Help with Netgear wireless network

[meglet]

Can someone help please? I set up a wireless network at home recently. It worked fine until I decided to try and secure it with a password. Ever since then my PC sees the network but can't attach to it (there is no password request either). I have tried resetting it several times using the instructions from netgear's website to no avail. I have also tried to use the server IP address to look at the settings but that doesn't work as it can't see the server. Could it be that I need a new ADSL filter? Any suggestions? Thanks

[mrknowall]

Its Still here meglet

[poinsy]

Hi there. It won't be the ADSL filter (that is a device that protects the digital broadband signal from the varying frequencies generated by phones, Sky modems, fax machines, alarm systems etc.).

So, firstly, when you set up a wireless network, initially you do it via a physically connected cable (LAN cable). You then enter all the details for the broadband service itself (i.e. ISP username & password). That sorts out the internet side of things, and obviously you have done that. You would then typically see if there are any firmware updates for your router by visiting the manufacturer's website, but we can leave that for the moment.

So, so far we know the internet connections is ok (sorry if I am sounding a little patronising, but one never knows the level of IT literacy when corresponding like this). The next step, as you have done is to secure the network. There are various methods involved here, but the key things are to inhibit the SSID broadcast, encryption (WEP or preferably WPA), and then set up MAC Address filtering which specifically limits access to those PC and laptops in your household. Ideally, all 3 should be performed as there are some rather determined snoopers out there, but, initially, you should sort out the encryption, which, again, is what you have done. Let�s assume you are going with WPA, this basically involves selecting WPA in the router�s configuration page and then entering a key of your choice.

Post continued below�

[poinsy]

Continued from above�

You then configure each PC/laptop to use WPA and provide this exact same key (you could stick it in a text file on a USB pen drive, floppy to make it easier). However, if you have removed the LAN cable, as you would typically do in a wireless environment, and you are connecting wirelessly to the router, as soon as you enter the encryption details in the router�s configuration page and hit apply, you then lose the connection, quite correctly, as you have not yet set these details on your PC. At this point, your router will be set just fine, and you must simply enter the same details on the PC and as if by magic, you should be connected.

There can be complications here (as in all things IT). In an ideal world, you would set the highest level of security, typically WPA. However, some routers and (more likely) PCs/laptops cannot support this level of encryption. In this case, you have to lower it to that of the highest level that all devices support (often WEP). This is better than nothing, but you may want to consider a hardware upgrade for the offending kit. In such circumstances, if you cannot connect wirelessly, you basically have 2 choices, simply connect via a LAN cable and set the encryption as necessary, or reset the router itself. There should be some details on the manual regarding how to do this, but it is often achieved by pressing an almost hidden tiny button for a number of seconds whilst powering the unit back on.

Hope this helps.

[meglet]

Thanks for your answer. In fact my IT guy here at work has just told me to plug in the network cable and connect locally. I shall give it a try (assuming I can still find the thing!)