Need help on WIFI - my "Default Gatgeway" is sometime BLANK !

[pg]

Hi, all !

I need your help !

I am learning to set up wifi base station and trying to hook up with
wifi clients.

I really need your help !!

My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.

I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!

So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!

But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.

I poke around, and found that on the client side although it says it's
"connected", there's nothing coming in.

I dunno what to do next. I need you help.

I'll provide the info I gleaned from the client-side PC:

From the "Wireless client card configuration utility" -

===== ===== ===== = = = = = ===== ===== =====

Network Status

Select Profile: Default

Link Information:
Status: Connected
Network SSID: xyz-link
Network Type: Infrastructure
Network BSSID: 00 14 78 EB 8D 4A
Security: None
Link Speed: 11 Mbps

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***

===== ===== ===== = = = = = ===== ===== =====

From the Wireless "Network Connection Status" -

Under the "General" tab

Connection
Status: Connected
Network: xyz-link
Duration: 00:16:33 (and counting)
Speed: 11.0 Mbps

Activity
Sent Packets: 88
Received Packets: 0 <------- *** Uh ha !! ***

===== ===== ===== = = = = = ===== ===== =====

Is it possible to have the wifi "connected" but nothing goes in
between the wifi base station and the wifi client?

Why is the "Default Gateway" blank ? Why is there is no "Received
Packets" ?

If there is a connection, there ought to be something going on,
right ?

Why in this case I got a "connection", but on the client PC there's
nothing ?

Is there a way to remedy this situation ?

Thanks !

===== ===== ===== = = = = = ===== ===== =====

Here are the general specs for the client PC:

OS - Windows XP Professional
RAM - 2GB DDR2
CPU - Dual Core Intel

===== ===== ===== = = = = = ===== ===== =====

Is there any freeware out there that can help me detect, diagnose, and
remedy this problem ?

Thanks again !!!

 

[John Navas]

My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.

What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?

I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!

So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!

But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.

[SNIP]

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***

That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.

Turn off all security for troubleshooting.
Cross-post with more restraint.

 

[pg]

My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.

What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?

I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!

So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!

But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.

[SNIP]

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***

That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.

DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".

Turn off all security for troubleshooting.

This happens even when security is OFF !

And that's the problem.

I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.

Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.

The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??

 

[smlunatick]

in <[email protected]>:

What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?

I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!
So I click on it. And low and behold,  it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!
But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.
[SNIP]
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
   DHCP Option: Enable
   IP Address: 169.254.49.233
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
   Default Gateway: blank          <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***

That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.

DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".

Turn off all security for troubleshooting.

This happens even when security is OFF !

And that's the problem.

I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.

Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.

The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The first thing is that the IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx) indicates
that the wireless adapter has not successful accepted an IP address
from the base unit (aka router.)

You need to be able to access the base unit so as to set up the
wireless network part and make sure that the base unit is "assigning"
IP addresses to any network adapter that is requesting one (aka DHCP
service.)

 

[pg]

in <[email protected]>:
My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.
What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?
I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!
So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!
But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.
[SNIP]
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***
That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.

DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".

This happens even when security is OFF !

And that's the problem.

I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.

Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.

The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The first thing is that the IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx) indicates
that the wireless adapter has not successful accepted an IP address
from the base unit (aka router.)

You need to be able to access the base unit so as to set up the
wireless network part and make sure that the base unit is "assigning"
IP addresses to any network adapter that is requesting one (aka DHCP
service.)

That IP address ...169.254.xxx.xxx is one of the time I got the
trouble of getting the default gateway totally blank.

How about this ... IP address: 192.168.1.102

Same thing happens.

Default gateway ---- BLANK !

I am a total new bird in the park, so I know that I don't know what
I'm talking about. All I'm doing is to copy EVERYTHING that I can see
on screen and reproduce them here.

