Linksys WRT54GS Installation on Virgin/NTL

amc1 · 08-04-2008, 16:34

Hi, I've volunteered to set-up this wireless router for a friend at the weekemd (even though I know little about networking)

I had a check on the forum and it seems that set-up could be problem-free taking 10 minutes or could be full of problems taking 10 hours

The current set-up is a desktop and cable modem and I want to insert the wireless router, even though the desktop connection will be wired. They have a laptop on order which will eventually connect wirelessly.

One thing I do need to know is if I will need the NTL PID/password from them and what is the autoreg page called something like start.ntl..... etc. Will I need this info ? Is it the cable modem that's registered with ntl or the desktop ??

Any info appreciated. Thx.

sjdigital · 08-04-2008, 16:39

It really should be a matter of play 'n' play. The modem is what is registered on the network and the router just plugs into it in place of the current computer. No MAC cloning required. Of course you'll need to connect the PC to the router to set up the basics for wireless security, etc., but that will be covered in the instructions. Always remember RTFI!

amc1 · 08-04-2008, 16:41

thx. can you elaborate on RTFI.

foreverwar · 08-04-2008, 16:43

Read the Flipping (I paraphrase) Instructions

amc1 · 08-04-2008, 16:53

I have. That's what has got me worried. Is NTL "DHCP" ?

Richy99 · 08-04-2008, 16:58

yes it is dhcp

turn off modem
plug modem into router
turn on modem
turn on router

should work straight off the bat

amc1 · 08-04-2008, 17:05

cheers, fingers-crossed.

flowrebmit · 08-04-2008, 17:29

If it was me, I'd want to ask how the cable modem and PC are currently connected together - is it an Ethernet cable or USB cable?
How long has your friend had their cable modem? (If it's less than a year then it's very likely to be Ethernet)
Similarly, how recent their PC is, will also mean you don't get any nasty surprises when you turn up and find that their PC is so old that it doesn't have an Ethernet adapter built-in

In terms of routers settings that people haven't discussed yet, you'll want to change the following:
Change any administration passwords on the router.
For wireless, change the factory default SSID or ESSID name - for security reasons don't use a surname or other personally identifying word. Your ESSID is going to be broadcast for all you neighbours to see, and anybody else who is sitting outside the house with a laptop.
Set the wireless protection to WPA2 and choose a passphrase of at least 30 characters.
(You won't be able to setup the laptop end, but the passphrase need entering into the appropriate setup in Windows/OS X or Linux).

Obviously write down all of the above.

amc1 · 08-04-2008, 18:02

thank you for the pointers.

grubbymitts · 09-04-2008, 06:38

Yeah, as long as it is running on Ethernet, it is a 10 minute job. I have one myself. It has crap firmware bugs in it though - mine corrupted something and now when I try to go into it and change it, I see blank options on the pull down menus. Seems to still work though, so it is probably a graphical glitch or something.
You can find alternative firmwares for it that boost signals etc.