wireless router advice

[BDBohnzie]

I've already tried changing the channel from 6 to 11 to 1 back to 11...that was the first thing I tried. I may try channel 1 again. I know my parents have 2.4ghz wireless phones, but they did when my sister orignally got set up downstairs (split foyer house, with the adapter right below the room with the router in).

Malcolm - I had my folks by new stuff (New G router, then new G USB adapter) same problem still occurs. She has a desktop...I may try to bring my laptop over and see if I have the same problems.

I may try the channels again...then I'll move the computer to another location and see if I can't get it connected.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Try pinging the address of the router to see if the laptop/desktops even see it. If not, you're having some software problems on the Windows XP side that you need to resolve. I also let Windows do all of the managing of my wireless setups. I don't ever run the CD for the adapter installs. I just install the driver and that's it. I DO run the CD for the adapter setup.

And also, this goes for everyone who uses Linksys, I would make sure you change your router password because EVERYONE knows that the default is linksys and anyone in your neighborhood could easily get into your router and a) lock YOU out or b) steal your access and can do a variety of nasty things to you.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

I've already tried changing the channel from 6 to 11 to 1 back to 11...that was the first thing I tried. I may try channel 1 again. I know my parents have 2.4ghz wireless phones, but they did when my sister orignally got set up downstairs (split foyer house, with the adapter right below the room with the router in).

Malcolm - I had my folks by new stuff (New G router, then new G USB adapter) same problem still occurs. She has a desktop...I may try to bring my laptop over and see if I have the same problems.

I may try the channels again...then I'll move the computer to another location and see if I can't get it connected.

You also might want to consider some adapters with the "a" ability. I believe the mhz is different and gives you some more stability with phones around.

[EEich]

I've had two linksys wireless routers die within 3 months of getting them...
The cards/usb receivers have been great... i wouldn't buy another linksys router.

[onlydarksets]

A couple of other basics:
1. Change the name of the router.
2. Turn off broadcasting.
3. Enable encryption.

If you want to get more into it, you should also limit the client access list by MAC address.

[Cooley 350Z]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Just off the subject a little bit, if I have the time I always get my stuff online from newegg.com. I HATE how Best Buy (not sure if Circuit City does this) has "$20 HARD DRIVE!! (with $150 mail-in rebate). I mean that SUCKS.

Yeah, I know what you mean, but like ThatGuy said, you gotta be religious with the rebate stuff & since some people are lazy, you ultimately end up getting the better deal. Plus it's kind of like getting a surprise once that rebate finally shows up in your mailbox.

Kind of but not really related, I don't know about other places, but the grocery store across the street from me always has these $5 or $10 rebates when you buy cases of beer, which is great because a month down the line I randomly find rebate checks that I in turn use to purchase more beer. It's a beautiful cycle that I highly recommend.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I dunno. I always get better deals from newegg even WITH the Best Buy rebates. I mean you CAN get some no-name brands a little bit cheaper, but if I wait for the mail to come then I'm all about it.

BEER REBATES THOUGH?! I'd be all over that.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

You also might want to consider some adapters with the "a" ability. I believe the mhz is different and gives you some more stability with phones around.

you can go MIMO with N, but really i think trying bigger antennas is the best bet.

I got my parents new antennas and they witched to non 2.4ghz phones andd haven't had any troubles since.

you can also try resetting the router by unplugging your cable/dsl modem and the router from power for 30-60 seconds and then replugging them in.

[MTK]

I've got my new router working the setup was a snap... now I'm wondering is there a way I can get my PS2 to work with this? I've got a built in network adapter in the PS2, how does it pickup the wireless??

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I dunno. I always get better deals from newegg even WITH the Best Buy rebates. I mean you CAN get some no-name brands a little bit cheaper, but if I wait for the mail to come then I'm all about it.

BEER REBATES THOUGH?! I'd be all over that.

show me a $40 250gb hard drive on newegg please (WD/seagate).
show me a $200 computer (amd 3200+ (nforce2)/512mb/160gb/cdrw) with a 17" monitor (e-machine)
show me a 19" monitor for $99 (MAG)
show me 100cd cases + 200 cd-rs for $9
show me 80 AA batteries for $8 (red cell, last just as long as energizer/duracell in my mp3 player cause i timed it )
show me an antec full tower case with 380w PS for 60$ (normally 120+)

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I've got my new router working the setup was a snap... now I'm wondering is there a way I can get my PS2 to work with this? I've got a built in network adapter in the PS2, how does it pickup the wireless??

if its wired (ethernet), you can plug the cable right into the router, if you want to connect it wirelessly you need to have a wireless adapter not a wired network adapter in the PS2...

[cpayne5]

The WRT54G v5 is not the same unit as previous versions. The v5 has half the ram and uses VxWorx as its OS. If you don't want a dumbed down unit, look for a WRT54GL online. It's basically a WRT54G v4.

802.11b/g/n = 2.4ghz
802.11a = 5.8ghz

[BDBohnzie]

Update: Finally got it working. I hooked my sister's box directly to the router, downloaded and installed all the WinXP updates needed (incl. SP2), took it back to the wireless adapter, just hooked it up (as opposed to following the Linksys directions) letting Windows grab the driver from the CD, and got it going. I'm guessing a combination of the updates and the different way of installing the wireless adapter led to it working...

Thanks to those who offered advice.