Can I go wireless to set up router ?

[redbaron_snoopy]

Can I setup a network using just wireless connection ? For eg, wireless PCI card in my desktop and a wifi laptop.

Originally, I intend to use LAN cable between my desktop and router but would like now like to go wireless as it I can relocate my modem and router to a better position in the house (less cables, clutter)

Must the router be wired to the desktop for the initial setup ?

Btw, I've already bought the D-Link wireless router and a wireless PCI card.
I'm currently connect to the net via ADSL ethernet modem.

[glc]

Does the laptop have a wired nic? If so, use that for initial setup and ongoing maintenance. Normal day to day operations can be done 100% wireless. Trying to set up proper wireless security can be difficult over a wireless connection.

[redbaron_snoopy]

Thanks glc. Yes, my laptop has a wired nic. It is my office laptop and I don't bring it home everyday so I'll rather not rely on it.

Since its better used a wired NIC to configure, can I a long cable and hook it to the desktop and after configuring it, take out the cable and install the wireless PCI card ?

[glc]

Sure, that's a good option.

[redbaron_snoopy]

Well, I managed to setup my router through my desktop using a LAN cable and also successfully set up my laptop.

I do observe a problem though - every now & then (between 3 to 15mins), the network gets disconnect for about 2 secs and then come on back again.
When I look at the status indicator of the DLink DI-642+, the WAN and WLAN are flickering and sometimes goes off and comes back on again.

Does this mean I have a bad router ? Or is there some setting I did wrongly.

For info, I know my ADSL modem is working well because I don't get this problem if connected straight to the modem.

Any help appreciated.

[glc]

Make sure the PPPoE is set to keepalive, and not dial on demand.

[redbaron_snoopy]

Sorry to keep coming back again but I'm sort of confused now.
- When I set to PPPoE, I can't access the internet (PPPoE is the interface on my modem and the recommended interface according to DLink for ADSL)
- When I set Dynamic IP (used mainly for cable modem), I can get access.

I called up by ISP and they say they do not provide "technical support" for the router I have (whatever that mean !).

I tried like a dozen time to use PPPoE and still no go but no problem using dynamic IP.

So, is the "wrong" interface causing me the frequent momentary disruption even though I can access the internet ??

[rightcoast]

Is Service Pack 2 on the computer? SP1 messed up XP's WI-FI a little. Service Pack has a fix for that exact symptom.

[redbaron_snoopy]

My desktop has SP2 and it's connected using wired nic (will change over to wireless when I get this behaviour licked).

[glc]

Your modem may have the PPPoE function built in, if so, then dynamic IP is the correct selection.

[redbaron_snoopy]

Yes! Yes! It does have PPPoE listed as the interface.
I'm very sore with my ISP for refusing to provide technical clarification/support just because I didn't buy the router from them. And purely for business reasons, they say my router is "not approved". Its even more ironically I've to pay $0.30 a min just to talk to them. Its almost indecent.

Thanks a lot glc for the help. Your advice is always fast, to the point and precise. Sometimes I wonder if you are not actually some sort of super computer masquerading around here.

Just to be sure (again!), so this PPPoE thingly should not be the cause of the frequent disconnection right ? If so, I'll bring the router back to the shop for an exchange.

[glc]

Have you checked for a firmware update for the router?

[redbaron_snoopy]

Yes, there is a new firmware.
This router is the DI-624+ (note the +) and it is only for asia, I think coz at D-Link parent website, this product is not listed. But the local link here doesn't work.

[rightcoast]

glc has, along with a wealth of personal knowledge, a cybernetic interface linked directly to Google I think

[redbaron_snoopy]

Well, I *think* I've learned a little more now about the problem with my modem and routers.

It seems that for my modem, it can be set either in half-bridge or full-bridge mode. For half-bridge, my router should then be on dynamic IP and PPPoE if modem is on full-bridge.

As my setup is, I believe my modem is on half-bridge.
If what I gleaned from elsewhere is wrong, please correct me.

The next thing I'm trying to learn is performance or feature differences between half-bridge and full bridge.

[glc]

I would recommend full bridge, let the router handle the PPPoE.

[redbaron_snoopy]

hi glc,

though I don't know the reason, I followed your advice and go with full bridge and PPPoE for router. Had to hunt around for the bridge "template" to upload to the modem. Once done, router set to PPPoE and everything works.

Is there a resource somewhere you can link me to concerning all this stuff about bridges and PPPoE ?

Happy New Year Everyone !