More Wireless Networking Tips

This page is a scrapbook collection of information drawn from various sources, organized alphabetically, intended mostly to help me personally in my job.

Please, if you need detailed information about a particular router, network adapter, or wireless configuration utility program, refer to the manufacturer's documentation, which should be available at their support web site. A web search using the product name and model number will usually return links to what you need.

See also [HINTS and TIPS] and [HOWTOS] for other subjects and/or specifics in more detail.

General information about wireless: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi

Apple Airport/Network Configuration

"The wireless network appears to have been compromised and will be disabled for about a minute."
This message can appear with OSX 10.4 or 10.5 if the SSID of the wireless access point has recently been changed. Try shutting down the router or wireless access point and the computer, then restart first the access point, and then the computer and retry.

Network Leopard OSX 10.5 (Leopard) basic screenshots only, but see also ...
Airport Tiger OSX 10.4 (Tiger) only.

Some older versions of Airport software require that your WEP key be entered using a special prefix. See:
Apple support #106864 -- AirPort Extreme: Getting an equivalent network password
Apple support #58574 -- AirPort for Mac OS 9: Third-Party Wireless Software and Equivalent Network Password

Belkin

Belkin Wireless USB network adapter: the software presents tabs like:

-Link info
-Access point list: -- Select -- Connect -- Profile
-Profile setting
-About

Broadcomm Wireless Config Utility

Used for example on some Gateway laptops:

NICs shown in Device Manager:

-1394
-Broadcomm 802.*

System Tray icons include:

-Synaptics
-AV disabled 
-AV
-LAN connection
-WXP wxp w'less conn
-Broadcomm <<<<<< THIS IS THE ONE!
--Enable
--Disable
--Utility

Broadcomm wireless configuration utility:

-Wireless networks
--Available nets
--Preferred nets
---Add (works like Windows XP with no Service Pack) 
-Link status
-Statistics
-Site monitor
--Advanced
---Signal/noise etc. 
-Diagnostics
-Information.

Create a Preferred NetWork Profile (like Windows XP with no SP).

Cannot connect

Most "I cannot connect" scenarios are resolved by:

1) Turn off the modem
2) Turn off the router
3) Check that the WAN or Internet port of the router is properly connected to the modem.
4) Restart the modem ONLY (usually after 20 seconds is sufficient).
5) Wait until the modem comes online (usually the Cable, Cable Link or Online light has to turn solid).
6) Restart the router.

Most often you will not also need to reboot your computer.

If you still cannot connect, then:

If using a wired connection between the computer and the router, check the cable is plugged in correctly.
If using a Mac, put it to sleep, wait 20 seconds, then bring it out of sleep and retry.
If using a Windows PC, first try to Repair the connection or use Diagnose in Internet Explorer Version 7.
If using a Windows PC, and Internet Explorer says that it is working offline,
   click File then uncheck Work Offline (press Alt once to make the Menu Bar appear in IE7).  

If you still cannot connect, then restart your computer and retry.

If using a wireless connection and you still cannot connect, you will need the name of your network and either the WPA passphrase or WEP key (these settings are stored on the router).

Try connecting manually to your wireless network.  

If you cannot see your wireless network, but you can see others, then confirm your router's wireless settings.
If you cannot see ANY wireless networks, then check that your wireless network adapter is working
   (e.g. wireless switch on a laptop may be turned off, or the adapter may be disabled in Device Manager).   

If you can see your network but the system does not ask you for your Key or Passphrase (Windows) or Password (Mac OSX) then
it is trying to use a previously stored profile for the same network name (SSID).  These profiles can get corrupted.

If this happens then you need to edit or trash the saved profile before retrying.
How  you do this depends on the software you are using:
 - In Windows XP profiles are either stored in the wireless connection properties
      (under Control Panel / Network Connections) or using the adapter manufacturer's software (see below).
      Go to the Wireless Networks tab in the Wireless Connection Properties and remove the preferred network profile.
      Then disable and re-enable the connection before retrying (also under Control Panel / Network Connections).
 - In Windows Vista the profiles are saved in Manage Wireless Networks (under Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center)
      Remove the profile for your SSID.
      Then disable and re-enable the connection before retrying (Network and Sharing Center / Manage Network Connections)
 - In OSX the profiles are saved under System Preferences / Network settings for Airport
 - If using Dell, Intel, Linksys, Netgear, SMC or other software to manage your wireless connection on Windows XP or earlier,
      you may need to reconnect and manually save the required profile.

