Wireless Router problem

[jsoape]

I have been having problems connecting to the internet through my wireless router. I have a laptop and a desktop that can both connect to the router but are unable to connect to the internet. The wireless manager on my desktop shows that it is connected to the router but says it us unable to find an internet connection. I know that I can connect to the router from both computers because it shows up under network connections and I can access the router's settings from each computer. The only way I currently have internet access is to run an wire my laptop into the router via cable. I was wondering if this was a common issue with routers. For the record I have reconfigured my router numerous times, always checking to see that all the settings would allow wireless internet access. I have a Linksys WRT54G router, and my computers are an Acer laptop and a homebuilt desktop with a Linksys WMP54G. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I use my desktop for homework since I am a college student.

[vtfanmv5]

What OS?

[jsoape]

Windows XP on both system. I have also had the router for 2 years now.

[glc]

What exact version WRT54G and what version firmware? What exact type wireless security are you using?

[jsoape]

I have the v4.1 WMP54G adapter and its running v4.5 software. My laptop also seems to have a problem staying connected wirelessly to the router but my desktop will stay connected but no internet connection.

[glc]

I asked for the *router* version and firmware, please - and also the wireless security type.

[jsoape]

Sorry about that. The router is v5 and firmware is v1.00.4, Dec. 8, 2005 and WPA-Personal.

[kilgoretrout]

Try leaving your router open, i.e. no WPA, WEP, MAC filtering and with a broadcasted ESSID, and see if you can connect wirelessly. If you can, then we can start working backwards to add some security and see where the problems are. If you can't, I'd suspect a hardware problem with the router. You can try flashing the router with the most recent firmware and see if that helps. If that doesn't work, it's probably time to buy a new router.

[jsoape]

Alright, I tried it all and still no change. Any suggestions on a new router since I'll be picking up one this afternoon?

[glc]

Version 5 of the WRT54G is a piece of crap, but give a firmware update a shot before you toss it. 1.02.05 is current.

Get it going with no encryption first, then switch back to WPA-Personal, and use AES, not TKIP.

[jsoape]

I updated the firmware but it still doesn't work. Which router should I go with? My modem is one from the cable provider. I will be hooking up two computers wirelessly or one wireless and one wired and also an Xbox 360.

[mojo]

Our standard recommendation is the linksys WRT54GL. Make sure to get the L version. It uses the old (good) firmware instead of the VxWorks junk, has more memory, and is made with the intention of allowing you to flash it with custom firmware such as DD-WRT. It's usually not availalbe in brick and mortar stores.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190