As I mentioned in my last article on DSL-2640T setup, I managed to setup the device and everyone but me got online. This sequel is still based in my friend’s house…and another friend’s house. The security was set to WEP, I tried to join the wireless network no less than 50 times different ways but to no avail. Dissatisfied and very reluctantly, I gave up. Left her house and back to my hometown. Still thought about it from time to time.

Some weeks later, I went to visit another friend, she has a Netgear DG834 - another ADSL2+ modem wireless router hybrid. My mac and another mac in the house couldn’t get online. She pretty much followed my footsteps, reset the router because she forgot the WEP key and forgot that the modem information to get online got reset too. Same story like the last one - wifi on but no internet. She spent the next few hours setting up and trying to get online. After finally managed to get internet connection, we had to figure out how to get the 2 Macs on wireless. It was very fruitless despite our countless attempts doing it differently. Even though she entered the EXACT passphrase that she set for the WEP security, I can’t get online. So at last, I suggested that maybe we should try the weird encrypted key instead of the passphrase. We tried and it semi-worked. I think she managed to get online (using Windows) but I still can’t.

So, as the last straw, I suggested that she changed the security level to WPA. Did that and we all were online with just a simple passphrase!

Moral of my story is WEP + Mac = Not Good.

This happened when I was at a friend’s place. I needed to use her wifi but she forgot the WEP code. So, in a haste, I reset the wireless router. Managed to set up a new passcode and I got on the wireless network.

But there was NO INTERNET!

So, to cut the long story short, I forgot that this thing is also a built-in modem. I’m used to setting up wireless routers and resetting them but I’ve never done a hybrid device. I realised soon that it must be the modem setting that is missing, i.e. account info for Streamyx (my ISP).

I called up Streamyx but they can’t help me with wireless routers. Even though I’m seeking help on the modem part; it’s still a wireless router in their definition. I called up the installer guy but he asked me to reinstall the CD - which didn’t work. After all the calls and frustration, I found someone who knows how to solve this. He gave me the idiot-proof magical scroll in pdf for the settings and DONE!

Internet runs and everyone online, except me but that is another story altogether.