If you STILL cannot connect:

Try shutting down the computer and removing the A/C power cord AND the battery pack if present, then retry on A/C power.
If still not connecting, check your IP address, and if it starts 169.254.*, check that firewall software is not blocking the connection.
If all else fails, on a Windows PC you may need to uninstall/reinstall the device driver for your wireless network adapter.

See also http://m06orama.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-do-we-have-to-restart-routers.html

Comcast

Comcast branded gateways (integral modem and router)

Comcast-branded "Home Networking Gateway" devices are 802.11b+g wireless routers that include an integral cable modem, router, and wireless access point.
Examples are Linksys WCG200-CC, Netgear CG814WG, RCA DCW725.
Information about default settings is publicly available by web search.

Default wireless security settings are not published for obvious security reasons: sign in to the router to determine your current settings.
Administration features are limited: for example these routers cannot be configured to use a PPPOE connection, MTU and name servers cannot be changed, etc.
Firmware cannot be upgraded except over the network.
Firmware may be incompatible with some VPN or gaming applications.

Comcast branded routers

Some older Linksys equipment, e.g. BEFCMUH4, uses settings as above OR default Linksys settings.

Newer routers are usually a re-branded Netgear WGR614v8 or 'v9 using Netgear retail firmware:

Username = admin
Password = password
Default gateway address = 192.168.1.1
Default SSID = "NETGEAR"
Wireless is supposedly turned off by default, so you may find you have to connect using a wire to configure the router.

This information is also publicly available by web search.
Refer to Netgear's web site for documentation (use the router's model number and version information, usually found on a label on the base of the unit).

Own router setup

First, refer to your router manufacturer's documentation for information how to sign in to the router and access its configuration.

To set up the connection to Comcast:

1) No user name or password is required for the WAN connection  
2) Get external IP address automatically (dynamically) using DHCP
3) Get name servers (DNS) automatically
4) No hostname or domain name is required.

These are usually the default settings for any retail router.

Note that Comcast and other cable networks usually provide one external IP address for whatever the next Ethernet device is connected to the modem.
Therefore, to get the router to be recognized you must force the modem to reload its configuration:

 
1) Remove the power cord from both the modem and the router so all the lights go out.
2) Wait at least 20 seconds.
3) Connect the WAN or Internet port on the router to the Ethernet port on the modem.
4) Reapply power to the modem first
5) Wait 'til the modem comes online, and THEN 
6) Restart the router in order to change the device (MAC address) connected to the modem.

Sometimes you may need to repeat this procedure before the router gets a valid external IP address. Otherwise refer to the router manufacturer's documentation and/or web site using your router's model number.

Entry last updated 2009-09-07

Connection keeps dropping / Wireless interference / Building Construction / Weak signal

Many users of 802.11* wireless equipment are not aware of its limitations.

If another network is interfering it will most likely happen all day, even if you cannot see the other network (i.e. if it is not broadcasting). You can use tools like NetStumbler (Windows) or KisMac (OSX) to get detailed information about other wireless networks in your location.

There are many other sources of possible interference. The most common are 2.4Ghz cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors.

Building construction can magnify the effects of interference. The wireless signals between your access point and your computer are absorbed and deflected by whatever obstacles are presented by features of your building construction. For example, you can easily lose about 10 feet of effective wireless range for each typical wood-and-plaster wall or wooden floor that your signals traverse.

In addition, brick, concrete or stone walls or floors, soundproofing, metal girders and pipework, metal foil mesh or studding in walls, other metal equipment, ceramic tiling, and water tanks are largely impenetrable to wireless signals. Since these travel in a straight line, and do not bend around obstacles, construction features or furnishings create "wireless shadows" and troublesome reflections.

Depending on where your computer is relative to the wireless access point, these factors reduce the strength of the wireless signals that you send and receive, causing data to be lost and therefore having to be retransmitted. Together with interference from other sources, the result may be that your wireless connection will be slower and more unreliable than you might expect in a particular location within your residence. In extreme situations, your wireless signal may be blocked entirely, for example behind a chimney, a concrete core or an elevator shaft, or in a basement.

A useful exercise can be to measure the strength of the signal that you get in different places in your residence, and to plot this on a floor plan. This can help you to identify causes. Free tools like NetStumbler and KisMac provide a lot of useful information: channels in use, signal strength, noise, etc. Vendors like AirMagnet sell premium software including WiFi spectrum analyzers.

Channels 1, 6, or 11 are the non-overlapping channels in the 2.4ghz spectrum in North America and using one of these will supposedly result in the least amount of interference. 802.11a uses a different frequency but may not be supported by the router/access point.

