[TelstraClear] Connecting wireless network to my telstra broadband connection

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › [TelstraClear] Connecting wireless network to my telstra broadband connection

ingies

23 posts

Geek

#9785 12-Oct-2006 18:16

Hello, I was wondering if anyone can help me setup my wireless router. I have bought a CNet wireless-G Router (CWR-854) and have tried to set it up with my cable broadband connection from Telstaclear (paradise). I have followed the instructions from the router and about three times managed to get to the page where you can configure the router, but never managed to get the internet working. The router and computer appear to connect (it will tell me LAN is active at 100Mbs).
When I first connected it I did all that they asked- disconnect everything and make sure equipment is turned off, then connect the cable modem(Motorola SB5100 SURFboard cable modem) to the WAN port, then I connect the main computer to the first LAN port, then i connected power to them all and turned on the computer. I then changed the TCP/IP settings to automatic, opened a browser and went to http:192.168.1.254. I then get a little confused- initially I left all the settings as they came up automatically, but that didn't connect me to the internet, then when I tried all of it again I changed the IP address and I think the default gateway. Again no luck. I tried it once more with a different setting (not DHCP client) but can't remember what one. I also have difficulty getting to the IP address for the modem, it has only let me do it three times despite rebooting and plugging everything in each time and resetting it to the default settings. Not sure what I should do next?? Does anyone have any helpful suggestions?

When I have set up this I want to also run an ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports of the above router to the neighbours house and set up another wireless network there (with another Cnet router)- what configuration should I use for that router?

Thanks for your help.

JAMMAN2110

872 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Trusted

#48512 12-Oct-2006 21:02

You need to set the WAN to use the IP Address supplied to you by paradise and the subnet mask and the gateway and the DNS servers.. They gave me an A4 piece of paper with it all written on it.

Matt1

27 posts

Geek

#48513 12-Oct-2006 21:07

Your router won't automatically conncet you without entering any settings in! It needs a bit of info! For TelstraClear cable you need to a web browser and change the settings to "Static IP" or something similar. Then enter your IP address that TelstraClear gave you when you signed up (should be 203.9x.xxx.xxx or something similar) which will probably still be stored on your computer somewhere. Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, Static DNS is 203.96.152.4, alternative DNS 203.96.152.12. Default gateway is whatever your IP address is except the number after the last dot is a 1 eg. if your IP is 203.123.456.789 then the gateway is 203.123.456.1. The above are all settings to be entered on the router.

Let us know if adding these settings doesn't work.

P.S. Be really weary of stringing ethernet cables to neighbours, they can be really dangerous in lightning or bad weather. Just think of all your precious hardware getting fried! Wireless to your neighbour might be a better option.

ingies

23 posts

Geek

#48527 13-Oct-2006 01:33

I did that but I still don't have any internet access to the main computer. It is all plugged in etc but can't find any webpages etc. I loaded all the relevant ip addresses, default gateway and dns into the router but it still doesn't seem to send internet data back to me. Worst of all, when I plugged the modem back into the computer and reset the TCP/IP settings to what they were (ie not on automatic) the internet connection doesn't seem to go anymore. (I am typing this from work).The cable modem had all the right lights flashing- I am hoping it was just a cable problem and not a problem on my end.

I looked into getting wireless but decided that this would be an easier (and give a better signal) way to go- How would it be more prone to lightning? The ethernet cable would run underneath the house and be housed in weatherproof conduit -mostly -and enter my house undergroud again as well- so the only access to it would be above ground inside the house. If I went wireless what do you suggest I use? I looked into getting a repeater and router, but that was more expensive then running an ethernet cable and a second router. I was recommended on the notebookreview forum to run an ethernet cable, as they said you couldn't guarantee a good connection when it has to go through three to four walls.

JonC

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#48545 13-Oct-2006 11:32

First up you need to get the internet connection working with the modem directly connected to your computer (TCL should be able to support you doing this as well). When that's OK, then you need to try the router.

Things to check:

Make sure any software firewall isn't interfering
Double-check your IP settings given to you by TCL
Can you ping 192.168.100.1 (your modem)?
If you go to 192.168.100.1 in your browser, do you get to the modem interface screen? Are all the statuses Done or Operational?

When you get the internet working via a direct connection between the modem and computer, then you need to:

1. Change your computer's IP & DNS to automatic (of your ethernet port)
2. Plug in the router to your computer via ethernet
3. Check to see you can connect to the router's configuration page. Are you getting an IP address from the router?
4. Set the IP address, DNS etc in the WAN section of the router setup
5. Now do the wireless setup.

Let us know where along the line it falls over.

Also, don't let TCL know you're stringing ethernet to your neighbour - I'm sure they wouldn't be happy.

Matt1

27 posts

Geek

#48611 13-Oct-2006 19:07

In regards to the lightning thing, I suggest you read this article that was written for New Zealand conditions about outdoor computer wiring: http://volker.dnsalias.net/linux/tech/outdoorwiring.html

Lightning, ground voltage differences between different points and different houses being on different phases are all important considerations. Basically, you'll be fine in normal conditions but if something goes wrong, then you've got more chance of something getting seriously damaged. A wire in the ground can cause damage even by having lightning hit NEAR it. I may be worrying about it a bit too much but why take the risk? Wireless is cheap these days, why not try one of these if your neighbour is far away: http://usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/.

What would be useful is for you to tell us how far away the neighbours' house is (is it joined to your or something, hills?). Also important what your house is made of and theirs. New 802.11n wireless gear coming out soon is supposed to give more range and signal quality too. If the neighbours are close enough, you won't even need a repeater within their house.

With your internet problem, tell us what browser you're using etc. Maybe you've got some settings wrong within the browser.

[Moderator Edit (JF): URLs Hyperlinked]

ingies

23 posts

Geek

#48644 14-Oct-2006 02:25

Thanks for that info. I have set up the router and it is all working now. I rang up TCL and checked all our IP settings and our default gateway has been wrong (but never caused any probs as far as I know) and they told me that I should use the static IP address (I had been trying to use DHCP Client). I checked our download speed as welland found that we have been upgraded to the 4Mbs finally- never knew we were meant to have doubled in speed till I went to this site- just know that I used to do speed tests and always got about 1500kbs-1800kbs on a good day.

I never knew that running cables between two houses can cause so much trouble. Am seriously reconsidering it all now. For your information I live in a suburban street, and am about 6m away on the flat from the neighbours house (my parents house actually whose computer and internet connection I pay part of). There is however a driveway the cable would have to go over and it would also have to go over my concrete path- no way can I dig it up to bury the cable. My house has external brick walls and my parents house is a wooden house. There is no sisalation in the walls though I do have sisalation under my wooden floor.

If I use a repeater to boost the signal do I have to use one that is from the same brand as the router I already own or can it be any brand. Also is the pre-n equipment likely to be better than using a repeater?