Introduction to Wireless Network
Wireless network is a type of network in which computers and network devices are interconnected with each other without wires. The common methods of the wireless connectivity are Wi-Fi, WI-MAX, fixed wireless network, Bluetooth, GSM, Infrared and WLAN. The components used in implementing the local area wireless network are wireless LAN cards, wireless routers and access points etc. Wireless networking is very useful in the places where the clustered and snaking cables are not possible also in the places such as university campuses, hostels, libraries, airports, hospitals, government institutes and in the organizations with multi storey offices.
Gateway or router is used to connect the wireless network with the existing network to share the resources such as internet, printer, scanner, CD/DVD-ROM and hard disks. There are some well known security issues and they can be overcome if proper security mechanisms and have been implemented such as WEP (Wired equivalent privacy), WEP2 (Wired equivalent privacy version 2), MAC address filtering, SSID (service set identifier), VPN link and 802.1x.
The common types of the wireless network are WLANS, WPANS, WMANS and WWANS. Like in the wired networks there are certain common problems that can occur in the wireless networks. Following tips are useful in resolving the problems in your wireless computer network.
Wireless Network Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting the wireless network starts with checking network configurations and the hardware devices such as LAN card, router and access points. The following steps are useful in identifying and troubleshooting the problems.
- Check the cables. Make sure that the wires with the DSL or Cable modem are properly connected and the power light is on of the modems. Make sure that the wireless router is connected with the power adapter and DSL/Cable modem.
- Turn off the devices. Turn the DSL/Cable modem and wireless router off and unplug the power cables and with the break of 30-60 seconds reestablish the wireless connection.
- Check Network Settings. Verify that the wireless network adapter is turned on. If you are using Windows XP Professional, let the Windows redetect the wireless adapter remove the wireless adapter from its respective slot and reinsert in the slot while the Windows is running. Verify the lights on the wireless adapter are turned on. If the lights are not turned on, then again insert the adapter. Update the driver/software of the wireless network adapter and download the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
- Check wireless Router/Access Point. Make sure that the power light is turned on. The internet link light of the router should be on if the router is connected to the DSL, LAN or cable modem. The wireless lights should be on all the time even there are no wireless devices are connected. The WLAN activity should flash when the data is sent or receive from any computer that is connected through the router.
- Verify Computer’s TCP/IP Settings. Use the “Ping” command to verify the network connectivity with the other computers in the network. Also make sure that the client’s wireless network adapter is installed and working properly.
- Check Firewall Settings. Make sure that the firewall software or hardware at the gateway computer is not blocking the TCP/IP requests from other computers in your wireless network.
- Miscellaneous settings. Check that the router and network adapter use the same settings, channels, wireless mode and SSID. Verify that the router’s LAN port is active.
- Repair Wireless Connect. If you are using Windows XP Professional operating system, install the service pack II because the repair capability in the service pack II has been enhanced for repairing the wireless connection. To access the repair capability, double click the wireless connection icon and click the supporting tab.
- WEP or WPA Keys. The most common cause of the wireless network is the incorrect settings of the encryption WEP or WPA.
- To resolve the encryption problem click Start > Connect to > Show All connections.
- Double click wireless network connection
- Click Properties > Wireless network tab
- In the preferred network box, double click the network name you are connecting to.
- In the network key box, enter your encryption key and reenter the key in the “Confirm Network Key” box.
In case you have lost your wireless encryption keys or passwords then you have to reset the encryption keys in the router configurations.
Hopefully the above tips are helpful in resolving the issues in your wireless network.