Problem with Wi-Fi 820.11b (wireless LAN)

[Johnnylee_hang]

Can anyone help me connect online using Wi-Fi 820.11b a wireless LAN? I did plug everything in the right slots and the computer didn't identify it.

I've have two computer: one desktop and one laptop, one router, and a cable modem internet connection. If I use the LAN to plug on both of them then it work perfectly. My laptop that i just bought has a wireless 820.11b LAN which I don't have to use the LAN, but I don't know how wireless works. I did put the ip address on and it didn't work and I also try to put Automatic detect and it didn't work still. I'm stuck!

Help would be thankful!

[bugster]

Do you actually have a wireless access point (WAP) or another 802.11b device for your laptop to communicate with?

[Johnnylee_hang]

How do the WAP access point looks like? I'm new to this thing here.

[bugster]

How do the WAP access point looks like? I'm new to this thing here.

Well, you obviously havn't got one!

They are a small box with an antenna and one or more ethernet ports for connection to your LAN. Without one the wireless card in your laptop is useless for connecting to your home LAN.

[Johnnylee_hang]

Where is the antenna connecting to?
Is it true that after buying what you said; I can go online without the need of LAN plug?

[Johnnylee_hang]

Okay....I bought this laptop and it said exactly in the book. "Thank you for purchasing this Laptop. In here you'll notice that it includ dvd/cd-rw.........and Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b)wireless LAN for convenient internet connection." In page 78, "To use the wireless networking, you have to turn on the switch which attach under neath the flat mouse. Switch to the left to turn on and right to turn off. Set ip to automatic detect and enjoy your wireless internet." This is all the information here, but I just couldn't get to work. It said that the wireless 820.11b is connected to my laptop. I see the switch and all, but the network doesn't light up. The status shows mine light up, but the other doesn't.

[bugster]

If you are not within range of another 802.11b device, it will not work, simple as that. If you want to use it at home to access your home internet connection, you need a wireless access point.

You probably could make use of this if you can find a local 'HotSpot'. Try your nearest Starbucks!

[Johnnylee_hang]

Okay, that makes sense now. I just tried to go to the mall and the airport and it connect perfectly. Why is that? Is there anyother place like in city that I can get the access point from?

[Roundabout]

There are plenty of 802.11b routers on the market that you can use at home, such as the NetGear MR814, the Linksys BEFW-11S4, etc.
They will all connect and use your laptop's wireless capability at home, in conjunction with your cable internet connection.
As far as finding other "Hot Spots" in your area to connect outside your home, try looking here:
www.hotspotlist.com


Linksys Wireless Router BEFW-11S4 photo

[Johnnylee_hang]

so with that router, I don't have to use the LAN plug, correct?

[Roundabout]

Right, it has wired LAN jacks on the back, that you can connect to any PC that is stationary (desktop unit, usually), and the wireless capability is to transmit the signal from the router to the laptop's internal antenna.
The router also acts as a firewall to help keep out intruders/hackers.
There are different types of routers - wired or wireless, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Of the different types of 802.11 standards, the "g" is the newest and fastest protocol. But since your laptop has a "b" card built-in, you may as well save money for now and buy a "b" router to go with it.
I bought my Netgear wireless router for $29.99 after rebate at Office Depot. It's easy to configure and use. Has simplified setup instructions and a toll-free number to call if you need help.
I have mine connected to the desktop with a wire, and transmit the wireless signal to my laptop so I can move the laptop anywhere in the house and stay online. Very handy when you want to eat and get work done at the kitchen table. They are limited as to how far you can travel from the base (but you can buy signal boosters if you need more range), I think around 150 ft. is the most you could expect. That should give you enough room to roam around almost any house, though.
Basically, the connection is: Cable connection from the wall>cable modem>wireless router>PC. Very simple.

[rubberman]

The D-link di-514 is very similar to the Netgear model. Right now at BestBuy its $79.99 with $50 worth of rebates.

[Johnnylee_hang]

I just figure it out. I worked my LAN. It was built in the laptop already. I just didn't configure the system to recognize the router. Now that it work, thanks to all of ya who was trying to help.