"MIMO" routers use multiple input/output antennas and special software to sense and compensate for reflections as well as to focus on clients directionally. Hence they are able to provide much better signal strength at greater range than earlier designs. Many manufacturers now use MIMO technology in their higher-end routers. For example, see http://www.ruckuswireless.com/technology/beamflex.php.

See also Netgear's RangeMax lines of Wireless Routers & Gateways and network adapters for either 802.11g or 802.11n, as well as similar comprehensive and competitively-priced lines of equipment from other manufacturers like Apple, Belkin and Linksys. All manufacturers use the same standards, but implementations are different, so read reviews and shop around.

Manufacturers like Hawking make a range of "Hi Gain" wireless equipment.

Check out alternative "wired" solutions like "Home Plug" or other "Ethernet over power line" solution, or else lay CAT5 cables if you are in a bind.

See this great 2009/2 "Computer World" article about powerline solutions: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Networking+and+Internet&articleId=9127759&taxonomyId=16&pageNumber=1

See also Wireless update below re. Windows XP SP1.

See also http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3488126 (tutorial).

Do a web search for more information about AirMagnet, NetStumbler or KisMac.

Dell Wireless LAN Card Utility

The utility presents a window containing several options and tabs:

Options:
-Enable this program to manage your wireless networks
-Display utility icon in System tray
-Enable radio.

Tabs:
- Wireless networks 
--- Edit button 
-------- WEP (set the correct encryption strength)
-------- Network key 
- Link status
- Site monitor    
- Diagnostics
- Statistics
- Information.

Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the Dell WLAN Utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.

The "Dell Quickset" icon may provide an option to disable radio on battery power.

As of 2008-06-12, see http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/network/p70008/EN/index.htm. This might not be the latest version. Use the model number of your computer to check at the Dell support web site for any driver, firmware, or other software updates that might be available for your specific computer model and operating system level.

D-Link router defaults

Try accessing the configuration website at http://192.168.0.1, and login with default username admin and a blank password.

D-Link have some great online emulators for router configurations. Search their product web site http://www.dlink.com using the model number of your router.

For example for the router model WBR-2310, see http://support.dlink.com/emulators/wbr2310/login.htm as of 2008-01-25.

File and Printer Sharing

MS Overview document:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/shareresources.mspx

Message "Workgroup Name is not accessible. You may not have permission to use this network resource. ".
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q318030

The main "it does not work" document is here

See also Windows_File_and_Printer_Sharing.html and HowTos

How to Setup File and Printer Sharing (Vista)

See http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

How to Set up Printer Sharing

See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/shareprinters.mspx

Gigabyte WLAN card utility

Seems to present a series of tabs like this:

--Profile
--Link status
--Site survey
--About

Hawking

Manufacturers like Hawking make a range of "Hi Gain" wireless equipment.

IBM Access Connections

Seems to present a series of tabs like this:

-Configure
-Manage Power
-Manage keyboard and point devices
-Manage connections
---1) View or change wireless
---2) Network and dial-up settings
---2a) Wireless connection
---2b) ?
-Manage your display
-Manage other devices
-Personalize Access IBM
-System Information.

There are different versions.

Detailed online help is usually provided.

You may need to use the "WiFi Miniport" icon to turn on the radio.

Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.

Insight BB QIC

To uninstall QIC Assistant, follow the steps below:

Click on Start > All Programs > Insight Broadband > Uninstall QIC Service Activator.

Intel Pro-Set

Usually accessed from an icon in the "System Notification Area".
General tab
Network tab

There are different versions.

You may need to use the "WiFi Miniport" icon to turn on the radio.

Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.

ISP firmware

Some retail-grade routers may carry ISP branding and/or use ISP-specific custom firmware.

Customizable options may be limited to:

• Fixed connection type (e.g. DHCP)
• Parental controls
• Wireless security, including MAC filtering
• Port forwarding and DMZ
• Change Administration password.

Newer models may support WPA as well as WEP but not RADIUS.

Custom firmware is often not publicly available and/or not upgradeable without having a connection to the ISP.

Common limitations include:

• Unable to inspect or change DNS or MTU specification
• Unable to specify UPnP
• Unable to set Connect on Demand or Keep Alive parameters
• Unable to inspect or change LAN IP address, DHCP server parameters, DNS or MTU specifications, routing table
• Unable to use remote administration
• Undocumented limitations

As a result some applications might not work:

• Some VPNs
• Yahoo! Webcam
• Some gaming devices (Wii, XBox Live) or individual games.

Linksys router defaults

Try accessing the configuration website at http://192.168.1.1, and login with the defaults: blank or any arbitrary username and password admin.

