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The Problem: The instructions to your new router say that the software on the CD
that came with the router should automatically get your computer to detect the new
router, wirelessly. You've tried a couple of times and keep getting a message that
indicates the software cannot find the router.
Quick Fix: This is actually a common problem with newer routers on the market that
have "automated setup." Sometimes the setup process just doesn't work. Here's how
you can bypass the setup and go right into the router's management interface to setup
your wireless network. Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to one of the
LAN ports of the router (you can also keep the router connected to the broadband
modem). Go into your computer's network settings. In Windows 7, they are located in
Control Panel|Network and Internet|Network Sharing Center|Change Adapter
Settings.
Right-click and select Properties of Local Area Connection. Highlight Internet
Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4). In the TCP/IP v4 windows that opens, click the radio
button, and select "Use the following IP address." Under "IP address" you type an
address that matches the default IP address of your router, a string of numbers
broken up by periods. You'll find this in the router's documentation. For instance, if
the default IP of the router is "192.168.1.1" you should type in "192.168.1.2"making
the last number different prevent an IP address conflict with the router but places
your computer and the router on the same network. Under "Subnet mask," type in
"255.255.255.0"this is the subnet mask for your typical home network, and for
"Gateway" type in the default IP of the routerin this example it would be the
"192.168.1.1" address.
You now have your computer on the same network as the router. You can now open a
browser and enter the router's IP address. Just type the router number into your
address bar, like this: http://192.168.1.1. You will be prompted to enter a username
and password. This information is also available with your router's documentation.
Once you are in the management interface, you can manually setup your wireless
connection: the SSID, pass phrase, and security.
If you can't browse to the router's interface, you may have made a typo. Recheck your
network settings under "TCP/IP v4" properties once more.
The Problem: All of a sudden, your SSID or Wi-Fi network name is no longer listed
when you click to see available wireless networks. There are various reasons this
might happen, and it's not an uncommon occurrence.
Quick Fix: Force your computer or device to connect to the router even if it's not
broadcasting. From Windows, go into Control Panel|Network and Internet|Network
and Sharing|Manage Wireless Networks.
If you see your wireless network listed, right-click on its icon and click Properties.
Check the option "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting its name (SSID)."
If you don't see your wireless network listed, click "Add" then select "Manually
connect to a wireless network" and put your wireless information in.
Mac users: You can also "force-join" an SSID that has stopped broadcasting through a
Mac's Airport Utility. Select to join "Other" and type in the name of the network and
password.
Of course, you still want to find out why your SSID stopped broadcasting. Check to
make sure broadcasting was not inadvertently disabled in the router's software,
reboot the router, and check for any software updates.
The Problem: You are happily surfing the Internet and every now and then the
connection drops. Perhaps you see the light flicker down to nothing on your
broadband cable modem and then suddenly all LEDs light up again.
Quick Fix: This is a common issue, particularly for those with cable Internet service
or FIOS. You wouldnt believe how often this problem is caused by a degraded signal
coming into the cable modem. If you use splitters, try replacing them. If you have
several splitters on an inbound cable connection, say one coming into your home and
another to break out the cable signal in your home entertainment system, check to
see if they are -7dB splitters (printed on the outside of the splitter). Try replacing a
-7dB splitter that your broadband modem is connected to with a -3.5 dB splitter,
which may decrease signal loss. Also, if you happen to have three splitter and you are
not using the third connection, try replacing it with a two-way splitter.
network against hackers and intruders. Before frantically going through your
configuration steps again, check to make sure the port you are setting up for
forwarding is not blocked by your ISP. Use a tool like the Open Port Check Tool to
see if the port you need opened is being blocked. If so, contact your ISP.
You have a router thats been working fine. Your laptop and your computer can
connect it without any problems. But when you get a new iPad, tablet or handheld
game for the holidays, sometimes that new device just won't connect. You know it's
not a problem with the router, so what's going on?
Quick Fix: When a new device won't connect to a router that you know is working the
first thing you want to check is make sure there isnt a problem with the device. Check
to make sure you can connect the device to another network, maybe a wireless
hotspot. If the problem remains, check to make sure your device is connecting to the
right wireless signal on your router, if you have a dual-band router.
Dual-band routers transmit signals at two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some routers
will use the same SSID for each band and then some devices can connect
automatically to the correct band. Almost all tablets, e-readers, gaming systems, and
so on can connect to the 2.4 GHz band. Some newer wireless devices can connect to 5
GHz.
Whenever I set up a router, I like to make sure I create different SSIDs for the 2.4 and
5 GHz bands. This way I can control which device connects to which band. For
example, if I set up a Linksys dual-band router, I can name the 2.4 GHz band
"Linksys_24" and the 5 GHz band "Linksys_5."
It's important to know at which band specific devices can connect. For instance, the
iPhone 4S only supports the 2.4 GHz band. Motorola's Droid Razr, the non-LTE
version, support both 2.4 and 5 GHz.
To see a listing of Wi-Fi support for the hottest wireless devices, check outThe Wi-Fi
You Need for the Gadgets You Want. If you don't see your device listed, or are not
sure about the wireless compatibility, contact the device's manufacturer.
If Internet access is slow, check to make sure you are getting near the bandwidth
promised by your ISP. Use multiple speed test tools such
asspeedtest.net, speakeasy.net, andAT&T's speedtest to get different results to
compare. Keep track of bandwidth at different times of the day and night as well as
weekdays and weekends. Contact your ISP for further troubleshooting if you are not
seeing the bandwidth you are supposed to receive from your ISP.