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General discussion

Challenge for you wireless experts

by evelone Jan 24, 2006 5:30AM PST

I work at a place where my boss has cable internet. I recently purchased a laptop with wifi. The challenge is that I don't have access to my boss' computer. I want to plug a wireless router into the cable modem and use the internet while I am at work. I can't use the wired computer so I am hoping that someone can recommend a wireless router that is plug and play. Do i have to get into the wired computer to adjust settings before my laptop can connect to the cable modem via my wireless router? I will be bringing my router with me and taking it home when I leave. Is there any way that this covert op can work?

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5 Posts
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(NT) one more thing
by evelone Jan 24, 2006 5:32AM PST

both computers have
XP with sp2
The laptop has built in wifi it is a dell
the cable modem is a motorola I think it is a surfboard

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What is the challenge?
by Melati Hitam Jan 24, 2006 9:07PM PST

Basic connection is:

Modem -> Router -> PC/laptop

so just connect your wireless router to the Cable modem.. and configure your WiFi using your laptop.

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modem config
by evelone Jan 25, 2006 12:20AM PST

don't most modems need to be configured by the wired computer so that they will recognize/allow the connection to the router/laptop? Last time I added a wireless router to one of those surfboard modems I had to call motorola tech support and use the host computer to update the firmware on the modem and tweak some settings. In this case I don't have access to the host comp. In most cases should wireless routers just work like plug and play or do I generally have to change something in the modem config?

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Usually you don't do anything to the modem
by Melati Hitam Jan 25, 2006 12:32AM PST

What you will do is configuration on the router/Access Point, which you can acces through webbased utility from any computer that are connected.

You may also need to update your access point firmware.

Unless... the ISP specifically designated the connection for only 1 computer... which is uncommon..

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many thanks
by evelone Jan 25, 2006 4:30AM PST

I apreciate that you took the time to respond. I did't want to buy a router if I won't be able to use it.

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