Tech Help -- Wireless Network Card

[Timber Loftis]

Okay, guys, I got her CPU up and running, and am posting from it. WEP encryption, too.

Now, riddle me this. My CPU (also a laptop) has an integrated wireless ethernet. Currently, it is hard-wired to the modem/router. Which works for me so far. However, let's say I PREFER to be able to get up and move around with my CPU inside my house later.

Now, I don't know what software to open (with my wife's it was easy, b/c the card came w/ its own Netgear program), but I would like to configure my computer to be able to run PRIMARILY via ethernet cable, and SECONDARILY via wireless. What program do I open to manage these, how do I add other profiles, and how hard is it to switch back and forth?

Oh, and thanks for the help so far.

[Bungleau]

Easiest way... unplug the wire, turn on the wireless, and see what happens. Something should pop up that will direct you along the way.

Alternative approach: go into Control Panel, Networks, and start sniffing around the "Add a new network" icon critter. That should walk you through the process.

I have both a wired and wireless network set up on both my laptops. Interestingly, you can use both at the same time...

[Felix The Assassin]

Originally posted by Zebodog: quote: Originally posted by Felix The Assassin: There is no real need to talk to the router, it will not give you the answer. Only M$ will. On a Windows XP PC, this setting is typically found in the Network Control Panel. From inside the Network Connections control panel, double-click on your connection, then click on View Wireless Networks (XP SP2) or the Wireless Networks tab under Properties (XP pre-SP2). Also, If the SSID is not found in the Network Control Panel on a Windows system, look for a program group installed by the card driver. Also check your system tray in the taskbar near the clock and look for a running card setting/configuration tool. This is especially in the case of versions of windows before XP (95-2000). Now keep in mind there are way more people that know the default codes, so please lock er down once you are established. Also, you do know your WAN, MAC, IP, and Gateways? If not, you will have to invoke WMinfo,~hardware~NetWorkAdapterCfg~Then scroll down until you have it.

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I'm sorry Mr. Assassin, but Windows will not recognize an ethernet based connection as wireless no matter how much you want it to.

If I'm reading the initial post correctly, his functioning PC is hard wired to the router not wireless. Therefore, XP doesn't know there is a wireless network available, only the router does. [/QUOTE]Well darn it Mr. Zebo, maybe, just maybe, you fell off the turnip truck (again). Since you want to be corrected, go back and re-read

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: I bought a wireless ethernet card and installed it. It works, and identifies several wireless connections available in my neighborhood. I want to connect to my particular modem/router. But, now I'm having trouble working the WEC and SSID and all that info into it, because I don't know them.

It appears he had the info (it does look like from the ethernet card at that), but did not know which ONE was his. This can be obtained one of many different ways, and two of which again involve M$. There are lots of people who have wireless, but are clueless about securing their network. It is not hard to drive through 'suburbia' America and Hi-Jack a wireless connection, anytime, anyday! Without having to communicate with a router.

Cheers! [img]graemlins/bonghit.gif[/img]


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[Zebodog]

Originally posted by Felix The Assassin: quote: Originally posted by Zebodog: quote: Originally posted by Felix The Assassin: There is no real need to talk to the router, it will not give you the answer. Only M$ will. On a Windows XP PC, this setting is typically found in the Network Control Panel. From inside the Network Connections control panel, double-click on your connection, then click on View Wireless Networks (XP SP2) or the Wireless Networks tab under Properties (XP pre-SP2). Also, If the SSID is not found in the Network Control Panel on a Windows system, look for a program group installed by the card driver. Also check your system tray in the taskbar near the clock and look for a running card setting/configuration tool. This is especially in the case of versions of windows before XP (95-2000). Now keep in mind there are way more people that know the default codes, so please lock er down once you are established. Also, you do know your WAN, MAC, IP, and Gateways? If not, you will have to invoke WMinfo,~hardware~NetWorkAdapterCfg~Then scroll down until you have it.

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I'm sorry Mr. Assassin, but Windows will not recognize an ethernet based connection as wireless no matter how much you want it to.

If I'm reading the initial post correctly, his functioning PC is hard wired to the router not wireless. Therefore, XP doesn't know there is a wireless network available, only the router does. [/QUOTE]Well darn it Mr. Zebo, maybe, just maybe, you fell off the turnip truck (again). Since you want to be corrected, go back and re-read

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: I bought a wireless ethernet card and installed it. It works, and identifies several wireless connections available in my neighborhood. I want to connect to my particular modem/router. But, now I'm having trouble working the WEC and SSID and all that info into it, because I don't know them.

It appears he had the info (it does look like from the ethernet card at that), but did not know which ONE was his. This can be obtained one of many different ways, and two of which again involve M$. There are lots of people who have wireless, but are clueless about securing their network. It is not hard to drive through 'suburbia' America and Hi-Jack a wireless connection, anytime, anyday! Without having to communicate with a router.

Cheers! [img]graemlins/bonghit.gif[/img]

[/QUOTE]Okay, just this once, I'll be willing to admit that you can read better than I can. It doesn't mean that you need to enjoy it so damn much

Having said that, I still think that telneting into the router is the best way to get your WIFI settings. After all, the router sets them, not Windows.

[Felix The Assassin]

Great TL, glad it all worked out. Like B posted above, just run the Wireless wizard, and things 'should' line up. Some vendors have a hard/soft/combo built into their MB for fast access connect. Which means, if the RJ45 is plugged, the wirless goes off, and if the RJ45 is not plugged and the wirless is turned on, then the e-port is disabled. Which then does not allow a dual configuration, or if there were to be an OS hic-up would not corrupt both fast access installs.

Zebo, talking to the router is "a" way, but if done so,(as opposed to through the server) then how will all the clients know what the setting is?


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[Timber Loftis]

Okay, I got it all worked out. I have disabled the wireless for when I'm plugged up, but Bungleu indicates you can have both on at the same time. Does this mean -- without causing any slowdown?

Also, have a bigger problem now -- please see other thread. http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/cg...;f=34;t=001544

[ 10-17-2005, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]

[Bungleau]

Doesn't cause me any slowdown at all. YMMV.