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Wired & Wireless Networking

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by saj262 1 view

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Hi PPL,

I am really new to this so really hoping someone can guide me through what i am about to ask. Here goes.

I have just recieved my Netgear DG834G Wireless router/modem from AOL. I have connected the modem/router via ethernet cable from modem/router to back of my desktop computers ethernet port. I installed aol cd and have followed the instructions for part 1, which has enabled me to log onto the internet with no problems. So at the moment i assume i am on a wired network as the only computer in question is my desktop. Part 2 on the AOL cd is about going wireless on the computer. As i dont have a usb or pci adaptor in my computer i'm guessing i obviously cant go wireless on it.

Here lies my question and any help would be appreciated. I want to keep my desktop as it is ie wired, but i am going to buy a laptop which i would like to connect wirelessly.

As i haven't set an admin password or ssid or wep/wpa or encryption key on the desktop (because it just connects to the internet through a wired ethernet connection)i am assuming i dont have a network as yet ?????

SO my question is (thank you for being patient)do i start the process of creating the wireless connection from the laptop OR do i first have to create it on the desktop, in which case it means me having to purchase a usb adaptor. Hopefully there are people out there who have this aol package.

Thanks

4 replies

by tig2

You currently have a wireless router but are using it as a wired connection and haven't set-up any security. (WPA is better than WEP)

Even though you aren't using the router as a wireless connection, you are still a network- you have an open access point. Through that open access point, I could connect to your router from a nearby car park and use your bandwidth. So could anyone else, armed only with a wireless capable device.

So set up your security. As I have said, WPA is stronger than WEP. Set an admin password. Do these things as quickly as you can.

When you get your wireless laptop it will be reasonably simple to connect to your wireless access point. You will need to enter your WPA key in order to do so but otherwise the connection should be simple and straightforward.

Good luck!

by 1bn0

No. You do not need a wireless card in your desktop to configure the wireless setup of your router.

The reality is the exact opposite. To PROPERLY configure most (all?) wirless routers you must first connect to them with a wired connection to configure them before you can connect to them wirelessly.

If you do not configure the wireless, most routers default setup wil allow ANYONE to connect to the router. If you have configured the internet access without changing the wireless setup you have created a public internet access point without even trying. Congratulations.

by oh smeg

When you are accessing the Routers Configuration through the Desktop any changes that you make are made to the Router not the Desktop.

When you run the Install CD this opens the Routers Setup routine and you are altering the router through the Keyboard on the Desktop. What many people fail to understand is that the router is a dedicated Computer all by itself and needs to be configured to suit the ISP and your existing LAN/Network whatever you want to call it.

Also before you start you should check that you have the latest Firmware update for your Router and if you don't install the latest one which is available from here

http://tinyurl.com/34a34s

I've just posted a default list for the DG834G as there are several different models so you'll need to check and get the right one.

Once you have flashed the Firmware you can then follow the install CD and do as the others have advised.

Col

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