setting up a wireless network.

[anotheoldgit]

I have just purchased a note book computer, I have also bought a D-Link DKT-110 wireless G starter kit.

I have a cable modem for my main computer (ntlhome Broadband internet) now Virgin. Can anyone tell me how to link everthing up so that I can go on the internet on my notebook?

The guy in PC World just blinded me with science, saying that there should be a special connector to go into my computer, when I am sure all mine has is USB.

He then said I needed to change my home page before I registered it???? and to set it up so noone else can use the network ????

Hope someone can put me right or does it need an expert to set up?

[Ethel]

Read all the instructions with the router before you do anything. Make sure you understand what you are reading.

Hopefully you will be able to get your laptop up and running simply by following the instructions. We shall worry about networking with the pc later.

I had to install the software from my broadband company on to my laptop - I would recommend you do that first.

In case the instructions are double dutch :

Switch everything off at the mains - modem, pc and so on.

Connect the router to the ntl modem by ethernet.

Connect your laptop to the router by ethernet. Leave the pc connected directly to the modem if there are enough ports.

Switch on in this EXACT sequence:

1. Modem. Wait at least 30 seconds
2. Router. Wait again
3. Pc and Laptop.

You will need to secure the router by accessing the router admin page, when you are still connected by ethernet.

[fo3nix]

I think Ethel's explained it well, but another answer can't help...

It's all very simple. PC World just try and make you think they know stuff that's complicated. Anyone can setup a simple home network, like what you're attempting.

Make sure everything is turned off at the plug first....

1) Does the modem you have now connect to your PC via ethernet (a cable like a fat telephone line, with similar connector), or USB? You need this to be ethernet. The box you bought probably comes with at least one. You'll need 2 in total. Lots of small electrical places sell these, they're very cheap (�2 for a few metres length), and they're called RJ-45 cables.

2) connect the ethernet cable from the back of the modem (it'll only fit in one port, with a nice click like when you plug a phone in)

3) connect the other end of it to the port on the back of the router. there are lots here that accept RJ-45 cables (5 on yours, I believe). One will be all on its own, the others are for your computers, and are probably labelled 1-4). Connect to the lonely one.

4) Get another RJ-45, and connect from your router (one of the other ports -- number 1 is customary), to the back of your computer. it'll have a special port that this just connects straight into.

5) plug all in, and then turn modem on, wait a minute, then turn router on. wait a minute, then turn computer on.

6) you now have the choice of manually setting it up (very easy), or putting the disc into your computer and setting it up that way. either way, it shouldn't be too hard.

Once you have internet, you need to read the instructions and see how to either turn off wireless (if you don't want it), or turn it on and enable WPA security. this prevents others from hijacking your connection.

What's important is to try and set it up without wireless, then get the wireless working. If the

[anotheoldgit]

Thank you Ethel once again, you always proove to those who constantly say "what do women know" that you are one of many that know a very great deal.

Thank you also fo3nix for your invaluble contribution, it is only a pity that some of your instructions got deleted. I would be indebted to you if you would take the additional trouble to attach what is missing. Thank you once again.

[fo3nix]

Ah yea. There isn't much missing.

Basically, get the router set up and working using a wired connection.

Then, set up the wireless security, to prevent others from using it.

Then, get your laptop or whatever working with wireless, if that's what you want to do.

[anotheoldgit]

Help I am in a right mess. I think I have successfully set up the router, or so it says.
I next put in the USB adapter (provided in the kit) and loaded that on my main computer. (don't know what this does).
But I still cannot get internet on my laptop, although the wireless LAN light is on.
The D-Link icon is on my desktop (main computer) but when I double click on it nothing happens.

[anotheoldgit]

Main computer is Windows XP home
Laptop is Windows Vista.

[fo3nix]

The USB thing sounds like a USB dongle for wireless. If you're using your main computer wired, then don't use the USB dongle.

Does the system go cable modem -> router -> main computer? (in that exact order?)

Then go into the router's settings pages, 192.168.2.1 stuff in your web browser, and goto the wireless security settings. Make sure wireless is turned on, and security features (WPA) is enabled.