Problem connecting to WIFI with Android phone

[Old and In the Way]

Last edited Sun Apr 1, 2012, 01:24 PM - Edit history (1)

A few weeks ago, I noticed that my Linksys router "lost" the settings for my WFI network. Instead of the SSID name, it was showing the default name with no security. Yesterday I reset the name and regenerated a WEP passcode. I went with a higher level encryption password (128 bit). My laptops, after I input the new security code, work with no problems. However, when I set up the new WIFI account on my phone(forgetting the old acct), the phone recognizes the network and it reports a strong signal, but it goes from "obtaining a IP address" to "disabled, secured with WEP". I rebooted the phone and router with no change in the results. Under 'advanced settings' the Use static IP is off...should I turn this on and create a staric IP address for my phone?

On edit: I changed to 64 bit encryption - same problem. When I disable WEP security entirely, I can connect to the network no problem.

[davepdx]

1. A couple of thoughts...

I've seen that occur (network seen but IP address was not obtained) in 2 situations on my home network.

1. I forgot that I had MAC filtering implemented on my router. Adding the cell phone's MAC address to the router resolved that issue.

2. I had set up my wireless network to work only with the wireless-n standard. My cell phone required wireless-G for compatibility. Setting the router to work with mixed wireless-n and wireless-g devices solved the issue.

I don't know if either of these have any relevance to your problem but I wanted to pass them on. Network issues make me want to pull my few remaining hairs out sometimes.

[davepdx]

2. I just saw your edit

and it reminded me of an issue when I got my Droid. I had implemented a very long random character password on my home network. All devices worked fine except my Droid when I first got it a couple of years ago. I had to shorten the password to 11 or 12 characters to get an IP address. The only thing that I altered was password length (from something like 54 characters to 11).

[Old and In the Way]

3. Thanks for the comments.

My router (linksys WRT300N) has the MAC filtering page disabled. I'm at loss to explain why security is a problem, now, when it wasn't before. I've gone through every settings screen in the router software and can't figure what's amiss. I've disabled the WEP security and all is well. Where I live, there isn't another network in the area, so I really don't worry about bandwidth stealing...it's just a headscratcher as to why I can't connect 2 Android phones and an XBox, but the 2 laptops connect with the WEP security enabled.

[davepdx]

4. I understand your frustration. I've been there before myself.

Have you tried any other encryption options like wpa2 with the aes cypher?

The fact that your router reset itself (seems like to the default settings) would bother me. Have you checked the linksys support forum as to why this would happen?

[Old and In the Way]

5. I'm thinking maybe that will be the next test, trying wpa2

My firmware in the router is way old...still reporting 0.9.9 It's now 2.0+ But when I look for updates, it says none available. Seems to work fine otherwise. Oh well...there's always something.