I set up a Linksys Wireless Access Point [no router] on my Mom's
computer, which has cable modem-access to Internet.

I have an IBM Thinkpad A31p with built in wireless.

Immediately after setup, I was able to get on the Internet through my
Mom's Wireless Access Point, but never since then.

I think what I need [and hope to get] is a printed set of
instructions, which any dummy [like me] can follow, on how to hook up
to the Internet through an available wireless access point.

By the way, even when I could not get hooked up, my computer showed
that I was getting a strong wireless signal.  I just couldn't do
anything with it.

Among the things I tried was setting up a network on her computer [the
"SMITH" Network], and adding myself as a "user" on the SMITH Network
(though there is no guarantee that I did not do this wrong).

Since every 10 year old kid can seemingly piggyback on any wireless
network within 1000 miles, why can't I?

Please give me instructions which are as explicit as humanly possible.

Thanks.

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 03 Feb 2004 00:00 PST

query007-ga:

Can you describe, in as great a level of detail possible, how all of
the various pieces of equipment (cable modem, access point, computers)
are connected to each other? I am most interested in what the AP is
physically connected to.

Thanks,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by query007-ga on 05 Feb 2004 21:14 PST

My last clarification was for aht-ga.

With respect to the comment by ivascu-ga, thank you for this pointer. 
Unfortunately I won't be able to check it out for a few weeks.  It's
bad enough with ME trying to figure out MAP filtering and WEP keys
next time I visit, but the computer is at my Mom's home in another
state, and asking her to check these things out would be ... um ...
unproductive [although possibly evocative of hysterical laughter].

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 05 Feb 2004 22:48 PST

Hi query007-ga:

Based on your description, this is what I understand -

a) the cable modem, through a USB hub, appears to the XP machine as a
connected USB network interface device;

b) the Linksys AP is connected through the 10/100Base-T network
interface of the XP machine;

c) you initially were able to use the AP, bridging through your Mom's
computer, to access the Internet through her cable modem (I presume
you have no reason to doubt that the connection was through her
connection, and not a wireless connection of a neighbor that day);

d) you no longer are able to access the Internet through this method.

Sorry for restating some points that were obvious, just wanted to
confirm I understand the scope of the situation.

One challenge in helping you navigate this situation, is that there
are several things that you will need to try, which unfortunately
means that you will need to be at your Mom's place in order to try
them. Since the Google Answers interface is not a real-time
communications system, and since Google Answers Researchers are not
permitted to directly contact clients outside of the Google Answers
system, the best that I can do here for you is to provide several
different solutions for you to pursue, then allow you to try them once
you are your Mom's place. Because I cannot guarantee the success of
these solutions, I will post the most likely ones here as a Request
for Clarification, and wait for you to try them out and report on your
success (or lack thereof).

Overview of Internet Connection Sharing
---------------------------------------

First, what you are attempting to get working, is referred to by
Microsoft as Internet Connection Sharing. At it's most basic level,
here is what you need to have in order for this to work:

a) a working Internet connection attached to the host computer (this
you have, in the form of the cable modem connected to your Mom's PC);

b) a second network adapter in the host computer (in this case, the
10/100Base-T adapter);

c) a software bridge between the two adapters;

d) a properly configured AP.

(for more info, see: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/ )

When this is all working, this is what happens: your cable ISP
provides the NIC built into the cable modem with an IP address; this
is the IP address associated with the USB NIC in your Mom's PC. In
your Mom's PC's network settings, the USB NIC will have 'Internet
Connection Sharing' activated in its Properties, which causes XP to
initiate a software bridge between the USB NIC, and whichever other
network adapter you include in the bridge. In this case, that would be
the 10/100Base-T adapter. Your Mom's PC then becomes the DHCP server
for anything plugged into the network on the 10/100Base-T side of the
PC.

What this means is that the Linksys AP will need to be configured for
the same subnet (IP address space) as the DHCP server running on your
Mom's PC is using. On the link I provided above, you will note the
warning that the DHCP uses, by default, an address of 192.168.0.1 for
the host PC. Linksys, by default, ships its devices configured for the
192.168.1.x subnet (note the difference, 192.168.0.x versus
192.168.1.x). While the idiosyncrasies of XP may have allowed you to
use the bridge the very first time it was set up, there is a high
likelihood that, after any subsequent reboot, this address conflict
would break the link.

To change the IP address of the AP, you will need to refer to the
instruction guide that came with the AP for full, illustrated
instructions. Change it to use a WAN address in the 192.168.0.x
subnet, such as 192.168.0.246. While you are in the configuration
settings of the AP, also confirm that the DHCP server in the AP is
disabled, and that the AP is set up to operate as an access point
instead of anything else like a wireless client or bridge.

With this complete, you should technically be able to access the Internet again.

