software.
But even if something is supposed to be easy I run into a glitch it seems.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Everything on the list is a security enabled wireless router.
I don't understand why the router is not broadcasting a wireless signal on an unsecure network that I can log into with the notebook.

Believe all routers use an unsecure network by default.
You have to setup your own secure network in the manner they prescribe.

 

[needinit]

I've got a feeling that as you are replacing a wired network for a wireless one, have you verified your laptop has wireless capability? Sounds stupid, but depending on its age you may need to buy an adaptor for it. Do you see other wirelss networks on the list?

Also it may be that you have created a wired (D-Link network) and a wireless network (or not)...did you go through the 'setup a network process' within windows once you installed the linksys router (on the PC that is connected to the router), then install the credentials on the other laptops (via uas software and WPA encryption after giving the network a name (such as HomeWireless)

I would think you need to replicate setting up a network (in this case wireless) then use the network software (from the window process) to load into the Laptop (ie. the credentials and encryption key)

When I plugged in a linksys, I didn't use any software and just setup the network using the windows process, but I also did not previoulsy have a wired network.

 

[The Options Menu]

you don't have to use their software to set it up. just make sure you have a computer connected to the router by cable and then type in 192.168.1.1 in your browser.

your default username and password usually are admin/password. Check the user manual. set it up from there.

http://downloads.linksysbycisco.com/downloads/WRT160N_ug.pdf

This can also be http://192.168.0.1 (particularly on older routers).

All routers are 'little computers', most of them have web servers that let you configure them via a browser. (Like above.)

In almost every case you are better doing this than installing anything from the CD. Do you really need another horrible caplet running? And trust me, it will want to auto-run something...

In fact you do better just throwing the CD / DVD that comes with the router out. The software on it is always 'old'. What you want to do ALWAYS go to the vendors website and look for a newer firmware (often fixes bugs and improves performance), and if you really need their often horrible software download the newest version straight from the vendor.

Basically, always say 'fuck it' to any CD / DVD that comes in a box with ANY (and I mean any) bit of hardware, and use a browser if you can when it comes to routers.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Thanks for 192.168.1.1 idea.
Can't get into that Linksys site though because it wants a userid and password and I have no idea what to feed in these fields that will make it happy; so, access is denied every time.
Tried windows xp administrator userid and password. Does'nt like that either.

The notebook is an 18 month old Toshiba that I've used outside to log into unsecured wireless routers; so, I know it works for surfing wirelessly.
Just surprised when I go to connect to a wireless network that it's not sitting there in list as an unsecured wireless network I can log into.

Thanks anyway, I'll just pretend it's a wired router only and use it that way.

 

[kih]

Thanks for 192.168.1.1 idea.
Can't get into that Linksys site though because it wants a userid and password and I have no idea what to feed in these fields that will make it happy; so, access is denied every time.
Tried windows xp administrator userid and password. Does'nt like that either.

The notebook is an 18 month old Toshiba that I've used outside to log into unsecured wireless routers; so, I know it works for surfing wirelessly.
Just surprised when I go to connect to a wireless network that it's not sitting there in list as an unsecured wireless network I can log into.

Thanks anyway, I'll just pretend it's a wired router only and use it that way.

192.168.1.1 is access to the actual modem control software through a browser. Try "admin" as username and "admin" as password.

 

[peteeey]

question for Mac techies

My apologies if I'm hijacking this thread as I have another question regarding a wireless router I'm about to set up.

I have three computers. Two are Windows based (netbook XP with wireless card) and desktop OS7 (that will need a wireless adapter).

I also have a Mac G4 with no wireless capability. I checked and there's nothing on the market other than an adapter they don't make any more and costs around $124 used, if you can find one.

I've bought a Linksys router (WRT54G2) that is both wireless and wired.

My question is, will there be any problems when I connect my Mac to the router with a wire? I plan to set up a password for the wireless connection.

 

[WoodPeckr]

I've bought a Linksys router (WRT54G2) that is both wireless and wired.

My question is, will there be any problems when I connect my Mac to the router with a wire? I plan to set up a password for the wireless connection.

Either should work.
FWIW, I've found going 'hardwired' usually performs better than wireless.
CAT 5 cable is dirt cheap online.

 

[peteeey]

Thanks, guys.

 

[emvee]

I hope this question isn't too dumb and too off topic, but I get about 6 Mbps download from my ISP while my G wireless router says it has 54 Mbps. Does that mean my router has way more bandwidth than my ISP could ever deliver, and going to a N wireless modem would give me no benefit at all unless my ISP gave me speeds over 54 Mbps. Thanks!

 

[WoodPeckr]

Does that mean my router has way more bandwidth than my ISP could ever deliver, and going to a N wireless modem would give me no benefit at all unless my ISP gave me speeds over 54 Mbps. Thanks!

Yes!
We are getting 'hosed' in N America with slow ISP connections.
N wireless modems are useful only when you have an ISP that delivers > 54 Mbps, like in Japan where their ISPs can deliver speeds that make FIOS seem slow. In Japan you can get download speeds of 100-160 Mbps pretty much throughout their whole country. In N America the major cable companies and Hollywood are not to keen on this 'super high speed FIOS' technology being implemented, fearing it could drive them out of business. People in Japan are downloading entire HD Blue ray movies in a couple seconds!