neighbors wireless SSID causing me issues

radspec · 08-04-2005

please bear with me.... basically a newbie.
I live in a TH development.
Up until 2 days ago, my Linksys wireless was fine for me, allowing access to:|
- hard-wirde desktop with XP
- wireless laptop with XP
- wireless desktop witn W2000
Then I got a new neighbor.
I can no longer "automatically" connect to the Internet from any of the wireless PCs. The hard-wired is still fine.
On both the wireless, when I boot up.. I go in and use IPCONFIG and see that:
a. the top and bottom lines are blank
b. the subnet mask address is strange (255.255.0.0)
On laptop, after I run the Belkin network usility and connect then refresh.. The IP info gets set fine, and I can access the 'net.
I try the same on the desktop, but I can never connect even after doing the same connect/refresh.
I then removed TCP/IP from the desktop and the created new connection... but same result.. unable to connect.
My Linksys is set to use chzannel 6, while neighbor has channel 11

any ideas?

I have MAC filtering enables and use WEP....
Is that enough security in this instance?

Real question is... when I boot, just what does windows look for? Does it look for the specific SSID I have specified then set up the correct DNS and gateway?

I have it set up to "obtain DNS automatically" and "obtain DNS server automatically"... Do I need to change that to use MY information? It seems like it is getting confused.. seeing multiple wireless and not connecting properly.. (I am probably WAYoff...LOL!)

Any help lis greatly appreciated...

thanks,
bud

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Go to a command prompt on the problem machine, (Start->Run->CMD [enter])

At the prompt type 'ipconfig /renew all' and hit enter

Reply here with exactly what it says when you do that.

beakmyn · 08-04-2005

You fail to mention what your SSID is. Let's assume it's the default "Linksys". When you boot XP will connect to whatever router named "Linksys" that has the stronger signal. Change you SSID and set it to be the preferred network.

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by beakmyn

You fail to mention what your SSID is. Let's assume it's the default "Linksys". When you boot XP will connect to whatever router named "Linksys" that has the stronger signal. Change you SSID and set it to be the preferred network.

I was thinking about that, but I figured anyone that was smart enough to turn on MAC filtering and WEP was smart enough to change their SSID.

radspec · 08-04-2005

I tried the ipconfig /renew command.. and it just hangs.... I let it sit there for an hour one time...

my SSID is RADSPEC (channel 11) the neighbors is a 10 digit nujber (he is using default channel 6) I think I said the reverse channels in original...

where in the world is it grabbing that 255.255.0.0 subnet at boot time? I searched my disk and found no files with that in it.. guess it is encrypted...

thanks

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by radspec

I tried the ipconfig /renew command.. and it just hangs.... I let it sit there for an hour one time...

my SSID is RADSPEC (channel 11) the neighbors is a 10 digit nujber (he is using default channel 6) I think I said the reverse channels in original...

where in the world is it grabbing that 255.255.0.0 subnet at boot time? I searched my disk and found no files with that in it.. guess it is encrypted...

thanks

Sorry, but I don't believe that since the timeout for that command is around 90 seconds.

If you do a normal 'ipconfig /all' what does it display? Copy and paste the results here.

beakmyn · 08-04-2005

Try going into your router's configuration from the wired PC and set up on of your wireless machines to have a static IP. Then set up that PC to use the static IP and report back.

IpConfig /renew failed because your not connected to your AP. Are you sure you set up the MAC filtering correctly?

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by beakmyn

Try going into your router's configuration from the wired PC and set up on of your wireless machines to have a static IP. Then set up that PC to use the static IP and report back.

IpConfig /renew failed because your not connected to your AP. Are you sure you set up the MAC filtering correctly?

I've been seeing issues with IP stacks getting corrupted with certain pieces of software getting installed. That's why I wanted him to do a /renew and have him post what it displayed. If it does what I'm thinking then there's a quick and easy fix.

radspec · 08-04-2005

LOL! treaker if I could cut-and-paste the ipconfig/all I would not be asking...LOL! That PC I can not connect at all... so cutting and pasting is not an option...
Hold on.. I'll use notepad.. anything ele you want cut-and-pasted while I do this sneaker net thing?
I have setup wireless networks about 20 times (daughter's dorm rooms and friends).... This is first time I ever had this strange stuff.. It is almost like no matter what I tell the router to use as primary.. it is grabbing the SSID from the other router) The signal strengths are about the same... 95% each...
I'll wait for response...

thanks

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by radspec

LOL! treaker if I could cut-and-paste the ipconfig/all I would not be asking...LOL! That PC I can not connect at all... so cutting and pasting is not an option...
Hold on.. I'll use notepad.. anything ele you want cut-and-pasted while I do this sneaker net thing?
I have setup wireless networks about 20 times (daughter's dorm rooms and friends).... This is first time I ever had this strange stuff.. It is almost like no matter what I tell the router to use as primary.. it is grabbing the SSID from the other router) The signal strengths are about the same... 95% each...
I'll wait for response...

thanks

Sorry wasn't thinking. Reminds me of the time I asked my wife's blind friend to look and see what she thought about the stuff I was making for her wedding..