Linksys do not seem to have online emulators for router configurations. However, they do provide a great deal of documentation. Search their product web site http://www.linksys.com using the model number of your router, e.g. WRT54G.

Entry last updated 2009-09-07.

Linksys WUSB54G Version 1 - reports speed 1.0 mbps

On Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and Service Pack 3, if the Linksys Wireless LAN Monitor program is installed, even if it not being used to manage the wireless network adapter, the link speed for the connection may be mis-reported as "speed 1.0 mbps". One solution is to uninstall the Linksys adapter and utility (remove all files) from Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs; then run the Add New Hardware wizard, and manually install the driver.

Microsoft

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/871122 (Error message if using OEM W'less s/w). |
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815485/ (WPA update in WXP) |
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313242/ (How to troubleshoot wireless connections).

Click here for Windows

Motorola gateways

Default username = admin, password = Motorola.
Click on "Wireless" on the side.

Netgear CG814WG

Do a web search on "CG814WG" for specifics like default IP address and sign-in information (user name and password).

This router usually has ISP firmware.

Netgear MA111 Utility

Presents tabs like this:

- Settings
- Site Survey
- About

Netgear MA521 Utility

Images: here, and here.

Netgear Range Extender

Netgear CG814WG (router) | USB->XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge->Wall outlets->WGX102 54Mbps Wall-plugged Wireless Range Extender (default SSID "netgear").

Netgear retail defaults

E.G., for WGR614, set browser to http://192.168.1.1, Username=admin, Password=password.

Netgear WG111

See here for Netgear info.

Presents tabs like this:

Netgear WG111G v2 54mbps: 
Settings:
--Profiles
--New profile
--Network name
--Advanced settings button
--Network type: access point or ad hoc
--Security settings is on the right (a button):
---Disable
---WEP
----Create with passphrase
----Enter   
Networks:
Statistics: 
About:

Netgear WGR614v6

By default, set browser to http://192.168.1.1, Username=admin, Password=password.

Also seems to be an ISP router - refer to ISP for info.

General Knowledge

1. How To Set Up The Router http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101668.asp
2. Lost or Forgotten Router Password http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N100651.asp
3. How To Set Up The Wireless Connection http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101676.asp
4. How to Configure WEP/WPA wireless encryption http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101675.asp
5. Wireless Connection Using Vista http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101692.asp

Port Forwarding

How to Set Up Port Forwarding http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101145.asp#RP614Anchor
Port Forwarding Common Port Numbers http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n100495.asp

1. How To Set Up The Wireless Connection
2. How to Configure WEP/WPA wireless
3. How To Set Up The Router
4. Lost or Forgotten Router Password
5. Wireless Connection Using Vista
6. How to Set Up Port Forwarding
7. Port Forwarding Common Port Numbers

Netgear WGR614v8 and 'v9

Mostly similar to WGR614v6.

"Logout" is at the lower left hand corner (Always log out in order to avoid getting message "192.168.1.x is managing this device" when trying to log in from another 'puter).

Netgear WGR614v8 has DMZ specification on the "WAN Setup" under Advanced
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/wgr614v8.asp |

http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/wgr614v9.asp

Netgear WGR624

Wireless is OFF by default.
Versions 7 and 8 of this router currently work with Vista. This version is 6 and mostly works but may have some bugs.
2.4 ghz wireless, 802.11g (54 mbps)
Default wireless channel is 11
Default Encryption: None
Firewall included, that can block keywords, domains, or particular programs.
To reboot, hold reset button for 1 second. To reset to factory defaults, hold for 10 seconds.
This router has no usb capabilities. The wireless is OFF on this router by default, so the first time setups must be done via direct ethernet connection.
Remote management via public IP address is off by default.
GUI interface located at:
If have internet connection: routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1
If have no internet connection: routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm
Default Username is admin
Default Password is password
As of 2006-06-03 this thread indicates that you may have to disconnect this router from the modem before you can configure it. Otherwise you might find yourself stuck in the router configuration.

Ports / Port Forwarding / Firewall Configurations

See http://www.portforward.com/ for lots of useful information.

You might want to consider using static IPs if you need to use port forwarding. See http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/ports.mspx for MS info about common applications that may require port forwarding or local (per machine) firewall changes.

AIM

Try opening ports 1024 through 5000 (very dangerous).

DHCP ports

DHCP client 67 DHCP client 68

WXP Remote Desktop

3389

Yahoo! Messenger uses

Client Access is where your PC initiates the connection, sends a request, and receives replies.
Server Access is where your PC takes requests from another system or systems.

