Wireless router questions

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 05:36 PM

I do not know much about wireless routers except that you have to secure them to keep peeps from using your bandwidth or snooping on your PC if you have a wireless router.

What I have not is a Linksys RT31P2 Broadband Router with two phone ports.
This was provided by the Vonage company, my telephone service.
It connects to my Motorola Surfboard 5100 cable modem.

The router has three cat 5 ports on the back to connect up to three PCs.
Is it possible to get a wireless device to connect to this somehow so I can use a laptop out in the living room without having to use my 100' cat 5 cable I have and have used before with an old laptop?

Another option would be to see if Vonage offers one and I can switch this router out for it.
But if I can get one to work with the setup now, that would be cool too.

reggie 00 · 12-22-2007, 05:45 PM

Go get a Linksys wireless access point and plug that into the router.
After you configure it you should be able to go wireless out in the living room and beyond.

DeathCougar · 12-22-2007, 06:07 PM

AFAIK, they dont include the wireless access points with the router. Not really sure why, since you pay so much for the router. Then they want you to pay even more to be able to use the thing!

Some things like laptops have that built in i believe. My girlfriends laptop searches for the wireless network everytime she starts her laptop up, though we dont have a wireless router. Ours is all wired.

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 06:13 PM

That sounds easier than getting this from Vonage.
http://www.vonage.com/device.php?typ...ct_more_VT2542

That is a four port one compared to my 3 port one.
Both though support up to two telephones.

So this Linksys here would do the trick?
If so, it is the same shape as my current Linksys, and it will fit on top of mine actually.

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathCougar

AFAIK, they dont include the wireless access points with the router. Not really sure why, since you pay so much for the router. Then they want you to pay even more to be able to use the thing!

The Vonage ones?
The current router I have they gave to me when I signed up with them about three years ago.
Current Vonage service runs me about $28 a month, cheaper than QWest was which I canceled a few years ago,

DIHOWARD · 12-22-2007, 06:26 PM

you have 2 options.
1. get the access point and just plug it into the RJ45 port in the router.

2. replace the Linksys router with a wireless model.

problem with the first option is that now you have 2 devices that need to be configured. oh and by the way, make sure that you get the same brand otherwise they may not work well together

I've been working in IT for 15 years and personally would opt for #1.
but that's just me.

Dave H.
MCP,DCSE, ASP

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 06:33 PM

Thanks Dave, so that Linksys above I linked to would be a good one to buy?
I know how to configure my current one, as I have had to open up ports for game hosting.

Would I have to enter that same setup page above to add the access point to it?
And what about configuring the access point, would it too have an URL I type in on the PC to access it separately from my main Vonage/Linksys router?

Option 1 would be easier than ordering up a new wireless router from Vonage since they have to hardcode my telephone number somehow into it.

linuxrunner · 12-22-2007, 06:47 PM

Should be able to pick up a wireless router, and configure the WAN so that it goes to gateway (that gateway would be your wired router) then your wired router would hand it off to your modem and presto. Or i have found sometimes it takes extra work to use the WAN port so you can use one of the cat5 ports often found on wireless routers instead with little or no setup.

In the drawing you would set the wireless router to connect to a gateway of 192.168.0.1, this is assuming that you have a wired router not a wired switch.

Sorry, i could be all wrong i have a hard time visulizeing how things are from a written description, i like to get in there and really look at things.

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 07:05 PM

Thanks, yeah my gateway is is one number smaller than my internal IP, the gateway is 192.168.15.1, different than the 192.168.0.1 you listed.

So the wireless one I listed above would work?
And it has both a WAN and cat 5 port on the rear of it?
As my current Linksys only has three cat 5 ports on the rear of it, and the two telco ports.

Here is my current router.
http://www.voipsupply.com/product_in...roducts_id=318

linuxrunner · 12-22-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Thanks, yeah my gateway is is one number smaller than my internal IP, the gateway is 192.168.15.1, different than the 192.168.0.1 you listed.

So the wireless one I listed above would work?
And it has both a WAN and cat 5 port on the rear of it?
As my current Linksys only has three cat 5 ports on the rear of it, and the two telco ports.

Here is my current router, except this model number has four cat 5 ports, mine has three.
http://www.voipsupply.com/product_in...roducts_id=318

So then your linksys router is pre programed from vonage?

