When you're experiencing conductivity problems, it is always best to keep things
simple. So next you are going to do is that, please disable any WEP encryption
you might have configured.
Successful implementation of encryption also includes the use of a shared key. A
HEX key is the most common, but other formats are also used. This key identifies
the workstation to the router as a trusted member of this network. Different
manufacturers can implement this key technology in ways that might prevent them
from working correctly with another vendor's products. So pay attention to detail is
going to be the key to a successful installation.
Next make sure the router and the NIC are configured to use the same
communications channel. There are normally 11 of them, and the default channel
can also vary from vendor to vendor. You might also want to confirm that the router
has DHCP services enabled and an address pool configured. If not, the NIC won't
be able to pick up an IP address. I have run across a few access points that offer
DHCP services but do not assign all of the needed IP information to the NIC. As a
result, I was able to connect to the network, but could not browse the web. The
point is, don't assume anything. Verify for yourself that all of the required settings
are being received by the workstation.
Finally, you might want to keep the system you're trying to configure in the same
room as the router, at least during the initial configuration, in order to minimize
potential interference from concrete walls or steel beams.
•
My PC can’t locate the Wireless Access Point.
A:Check the following:
◦
Your PC is set to Infrastructure Mode. (Access Points are always in
Infrastructure Mode.)
◦
The SSID on your PC and the Wireless Access Point are the same.
Remember that the SSID is case-sensitive. So, for example “Workgroup”
does NOT match “workgroup”.
◦
Both your PC and the Wireless Access Point must have the same setting for
WEP. The default setting for the Wireless Router is disabled, so your
wireless station should also have WEP disabled.
◦
If WEP is enabled on the Wireless Router, your PC must have WEP
enabled, and the key must match.
◦
If the Wireless Router’s Wireless screen is set to Allow LAN access to
selected Wireless Stations only, then each of your Wireless stations must
have been selected, or access will be blocked.
◦
To see if radio interference is causing a problem, see if connection is
possible when close to the Wireless Access Point. Remember that the
connection range can be as little as 100 feet in poor environments.
•
Wireless connection speed is very slow.
A: The wireless system will connect at highest possible speed, depending on the
distance and the environment. To obtain the highest possible connection speed,
you can experiment with following:
◦
Access Point location: Try adjusting the location and orientation of the Access
Point.
◦
Wireless Channel: If interference is the problem, changing to another channel
may show a marked improvement.
◦
Radio Interference: Other devices may be causing interference. You can
experiment by switching other devices off, and see if this helps. Any “noisy”