Standard Connection & Yahoo! Chat

Port TCP80 (HTTP): Client access to Port 80 to receive roomlists, and insider news.

Port TCP5050: Client access for the Yahoo! Messenger & Yahoo! Chat connection.

File Transfer

Port TCP80 (HTTP):Server & Client access to Port 80 to share files. If this is a problem (you already run webserver) you can change to another appropriate port.

Voice Chat

Port UDP/TCP5000-5010: Client access to Ports 5000-5010. If UDP access fails, it will try TCP. So enable both.

Webcam

Port TCP5100: Client access to Port 5100 to receive webcams. Server access on Port 5100 to allow p2p cam sessions may be required.

P2P Instant Messages

Port TCP5101: P2P instant messages may occur. For this, server access on Port 5101 is required!

Yahoo! Webcam

Try Opening ports 5000-5190 TCP+UDP (unconfirmed). MIGHT NOT WORK

Powerline solutions

See this great 2009/2 "Computer World" article about powerline solutions: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Networking+and+Internet&articleId=9127759&taxonomyId=16&pageNumber=1

1. The LAN indicators Eth1-Eth4 Indicates when an Ethernet interface is active.
WLAN/USB indicates when either the wireless or USB interface is active. 
2. Power Indicates when the unit is on. 
3. The WAN indicators DS (downstream) flashes during the stage of DOCSIS
startup when downstream
connectivity is being established, e.g. while the gateway is scanning for a
DOCSIS downstream signal. US (upstream) Flashes during a stage of DOCSIS
startup when upstream connectivity is being established, e.g. while the
gateway is fi rst transmitting to the cable operator to join the network.
ONLINE Flashes during later stages of DOCSIS startup, e.g. while the gateway
is getting an IP address, downloading confi guration info, and completing
online registration. After completion of startup, indicates the state of the
Internet On/Off button. 
4. Internet On/Off Provides secure, positive blocking
of Internet connectivity to your LAN-side button PCs with the press of a
button. When Internet connectivity is On, the Online LED is lit solid. When
Internet connectivity is Off, the Online LED is off.

1. Antenna jack Connects to the 80 2.11b/g wireless antenna included with the gateway. 
2. Power jack Connects to the AC power supply; requires 9-12 V AC.
Important: Use only the power supply included with the gateway, otherwise you
may damage the unit. 
3. Ethernet jacks Connect to LAN-side PCs, printers, etc. using Ethernet cables. 
4. USB jack Connects to a LAN-side PC using a USB cable. 
5. RESET switch Enables two types of gateway resets. Pressing and
releasing the button causes a reboot, e.g. the same as removing the power,
and user configuration is retained. Pressing and holding the button for 15
seconds resets the gateway to the factory defaults, including deleting all
user configuration. 
6. CABLE jack Connects to the WAN-side coaxial cable jack from your cable company.

- Configuration
 -- Common
 ---- Network name (SSID) -- YOU CAN CHOOSE
 ---- Network type (infrastructure)
 ---- Transmit rate (auto)
 ---- Power save (disabled)
 ---- Operating mode (Select both 802.11b and 802.11g) 
 -- Security
 ---- Security (on)
 ---- Sec type (WEP)
 ---- Key type (128-bit or 128-bit ASCII)
 ---- Passphrase (xxxx) -OR-
 ---- Keys (need to be entered)
 ---- Auth type (open)
 ---- Key (1)
 ---- HIT "APPLY CHANGES" (flips to "Link Information") 
 -- Advanced.         
- Link Information
- IP information
- Site survey
- Version information

 
In Windows XP: 
  
-Go into network connections 
-Right click the "wireless network connection" 
-Choose properties 
-Go to the wireless networks tab 
-Remove their network if it already exists in the preferred networks list 
-Click add 
-Type their SSID in the Network name box 
-Remove the check next to "the key is provided for me automatically" 
-Type their security key or passphrase 
-Click OK twice 
-Right click the "wireless network connection" again 
-Choose repair 
 
You can also edit the preferred network, unset "enable IEEE" on the Authentication tab, and then unset "the key is provided for me go  
 
In Windows Vista: 
  
-Click Start > Connect To 
-Click Set up a connection or network 
-Click Manually connect to a wireless network and click Next 
-Enter the Wireless network information and ...  
-Check the box to connect automatically .... click Next 
-DO NOT click "Connect" - HIT CLOSE. 
 

 
Netsh WinSock Reset 
or "netsh interface ip delete arpcache" 

 
TCP 80 
UDP 88 
UDP 3074 
TCP 3074 
UDP 53 
TCP 53