So the RJ11 ports goes to your phones, One RJ45 port goes to your modem, and the other two RJ45 Ports are for any computers you have?

Is the port that goes to your modem labled anything special? or is it just one of the three?

That wireless router should work, but i have never had to work with a router setup for VOIP with VONAGE, so i am not sure how they are doing it.

If you want an easer setup you may want to opt for a wireless access point, as a wireless router is more than you need, but often i have found it cheaper to get a router than an access point.

A wireless access point often has just the one RJ45 plug and you plug it into your wired router and it will just kind of interact with the wireless router like a PC client and forward your packets on through.

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 07:22 PM

Yes, but from seeing the router I listed above that is like mine, I think what they do is take the serial number and tie it to a phone number you pick.
When I first got on Vonage they tossed my current phone number at me and asked if I wanted it, and I said yes, so all they probably do is tie that to the serial or MAC number.

I can actually take my router and go to your home and plug it in, and if someone calls my phone number, it will ring at your house.

It has four of those cat 5 RJ45 ports.
One by itself that goes to my cable modem, the other three for three computers.

The wireless I listed earlier is an access point.

***Corey*** · 12-22-2007, 07:34 PM

PS, they have a good PDF file there to read on how to set one of these up.
The unit I listed will indeed work with my current Vonage Linksys router.

For security purposes, they list these, I wonder which is the best to go with.
Select the level of security you want to use: WEP, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Linksys
Wireless Guard. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access.

reggie 00 · 12-22-2007, 10:30 PM

The Access point you listed is good to go.

We use them all the time when we wire houses.
The modem and router are in the structured panel and we set up wireless access points in key spots sometimes.

Dlink even has ceiling mount ones that work good. But for you to just add the wireless capability use the matching linksys one.

***Corey*** · 12-23-2007, 06:33 PM

Thanks Reggie.
Going to Best Buy tomorrow to get one.

Youngest son if bringing over his Dell XPS gaming laptop, and it will be nice to not have to pull out my old tower in the other room and disconnect the cat 5 and plug it into his.

Will be loading up the new Unreal Tournament III on his laptop, and then we can test out how it works over wireless to connect to the UT III gaming server we have elsewhere.

***Corey*** · 12-24-2007, 12:23 PM

Bought it no workie.

Ran the setup wizard for the past 3 hours.
Default login to access the webpage is suppose to be admin admin.
The wizard gives it an IP of 192.168.1.245
Weird, as my local network and Vonage/Linksys router is 192.168.15.1

It has a 15 in there instead of the 1.
I have tried everything, may get the geek squad to come out here next month.
They are booked up until the 9th.

I hate wireless, but I need to start using it.

I have also tried both dhcp and static in the setup wizard.
If I could access the webpage management with Firefox, I could get it setup all the way.

***Corey*** · 12-24-2007, 03:36 PM

Fixed, I think.
Will not know for sure until my youngest son brings over his laptop Christmas morning.

On the browser when the admin name and password box pops up, I was inputting admin first, then my password.

Just read on Linksys's support page you leave the username blank, and just type in the password below it.

Finally got in, now I can adjust it.

RobD · 12-25-2007, 06:00 PM

Make sure you enable one of the wireless protective schemes. If you don't, you could do what I'm doing. I'm out of town and need to access the internet, so I've found a spot near my brother's house that has and unsecured Linksys router and in about 2 minutes, I'm in and surfing.

It isn't that hard to do. And I know only a little bit more about wireless protocols than you do.