How about you just type in what it displays, I'd really be interested in seeing what it shows you.

I'd still like you to try to do the ipconfig /renew all again and see if it gives an error message.

radspec · 08-04-2005

breakmyhn...
I did the hard-coded thing initially....
but eventhough I had subnetset at 255.255.255.0 ... after boot.. initial ipconfig listed 255.255.0.0

Id there any known list of routers that can't co-exist, or that need special setting up?

thanks

brwrdrvr · 08-04-2005

Hmmmm, got to love APIPA.

radspec · 08-04-2005

heres the info requested...

C:\>ipconfig /all

Windows 2000 IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : oracle
Primary DNS Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 2:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Belkin 11Mbps Wireless USB Network
dapter #2
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : %%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration IP Address. . . : 169.254.85.196
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . :

C:\>IPCONFIG /RENEW

Windows 2000 IP Configuration

<AND JUST SITS HERE>

C:\>ipconfig /release

Windows 2000 IP Configuration

All adapters bound to DHCP do not have DHCP addresses. The addresses were automatically configured and can not be released.

C:\>

My Linksys Router: BEFW11S4

streaker69 · 08-04-2005

Ok, I saw what I needed to see. You're getting the 169.x.x.x address which means it's not communicating with your DHCP server at all.

Have you checked to make sure you have the latest firmware on your Linksys router? There were some updates on that since they were originally sold. Have you tried disabling MAC filtering and your WEP just to test it out and make sure that it isn't giving you a problem. If I recall, the MAC filtering on that particular router is a little funky to get configured properly.

Also, have you tried to give that machine a static IP address on your network? What happens if you do?

brwrdrvr · 08-04-2005

Does your machine have the RJ-45 NIC disabled? I put together a machine for my father this past weekend and was getting a problem from them both (wired and wireless) trying to DHCP an IP address. Disabled the RJ-45 Nic and all worked well.

Edit: The IP address was being assigned to the rj-45 NIC and not to the wireless because it was first in line it seemed.

08-04-2005	#1 (permalink)
radspec Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	neighbors wireless SSID causing me issues please bear with me.... basically a newbie. I live in a TH development. Up until 2 days ago, my Linksys wireless was fine for me, allowing access to:\| - hard-wirde desktop with XP - wireless laptop with XP - wireless desktop witn W2000 Then I got a new neighbor. I can no longer "automatically" connect to the Internet from any of the wireless PCs. The hard-wired is still fine. On both the wireless, when I boot up.. I go in and use IPCONFIG and see that: a. the top and bottom lines are blank b. the subnet mask address is strange (255.255.0.0) On laptop, after I run the Belkin network usility and connect then refresh.. The IP info gets set fine, and I can access the 'net. I try the same on the desktop, but I can never connect even after doing the same connect/refresh. I then removed TCP/IP from the desktop and the created new connection... but same result.. unable to connect. My Linksys is set to use chzannel 6, while neighbor has channel 11 any ideas? I have MAC filtering enables and use WEP.... Is that enough security in this instance? Real question is... when I boot, just what does windows look for? Does it look for the specific SSID I have specified then set up the correct DNS and gateway? I have it set up to "obtain DNS automatically" and "obtain DNS server automatically"... Do I need to change that to use MY information? It seems like it is getting confused.. seeing multiple wireless and not connecting properly.. (I am probably WAYoff...LOL!) Any help lis greatly appreciated... thanks, bud

08-04-2005	#2 (permalink)
streaker69 Psychic Amish Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Virginville, BlueBall, Bird In Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, PA Posts: 11,798	Go to a command prompt on the problem machine, (Start->Run->CMD [enter]) At the prompt type 'ipconfig /renew all' and hit enter Reply here with exactly what it says when you do that. __________________ "One of these days, I'm going to cut you to pieces." If you're offended by this post, please feel free to report it to one of the many helpful moderators of this forum. Thank you.

