Enabling MAC address filtering

[Familyman]

I am using a Linksys WRT51AB as a access point. It is connected to a Linksys BEFSR81 (port 1 to port 1) (DHCP disabled).

I would like to enable MAC address filtering. The problem is I cannot access the internet when I enable MAC address filtering.

I have spent hours on the phone with Linksys support. I have emailed them pictures and diagrams. This is what I get, "Please be informed that your setup is already correct you only need to configure the WRT51AB to set it in the "Router Mode" only so it will only act as a simple switch, and you cannot use the Internet port of the WRT51AB."

I have a Linksys WP54G wireless adapter.

When I enable MAC address filtering in the WRT51AB I cannot access the internet. I can access the set up of the WRT51AB using the WP54G wireless adapter though. And none of the computers connected to the BEFSR81 who's MAC address are not on the list can access the WRT51AB. This tells me MAC address filtering is working.

I have the feeling I am missing something very simple. I would greatly appreciate it if one of you kind people would tell me what it is.

As always, I am very grateful for any help.

[CAC]

It could be that your setting up the MAC address filtering on the wrong router.

I have a similar setup as you, except I'm using D-Link routers. I have a 4 port cable/dsl router with print server (DI-704p) and a wireless router with 4 port switch (DI-614+) hooked up to the DI-704p. Everything in my system is working fine. All the computers (wired and wireless) share resources and internet connection and I have enabled MAC address filtering as well as WEP for the wireless devices.

I'll tell you how I configured mine to help you out.

First router (DI-704p) has the dsl modem hooked up to it. I kept the factory set IP address the same which is 192.168.0.1. I don't know what Linksys sets theirs at. DHCP server is enabled on this router. The address range I set to 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.175. This router is also in charge of MAC address filtering for all the computers.

Second Router (DI-614+) is hooked up to the first router by way of crossover cable from port #1 on both routers. I changed this routers address to 192.168.0.176 (same subnet as first router but out of range of first routers DHCP server range). Disable the DHCP server on this second router.

That should be it! All the computers (wired and wireless) can access the first routers configuration menu by typing in its' IP address in IE.

Now, since I wanted to enable WEP for my wireless devices as added security, then I just booted up any of the computers that are hooked up to the second router (wired or wireless) and enter that routers configuration menu by typing in the routers IP address in IE. WEP is set up on the wireless router.

Well, I hope this works for you as well.

[Familyman]

Thanks CAC.

I will try setting up MAC address filtering on the other router.

[CAC]

Family man, also make sure that both of the routers are not sharing the same IP address. Since both of your routers are from Linksys, it is possible the factory set address is the same for both. That is the reason I had to change the address on my second router as not to conflict with the first router. But make sure it is still in the same subnet.

[Familyman]

Thanks CAC. I did change the IP addresses in both routers from the factory default and they are different from each other. I also changed the access passwords from the factory defaults in both. SSID is also changed and WEP is enabled. I would disable SSID broadcast also but I can't find an option for that.

As soon as my daughter gets back with the laptop I will try setting up MAC address filtering on the other router.

[Familyman]

I finally got it sorted out today. It turned out to be a very simple mistake on my part. When I entered the MAC address of the BEFSR81 into the WRT51AB list I transposed two of the numbers.

Thanks for your help CAC. I think I have it as secure as I can get it for now.