Please Help. Actiontec router problems.

[kmbrad1981]

Hi all.

I have just had my virginmedia broadband installed.

The modem is downstairs next to the TV. To save running cables everywhere, I bought an Actiontec 54 Mbps wireless Cable/DSL Router so I could go wireless in my bedroom. This is the only computer that will be on my network.

I am running Vista Home Basic. I had loads of problems getting the wireless adapter installed as the "found new hardware wizard" couldn't find a file. I have overcome that now and its installed perfectly.

The problem is installing the router. I have never gone wireless before so this is all new to me. I am connecting my router to the cable modem via an ethernet cable. The ethernet cable plugs in the modem via the "ethernet" socket, and in the router, the "cable/dsl" socket.

When I install the router, it tells me that my ethernet card needs configuring to a dynamic adress instead of a static IP address. This has lost me, and I really don't know what to do.

ANyopne have any ideas? Sorry to waffle on, but thought I'd give the whole situation.

Regards

have you rebooted everything in sequence turning modem and router off switching modem on allowing to settle then the router. Once settled all you should need to do is set up your wireless ie turn it on if its off and set up wpa security

[kmbrad1981]

thanks for the reply. sorry, i'm abit slow with this wireless thing.

i have tried it yes. it has lots of options on how to connect. i think i'm doing it all correctly. should it be asking me to configure my ethernet card?

[MovedGoalPosts]

To initially setup the router, it's easiest if you configure it using wired connections, i.e. ethernet between the router and PC. Once you have the router config setup, especially the wireless info of encryption type, network name and stuff, then move over to wireless between the PC and router.

Normally the IP settings of your network are all auto established by your router. Thus when you click on network settings for your network connection, check properties for the card, and internet protocol (TCP/IP) properties make sure that is all set to do things automagically.

[kmbrad1981]

Thanks Rob

I don't know what I've done, but I have got it working OK.

One more quick thing? Can anyone tell me how I can secure my network? It is currently open for anyone to connect too. I'm unsure how to do this?

Any ideas?

can you browse the router ? the ip you need should be in the manual 192.168.1.1 or similar with admin user root as username and password admin or root as password sometimes this is blank ,There will be wireless setting obvious there set up wpa password be warned if your conencting wirelessly you will lose connection now. Click on your wireless adapter in taskbar browse for wireless networks and connect to yours using the password. If this fails there will be a reset button on the router press and hold it for 30 secs and it will be reset to default

if you need the ip press the windows key and r together in the box type cmd. In the black box type ipconfig /all
the ip you need is the default gateway

[kmbrad1981]

thank you

if my connection remains open to others (as present), does it just mean other users have the ability to connect from my network, or can they also get into my computer?

possibly you need to sort it out.

[kmbrad1981]

I have just phoned Actiontec, and they have talked me through it. They gave me the address, then helped me set it up. It's not an open network anymore.

Thankyou both to Zinglebarb and Rob.

Cheers

pleasure as almost always