Newbie needs WLAN assistance

[jn1520]

I was hoping someone can help me with a networking problem. I recently purchased a Netgear MR314 Router and Belkin USB Wireless Adapter. My intention was to connect the USB wireless adapter to a desktop and share the Internet connection wirelessly. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get the connection completed. Everything appears to be in sync except I'm not getting a signal. Does this mean that I need a Wireless Access Point or can I share the connection with the equipment I already have? Thanks ahead of time!

[Greenstead]

They should work together ok.
Is the USB adapter 802.11b ?

Make sure the wireless connection properties of the USB adapter are set to infrastructure mode and you set the same SSID as the router (Wireless).

[jn1520]

Thanks for the help. I'll have to double-check the settings. If that doesn't work, do you have any other suggestions I should try?

[Greenstead]

That should get you a connection.

Also set the USB connection to get an IP address and DNS address automatically and set the MR314 to LAN DHCP server on.

That should do it.

When things are working setup the MAC authentication in the MR314. Don't bother with WEP.

Come back if things don't work out.

Good Luck.

[jn1520]

I finally got a chance to test the connection with all the proper settings. I must be having interference and range issues because I tried my laptop in a room near the Netgear MR314 Router and everything worked fine. Thanks for the advice about the Infrastructure mode, that did the trick.

Now I'll have to figure out how to make this work from upstairs. Will another WAP help with range? Thanks!

[Greenstead]

No, another WAP cannot be used.

You might try moving the wireless channel in the MR314 to the top end of its range (11 in the US, 13 in the UK).