touble connecting laptop to wireless home network

[Guest]

I have a small "workgroup" home network using tcp/ip where ip addresses are
assigned by a linksys router. The cable modem and router are hooked up to a
desktop pc running winXP. I also have a wireless router (with dhcp disabled)
attached like a hub to the regular router. I use this wireless connection
occasionally when I'm on my laptop. Everything works fine except for my
wife's laptop. Her laptop has winXP and built in wifi. This laptop has been
used on other wireless networks in the past fine. On my home network it
appears to be connected as it shows excellent signal strength but I can't
access other computers on the network nor can I get on the internet. When I
run the utility ipconfig/all the IP address is not one assigned behind
the router but appears to be the actual IP address. Also there is no gateway
address. Please help.

 

[Guest]

I have a small "workgroup" home network using tcp/ip where ip addresses are
assigned by a linksys router. The cable modem and router are hooked up to a
desktop pc running winXP. I also have a wireless router (with dhcp disabled)
attached like a hub to the regular router. I use this wireless connection
occasionally when I'm on my laptop. Everything works fine except for my
wife's laptop. Her laptop has winXP and built in wifi. This laptop has been
used on other wireless networks in the past fine. On my home network it
appears to be connected as it shows excellent signal strength but I can't
access other computers on the network nor can I get on the internet. When I
run the utility ipconfig/all the IP address is not one assigned behind
the router but appears to be the actual IP address. Also there is no gateway
address. Please help.

Won't work as you found out. It will work as a hub/switch, but will not
have access to the wireless network.

You need a router that can be configured as an access point or an access
point.
D-Link makes a few and the newer Belkin routers can also. I have both.
Early Belkin routers with AP capability didn't work well.

You basically give the AP a fixed IP address on the network (LAN) so you can
find it and disable NAT and DHCP. NAT and DHCP are provided by your main
router. The LAN or (port that would go to the modem) goes to your network.
If the AP has a buit-in switch, those ports will work too.