jimcarree

I have a wee problem. I have 2 desktops and 1 laptop.

Backround

a) 1st Desktop is connected to a Lyksys WRT54G wireless router

b) 2nd Desktop is connected with a Belkin Wirless G USB adaptor

c) Laptop has a built in wireless adaptor

Problem

Now (stick with me on this), when "a" and "b" are on and connected, everything is OK, no issues with internet access

But, when "c" connects, it seems to take over the connection, and "a" and "b" (although showing a signal) are not actually able to connect to the internet ?.

My provider in the UK (Telewest Blueyonder Cable) provides software that tests your connection, and when test is complete, says that everything is fine ?.

Is there something I am missing ?, cannot understand why this would happen. Can anyone help ?.

miketoy

Are you using DHCP to provide your network settings to each PC? If not I highly recommend enabling it on the router so that the IP address and network settings for each machine are consistent.

jimcarree

Sorry, but you lost me on that one.

What is the DCHP ?. And would this be set up on the desktop that has the wireless router connected ?.

miketoy

It's a protocol used to automatically assign network settings to computers. The router will have this running by default unless you specifically turned it off. Are all the computers set to obtain an IP address automatically?

jimcarree

Yip, I know that the desktop using the Belkin USB adaptor (just so happens, its the one I use) it assigns an IP address.

But sometimes when the laptop is on and takes over, then shuts down, I sometime have to un-install the Belkin software then install again. It does something to my IP address. Its the only way I know at the moment to fix the problem. But thats seems only be be an intermittant fault.

And cheers for being patient with me. A bit new at the old wireless game.

idialman

I assume the first desktop is connected directly to the router via Ethernet cable?

That sounds quite bizarre, the only thing I could imagine is an IP address problem; either more than one machine is sharing the same IP address or the subnet masks are configured incorrectly somehow. If everything is set to automatic there shouldn't be a problem with that side of it.

If it's not a going to be a problem, try resetting the router to factory default configuration using the switch on the back. After that configure the internet side of the router as required (no other changes) and see how it goes. Once youc an confirm that works then set up the wireless security, change the admin password, etc as usual and leave it like that.

miketoy

A few people here have been reporting strange issues with the Belkin adapters, are you able to try any other types?

[Edit] Spelling correction

jimcarree

Yip, I have another USB adaptor (a Lynksys one), Which I can try.

But if it was only my PC having the problem, I would have also put it down to the Belkin USB, as the first wireless router we used was a Belkin, and it kept dropping all the links.

But when the laptop connects, it even knocks the main desktop out of the internet connection, and thats the one conected to the router ?.