I really appreciate your help, but can you also share where and how
you know that 169.254.xxx.xxx indicates that the wireless adapter has
not successful accepted an IP address from the base unit (aka
router.) ?

Where can I get info like this ?

I'm totally new in this, and I do want to learn. Please tell me where
to find the info, please, pretty please !

Thank you !

 

[smlunatick]

in <[email protected]>:
My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.
What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?
I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!
So I click on it. And low and behold,  it tells me it's connected!
Yea !!
But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.
[SNIP]
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
   DHCP Option: Enable
   IP Address: 169.254.49.233
   Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
   Default Gateway: blank          <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***
That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.
DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".
Turn off all security for troubleshooting.
This happens even when security is OFF !
And that's the problem.
I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.
Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.
The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

The first thing is that the IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx) indicates
that the wireless adapter has not successful accepted an IP address
from the base unit (aka router.)

You need to be able to access the base unit so as to set up the
wireless network part and make sure that the base unit is "assigning"
IP addresses to any network adapter that is requesting one (aka DHCP
service.)

That IP address ...169.254.xxx.xxx is one of the time I got the
trouble of getting the default gateway totally blank.

How about this ... IP address: 192.168.1.102

Same thing happens.

Default gateway ---- BLANK !

I am a total new bird in the park, so I know that I don't know what
I'm talking about. All I'm doing is to copy EVERYTHING that I can see
on screen and reproduce them here.

I really appreciate your help, but can you also share where and how
you know that 169.254.xxx.xxx indicates that the wireless adapter has
not successful accepted an IP address from the base unit (aka
router.) ?

Where can I get info like this ?

I'm totally new in this, and I do want to learn. Please tell me where
to find the info, please, pretty please !

Thank you !- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You need to read and follow the directions that should have been
included with the base wireless unit (aka router.)

 

[John Navas]

You need to read and follow the directions that should have been
included with the base wireless unit (aka router.)

Also read the wiki below, which has a wealth of useful information.

 

[Brian A.]

Have a look see at any/all of these:
www.wown.com
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/
http://www.homepcnetwork.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/howto/homenet/default.asp

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking.htm

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm

How to set up a small network with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 1)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813936/en-us

--


Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

On Feb 4, 12:02 am, John Navas <[email protected]> wrote:

in <[email protected]>:

My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.

What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?

I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!

So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!

But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.

[SNIP]

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***
That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.

DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".

Turn off all security for troubleshooting.

This happens even when security is OFF !

And that's the problem.

I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.

Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.

The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The first thing is that the IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx) indicates
that the wireless adapter has not successful accepted an IP address
from the base unit (aka router.)

You need to be able to access the base unit so as to set up the
wireless network part and make sure that the base unit is "assigning"
IP addresses to any network adapter that is requesting one (aka DHCP
service.)

That IP address ...169.254.xxx.xxx is one of the time I got the
trouble of getting the default gateway totally blank.

How about this ... IP address: 192.168.1.102

Same thing happens.

Default gateway ---- BLANK !

I am a total new bird in the park, so I know that I don't know what
I'm talking about. All I'm doing is to copy EVERYTHING that I can see
on screen and reproduce them here.

I really appreciate your help, but can you also share where and how
you know that 169.254.xxx.xxx indicates that the wireless adapter has
not successful accepted an IP address from the base unit (aka
router.) ?

Where can I get info like this ?

I'm totally new in this, and I do want to learn. Please tell me where
to find the info, please, pretty please !

Thank you !

