Oh man - more wireless network problems

[TUS 373]

I've noted a number of calls for help from folk recently with respect to wireless networks. Can anyone help me get mine to run?

I have a desktop PC connected via a LAN cable to a BT Voyager wireless ADSL modem/router. I also have a centrino laptop. I can access the internet from either of the PCs no problem at all. Both machines are running XP Pro.

What I want to do is set up the PCs to share files, folders and the USB printer attached to the desktop. I ad some initial success in getting them to talk and thought it was OK. Then, after one or both of the machines was switched off - it never worked again.

I'm going to start again - can someone give me a basic step by step guide as to how I should configure each machine for reliable working please?

Thanks in anticipation

[sybaseian]

TUS 373 said:

I've noted a number of calls for help from folk recently with respect to wireless networks. Can anyone help me get mine to run? I have a desktop PC connected via a LAN cable to a BT Voyager wireless ADSL modem/router. I also have a centrino laptop. I can access the internet from either of the PCs no problem at all. Both machines are running XP Pro. What I want to do is set up the PCs to share files, folders and the USB printer attached to the desktop. I ad some initial success in getting them to talk and thought it was OK. Then, after one or both of the machines was switched off - it never worked again. I'm going to start again - can someone give me a basic step by step guide as to how I should configure each machine for reliable working please? Thanks in anticipation

make sure that both computers are in the same network group and that both are using the same IP address range behind your router - 192.168.0.x. Also check that passwords, encryption are setup the same for the wireless side of the network.

easiest way is just to follow the wizard to setup a small office/home network, but don't let it bridge any connections as this can cause you problems.

[TUS 373]

OK, both machines were set up using the network wizard - and at the moment - no encryption etc (another layer of complication best avoided until I get everything to connect). The IP addresses allocated behind the router are different on each of the PCs - that seems OK.

Used the wizard, but it does create a bridge on the laptop - don't know how to counter this. What options should I choose to describe each PC when setting up with respect to how they fit into the network with respect to internet connections, and how do I stop the bridging of connections? Its driving me mad!

Also tried the network troubleshooter, it gives a fail next to MAC miniport bridge - is that hardare or software (windows?. All help gratefully recieved!

[sybaseian]

TUS 373 said:

OK, both machines were set up using the network wizard - and at the moment - no encryption etc (another layer of complication best avoided until I get everything to connect). The IP addresses allocated behind the router are different on each of the PCs - that seems OK. Used the wizard, but it does create a bridge on the laptop - don't know how to counter this. What options should I choose to describe each PC when setting up with respect to how they fit into the network with respect to internet connections, and how do I stop the bridging of connections? Its driving me mad! Also tried the network troubleshooter, it gives a fail next to MAC miniport bridge - is that hardare or software (windows?. All help gratefully recieved!

go to My Network Connections, View Network Connections, and then delete the bridge........

I can also be done via the wizard (ie - choose your connections)

[TUS 373]

Help again / still !

I deleted the network bridge and also found a firewall on for one of the network adaptors (seem to be 3 - the Wireless LAN, 1394 Net Adaptor and Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection - listed in Device Manager). Hey presto, I could share my files again with my desktop - and use its printer. Satisfied that all was working, I switched the PCs off and went to bed.

This morning, they don't see each other again !!! What's happening when I switch them off - something is changing and I don't know what it is. Anyone any ideas - its really frustrating me....

>> Edited by TUS 373 on Friday 21st November 16:11

[sybaseian]

check all the IP addresses for the PC's. If they can't find the DHCP server, MS will default the IP address of the machine to 127.x.x.x rather than 192.168.0.x

I have been caught a few times with this early on when I first started with wifi. I have set my DHCP server to issue a fixed IP address to each wifi card MAC number rather than just issuing a free number everytime a PC asks for one from the DHCP server. Never had the problem again.

The MAC number is printed on the back of each wifi card and is unique to the card, this helps when I swap a Cisco card between an Ipaq and a Linux Server(only have one card that is supported by both OSs - should really get another one!)

