AOL Wireless broadband IP failure?

Question

Can anyone help my AOL wireless modem is not supplying me with IP addresses. If I hardwire the computer in it is fine and I can browse, using wireless it fails. I have tried the usual Firewalls and Antivirus but to no avail. I can connect to other wirless networks with no problem.

Answer 1

your IP address is obtained from aol, the problem will be with wireless encryption. you need the WEP key from the router. if its a netgear router open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1, this will take you to the router config page. (if you are asked for a username try username or netgear, the password should be password) look for wireless settings, there should be a security option there with a WEP key (26 characters). copy this code down exactly. Also take a note of the router name, this should have SSID in brackets, if its a netgear router should just be netgear. This is needed to give the network the correct name. then set up a wireless network.



If you have a speedtouch router, open your browser and type www.speedtouch.lan and again look for wireless settings, security.



when setting up the wireless network enter the SSID name then choose to assign a WEP key, type in 26 character code taken from router. unplugg the cable. once you have completed the setup you should now be connected with a secure connection (i.e. no one else can access your network without the WEP key).



RESPONSE FOR MB



The IP address IS obtained from the ISP in this case AOL as AOL support DHCP (Dynamic host Configuration Protocol) if you go into network settings and check the proerties of internet protocol you will see that the laptop/computer will be set to obtain ip address automatically, unless they are assigning a static ip address which is done by the owner/user of the PC/laptop.



I accept what you are saying MB (by the way, not arguing, just discussing) while we are both correct the situation seems to be that the router wont allow wireless connection. Mouse can get access with a wired connection showing that IP assignment is working on the router, still possibly a security issue.



RESPONSE FOR MOUSE:



you said that the router is not a netgear, if you got the router from AOL its most likley to be a Thompson Speed Touch 576 or model very similar. The settings for IP addresses along with DHCP and NAT should all be automatic which you probably wont have access to anyway. The fact you are getting connection with a wired connection suggests its still a problem with wireless security, I know its a pain in the *** but you should double check the WEP key. Also check the encyption strength, make sure its at its highest.

Answer 2

Your IP address is supplied to your computer/laptop by your router, NOT by AOL as suggested by another respondent.



The most likely cause is that you have not setup the security parameters on your laptop to match those on the router. If you are using WEP or WPA encryption on the router you must use the same on your laptop and use the same "key". You'll need to login to your router to look at its settings. How you do this is dependant on your router make/model.



Response to Damian M:

I don't wish to get into an argument. However, this is what happens. Your ADSL modem has a WAN side and a LAN side. The WAN side picks up an IP address from AOL via DHCP which enables the router to "talk" to AOL. Physically the WAN side is the port into whcih you connect the wire from your ADSL connection on your house - usually an RJ11 connector.



All laptops (and other LAN connected devices) connect to the LAN side of the router. The router itself is the DHCP server for all computers/laptops etc connecting wirelessly or through the wired ports (RJ45v connections) on the router. The laptop/computer etc is assigned an IP address by the router - NOT by AOL. The addresses assigned by the router (192.168.x.x) are never seen by the outside world. The router uses NATS (Network Address Translation) to "map" the interanl address to the external one.



(Extend the thinking - if AOL assigned an IP address to every physical computer there simply wouldn't be enough IP addresses to go around. As it is, they just assign one IP address to the router, then the router assigns an IP address to every other device connected to it. The IP addresses of the individual laptops etc connected to the router are never seen on the internet - only the IP address of the router is seen.

Answer 3

MB sounds like a networker as I am. Great answer. If this does not work look at a simpler solution. I'm guessing its a laptop.



Is the wireless adapter turned off. Most laptops can turn this on or off via a button or the Fn + (Something)? Check the manual.



Is it disabled in "My network places". Right click on the adapter icon the menu will give you the option to "Enable" if it is disabled.



OR is the wireless Router/Laptop hardware simply non functional i.e knackered?

Just some thoughts...