802.11n compatibility
 

I recently replaced my Linksys 802.11G access point with a TrendNet 802.11N access point. All of my computers connected immediately with the access point but my N800 couldn't even see it. The computers can only use 802.11G as I haven't purchased 802.11N adapters yet. The access point was configured for 802.11B/G/N compatibility. I changed the setting to 802.11G only and now the N800 is connected as are all the computers. The previous access point was 802.11G Linksys and everything worked.

When I buy 802.11N adapters the computers will be able to use the 802.11N but the N800 will make a great doorstop.

Has anybody encountered this? Any suggestions?

I have tried changing the channel to a low number but no change.

Does anyone know if there is a way to conect two access points off the same cable modem?

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Just curious, is that 802.11n Draft 2.0 (Wi-Fi Alliance certified)? Or some earlier version of n? What model of TrendNet?

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Use a "Router"... or a "switch".

Omega :cool:

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

TrendNet TEW-631BRP Draft 802.11N draft standard 2.0

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Quite a lot of draft N routers have major problems in mixed B/G/N mode to the point that B or G may no longer work anymore. If you have no N adapters, set your adapter to mixed B and G mode and you'll probably find your N800 working on the router again.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

He alredy did that and it worked. What he wants to know now, how to solve the problem when he's gonna buy N cards for his computers.

I think the best thing is to return the router and replace it with one of other brand. Maybe you'll have more luck that way.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Firmware update or new router, but almost ALL N routers have the same issues.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

I have the same problem with a Dlink AP. As soon as I enable N, the N800 goes blind.

I did discover that if I moved 50ft away from the AP I could connect, but if I was near the AP I could't.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

On both my wifi enabled routers, my Nintendo DS and my Wii refuse to communicate in mixed B/G [they should use B and G respectively] - they will however, find the SSID of the networks ok.

When forcing the connection to B both work well, and when forcing to G - the Wii works well [understandably since the DS only supports B it doesn't work on a G only network.]

This leads me to believe that the problems lie in the router wifi chipsets and/or the standards employed in detecting and switching preamble on mixed mode B/G wifi.

Try forcing the preamble to long if you can, and seeing if that fixes it.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

How do you set the preamble to long?
Updated the firmware on the N router this morning. Had high hopes it would fix the problem. Fat chance. My last chance is the N800 2008 upgrade. Or keep running in G.

Noticed something strange this morning. Before I updated the firmware on the N router (in mixed mode) my download speed was in the 7000 range. After the upgrade it is in the 5000 range which is the G range. I thought I could live with G if the download speed was going to be that high. Guess not.

I still think there must be a way to hook up two routers to the same cable modem.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

try hooking your old router into a free port on the new router(use the regular ports not the wan ports on both), set it up to use a diff IP address than the new router, also turn off the dhcp server on the old router but leave it on on the new one(if you use dhcp) and see if you can connect to the old router with the n800 and get internet access, may have to tinker with the various settings, I *think* I've done this before, or something similar, while "borrowing" and neighbors wifi :)

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Sure, why not? Try connecting them up in a series. For instance:

[cable modem]---[B/G/N router]---[B/G router]

Depending upon the configuration of your B/G router in this scenario, devices connected to the B/G/N router may not be able to connect (SSH, SFTP, VNC, etc.) into devices connected to the B/G router, but going the other way will work.

If one of your routers can be switched into access point mode, then you're even better off.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Messing around with the preamble and MTU will help you optimize performance. On Verizon FiOS, an MTU of 1502 (if I recall) is recommended. I forgot what I set my various preambles to.

Having multiple routers and access points on the same cable modem is easily possible, just be careful which you set as your DHCP server. I've had conflicts when I forgot to turn off one DHCP server on my 802.11g router, which stomped on DHCP from my Verizon router.

For an example of how to configure multiple routers and wireless access points, here is what I'm running:
Out of this whole network, DHCP runs on the Verizon FiOS router as well as a firewall. Network packet analyzers and IDS run on one of the unnamed servers. Other webservices, sftp, ssh run on a third.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

Thanks for all your good suggestions. Going to Boston for Thanksgiving so I will try when I get back. Happy holidays.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

As for using multiple routers on the same broadband connection: When I visit folks with wi-fi, instead of maybe getting my N800 added to their mac-access list, setting up my N800 for their wep/wpa/whatever etc., I simply plug my little travel wi-fi acces point (very small) into one of the ethernet ports in their (wi-fi or not) router and as my N800 and my Asus 330 already know each other I'm on the air. Very simple, and no bother for any of us.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

TA-t3: Really? ...I've thought about doing the same for when I'm travelling for work (hotel room ethernet-to-wifi) and visiting family. At the time, the only portable WiFi AP I looked at was Apple's Airport Express.

What are you using? What would you recommend?

Ethernet-via-USB as an alternative
 

HOWTO: Set up USB networking with Windows (2000 and XP)
http://maemo.org/community/wiki/usbnetworkingwinxp/

At least with OS2007, I was able to take my USB cable and plug into a Windows 2000 or XP desktop to still access the net via a cheesy USB link. :p I haven't tried using the Ethernet-via-USB panel applet or scripts under OS2008.

I'm surprised I never thought of carrying a pocketable WiFi AP. The USB cable was handy, so I thought wired.

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

@promethh:
I use an Asus 330b. There's also the 330g. There are other brands. This has been discussed several times before, check out these threads - lots of info:
http://internettablettalk.com/forums...ead.php?t=5079
http://internettablettalk.com/forums...ead.php?t=5585

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

And your electric bill is......???

:)

Re: 802.11n compatibility
 

I concur with other regarding the mixed mode being a mess.

If I set my DIR-655 to mixed B/G/N not one B or G device/laptop will see it. D-Link has refused so far to acknowledge the issue, to me (they give you the denial and idiot treatment) but I know what I see & do ... and it doesn't work. Same thing with a couple of other features on that router/firmware.