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
May be this can Help.
My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html
Wireless Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[pg]

in <[email protected]>:
My wireless network name is xyz-link. The base station is set up.
What security features are turned on?
Have you tried turning all security off?
I power up the wifi client, and do a scan using the "Wireless Network
Connection". Under the "Choose a wireless network" column there is my
xyz-link !!
So I click on it. And low and behold, it tells me it's connected !
Yea !!
But when I power up the browser on the client PC there's nothing.
[SNIP]
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
DHCP Option: Enable
IP Address: 169.254.49.233
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway: blank <=== *** Could this be the culprit ? ***
That and the IP Address mean that DHCP failed.
DHCP clearly shown as "Enabled".
Turn off all security for troubleshooting.
This happens even when security is OFF !
And that's the problem.
I have absolutely NO idea what's going on ! Using the "help menu" on
XP also turned up nothing.
Normally, if DHCP is enable, and it gives out a "connected" message,
by right it should connect. But no. On the client side I can see the
"chart" going up and down, but it's not receiving any.
The really mind-boggling thing is why the Default Gateway is "BLANK" ??- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
The first thing is that the IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx) indicates
that the wireless adapter has not successful accepted an IP address
from the base unit (aka router.)
You need to be able to access the base unit so as to set up the
wireless network part and make sure that the base unit is "assigning"
IP addresses to any network adapter that is requesting one (aka DHCP
service.)

That IP address ...169.254.xxx.xxx is one of the time I got the
trouble of getting the default gateway totally blank.

How about this ... IP address: 192.168.1.102

Same thing happens.

Default gateway ---- BLANK !

I am a total new bird in the park, so I know that I don't know what
I'm talking about. All I'm doing is to copy EVERYTHING that I can see
on screen and reproduce them here.

I really appreciate your help, but can you also share where and how
you know that 169.254.xxx.xxx indicates that the wireless adapter has
not successful accepted an IP address from the base unit (aka
router.) ?

Where can I get info like this ?

I'm totally new in this, and I do want to learn. Please tell me where
to find the info, please, pretty please !

Thank you !- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You need to read and follow the directions that should have been
included with the base wireless unit (aka router.)

I did. I did *try* read all the chingish direction in the owner's
manual. Bad grammar aside, so many things doesn't make any sense !

That is why I'm here trying to make *some* sense out of it all, in
English.

 

[John Navas]

More precisely, that its DHCP request to get configuration information
(from the DHCP server presumably built-in to the router) failed.

Best bet is to reset the wireless router to hardware defaults and start
over.

That's an address assigned by Windows when DHCP fails.

That's typical of NAT configuration by DHCP. Did you set that manually
or did DHCP do it automatically?

If DHCP worked, then the Default Gateway should be populated.

I did. I did *try* read all the chingish direction in the owner's
manual. Bad grammar aside, so many things doesn't make any sense !

What router (manufacturer and model)? Did you buy a quality name brand
unit, or the cheapest thing you could find?

 

[Bill Kearney]

DHCP Option: Enable

IP Address: 169.254.49.233

This means your wireless client didn't get an IP address. Use a computer
that's wired to the router. Check that the router is configured to give
DHCP addresses. If it's not, well, there's your problem. Seeing a 169
address is a sure sign there's no DHCP traffic working.

Additionally, any time you want people to help you, for free, you'd do well
to post AT LEAST the make/model/version of eqiupment you're trying to use.
Without that it's a very annoying game of 20 questions trying to pry it out
of users. Post it from the start, a lot of times someone that actually HAS
that same equipment will see your post and have advice to offer.

And don't shot-gun your message to multiple groups. We're not all here just
to put up with that nonsense.

 

[pg]

More precisely, that its DHCP request to get configuration information
(from the DHCP server presumably built-in to the router) failed.


Best bet is to reset the wireless router to hardware defaults and start over.

Sometimes it works. Sometimes the Default Gateway just BLANK..

Dunno if it's the Base Station or the Client USB wifi dongle.

That's an address assigned by Windows when DHCP fails.

Thank you !

I will remember this tip ! Next time I won't be running around hunting
for other silly matter anymore. Thanks again !

That's typical of NAT configuration by DHCP. Did you set that manually
or did DHCP do it automatically?

You mean the DHCP on the base station side? It's set up automatically.

If DHCP worked, then the Default Gateway should be populated.

