D-Link Wireless N Router Not Connecting To Internet?

Question

I have recently purchased a D-Link Wireless N Router (DIR-615) and I set it up exactly how it told me in the setup guide. When I had attempted to connect to the internet, it would not but yet it said I had a internet connection. I had switched back to my modem and it worked just fine.

I also have a MacBook Pro and attempted to connect to my wireless internet through it and it didn't work. How can I fix this problem? Is it the router?

Answer 1

Wireless LAN Setup

(local area network of the IEEE 802.11 variety)



1. You order or use your existing Cable, DSL, FiOS, Satellite, OC-3, T-1, or Tin Can Internet access, doesn’t matter what brand of access you have or where you are located geographically in the world. An Ethernet TCP/IP based LAN using IEEE 802.3 OR IEEE 802.11g OR IEEE802.11n  is EXACTLY the same world over, London to Long Island, Istanbul to Ithaca, etc.

2. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sets up your Internet access and typically either rents or sells you a network bridge or network gateway device. They often refer to this as a “modem”. Actually a misnomer since the device does not MOdulate or DEModulate.  I’ll call it a modem too for the rest of this article, so we are using the same term.

Prices for residential “High Speed” Internet access vary from approximately $19 per month for low end DSL (128Kbp up and down) to $200 per month for the fastest FiOS offered (15MB up and down) in selected areas by Verizon in the United States.   Pay attention to whether the service you order offers KB or Kb.  They are different.   KB=Kilobyte   Kb=Kilobit    1KB=8Kb

At this point you have what is commonly referred to as “Broad Band” or “High Speed” Internet access, basically meaning it is not dial-up or ISDN.

Now you want to share that “high speed” connection with more than one system. OR You want to be able to carry your laptop all over the house and stay connected to the Internet.

I recommend you Print this set of instructions before you start.  There will be times when you are unable to access the Internet once you start the following procedures.

1. Confirm that your system has a wireless adapter or get one and install it. It is a hardware device you can buy at CompUSA, Best Buy, Ebay or your favorite local computer parts store. Costs vary from about $20 for a refurbished 802.11g model to $80 for the top of the line 802.11 draft N 2.0 types. You need one of these for each computer. USB type are better. You can use a USB wireless adapter with a laptop or desktop without opening the case to install it. You can also use one USB type with multiple computers at different times. USB type that are 802.11 Draft N 2.0 that are Wi-Fi certified are the best.

DO NOT purchase an IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11b type wireless router or wireless adapter.

2. Get a wireless router. I recommend the D-Link DiR-655. Cost is $125 or so. Get a D-Link N series USB wireless adapter such as the DWA-140 ($80 or so) if you get the D-Link DIR-655.

SUGGESTION: Buy the same brand of wireless USB adapter as your wireless router if you can.

2a. If you are setting up a WIRED LAN I recommend Netgear routers and switches. I have a Netgear switch that is still operational after constant use and abuse for thirteen years.

3. Plug the wireless router directly into the Cable, DSL, Satellite, whatever Modem via an Ethernet cable. DO NOT plug your computer into the Cable, DSL, Satellite or Tin Can modem. Plug your wireless router into it.

4. Unplug the electrical cord from your modem for 15-20 seconds.

5. Plug the power cable back in to your modem.  Make sure the wireless router is ON during this phase.

6. Check the modem for green lights.

7. Make sure that the properties of TCP/IP are set to Obtain IP address automatically, and obtain DNS automatically on ALL of your computers, and the wireless router.

8. Turn on or reboot your computer system(s).

Now you should be connected to the Internet with all of your computers now.  BEFORE you secure your network make sure all your systems can access the Internet.

If you can not access the Internet from every computer:

Attempt to log in to your wireless router via your web browser (internet Exploder or Firefox) by typing in (http://192.168.1.1/) This address may vary depending on the brand and model of wireless router you purchase. Check the manual for the default IP address and the username and password for your router.

Then log in (Admin and admin typically or leave blank and admin). Enable DHCP on the router by following the instructions in the manual.  If that doesn’t work, revisit the steps above or contact the support group for your wireless router.

You only need one wireless router for you wireless LAN. One wireless router can accommodate up to 253 wireless devices. You can use combinations of wired and wireless routers together but typically one wireless router is sufficient for all your needs. In rare instances you may need a wireless router and a switch.

For SECURITY:

You will have to consult the manual that comes with the wireless router on the exact procedure for each of the following steps. It is time well invested.

1) Change the SSID of the wireless router.

2) Change the admin pass phrase of your wireless router.

3) Disable the broadcast of the SSID of your wireless router.

4) Enable MAC address filtering on your wireless router.

5) Limit DHCP on the wireless router to the number of IP addresses you need now. If you have a laptop and a desktop, you only need 2 IP addresses for those two devices. Use the range 192.168.1.5 - 192.168.1.6 for example.

6) Enable WPA2. If your wireless adapter will not allow WPA2 then use WPA. DO NOT WASTE time with WEP. It gives people a false sense of security.  It can be circumvented in 5-8 minutes.

7) Disable remote administration of the wireless router.

I use a P-Touch labeler to create a label that has the SSID, the WPA2 or WPA Pass phrase, AND the admin pass phrase of the wireless router. I attach that to the wireless router someplace where it will not cover a vent hole or a connection. DIR-655 has a nice open spot on the bottom.

Your wireless router documentation should help. The software that comes with the wireless router may be helpful also. If you have trouble getting this all accomplished, contact the support team for your wireless router or contact a wireless network specialist via local.yahoo.com for assistance.

I typically charge $250 to install AND secure a wireless network for someone’s home. Corporate rates are higher.  If you happen to live in Southern California, or would like to order a custom built computer and live in the continental United States, visit my web site for my contact info.

http://www.evanscomputers.com