08-04-2005	#3 (permalink)
beakmyn root\.workspace\.garbage. Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,796	You fail to mention what your SSID is. Let's assume it's the default "Linksys". When you boot XP will connect to whatever router named "Linksys" that has the stronger signal. Change you SSID and set it to be the preferred network. __________________ Daughter with arms inside shirt: "Daddy I'm not Armish" ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ╞ NS Icons Explained\|et hoc genus omne ╡ └──────────────────────────────┘

08-04-2005	#7 (permalink)
beakmyn root\.workspace\.garbage. Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,796	Try going into your router's configuration from the wired PC and set up on of your wireless machines to have a static IP. Then set up that PC to use the static IP and report back. IpConfig /renew failed because your not connected to your AP. Are you sure you set up the MAC filtering correctly? __________________ Daughter with arms inside shirt: "Daddy I'm not Armish" ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ╞ NS Icons Explained\|et hoc genus omne ╡ └──────────────────────────────┘

08-04-2005	#12 (permalink)
brwrdrvr Cajun from Hell Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Capitol City, Louisiana Posts: 3,265	Hmmmm, got to love APIPA. __________________ We need to hire more IT people so we can get more CADD work done.

08-04-2005	#5 (permalink)
radspec Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	I tried the ipconfig /renew command.. and it just hangs.... I let it sit there for an hour one time... my SSID is RADSPEC (channel 11) the neighbors is a 10 digit nujber (he is using default channel 6) I think I said the reverse channels in original... where in the world is it grabbing that 255.255.0.0 subnet at boot time? I searched my disk and found no files with that in it.. guess it is encrypted... thanks

08-04-2005	#9 (permalink)
radspec Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	LOL! treaker if I could cut-and-paste the ipconfig/all I would not be asking...LOL! That PC I can not connect at all... so cutting and pasting is not an option... Hold on.. I'll use notepad.. anything ele you want cut-and-pasted while I do this sneaker net thing? I have setup wireless networks about 20 times (daughter's dorm rooms and friends).... This is first time I ever had this strange stuff.. It is almost like no matter what I tell the router to use as primary.. it is grabbing the SSID from the other router) The signal strengths are about the same... 95% each... I'll wait for response... thanks

08-04-2005	#11 (permalink)
radspec Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	breakmyhn... I did the hard-coded thing initially.... but eventhough I had subnetset at 255.255.255.0 ... after boot.. initial ipconfig listed 255.255.0.0 Id there any known list of routers that can't co-exist, or that need special setting up? thanks

08-04-2005	#13 (permalink)
radspec Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	heres the info requested... C:\>ipconfig /all Windows 2000 IP Configuration Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : oracle Primary DNS Suffix . . . . . . . : Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 2: Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Belkin 11Mbps Wireless USB Network dapter #2 Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : %%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%% DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes Autoconfiguration IP Address. . . : 169.254.85.196 Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.0.0 Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : C:\>IPCONFIG /RENEW Windows 2000 IP Configuration <AND JUST SITS HERE> C:\>ipconfig /release Windows 2000 IP Configuration All adapters bound to DHCP do not have DHCP addresses. The addresses were automatically configured and can not be released. C:\> My Linksys Router: BEFW11S4 Last edited by radspec : 08-04-2005 at 12:40 PM.

08-04-2005	#14 (permalink)
streaker69 Psychic Amish Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Virginville, BlueBall, Bird In Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, PA Posts: 11,798	Ok, I saw what I needed to see. You're getting the 169.x.x.x address which means it's not communicating with your DHCP server at all. Have you checked to make sure you have the latest firmware on your Linksys router? There were some updates on that since they were originally sold. Have you tried disabling MAC filtering and your WEP just to test it out and make sure that it isn't giving you a problem. If I recall, the MAC filtering on that particular router is a little funky to get configured properly. Also, have you tried to give that machine a static IP address on your network? What happens if you do? __________________ "One of these days, I'm going to cut you to pieces." If you're offended by this post, please feel free to report it to one of the many helpful moderators of this forum. Thank you.

08-04-2005	#15 (permalink)
brwrdrvr Cajun from Hell Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Capitol City, Louisiana Posts: 3,265	Does your machine have the RJ-45 NIC disabled? I put together a machine for my father this past weekend and was getting a problem from them both (wired and wireless) trying to DHCP an IP address. Disabled the RJ-45 Nic and all worked well. Edit: The IP address was being assigned to the rj-45 NIC and not to the wireless because it was first in line it seemed. __________________ We need to hire more IT people so we can get more CADD work done. Last edited by brwrdrvr : 08-04-2005 at 11:56 AM.

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