Wireless Internet issue R50

[digicrime]

I have a WRT54G wireless router and with the WEP disabled my laptop picks up the internet fine but with WEP turned on it wont connect, and if it does it wont get an IP address. I have deinstalled the drivers and reinstalled and nothing. I have a linksys wireless adapter as well in another computer that works fine with WEP or without just not my laptop and I have no idea why?

[seaweedsl]

There is a generally known problem with WEP security and the two different ways you input password/keys using ACSII vs HEX. You want to use HEX to avoid problems that some wireless adapters have with ACSII.
http://www.techsupportforum.com/networ ... oblem.html

But you really should not use WEP it doesn't do it's job. From Wikipedia:

Beginning in 2001, several serious weaknesses were identified by cryptanalysts with the result that today a WEP connection can be cracked with readily available software within minutes.

Later on, they note:

The recommended solution to WEP security problems is to switch to WPA2 or the less resource intensive WPA. Either is much more secure than WEP

Your WRT-54G should support WPA. Use it. You will have a secure wireless connection and avoid the key entry problem as well. Use a 20 character strong password.

[digicrime]

I'm aware of the encryption types unfortunately the laptop only accepts WEP. It worked fine but I had to format my system and reinstall XP Pro, only after so did this happen.

[seaweedsl]

I'm aware of the encryption types unfortunately the laptop only accepts WEP. It worked fine but I had to format my system and reinstall XP Pro, only after so did this happen.

OK. WEP only - I would change adapter cards to G instead of blowing off security (what using WEP effectively does), but it's your call.

Are you using Hex for your key as suggested ?

Steve

[digicrime]

Yes. My wireless is built in :/

[seaweedsl]

Yes. My wireless is built in :/

So, you ARE using Hex for your key you seem to be saying.
And you're stuck with WEP only since you have the old B card.

I suggest you take this opportunity to upgrade to G and get functional WPA security protecting your local network.

Changing the R50 wireless card is not difficult nor expensive. Ask for one on marketplace here or check on Ebay. Then download the maintenance manual for the R50 and swap it out, following their instructions.

I suspect that your problem will go away when you switch over to WPA.

But if you are determined to stick with B, then the only thing is reinstalling the correct and most current driver - if it's not a key problem (sure you got it right?).

Perhaps try a wireless forum or newsgroup: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.int ... pics?hl=en

[sjthinkpader]

Setup an AC profile with SSID named "any". In AC click on Find then Show details.

Look to see if your AP is set to the same channel as your neighbor. The 2.4Ghz band WiFi bandwidth is 20Mhz but the channel spacing is only 5.5Mhz. So you want to be at least 2 channels away from your neighbor. Worst case is that your neighbor is using some kind of MIMO or 11n with 40Mhz bandwidth turned on. For instance, my neighbors are using channel 1 and 11. I am using channel 6.

Also, between your AP and PC client, are there any 2.4Ghz wireless phone basestations?