This post is in response to a request in GD.
So FCC can shut down the open internet. My Question:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024363261
These are the routers I have. Newer ones should be similar.
If not someone will be around to clarify.
If I confused you, let me know. But keep in mind, I am retired and some of my knowledge is getting dated.
For XP and Windows 7 --
To find MAC address:
Start > Run > CMD
In the black window, enter
ipconfig /all and Enter.
Look for the numbers after "Physical Address" under the "Wireless Lan Adapter" listing. That is the Wireless LAN Adapter MAC address the machine is using. The number is hexadecimal and looks something like this:
00-16-BC-4A-6F-F3
This is the number you need to add to your White List in the modem.
You will need to do this for each machine you are setting up to use wireless.
The MAC address is different between wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WiFi) on the same machine. Be sure you use the Wireless number.
The router will only allow the machines on the White List through the router. All other machines will be blocked.
To Log on to AT&T U-verse router.
IP address
192.168.1.254 (Put in Address bar in web browser.) (You are using Firefox, correct?)
When asked for a password, use the
wireless network key found on the sticker on the bottom of your U-Verse router.
To set up:
Click on
Wireless button, near the top of the screen.
The Network Name (SSID) is just a label to identify your system. Be creative if you wish.
I set the transmit power on this router to 25% to keep the working range down. If 'they' can't see it, because the signal is too weak, they can't use it.
This is where you input you MAC address in the White List. Don't forget to Save when you are done.
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For a Cisco/Linksys router: The address is
192.168.1.1
No user name
Default password: Found on bottom of router. Wouldn't hurt to change it, but is not normally necessary.
Selecting a channel on either end would be better. Channel 6 is the default, but may be intermittent, due to over use and interference.
These channels do overlap. Keep your cordless phone away from your wireless computers and routers. They may work on the same frequencies.
WPA Shared Key. The more complex the better.
No words.
Use Upper case, lower case, numbers and Special characters.
You will need to know this, but you will not be using it, once the system is all set up.
You can always log on to the router to see it.
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Sometimes the computer insists on using information in the DNS cache, when changes are made to the network, instead of using the new information.
You'll know, 'cause the internet ain't working, even though you know it should be. To fix that, you'll need to flush the DNS cache.
Clearing DNS cache:
http://docs.cpanel.net/twiki/bin/view/AllDocumentation/ClearingBrowserCache
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If you totally mess things up, you can start from scratch by resetting the router back to the factory defaults by pressing the Reset button. You may need a paper clip or something to press the switch. This resets everything, including password. The default password is on the bottom of the router. Then start all over.
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The MAC address White List is the secret to keeping the neighbors out.
You can set up a Black list for the unwanted intruders, but I am retired now and that is too much work.
I'll try to answer any questions and there are others around here that can answer your questions too. Just ask.