New Router Problem

Alright, so I previously was running an 802.11b Linsys wireless router. No problems, could easily connect to the network with my WEP password on both my OSX computer and my PC running Windows. Never had any blips or issues.

This weekend, a friend helped me set up a new 802.11g (whatever the new model at Best Buy is without the Speedboost) router, same brand, looks nearly identical.

Problem is, it was a fight getting any of the PCs to connect to it to begin with. Kept getting "there was an error joining this network" messages. Finally got the PCs connected after playing around with the settings.

Unfortunately, my Mac will not connect to it. I see it fine, type in the password when prompted, but get the "error joining this network" message after a few seconds.

Moreover, my PC randomly disconnects from it and reconnects itself to another wireless network in my area randomly.

I never had either of these problems with the old router, so I'm wondering what I did wrong on this one.


For reference, the only things between the wall and the router are a splitter for the digital cable, the modem and my SunRocket gizmo, and everything is connected exactly as it was with my old router. The SunRocket works fine, cable works fine, and when my PCs connect to the router, that works fine. Also, plugging an ethernet cord into the router works great. Just would like to sort out the issue with the wireless so I no longer have a 30 foot Cat-5 strung across my living room. Any suggestions?

 

It sounds like you have a Linksys WRT54G or GS router. Its a good choice. It sounds like your having problems with other wireless networks on the same ssid and channel as yours. Run NetStumbler on a wireless computer in the area where your setting up your network and choose a ssid and channel thats not in use in that area to avoid conflicts.

Be sure to change the password on your router.

http://majorgeeks.com/NetStumbler_d4447.html

 

If connecting the Mac to a router with WEP, you have to put a '$' before the key (ie $1a2b3c4d). As the other stated, since you have a new router in the setup, you have to make sure the key is the same on the router as it is on the other machines. When I set up a new router, I always set it up wired first to get everything good, then connect with one WiFi computer, get it working, then go from there.

If you set it up out of the box, it pretty much can be up and running in less then 15 mins out of the box (password, SSID assignment, WPA key).

 

Sweet, thanks guys. I'll try these suggestions out when I get home.

And by the way, you rung a bell. The Mac error said something about there being an error with the SSID or being unable to connect to that SSID. Is that like a channel that I can change or something?

For reference, I'm really new to PCs (only had one for a month), and the software I have to fool with the router settings is all PC software, so I'm kinda flying blind when making these adjustments.

Anyway, thanks again, I'll try these suggestions.

 

The SSID is the name of the device (should be Linksys). It is just a description of it, so that you can distinguish it from another device that you may connect with. And you really should not have to fool with any software, except input the WPA keys and SSID in the Wireless config screen on XP.

 

Just enter the key like in Windows. No extra characters.



In regards to router software, can't you just log into the web interface?

Also, on the Mac, if its using an Airport card, it *should* have a setting called interference robustness. Turn that on and see if it helps at all.

What I would do, if you feel its a WPA/WEP problem, is turn all of that off. Set the router to defaults, so that you can connect without security. Remove it from your modem and see if you can connect then. If you can, setup WEP/WPA again and see if it works.

Keep in mind the Mac (10.4.x anyway) supports several types of WPA, WPA2, etc. Make sure you are using WPA-PSK on the router and set the Mac to connect with WPA Personal.

 

With non-airport devices accessing a router with a HEX WEP key, I have always had to put the '$' before the key, in order to get it to work.

 

I guess its driver specific then. Its not the case with any Apple product.


Edit: That I've ever used. I'd suspect its the same for the last few years of products, too.