Linksys NAS200 Network Storage adapter

[Lem]

The only two wireless network settings that are of any consequence (as
far as individual computers are concerned) are the SSID and the
encryption method and password. You can write these down on a piece of
paper. The only other thing that you might have to ensure is that the
network adapter is set to obtain its IP address and DNS server address
automatically -- but that's the default setting. See
http://screenshots.modemhelp.net/sc...rties/General/TCPIP_Properties/Auto_DNS.shtml

If you want to automate things, however, you can use the WinXP Wireless
Network Setup Wizard (although I generally prefer to set things up
manually rather than use a "wizard"). See
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb878069.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/connectnow.mspx

The Wizard lets you pick an SSID (network name), the level of encryption
you want to use, and the encryption password (it will also automatically
create a strong password if you like). I haven't used this wizard, so I
don't know if it's been updated to permit the choice of WPA2 encryption.
The Wizard makes these settings on the computer on which you are
running the Wizard, and then either prints out the info (set up a
network manually) or saves them as XML files on a USB flash drive. You
can then plug the USB flash drive into other computers running WinXP sp2
and they will automatically be set up with your chosen network parameters.

The catch is that many routers (including the WRT54G) do NOT have a USB
port and are not compatible with "Windows Connect Now." Thus, you won't
be able to use the flash drive to configure the router. However, either
click the "Print Network Settings" button on the final screen of the
Wizard or simply access the appropriate XML file and get at them that
way and then use the information to configure the router manually as I
explained earlier.

Once you're done, put the flash drive away in a secure location (it
does, after all, have your wireless network password on it).

Completely separately from all of the above, you can save the *router's*
configuration (for the next time you have to reset it to factory
defaults) by going to the router's Administration > Config Management page.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Hello Lem, Wow, ask and thou shall receive!

Thanks for all good information here. I guess I had always run on the old
adage that if it works, don't mess with it. But then I knew the day would
come that I'd havta do something about it. Right now, all I have is the DSL
modem > wireless broadband router > Ethernet card in my PC. I have no other
network or wireless devices. The wireless part is only used when brother or
sister visit with their laptops maybe once or twice a year.

(guess which one gave it to me for xmas)

Everything you suggest in your reply certainly makes good sense to me. With
the holidays upon us, I might wait till after Thanksgiving to reset the
wireless router in case I need to get ahold of linksys tech support. During
the initial install or anytime afterwards, I have never had access to the
router config web page, kindof weird.

Either that or I'm just missing things here.

As you suggest, I'll leave the firmware alone, at least I know about it if
the problem comes up later.

Again, thanks for the information AND instruction, but more so, thank you
for your time!

I'll post back my results, who knows, I might get impatient and do this
during the Thanksgiving break, but if something goes wrong I won't have
internet access.

btw, is there a way to backup/save my settings in XP network connections?

Richard in VA.
++++++++++++

--
Lem -- MS-MVP - Networking

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

[Richard in Va.]

Thanks Lem, I hope you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving too!

Maybe what I'll do is unplug the wireless router (wired) from my PC. Plug the DSL modem
directly to the PC and create a new network connection for internet access, the way it was
before I got the router. Then disable my new (DSL direct) connection, re-enable the one
I've been using with the router and reset and re-install the router. If things go wrong
with the router, I'll still have internet access.

Anyway, if I hose internet access around here during the Thanksgiving holiday, I'll wind
up being the turkey on the table!!

But with the help from both you and Jack, It'll probably be a breeze!

Thanks so much!

Richard in VA.
+++++++++++

 

[Richard In Va.]

Hello Lem,

I've regained access to my Linksys Broadband wireless router. Apparently
I've been trying to logon to the wrong IP address. Downloaded the newest
Linksys user manual which I think explained the IP address alittle better.
Or maybe I just paid more attention to what I was reading...

I was trying xxx.xx.xx.100 where I should have been using xxx.xx.xx.1

So ipconfig /all does not see the wireless router? That's odd.

Anyway, everything is more better now, thanks for all the good help!
Now I just need to order the NAS200, I already have an extra SATA drive I
can install to experiment with.

Richard in VA.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++