Laptop not detecting modem?

dub_dan

Got a wireless modem in the post today expecting it to plug in and be detectable by my dell laptop, not quite working as planned!

The wireless card on my laptop is on, it can detect other networks in the area, the WLAN light on the modem is on so I'm presuming it's sending out a signal. Any ideas why the laptop can't see the router wirelessly? I have my desktop hooked up via ethernet cable and temporarily (i hope) have the laptop hooked up this way too.

Cheers for the help
Dan

dr.bollocko

Does it not see it at all? Or is it limited or no connectivity errors when connecting? It sounds like the wireless router isnt broadcasting wirelessly at the moment.
I mean how is this wireless router set up at the moment?

Apart from how brilliant it is what with the no wires and everything, wireless sucks in every way and I hate it!

Karoma

Ensure the router/modem is broadcasting its SSID or read the manual and set it up.
Provide more information (make,model,etc.)
Try NetStumbler to see whether it finds the router/modem.

irlrobins

What model/make is modem?

dub_dan

it's a Zyxel Prestige 660HW-D1

It's not hiding is SSID i made sure of that.
It doesnt find it at all, not even limited connectivity, I'm stumped.

Thanks for the help lads keep it comin!

irlrobins

Well as the others have said make sure the wireless is enabled and that SSID broadcasting is on. For the moment leave any encryption (WEP/WPA) off and see if that works.

dub_dan

all the security is off
ssia is broadcasting
the wlan light is on on the modem
the wireless card can detect other networks around

what am i missing?

dr.bollocko

Have you tried the *titter* configuration Genie?

dr.bollocko

http://www.acninc.com/images/ch_it/CH-EN-Installation-Guide-660HW_tcm56-5909.pdf

Teamhair

Are you able to log on to the router directly with a patch lead?

dub_dan

the router is working fine with the cable attached, it connects to the internet grand, it's on the wireless part that can't be detect by the laptop.

Teamhair

Probably a stupid question, but is the patch lead unplugged from your laptop when you're trying to access the router wirelessly? Wireless really isn't my thing- I somehow manage to get it to work whenever I need to. I've two wireless laptops at home and torrenting PC wired directly to an Eircom Netopia. I vaguely remember running into a problem trying to connect wirelessly from one of my laptops when I had left the patch lead plugged in.

dub_dan

nope i tried unplugging the ethernet cables, doesnt detect the modem still, its driving me mad, wat are the chances its a faulty modem?

Teamhair

Probably quite slim- ZyXel stuff is normally excellent. We use their stuff where I work and they've always been reliable. When the patch lead is plugged in between the laptop and the router, are you able to actually log into the router's web interface? Can't remember what the factory IP is- think it may be 192.168.1.1? It'll be in the manual. Logon password is usually 1234 I assume you have done all that if you're able to tell the SSID is broadcasting. Just seems odd though- something small I'm pretty certain is being overlooked somewhere and I'd be curious as to what the web configurator says.

dr.bollocko

Your wireless Card IS working, u said it detected other Wlans, so we know the PCs wireless is ok.
And your router is working, at least its working whilst wired because you said so. (Sorry, recapping to myself here)

Often you will have to go to the 192.168.1.1 with a wired connection to enable and setup the wireless connection in advanced options.
Have u had a look at the 192.168.1.1 or equivalent for your router?

UngratefulWhelp

I had this problem with my own Dell laptop. In my case, I was simply not saving the settings before leaving the page where you adjust them. It appears that you have, but you actually haven't.

dr.bollocko

Yeah. I really think your best bet is to slavishly adhere to the manual one more time, and make sure you do absolutely everything. And if that doesnt work, **** it out the window, cables are cool again now anyway.

dub_dan

this is the screen i have, the WLAN light on the modem is on and the Active Wireless box in the 192.168.1.1 is ticked also......

Teamhair

Hmmm... Maybe knock off the router's firewall? Just to rule it out as an issue.

Karoma

Is the antenna attached and positioned? (Just to rule out the obvious) Any signs of physical damage?
Reset router, start from scratch.
Does NetStumbler or Kismet see it?

If it's still not seeing it- get back in touch with whoever supplied it.

dub_dan

tried all that, no signs of physical damage at all, dont know what the problem is, might get back onto BT about it. cheers for the help

Spiritofeden

Hi
I have exactly the same problem as you, if you work out any solution can you let me know, like wise if I crack it I'll let you know. I'm sure you'll agree this is highly annoying :-)
J Power

dub_dan

I caved and rang up the support line, they said they've had a few similar calls and are starting to think it is a faulty batch that were sent out. They're sending me out another one next week so fingers crossed!

irlrobins

Interesting.... unfortunately stuff like that happens sometimes. Hopefully you'll get replacement up and running soon.

Spiritofeden

Yeah I called to to order a replacement.
This one better work!!! :-)
If you get your replacement unit soon if you could post back up here to
tell me if it worked I'd appreciate it, I'll do likewise
Thanks and Good Luck
J Power