Okay ... Lemme put it in words that I can understand ...

If the IP is 169.254.xxx.xxx that means the DHCP is NOT working. The
problem is at the base station site, right?

Then if the IP is 192.168.1.102 the DHCP suppose to be working, or, at
least the base station should have no problem, right?

So if the DHCP works, then the Default Gateway should be populated,
right?


But if it's 192.168.1.102, and the Default Gateway ought to be
populated, but on the client side the Default Gateway is still BLANK,
then the problem is at the client side, right?

Okay. I get it.

If that's the case, then what can I do on the client side to remedy
this problem?

What router (manufacturer and model)? Did you buy a quality name brand
unit, or the cheapest thing you could find?

Router / Base Station is D-Link. The client side I use that USB dongle
thing - from Tenda. It's actually more expensive then Aztech or D-
Link, because it comes with 3 years warranty. (The others only comes
with either 6 month or one year warranty)

But you know, nowadays everything is either made in Vietnam or Taiwan
or China or India, and you know how good their English can be. I read
the manual, can kinda understand them, but on some part, still kinda
blur.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

Thanks again for your help ! Hopefully someone can tell me how to
remedy the problem on the client side, if the "Default Gateway=BLANK"
problem arises from the client side.

Mucho Gracias!

 

[pg]

This means your wireless client didn't get an IP address. Use a computer
that's wired to the router. Check that the router is configured to give
DHCP addresses. If it's not, well, there's your problem. Seeing a 169
address is a sure sign there's no DHCP traffic working.

Additionally, any time you want people to help you, for free, you'd do well
to post AT LEAST the make/model/version of eqiupment you're trying to use.
Without that it's a very annoying game of 20 questions trying to pry it out
of users. Post it from the start, a lot of times someone that actually HAS
that same equipment will see your post and have advice to offer.

And don't shot-gun your message to multiple groups. We're not all here just
to put up with that nonsense.

I need to apologize for whatever inconvenient that I've caused. I'm
just a new bird, that's why I dunno what to post.

Again I hope that you would forgive me for the troubles that I've
brought !

Sorry !

 

[John Navas]

Router / Base Station is D-Link. The client side I use that USB dongle
thing - from Tenda.

What models? What firmware/drivers?

It's actually more expensive then Aztech or D-
Link, because it comes with 3 years warranty. (The others only comes
with either 6 month or one year warranty)
Irrelevant.

But you know, nowadays everything is either made in Vietnam or Taiwan
or China or India, and you know how good their English can be. ...

Likewise irrelevant.

 

[pg]

What models? What firmware/drivers?

Client side model: Tenda Wireless USB Adapter TWL541U

Firmware ? I dunno. How do I find out?

Drivers ... Hmmm... I need to get the CD and will report back to you.

 

[teldave]

Hi,
Try network magic http://www.networkmagic.com/

Free version works great.

Good Luck

 

[RemyMaza]

Client side model: Tenda Wireless USB Adapter TWL541U

Firmware ? I dunno. How do I find out?

Drivers ... Hmmm... I need to get the CD and will report back to you.

I've been reading and reading this post but haven't seen a reply
saying that you actually reset the router to factory settings. There
is a button on the back of all routers that allows you to do this.
You'll probably need a paper clip or a pen to push the button, but
you'll find that out as soon as you see the button. Push that in
while the power is turned on the router. You should see all of the
green lights in the front light up and then start blinking again. If
you don't see this, push and hold for a longer period of time. No
more than 10 secs should suffice. I'd have to say there is a problem
with your router since sometimes you can get a valid IP with DHCP, b/c
of your 192.168 ip (as long as you didn't get click happy and
statically assign this ip). Try that before you do anything else.
Then plug your PC directly into the router with a cable until you can
get to the internet. This will rule out any other possibilities.
After doing both of those two things.... Restart the computer. Run an
ipconfig /all from the command prompt and reply back here with the
results.

Matt