12-22-2007, 05:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Wireless router questions I do not know much about wireless routers except that you have to secure them to keep peeps from using your bandwidth or snooping on your PC if you have a wireless router. What I have not is a Linksys RT31P2 Broadband Router with two phone ports. This was provided by the Vonage company, my telephone service. It connects to my Motorola Surfboard 5100 cable modem. The router has three cat 5 ports on the back to connect up to three PCs. Is it possible to get a wireless device to connect to this somehow so I can use a laptop out in the living room without having to use my 100' cat 5 cable I have and have used before with an old laptop? Another option would be to see if Vonage offers one and I can switch this router out for it. But if I can get one to work with the setup now, that would be cool too. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-22-2007, 06:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	That sounds easier than getting this from Vonage. http://www.vonage.com/device.php?typ...ct_more_VT2542 That is a four port one compared to my 3 port one. Both though support up to two telephones. So this Linksys here would do the trick? If so, it is the same shape as my current Linksys, and it will fit on top of mine actually. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-22-2007, 06:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
DIHOWARD Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: WAUCONDA, IL Posts: 203	you have 2 options. 1. get the access point and just plug it into the RJ45 port in the router. 2. replace the Linksys router with a wireless model. problem with the first option is that now you have 2 devices that need to be configured. oh and by the way, make sure that you get the same brand otherwise they may not work well together I've been working in IT for 15 years and personally would opt for #1. but that's just me. Dave H. MCP,DCSE, ASP __________________ 2003 4RUNNER LTD V6 FUSION LIFT/COOPER ATR/CAI/AMSOIL Technical skill is mastery of complexity while creativity is mastery of simplicity."

12-22-2007, 06:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Thanks Dave, so that Linksys above I linked to would be a good one to buy? I know how to configure my current one, as I have had to open up ports for game hosting. Would I have to enter that same setup page above to add the access point to it? And what about configuring the access point, would it too have an URL I type in on the PC to access it separately from my main Vonage/Linksys router? Option 1 would be easier than ordering up a new wireless router from Vonage since they have to hardcode my telephone number somehow into it. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-22-2007, 07:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Thanks, yeah my gateway is is one number smaller than my internal IP, the gateway is 192.168.15.1, different than the 192.168.0.1 you listed. So the wireless one I listed above would work? And it has both a WAN and cat 5 port on the rear of it? As my current Linksys only has three cat 5 ports on the rear of it, and the two telco ports. Here is my current router. http://www.voipsupply.com/product_in...roducts_id=318 __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-22-2007, 07:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Yes, but from seeing the router I listed above that is like mine, I think what they do is take the serial number and tie it to a phone number you pick. When I first got on Vonage they tossed my current phone number at me and asked if I wanted it, and I said yes, so all they probably do is tie that to the serial or MAC number. I can actually take my router and go to your home and plug it in, and if someone calls my phone number, it will ring at your house. It has four of those cat 5 RJ45 ports. One by itself that goes to my cable modem, the other three for three computers. The wireless I listed earlier is an access point. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-22-2007, 07:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	PS, they have a good PDF file there to read on how to set one of these up. The unit I listed will indeed work with my current Vonage Linksys router. For security purposes, they list these, I wonder which is the best to go with. Select the level of security you want to use: WEP, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WPA-Enterprise, or Linksys Wireless Guard. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-23-2007, 06:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Thanks Reggie. Going to Best Buy tomorrow to get one. Youngest son if bringing over his Dell XPS gaming laptop, and it will be nice to not have to pull out my old tower in the other room and disconnect the cat 5 and plug it into his. Will be loading up the new Unreal Tournament III on his laptop, and then we can test out how it works over wireless to connect to the UT III gaming server we have elsewhere. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-24-2007, 12:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Bought it no workie. Ran the setup wizard for the past 3 hours. Default login to access the webpage is suppose to be admin admin. The wizard gives it an IP of 192.168.1.245 Weird, as my local network and Vonage/Linksys router is 192.168.15.1 It has a 15 in there instead of the 1. I have tried everything, may get the geek squad to come out here next month. They are booked up until the 9th. I hate wireless, but I need to start using it. I have also tried both dhcp and static in the setup wizard. If I could access the webpage management with Firefox, I could get it setup all the way. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-24-2007, 03:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,776	Fixed, I think. Will not know for sure until my youngest son brings over his laptop Christmas morning. On the browser when the admin name and password box pops up, I was inputting admin first, then my password. Just read on Linksys's support page you leave the username blank, and just type in the password below it. Finally got in, now I can adjust it. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-25-2007, 06:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
RobD Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,073	Make sure you enable one of the wireless protective schemes. If you don't, you could do what I'm doing. I'm out of town and need to access the internet, so I've found a spot near my brother's house that has and unsecured Linksys router and in about 2 minutes, I'm in and surfing. It isn't that hard to do. And I know only a little bit more about wireless protocols than you do. __________________ 1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio