Internet Access and Routers

[camlace]

cross posted from the resorts board...

So I am set up here at OKW and brought my Motorola Surfboard Router with me. From everything I have read here on the boards I just need to plug the ethernet from the wall at my room to the router, then I should be good to go...but alas it doesn't work. I can connect my computer directly to the HSIA in the wall and it works, but I really want the wireless router setup since there is 3 of us here with computers.

Anyone out there know what I might be doing wrong

 

[Shadeaux]

cross posted from the resorts board...

So I am set up here at OKW and brought my Motorola Surfboard Router with me. From everything I have read here on the boards I just need to plug the ethernet from the wall at my room to the router, then I should be good to go...but alas it doesn't work. I can connect my computer directly to the HSIA in the wall and it works, but I really want the wireless router setup since there is 3 of us here with computers.

Anyone out there know what I might be doing wrong

I had the same problem at OKW in November. When you plug the ethernet directly to your computer, are you getting the log in screen or is it allowing you to use the internet without that screen? For some reason, the day we checked in, neither of us got the log in screen but we were able to use the internet when our computers were directly plugged in, but not through the router. The next day we were both getting the log in screen. I didn't think to try my router again for a few days, but the next time I plugged it in, it worked. I'm thinking something in the system had to reset.

 

[camlace]

I did get the login in screen on my computer when directly plugged in. I accepted the terms and was on my way when directly connected...still can't get the router to connect

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Yes. I do. You don't have a router.

The Motorola Surfboard is a cable modem unless I'm missing something. It's not a router at all.

 

[camlace]

the surfboard is a combo router/modem. But wondering if because it is a combo that might be causing a problem.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

the surfboard is a combo router/modem. But wondering if because it is a combo that might be causing a problem.

Fully aware of what it is. I do this for a living. It's a router between the coax cable connection and the ether ports. It can't route between ethernet ports unless you have one (an ETHERNET RJ-45 port) that's labeled "internet" or "WAN" and if such a thing exists, I've never heard of one. Doesn't mean it doesn't. Quite honestly, I've never even seen a Surfboard that was a stand-alone router (meaning not cable based) but you certainly could be right. I'm sure Motorola has broadened the brand to include something besides just cable modems (1 coax port and 1 ether port).

Just trying to help. I have serious doubts what you have will work. Post the model number so I can look it up if you want to.

Meanwhile, if you really want a solution, run over to Walmart or Target on 192 and pick up a Linksys E1000. Should be less than $100 or thereabouts. Then you'll have a solution you can use whenever you go anywhere they don't have wireless in the rooms.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Best I can find (and as I thought), ALL Surfboards are cable modems or cable modem/router combos. (DOCSIS=Cable Modem in laymen's terms)

Trust me. It won't work. End of story. Sorry you don't like the answer but don't shoot the messenger. I was just trying to help.

 

[Starr W.]

Meanwhile, if you really want a solution, run over to Walmart or Target on 192 and pick up a Linksys E1000. Should be less than $100 or thereabouts. Then you'll have a solution you can use whenever you go anywhere they don't have wireless in the rooms.

Not sure if my Linksys is that model, but it was in that price range. We take it on all DVC trips(other than VB, which does have WIFI). It's our travel router.

We just had it down at BLT last weekend, no problem getting online with 3 laptops.

 

[Lost in Neverland]

We just got back yesterday from OKW and experienced similar issues with a wireless router. I just unplugged everything from the wall including power and ethernet. When I powered back up with everything connected the wireless worked. Not sure what the issue was but resetting the modem that is there and the connection between the wireless worked. By the way I am using a very cheap belkin wireless router that I purchased at Walmart for around $45.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

We just got back yesterday from OKW and experienced similar issues with a wireless router. I just unplugged everything from the wall including power and ethernet. When I powered back up with everything connected the wireless worked. Not sure what the issue was but resetting the modem that is there and the connection between the wireless worked. By the way I am using a very cheap belkin wireless router that I purchased at Walmart for around $45.

The key here is modem. There is no place for a modem in a hotel unless you're doing old dial-up stuff. A modem bridges between two unlike technologies (like a cable connection and ethernet). That's a VERY basic explanation but that's essentially what it is.

You're going ethernet (in the wall) to ethernet (WAN/Internet side of a router). No need for a bridge in this environment.

To be honest, I can't imagine that a plain old switch or hub wouldn't work, though it could very well be that they won't give out but one address per port.

The biggest reason to use a router or a wireless router is that it adds wireless AND another layer of protection (rudimentary firewall that is at a minimum, another NAT layer).

 

[psac]

With something like the linksys or belkin, do you need to configure the router ahead of time with something like a laptop, or can you just plug and play with something like an iPhone? The 3G speeds can get annoying at times...
Thanks!

 

[Starr W.]

With something like the linksys or belkin, do you need to configure the router ahead of time with something like a laptop, or can you just plug and play with something like an iPhone? The 3G speeds can get annoying at times...
Thanks!

I set up my router at home, made sure all the laptops had the "new" network(secure, so others can't try to hop on my connection). on them, so when we get there just plug the router in and go.

 

[camlace]

Best I can find (and as I thought), ALL Surfboards are cable modems or cable modem/router combos. (DOCSIS=Cable Modem in laymen's terms)

Trust me. It won't work. End of story. Sorry you don't like the answer but don't shoot the messenger. I was just trying to help.

I wasn't shooting anyone...just answering the question you asked. It is a combo router/modem to the best of my knowledge, but then again maybe I am clueless. I use it to connect multiple devices wirelessly at home, is that not what a router does (amongst other things, I presume). And yes it is also my cable modem, the only one that is compatible with my local cable and required setup for work.

Just looked it up...from Motorola's website:

Combines four separate products — a DOCSIS® cable modem, IEEE 802.11g wireless access point, Ethernet 10/100Base-T connections, and firewall — into one compact unit

Doesn't the "IEEE 802.11g wireless access point" part mean its a router?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I wasn't shooting anyone...just answering the question you asked. It is a combo router/modem to the best of my knowledge, but then again maybe I am clueless. I use it to connect multiple devices wirelessly at home, is that not what a router does (amongst other things, I presume). And yes it is also my cable modem, the only one that is compatible with my local cable and required setup for work.

Just looked it up...from Motorola's website:

Combines four separate products — a DOCSIS® cable modem, IEEE 802.11g wireless access point, Ethernet 10/100Base-T connections, and firewall — into one compact unit

Doesn't the "IEEE 802.11g wireless access point" part mean its a router?

That means it's a wireless access point for the LAN created by the "home" sided subnet of the router. Router and access point are two distinctly different things. If you've been using that router at home with your cable internet service, you can probably connect to it right now... BUT... and this is a BIG "but", you will never get to the internet with that guy in a Disney hotel. It's just not what it is. I don't know any other way to explain it. There are hundreds of types of routers, only two of which most consumers are familiar with, for the most part.

1) Cable modem/routers that bridge cable internet to home networks (these are essentially all-in-one units that are modems and routers and may very well have a WAP (wireless access point) too) and
2) Routers that route ethernet to ethernet where one side attaches to a modem that has already converted from telco or cable or fiber to ethernet. These may very well have wireless access points built in too.


You have the former. At Disney (or any hotel), you need the latter.

It won't work. You're just beating your head against the wall. Sorry to be the bearer of the bad news.

Go to Target and buy what I said above if you really need something. It's essentially plug-and-play. Pull the sticker off the back that says "RUN THE CD FIRST" and throw it away and throw the CD away too (Don't run it. You don't need it!). Making the wireless AP secure is beyond the scope of this thread at this point. If you decide to go get one, come back to the thread and I'll be happy to walk you through securing the wireless side.

It's like anything else. If you get the right tool, the job's easy.

 

[camlace]

That means it's a wireless access point for the LAN created by the "home" sided subnet of the router. Router and access point are two distinctly different things. If you've been using that router at home with your cable internet service, you can probably connect to it right now... BUT... and this is a BIG "but", you will never get to the internet with that guy in a Disney hotel. It's just not what it is. I don't know any other way to explain it. There are hundreds of types of routers, only two of which most consumers are familiar with, for the most part.

1) Cable modem/routers that bridge cable internet to home networks (these are essentially all-in-one units that are modems and routers and may very well have a WAP (wireless access point) too) and
2) Routers that route ethernet to ethernet where one side attaches to a modem that has already converted from telco or cable or fiber to ethernet. These may very well have wireless access points built in too.


You have the former. At Disney (or any hotel), you need the latter.

It won't work. You're just beating your head against the wall. Sorry to be the bearer of the bad news.

Go to Target and buy what I said above if you really need something. It's essentially plug-and-play. Pull the sticker off the back that says "RUN THE CD FIRST" and throw it away and throw the CD away too (Don't run it. You don't need it!). Making the wireless AP secure is beyond the scope of this thread at this point. If you decide to go get one, come back to the thread and I'll be happy to walk you through securing the wireless side.

It's like anything else. If you get the right tool, the job's easy.

oh well...I an sure we will survive the week taking turns Funny part...I have my old linksys router at home, now I know to bring that one instead next time

 

[Lost in Neverland]

WilsonFlyer.... how long have you been at the IT stuff? I have only been doing this for a couple of years but would love to pick your brain when I get into trouble....

 

[WilsonFlyer]

oh well...I an sure we will survive the week taking turns Funny part...I have my old linksys router at home, now I know to bring that one instead next time

That "old Linksys" would be exactly what you need, assuming it's a wireless one. Probably a WRT54G*, one of THE BEST there ever was, especially in its day and unless you have a known need for wireless "N" (most of it is hype and most consumers don't need it at all unless they have a very defined specific application for it like high speed HDTV feeds, for example), it is still arguably one of the best of the "G" routers ever made.

Take that thing with you next time. It should be PnP.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

WilsonFlyer.... how long have you been at the IT stuff? I have only been doing this for a couple of years but would love to pick your brain when I get into trouble....

30 years professionally. I went to work at BB&T when they had 6 PCs to specifically look after them because nobody knew anything about them. They thought they were a fad. LOL When I left, I had a large staff and about 12,000 machines, all networked. That's one of the reasons I left. LMAO I'm a techie. I like managing the technology. People are OK to manage too, for the most part, but I hated being an "administrator" and pencil-pusher which is what my job evolved into, regrettably.

I started with an Altair and graduated to a Trash-80. I bought my first IBM PC in 1982, literally one of the first sold outside IBM, but that's a long story.

I'll show my age... I beta tested what eventually became DOS 1.2 and have been an official beta tester/site for MS ever since (It was still IBM's product back then but was developed by Gates and MS). I have seen pre-code for virtually everything that has ever come down the pipe and had input into a lot of it, including what everyone knows as "Windows" today. OK. Now I'm sounding like I'm bragging so I'll shut up.

Today, I run my own professional consulting firm specializing in networking and network security design and implementation.

I'd be happy to help any way I can within reason, of course. Fire me a PM if you have any questions.

-bob

 

[margitmouse]

Bob,
The minute I read the model you said for the linksys router I had to go look at mine.
I have that router and asked for a new one for Christmas because this router keeps dropping the connection..... in all honesty I don't even think the system is locked any more because we had to keep rebooting it.
It hasn't really dropped recently, but I'm not a tech person at all.... so I have 3 questions, but I won't be offended if it's too much to go over on the thread:
-how can I tell if it's locked/secure?
-if it's not locked now, can I password protect it without having the disk?
-can i just unplug it, take it WDW, plug it in and use it?
-will it be secure if I do that?
Thanks, i've been looking for help with this, but don't hesitate to let me know if it's too much to get into,
margit

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Bob,
The minute I read the model you said for the linksys router I had to go look at mine.
I have that router and asked for a new one for Christmas because this router keeps dropping the connection..... in all honesty I don't even think the system is locked any more because we had to keep rebooting it.
It hasn't really dropped recently, but I'm not a tech person at all.... so I have 3 questions, but I won't be offended if it's too much to go over on the thread:
-how can I tell if it's locked/secure?
You can go to the IP address of the router in your browser and look under the wireless section. http://192.168.1.1 if you haven't changed anything. admin and admin are the logins by default. You should definitely change the PW of the router in preparation of securing the router's wireless side.
-if it's not locked now, can I password protect it without having the disk?
Absolutely. See above. the whole interface to most consumer routers is webbified and can be administered in a browser (like internet explorer). You want to turn on WAP or WAP2 personal and make up a password and plug it in. There's even a "Help" button over to the right if memory serves me correctly.
-can i just unplug it, take it WDW, plug it in and use it?
Assuming you didn't have to do anything special to set up the ISP/Internet side of the router at home, you can just plug an ethernet cable between the wall and the internet side of the router and go to work. Wireless AP retains your settings from home so all of your security and network name (SSID/Wireless network name-You should change this from the default too. Mine is WilsonFlyer-DVC, for example.) remain as they were. You shouldn't even have to connect your laptop(s) again if you saved the password when you connected it at home the first time.
-will it be secure if I do that?
If you set it up as WAP or WAP2 personal AND change the admin's password, absolutely. FYI, WEP is no longer considered secure and can be hacked in under 2 minutes by someone with the right tools. Make sure your password is something semi-obscure. Mix case (Yes, passwords ARE case-sensitive.) and make it fairly long. I actually use a SENTENCE!
Thanks, i've been looking for help with this, but don't hesitate to let me know if it's too much to get into,
margit

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions.