Wireless Internet Routers - Comments Page 1

Lost the driver for sound on IBM computer running XP Professional. I have the cd for full XP but cannot find the driver on the cd. Can I get it online from Microsoft?

Surprised you did not mention the importance of making one's wireless secure.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Good point. See my related article here: http://askbobrankin.com/wireless_security.html

We have a Fios router. How can we get it to get a stronger signal to work in our backyard? Thanx!

I bought recently a wifi router LinkSys WRT120N.

I was scared because software was a Windows one and I run Linux on my computer. So I simply connected the router and it worked fine, from the beginning, isolating me from the ADSL cable, as a bonus.

Now I can use my laptops all over my house.

But, I need a bridge between the router and my Brother laser printer. Any suggestion?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This should help: http://askbobrankin.com/wireless_print_server.html

Have a wireless router (inherited) password was set-how can I crack it or disable it?

EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll need to press the reset button on the router, to reset it to factory defaults. Typically you'll do that put inserting the end of a paper clip into a little hole labelled RESET.

Best router I have ever had, and I have had several over the years, is the apple airport exstream that I have. It gives me b/g and n in the house PLUS a separate b/g and n open network for guest that it keeps separate from the main net so no hacking is possible. I like it so much that I bought the airport express for the big screen in the living room, this unit plugs into an electrical outlet, connects to my network N and drops audio, network and usb connections. So I have a place to connect the t.v. with no wiring, connect my audio system for streaming music and have a usb port for connection ipod etc. They also have a model called the time capsule with a backup disk in the router. Never would have thought of apple for a router, if I had not visited there store for an ipod. I highly recommend.

I pay $30 a month for DSL. Can i buy a wireless router and get onto the internet for free? I have an Apple computer.

EDITOR'S NOTE: No, your router (whether you connect to it via wired or wireless) must have an Internet access source, such as DSL, cable, or fiber optic. You MIGHT be able to get free wireless access, if you live near a neighbor or business with unsecured wireless router. But I suggest you read this article first -- http://askbobrankin.com/is_free_wifi_illegal.html -- before going that route.

Is there a way to extend the coverage area of my Wifi Router? I'd like to be able access it from the other side of my property.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes! See http://askbobrankin.com/10_ways_to_boost_your_wifi_signal.html

I have ATT DSL with a Gateway 2Wire router(wireless).

They say that I MUST use this router brand. Is this true?

EDITOR'S NOTE: My guess is that they say that in order to ensure that their tech support people have a known configuration when trouble shooting. Should be pretty simple to test that...

Bob, I charged off to read this article as I just purchased my first wireless router... But you don't mention them at all. It is a router that connects to the cellular data network. I don't have access to DSL or cable. But this gives decent speeds and as the 4g network spreads these devices will become more common. Security is an interesting challenge as I'm not used to the router firewall being so unconfigurable but I expect that will change.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I think you're talking about a Mifi mobile hotspot device. I wrote about them here: http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_mifi.html

Your item started from a reader's question about how to get wireless working on his laptop. I just thought I would mention that I have an HP laptop and it has a toggle button on it to turn wireless on and off. On my first road trip with the laptop I had to call home to my network specialist son-in-law to find this out.

I'm interested in pre-paid or pay-as-you-go MiFi for a business continuity plan. Are there more options than Verizon since you wrote the article last august?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sprint also offers Mifi, but I don't think you'll find a pay-go plan for this.

I sometimes wonder (and worry) about the RF signals sent by my router. There are increasing amounts of RF in the environment and my new wireless router can enable laptops all over the house. The router has no on/off switch. The techie says "don't worry" just keep it on all the time. Do you or does anyone else worry about the long term effects such wireless signals may have on our health?? Keeping it on all the time means that I am broadcasting a signal 24/7, day and night even when sleeping.

(add to this portable phone signals and cell phones and, well, you get the idea)

Thanx

Can I connect two wireless routers to one computer?

So the only way I can get wifi if I have a computer with Wifi built in is to go to a Wifi Hotspot? Is there a way I can have it so I can get Wifi at home or do I have to have to have DSL? Help.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll need to be near a wifi hotspot, or add an adapter to your computer that can use a cellular signal to provide Internet access. Check with your mobile phone provider for costs.

My dekstop can't connect to d link my wireless router. What should I Do?