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Home Networking?

Please can you advise on home network setup, using Usb bluetooth network adapter, a router and telewest modem. The telewest modem works using both ethernet or usb connection. The problem firstly my pc does not detect the router, it did once but i could not log in. Ihave other devices for network connectivity, such as DSL/ASDL phone conction which i've tried to use instead for home networking to no avail. I set up VPC, Incoming connection none of wish gets me connected. The two Pcs i have operate windows xp professional deskttops.
Please help, any suggestions will be appreciated
Caroline, December 2006
It would appear you are confusing the capabilites of the equipment you have The Bluetooth adapter will not normally be useful for a home network. It is meant to connect bluetooth devices to a computer.

To setup a home network all you need is:

1. A DSL/Cable modem for your internet connection
2. Connection sharing router.
3. Computers with an ethernet adapter in them.
4. 3 Ethernet cables to internconnect them all.

First of all ensure your internet connection is working properly by connect one of your computers using an ethernet cabe to the DSL modem directly.

Once you are sure you can connect to the internet, remove the cable connecting the computer to the modem on the computer end and connect it to the router. On the router you should find a port labeled WAN, this is where you connect the DSL modem. Now take another cable and connect the computer you just tested the internet connection with to one of the other ports labeled LAN. There are usually 4 of them and you can use any of them.

This in a lot of cases is all you need do to get it working. Do not use the USB port on the modem to connect anything. Most routers do not support a USB connection to them in any event. If this gets computer #1 working then all you should have to do is connect computer #2 to another of the LAN ports.

There are also a number of things you should do to setup your router, first an foremost change the default password for the administration account and make sure remote management is NOT enabled. You will, unfortunately, have to read the manual for the router to learn how to do this. It usually involves using your web browser to go to the router's IP address. While there a number of default addresses used, they are somewhat manufacturer specific so I can't help you without knowing what brand and model router you have.

Hope it helps and Happy New Year

Panzer, December 2006
Not sure what you mean by you pC dosn't dtect the router.

Plug the an upstream Ethernet port of the router into the modem.

Connect the router and a router via Ethernet. Configure the PC's Ethernet card's TCP/IP connection to DHCP. Open a browser and go to the router's home page. (Can't say what that is because you don't say what router you have but try 192.168.1.0)

If that works look for the Wireless Settings. You need the SSID (or change it to one you like better). Next turn off any encryption - you can turn it back on later.

Now go to Connections, Show all connections on XP. Click on create a new connection. Choose your wireless card. Enter the SSID and take all the defaults excpet do not implement WEP or WPA (Encryption). See how you go and report back with a NEW post.

Terry, December 2006