Need help to set up wireless network

17 years ago

I consider myself "wireless-challenged" and need help in setting up a wireless network for home with a recently-purchased Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop.

We have a Dell desktop PC (Dimention 3000) purchased 3 years ago with high-speed Internet through a Qwest DSL modem, model GT701.

In addition to the new laptop, we purchased a TrendNet router, model TEW-633GR, and a Logitech VX Revolution cordless laser mouse.

Our projected useage is to keep the desktop/modem and router in our home office downstairs and use the laptop upstairs or occasionally outside the home. No other computers are envisioned.

Questions:

1) In what specific sequence should these items be set up? What connects to what?

2) Is it advisable to keep the desktop wired as it is now and just have the laptop wireless?

I probably have many more questions to ask, but am so lost that I don't even know what questions to ask.

TIA!

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Comments (6)

bpgreen
17 years ago
The desktop probably has a wired network card that is currently connected to the DSL Modem (GT701). Disconnect that.

The GT701 hooks up to the phone line. The TEW-633GR connects to the GT701 by a network cable. Connect the WAN port on the TEW-633GR to the connection on the GT701 where the desktop used to connect.

Connect the desktop to one of the LAN ports on the TEW-633GR.

There should be some sort of setup for the TEW-633GR. I don't know the exact steps you'll need to take, but there's probably a setup routine in the manual you can follow.

I would suggest that you do the following:
- Change the SSID on the TEW-633GR
- Change the admin password on the TEW-633GR (and make a note of it)
- Set up the TEW-633GR to use encryption, preferably WPA
- set up the wireless on the laptop to use the same WPA settings as the TEW-633GR
I've done this a lot, so some of these things seem simple to me and I've probably skipped steps. If you need more details, post back here and let us know.
olympiceagle
Original Author
17 years ago
bpgreen: Thanks for your help. I think I understand what the setup should look like. You've provided enough to get me started. I'll work on it later today and holler if I run into trouble. Thanks again!
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olympiceagle
Original Author
17 years ago
Question re cables. I think I need to go out and get another cable to connect the router to the modem. What category should I get? My existing modem/desktop cable is category 5, but they now have 5e, 6 and 6a, without much difference in price. Should I get the highest level I can find? I may not need the capability right now, but maybe in the future?? Would there be incompatibility issues with going to, say, 6 or 6a? Recommendations?
bpgreen
17 years ago
Cat5 should be good enough, but if there's not much difference in price, I'd get the highest number.
olympiceagle
Original Author
17 years ago
bpgreen: With your help, the setup went very smoothly. One "minor" glitch at the end that I couldn't figure out, so I called Dell Tech Support. Turned out I needed to turn on the wireless switch on the laptop. Talk about feeling like an absolute idiot. Anyway, thanks again for all your help!
bpgreen
17 years ago
I'm glad I was able to help, and thanks for letting us know it's working.

Need help to set up wireless network

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