Please refer to the link above for more detailed instructions on how
to configure Internet Connection Sharing, and please let me know by
replying to this request for clarification how you fare when you have
a chance to try this.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by query007-ga on 09 Feb 2004 20:44 PST

Oops.

I think I added the following as a "comment" when I should have added
it as a "clarification".  Here it is again:

The problem is that this set-up is at my Mom's home in another state,
so I can answer only from memory.  Calling my Mom [God love her]added
somewhat to our information [she doesn't seem to get that telling me
over the phone which wires are blue and which are gray does not help
much]. This is what I recall, with Mom's assistance:

1-There is a cable modem [supplied by Cox.net] which connects to a USB
hub which, in turn, connects to a USB port on the computer.

2-The Linksys wireless access point [no router] is plugged into the computer's NIC.

3-My Mom's computer is a stand alone.  [Dell, around 1.5 GHz Pentium
4, running Windows XP Pro.]

Hope this helps [and hope it is accurate].

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 09 Feb 2004 21:20 PST

Given that your Mom's place is so far away, I'm guessing that you
won't have the opportunity to work through the information I provided
above until you next visit there. Perhaps you may want to either leave
this question open until then, or else expire it and repost it when
you know that you will be at your MOm's place, so that you can work
through it at that time.

How would you like to proceed?

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by query007-ga on 11 Feb 2004 06:13 PST

All month, I have expected to get away to visit Mom starting the next
day, or the next, etc., but my work situation keep going crazy.

I presently anticipate that I will get over there starting on or
shortly after 2/18.

Part of the problem is that I am afraid to go there if I will be
unable to get my laptop onto her high speed internet access so I can
work effectively while I am there.

If I could be sure you would be "there" for me, I would to go on or
shortly after 2/18 -- counting on you to help me get the critical
internet access.  [If I go and can't get the access, I will just have
to shoot myself.]

If you would like to contact me, my number is now posted on a blog. 
[www.armyengineers-835thaviationbattalion.com].

Will this work for you?

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 11 Feb 2004 08:23 PST

Unfortunately, Google Answers Researchers are not permitted to contact
clients directly; all communications must be through this Google
Answers system.

The information I have provided above is a good start, but there is no
guarantee that your specific situation matches that which I've
described.

I also cannot guarantee that I would be able to respond quickly to any
questions you post here on Google Answers on the 18th using your Mom's
computer (which should still be available to you even if the wireless
isn't working), as my 'day job' tends to occupy most of my time on
weekdays.

What I suggest is this: review, carefully (and print out if necessary)
the complete information above, including the information from
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/ . When you are at
your Mom's place, I suggest you go into Control Panel>Network
Connections, and uninstall (right-click and either remove or
uninstall: NOT disable) any 'bridge' connection you see there, and
turn off the Internet Connection Sharing in the properties of the USB
network adapter (ie. the cable modem). Then, go through the procedure
from PracticallyNetworked (and my writings above) step by step, making
sure you have done everything correctly. You do not need to have your
laptop in the same workgroup as your Mom's PC in order to access the
Internet through ICS; you would only need that if you wanted to use
your Mom's PC's local resources, such as hard drive storage, printers,
etc.

If you run into problems on the 18th, and going through the
information above does not help, post a new question here on Google
Answers; there are several Researchers, including myself, who have
expertise in home networking solutions. While the setup you have is
not "standard", an experienced troubleshooter can still help you,
especially if you refer the Researcher to this question and the
information I have already provided.

Sorry that this is not the direct, on-the-phone support you were
asking about, but given my contractor agreement with Google Answers, I
am not allowed to help you in that way. I will, however, try to keep
an eye on this question, as well as any new question you may post, on
the 18th.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by query007-ga on 11 Feb 2004 17:48 PST

To aht-ga: 

Although the issue is not yet 100% resolved, I would like to mark the
question "answered" so you can be paid.  I don't see how to do this.

Thanks for all your help, and I will repost if your suggestions don't work.

query007-ga:

I am posting this as an Answer, so that you may accept it.

To summarize the information I have provided so far:

---------------------------------------------------------------

Based on your description, this is what I understand -

a) the cable modem, through a USB hub, appears to the XP machine as a
connected USB network interface device;

b) the Linksys AP is connected through the 10/100Base-T network
interface of the XP machine;

c) you initially were able to use the AP, bridging through your Mom's
computer, to access the Internet through her cable modem (I presume
you have no reason to doubt that the connection was through her
connection, and not a wireless connection of a neighbor that day);

d) you no longer are able to access the Internet through this method.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Overview of Internet Connection Sharing
---------------------------------------

First, what you are attempting to get working, is referred to by
Microsoft as Internet Connection Sharing. At it's most basic level,
here is what you need to have in order for this to work:

a) a working Internet connection attached to the host computer (this
you have, in the form of the cable modem connected to your Mom's PC);

b) a second network adapter in the host computer (in this case, the
10/100Base-T adapter);

c) a software bridge between the two adapters;

d) a properly configured AP.