[TUS 373]

Many thanks for your kind assistance - I've got it workin again after doing a number of things, namely: disabling all firewalls, disabling all network adapters other than those in use, deleting the bridge and deleting Zonealarm off both machines. I'll just have to find out whether it still works tomorrow after its all been switched off and back on again, fingers crossed it will. Tonight its been great - surfing ADSL whilst watching TV - and printing off everything I need for work off the printer upstairs at the same time. Fantastic technology seems to go hand in hand with frustrating technology !

Thanks for all your help, I'll keep you posted on the reliability - then come the next q's on tightening up the security!

[Marshy]

Couple of points: Zone Alarm is worth having if you can make it fly, but it can be slightly baffling to set up.

Secondly, have you turned on encryption for your wireless LAN? If you don't know, I'll drive by and tell you

[TUS 373]

Hi. I like Zonealarm, but it has been a little problematic with getting the network working properly! I figured that if I'm behind a hardware firewall, then maybe I don't really need it anymore, so I'm currently living without it. I also wanted to lighten the load for when the laptop boots and get rid of things out of the start tray/tool bar. I've not turned on the encryption yet - that's the next step when I am convinced that everything works OK. If you'd like to stop by and help me, you are very welcome!

[Marshy]

Halifax is a touch far...

One final reason that ZoneAlarm is quite good is that it's damn good at spotting spyware or e-mail worms that might have crept through your antivirus protection. Basically, since ZoneAlarm warns you every time a new program tries to connect to the internet, you'll know if some sort of malware has landed. A network firewall can't usuall do that, especially if the malware tries to get out via http (web) or smtp (e-mail), as those protocols usually have to be allowed out anyway.

[TUS 373]

Thanks Marshy.

All I need to know I suppose then, is it perfectly possible to re-install Zonealarm in such a way that it can go about its business - but without hicupping my network?

Apart from that, my wirless net is working wonderfully - the best add on I have ever got for my PCs along with broadband

[Marshy]

TUS 373 said:

All I need to know I suppose then, is it perfectly possible to re-install Zonealarm in such a way that it can go about its business - but without hicupping my network?

It *is* perfectly possible for it to be installed in this way and it should install in this way by default. When I get around to re-installing ZA on my wireless laptop, I'll try and remember to make notes.

[sybaseian]

TUS 373 said:

Thanks Marshy. All I need to know I suppose then, is it perfectly possible to re-install Zonealarm in such a way that it can go about its business - but without hicupping my network? Apart from that, my wirless net is working wonderfully - the best add on I have ever got for my PCs along with broadband

Have you set up WEP encryption yet? here's couple of links to show you what you need to setup:-

www.netgear.com/pdf_docs/10StepsWirelessSecurity.pdf

www.netgear.com/pdf_docs/WLAN_Security_Concepts.pdf

[Marshy]

And while WEP is not without its flaws, it *is* very useful in deterring a casual hacker/neighbour who might want to use your Internet connection.

Certainly a year ago the stats were suggesting that around 50% or more of wireless networks were deployed with no encryption at all. With the stats that bad, any malcontent wanting to go fishing for hacking targets is most likely to cruise on past any protected wireless LANs and go straight for the easy pickings.

I started doing some casual audit work around Cambridge to gather stats on this sort of thing, but gave up when I changed cars and couldn't figure out how to mount the damn antenna...

[davidd]

Marshy said:

And while WEP is not without its flaws, it *is* very useful in deterring a casual hacker/neighbour who might want to use your Internet connection. Certainly a year ago the stats were suggesting that around 50% or more of wireless networks were deployed with no encryption at all. With the stats that bad, any malcontent wanting to go fishing for hacking targets is most likely to cruise on past any protected wireless LANs and go straight for the easy pickings. I started doing some casual audit work around Cambridge to gather stats on this sort of thing, but gave up when I changed cars and couldn't figure out how to mount the damn antenna...

I'll agree with my Beemer driving friend hear and add that if you can turn off your SSID broadcast, makes it harder for them to find the network in the first place.

You could also give the internal IP a new range of something not default and turn off dhcp.

D.