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General discussion

Looking for advice for setting up a wireless router

Jul 1, 2010 1:56AM PDT

I recently purchased a NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N 150 Router WPN824N for the purpose of connecting the Wii gaming system to the Internet. I have a wireless broadband connection coming into my desktop ( Windows XP Media Center Edition). The Wii is located in the family room and the desktop is located in a bedroom at the opposite end of a modest ranch style home. I am a novice with computer installations of any kind and would appreciate any (not too technical) advice that anyone would like to share. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Too technical.
Jul 1, 2010 2:01AM PDT

Sorry but since you are looking at fairly technical jargon and settings to do this my suggestion is to forget the wireless router and instead look at 3G routers.

To start shopping you can google such or try http://www.3g-router.com/
Bob

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Wireless router compared to 3G routers
Jul 1, 2010 12:08PM PDT

Can you explain the difference between the two kinds of routers?

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3g
Jul 1, 2010 12:34PM PDT

3G routers are basically wireless routers but they use cellular signals instead. Several companies offer these including your local cellphone provider. Might also be able to look into an ISP such as Clear LLC that uses only 3G / 4G routers.

I'll have to check my Wii but I believe it can be plugged into the wall if you have high speed DSL.

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wireless broadband
Jul 1, 2010 12:52PM PDT

My internet service is wireless broadband, not DSL and is not part of my cell phone service. Does that make a difference in what type of router should be used?

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hmmm
Jul 1, 2010 2:57PM PDT

I did a search of your particular router and it seems relatively basic, read lower end of the spectrum. You said you have a modest size ranch house, how big are we talking about? How many walls is the signal going through? You said your internet is wireless what exactly do you mean? Is your internet completely wireless like clear (formerly clearwire)?

If you are using an ISP like Clear then your router may not be compatible with their equipment. If you are using a wireless router and pulling signals from your neighbor the signals might be too weak for the Wii to connect. If you are using a service like Verizon then you probably have too many obstructions in the way.

Some solutions that I can think of. One, get yourself a more powerful router. Look for a dual antenna, extended range model. These can be had for around $300. Netgear and D-link both make excellent models. Two, move your current setup to a more central location. It sounds like you might have to many obstructions in the way. Radio signals are line of sight and they don't like going through walls very much. If you can't move your computer then consider moving the Wii, the fewer obstacles the better. Third, if your Wii is picking up the modem but not allowing access then this is an encryption issue. Check to make sure that you are entering the proper settings and WEP/WPA or MAC key into the Wii. You can find the "key" printed on the side or back of your router. Also check the router settings as well. Make sure that the router security is set to the proper encryption level (i.e. WEP, WPA, etc.) if your router is set to WEP but you are entering the MAC key it wont work.

Keep in mind the Wii is finicky and in my opinion doesn't like connecting to the internet much. I know in my case that my Wii wouldn't connect to the internet for the longest time and then suddenly it did. I use a Verizon wireless router that is upstairs and my Wii is down stairs. Hope this helps.

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Router installalation
Jul 2, 2010 7:51AM PDT

My house is a little over 2000 sq. feet and the signal would have to travel through 2 walls. My internet service comes from a tower to a dish on the roof, travels down a thin cable into the house and plugs into a very small black box (modem?) which plugs into the back of my computer. I really can't move the locations of the computer or Wii. My goal is to be able to use the Wii with my NetFlix account for instant viewing of movies/TV shows. At some point in the future I might also like to add a laptop. I haven't actually tried to install the router yet. Since I'm not computer literate, I'm trying to get as much information and advice as I can before I open the box.
Thank you for all your time and patience. I really do appreciate it.

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ok
Jul 3, 2010 8:21AM PDT

So I'm starting to get somewhat of an understanding. The black box you mention should be the modem. Chances are this is probably a proprietary type device that converts your ISP's signals into signals your computer can interpret (like a cable box for your tv). Most of these are built in wireless but not all.

If your ISP modem is not wireless then you will need to connect your wireless router to it. This is a simple task and is like hooking up a phone. However, be advised that you may need to purchase an ethernet cable to make it work. An Ethernet cable is probably the cable that runs from your dish to your modem that you mentioned. You can tell if it will be an ethernet cable by looking at the back of your modem. Eternet plugs look exactly like your standard phone plug only they are slightly larger. Ethernet cables are fairly cheap and are sold anywhere that carries computers (even walmart carries them).

Plug in your wireless router and connect it to the ISP modem. You should be up and running and your Wii should be able to connect. Make sure you set up encryption on your wireless modem to prevent unauthorized access. A 2000 sqft house is kinda pushing the limits of that router so you may only get 1/2 - 3/4 strength but it should still work.

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Please bear with me.
Jul 6, 2010 7:43AM PDT

Hi! Think I know what to do but just want to run through it one more time before I start. I have unpacked the router and the contents are one router, one power cable, one ethernet cable and one resource CD. I will unplug the modem from the back of my computer and plug it into the router. I will then take the ethernet cable (supplied with the router), plug it into one of the ports on the router and then plug the other end of the cable into the back of my computer where the modem had been plugged into, right? Will it make a difference what port on the router I use to connect the router and computer? Also, I plan on placing the router on my desk next to the monitor. Will the proximity of the router and monitor cause any problems? Thanks again for all your help and especially your patience.

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You got it
Jul 8, 2010 9:12AM PDT

You will be a computer nerd yet Happy it sounds like you have a real grasp for the installation and if you followed the steps you mentioned you should not have any issues.

Your router should not have any interference with your monitor. If your monitor is an older CRT style then I would think that it would be possible to expierience some interference. Currently my router sits about 8" from my LCD monitor with no interference. However, if you plan on operating a Ham radio station then you can expect some interference depending on the wattage.

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Compliment
Jul 13, 2010 6:56AM PDT

Thank you. I view anything to do with computers a complete mystery and if I can master each challenge with mine as it comes along I am a happy lady.

I have been away from my computer for a few days and have not had a chance to install the router yet. I decided to take the original router I purchased back to the store and exchange it for one with greater range. I hope to have some uninterrupted time tomorrow to install it. I wanted to thank you once again for your help and encouragement and hope to report on an uncomplicated installation .