If you're like most people can you make it through running the set up CD flawlessly. You don't really run into any problems until later when you need to add new PCs, a wireless printer, game console etc to your wireless network. All of a sudden nothing you try seems to work. It's easy to get upset at this point. I've been there many times. What's important is to resist the temptation to throw your router and all your network gear out the window. Instead approach the problem with a cool head and follow a methodical series of troubleshooting steps.
SSID
Did you type in the correct SSID? On all your network devices? This is a very common and easy mistake to make because the SSID field is case-sensitive. As far as your wireless devices are concerned "MyWifi" and "MyWiFi" are two totally different networks.
Security Key
Make sure the security key you entered into your WEP, WPA or WPA2 setting is correct. This is especially true when you're using WEP and Windows XP. When using WEP you need to understand the difference between your pass phrase and WEP key. They are two different things. Normally you enter your pass phrase into your router and it's automatically converted into a hexadecimal WEP key. Many people make the mistake of typing that same pass phrase into your Windows XP wireless adapter properties. XP will not automatically convert a pass phrase to a WEP key like your router does. You need to type in the actual hexadecimal WEP key into your Windows XP wireless adapter properties otherwise it won't work even though you're certain you entered it correctly.
Hidden SSID
Check to make sure you are broadcasting your SSID. Many people like to hide their SSID as a security measure but this can make connecting new devices to a wireless network difficult.
MAC Address Filtering
If you're using Mac address filtering check your MAC address settings. Many times we'll go through the trouble of setting up MAC address filtering and then forget all about it. Later when associating a new device or wireless adapter to the network we go through the steps of setting everything up correctly and nothing seems to work. I've done this myself several times. Usually some random thought will cause me to remember I had MAC address filtering set up. Once I turn it off my new device suddenly works like magic. It's then just a simple matter of adding that new devices MAC address to our MAC filter and turning it back on again.
Drivers and Updates
Personally I hate this but I've found it's a necessary evil. It's a good practice to occasionally wander out to your wireless device manufacturers website and see if there are any new firmware or device driver updates available. Manufacturers will often add new features and functionality as well as fix many problems with updates.Of course the question that always comes to mind is: "It worked fine before so why not now?" One reason for this is there may have been changes or upgrades made to your Operating System or service pack level. Now all of a sudden things no longer work because the new Service Pack on your system requires features your device doesn't have without a firmware or device driver upgrade.
If all the previously mentioned troubleshooting steps don't work it's time to go to your manufactures website and make sure you have the latest device drivers and firmware upgrades for your equipment.
Faulty Equipment
There comes a time when it's a good idea to stop beating your head against a wall and blaming yourself. The sad truth about wireless networking gear is in order to make such sophisticated equipment affordable to consumers certain quality control steps can be skipped or eliminated in order to streamline and economize their production. Thats why it's always a good idea to purchase wireless gear from reputable merchant with a good return policy and keep your receipts.
Testing "Known Good" Devices
The question is how do you determine when something is bad or not? Now is a good time to save your routers configuration settings to a file and reset it to its original factory configuration. This is typically done by inserting a pin or paper clip into a small hole on one side of the device, holding it for a few seconds and then power cycling (Turning it off and back on again.) the router. Many routers make this easy with a reset button you can click on in the web interface. If the issue is resolved after you reset it you know the router is good. There may have been a conflict with some of the settings you added or the configuration file may have simply become corrupt. If the issue is not resolved you either have a bad router or one of the devices you're connecting to may be bad or mis-configured. Swap out other devices on your network with "known good" devices. If a device you know is good is still not working you may have a problem with your router.
See now don't you feel better? Resisting the instant gratification of smashing an evil piece of hardware that seems intent on making your life miserable can result in long term financial and emotional peace of mind.
JJ
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