(for more info, see: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/ )

When this is all working, this is what happens: your cable ISP
provides the NIC built into the cable modem with an IP address; this
is the IP address associated with the USB NIC in your Mom's PC. In
your Mom's PC's network settings, the USB NIC will have 'Internet
Connection Sharing' activated in its Properties, which causes XP to
initiate a software bridge between the USB NIC, and whichever other
network adapter you include in the bridge. In this case, that would be
the 10/100Base-T adapter. Your Mom's PC then becomes the DHCP server
for anything plugged into the network on the 10/100Base-T side of the
PC.

What this means is that the Linksys AP will need to be configured for
the same subnet (IP address space) as the DHCP server running on your
Mom's PC is using. On the link I provided above, you will note the
warning that the DHCP uses, by default, an address of 192.168.0.1 for
the host PC. Linksys, by default, ships its devices configured for the
192.168.1.x subnet (note the difference, 192.168.0.x versus
192.168.1.x). While the idiosyncrasies of XP may have allowed you to
use the bridge the very first time it was set up, there is a high
likelihood that, after any subsequent reboot, this address conflict
would break the link.

To change the IP address of the AP, you will need to refer to the
instruction guide that came with the AP for full, illustrated
instructions. Change it to use a WAN address in the 192.168.0.x
subnet, such as 192.168.0.246. While you are in the configuration
settings of the AP, also confirm that the DHCP server in the AP is
disabled, and that the AP is set up to operate as an access point
instead of anything else like a wireless client or bridge.

With this complete, you should technically be able to access the Internet again.

---------------------------------------------------------------

What I suggest is this: review, carefully (and print out if necessary)
the complete information above, including the information from
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/ . When you are at
your Mom's place, I suggest you go into Control Panel>Network
Connections, and uninstall (right-click and either remove or
uninstall: NOT disable) any 'bridge' connection you see there, and
turn off the Internet Connection Sharing in the properties of the USB
network adapter (ie. the cable modem). Then, go through the procedure
from PracticallyNetworked (and my writings above) step by step, making
sure you have done everything correctly. You do not need to have your
laptop in the same workgroup as your Mom's PC in order to access the
Internet through ICS; you would only need that if you wanted to use
your Mom's PC's local resources, such as hard drive storage, printers,
etc.

If you run into problems on the 18th, and going through the
information above does not help, post a new question here on Google
Answers; there are several Researchers, including myself, who have
expertise in home networking solutions. While the setup you have is
not "standard", an experienced troubleshooter can still help you,
especially if you refer the Researcher to this question and the
information I have already provided.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Again, this is simply a most-likely case solution. If, after you have
arrived at your Mom's place, you find that you are not able to get the
wireless working, please consider posting a new question to Google
Answers, and most likely a Researcher will be able to help you
quickly.

Good luck!

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Answer by aht-ga on 15 Feb 2004 18:52 PST

query007-ga:

Please do let me know how it all works out when you are next at your
Mom's place. By the way, I think there may have been a problem when
you selected the rating; you mentioned five stars in your written
text, but apparently the radio-button selection was on the 3-star
setting when you submitted. I'm not sure if you can change it; if not,
oh well! If you are still able to, perhaps you can take a look at it,
as my continued relationship with Google Answers depends upon a
continuously high level of customer feedback!

Thanks,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

Both aht-ga and I were working under a handicap, since I am not at the
location where I could test out the answer.  I don't know yet if this
answer is going to work, but aht-ga is getting a 5 star anyway for the
effort put in under these difficult circumstances.  If it works, I
will be only too happy to return and add a tip.

query007:  if you see the signal, but can't connect to it - there are
typically two reasons:

1.  MAC filtering is turned on the AP and you address was not added.
2.  The AP requires a WEP key, which needs to be added.

Have you taken any security steps on your AP?  If not, then I would
try to hard-reset the router/AP.

Alex

The problem is that this set-up is at my Mom's home in another state,
so I can answer only from memory.  Calling my Mom [God love her]added
somewhat to our information [she doesn't seem to get that telling me
over the phone which wires are blue and which are gray does not help
much]. This is what I recall, with Mom's assistance:

1-There is a cable modem [supplied by Cox.net] which connects to a USB
hub which, in turn, connects to a USB port on the computer.

2-The Linksys wireless access point [no router] is plugged into the computer's NIC.

3-My Mom's computer is a stand alone.  [Dell, around 1.5 GHz Pentium
4, running Windows XP Pro.]

Hope this helps [and hope it is accurate].