Okay folks it time to talk about wireless connectivity. First I would like to say if you computer is not connecting to the router correctly it is most likely not Verizon's fault. If you call in we at tech support will help you, however don't act huffy with us. The most likely cause is the suckiness of windows, especially Vista. When you connect to a Verizon router it has a network name (ESSID) and a network key (WEP Key). These are both printed on a little sticker on the router. These have to be entered in to your wireless network software in order for the computer to get an address from the router. If you use some software other than windows wireless software call them. Verizon does not have the info and walkthroughs for third party software. AND PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't take this out on me (think about it for a minute, trust me it makes complete sense). For those of you that are a little, let's be nice and go with slow, almost every wireless device especially laptops have a hard switch or software switch to turn the wireless card on and off. Find this switch on your own I have no idea where it is, call the computer manufacturer they can tell you, but I CAN NOT. Okay so now that we know what we are doing let's hook up. Down in the application tray, the little space by the clock, there is an icon that looks like computers connecting or a computer with an antenna. Double click on that and find something that says connect it is different in XP and Vista. There is a little searching involved but what we are trying to get to is the list of wireless networks. There are walk throughs all over the web for your version of windows. Once you have this list you need to select the network that was listed on the back of the router and enter the WEP key (network key, pass key). This is not every step, if you cannot find this list or have any problems, just ask and I can walk you through it step by step. If the information has been entered incorrectly somehow you will have to clear the preferred network list (this will be a topic for another day). So if these are problems you face just calm yourself down it is not as hard as it seems. I want to leave you with one last bit of info. These settings cannot be changed by your internet provider, do NOT call and blame verizon, it is probably due to an update or glitch in windows (or perhaps the three year old doing his Beethoven impression - don't do that folks). WINDOWS VISTA SUCKS, its network software is a little disorienting. XP is a little better but if you want my suggestion go with the new windows 7 (it is very, very nice). Here is a link to upgrade to Windows 7 for 50 bucks use it, it is worth every penny.
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The 40-bit WEP key for the Actiontec router is derived from the MAC address of the router. (the LAN side)
ReplyDeleteThe link layer in WEP protected Wifi networks is NOT encrypted. That means a Verizon FIOS router is broadcasting it's password all the time. "Hey everybody, here is the password for my wifi network, come on in."
I'd probably start this post differently then you. .. If you are having problem with your WiFi, it's probably Verizon's fault for picking the Actiontec router and the horrible security they ship with it. The wireless side of the actiontec is a piece of shit. It doesnt matter is you have a mac, linux, or windows box,.. after a few days it wills stop giving you DHCP addresses, (even though the wired side can) If you want to have good wifi, I suggest you login your router (if the install tech tells you the password... most don't), find the wifi interface, and turn it off. Then go buy a nice wifi accesspoint, configure it to bridge mode, and plug it into the actiontec.
I was reading your post and no doubt it was really informative..I got here what i was looking for..Thanks for sharing............. Verizon Support
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