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General discussion

novice - please help!

by jacmash Jan 16, 2006 1:45PM PST

I am completely new to wireless networking. I've been reading for a couple of hours trying to figure it out and would appreciate anyone that can help me.
I have a Westell versalink 327W that cam along with my verizon dsl package. I beleive it is a modem and router.
I am trying to get my laptop connected to my network so I can go online and use the printer connected to my desktop.
I just double clicked on the wireless connections on my laptop and picked my modem off the list that came up (says unsecured wireless network) and I can go online when I am sitting in the same room, elsewhere it goes painfully slow.
I went onto verizon's website and they recommend a wireless pc card for the laptop. Is that going to make a connection faster?safer? Can someone tell me what I need or at least start me off in the right direction.
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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wireless help
by peteserra Jan 16, 2006 2:31PM PST

Getting a wireless card essentially bypasses your built-in wireless card. It can in many cases extend your wireless signal (which can significantly speed up your internet browsing), but not tremendously. However, if you purchase a card, you will want to make sure that when you install it, you have your built-in card turned off, or they will most likely conflict with each other. Regarding security - an external card will, by default, not make your network any more secure than it was before. You need to secure your network in the router configuration. I suggest you call Verizon and have them walk you through the procedure. Regarding the correct card, there are many to choose from, and the price ranges are all across the board. Just go to a store that sells computer products and tell them you need a PC Card for your laptop and explain your situation the best you can and they will hopefully point you in the right direction.
Good Luck!

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It won't increase the speed, distances and
by Melati Hitam Jan 17, 2006 3:16PM PST

security.

security is in the router configuration, such as:

Atleast you need to

Enabled WEP/WPA/WPA2 and use Mac address filtering.

Distance/range (OR Signal Strenght), is depends on how far your location (and also your wall between your room) is from the access point... can be extended by using better antenna or using a range expander/repeater.

Speed is depend on the wireless system you use, such as B or G and the speed of your devices 11mbps or 54mbps.

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WiFi help
by linkmeister Jan 27, 2006 4:34AM PST

You didn't say what problem you are having. You stated you can connect to the Internet via the wireless router so your connection to the router must be correct. If you are unable to see the other computers and printer you may not have your network configured properly.

Check the following:
1. Do you have file and printer sharing enabled on both computers?
2. Do you have a software firewall on each computer (Zonealarm, Norton, Kerio....)? If so, you may need to configure the firewall(s) to allow each computer access to each other.
3. Be sure your "Workgroup name" is identical on both computers. right click My Computer on both systems and under the Identification tab, be sure both computers have the same workgroup name.

Once you have confirmed these items let us know how you are doing.

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