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Connected to the wireless network,
but can't surf the web?



Basically if you have pulled a valid IP address and can ping out with your adaptor but cannot surf the Internet it is generally software problem.
If you are not pulling an IP address it is a connection or hardware problem.
Follow the instructions below to test.

STEP ONE/See if you pulled an IP address
  1. Go to the Windows desktop
  2. Select Start then Run
  3. In the text box type: cmd (WIN98/SE type command)
    At the command prompt type: ipconfig


4. What does it read as the IP address?
If it reads 192.168. something dot something then you are pulling a valid IP address and are connected to the network.
The problem is most likely software related
    *Check your firewall, and wireless card configuration.
    *Also check any WPA or WEP encryption keys.
    *Could be a browser issue.
Check with the respective manufactures.
Proceed to step two.

If it reads 169.X.X.X you are not connected to the network. An address beginning with a 169 is a Microsoft Auto-configuration. Basically, the machine broadcast out for an IP but did not receive one. In this case windows will assign itself one. See "Cannot Connect".

If it reads 0.0.0.0 for the IP address you are not connected to the network.
    * Check your connection configuration and the adaptor.
    * Check with the respective manufactures.
See "Cannot Connect".


STEP TWO/ See if you can ping

If you are not already at a DOS prompt follow steps 1 through 3. Otherwise proceed directly to step 4.

1. Go to Windows desktop
2.Select Start then Run
3. In the text box type: cmd (WIN98/SE type command)
A DOS window will open.
4. At the prompt type: ping yahoo.com This is called pinging by domain.
You may have to wait for a response (may take a minute or two)


5. Check the line that reads "packets sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0

A. Zero is good, the adaptor is working and sending a signal.
The problem is most likely software related
    *Check your firewall or any security software
    *Also check any WPA or WEP encryption keys.
    *Check the wireless card configuration.
    *Check the browser
    *Check and update the adaptor drivers, Contact the respective manufactures.
Proceed to step three

B. If it reads all 4 packets lost, this is bad, it means a signal is not going out.
    * Check and update the adaptor drivers, Contact the respective manufactures.
    * If it shows any number of packets lost (you are dropping packets)
      it may be an adaptor or signal strength issue (generally form the laptop side), especially
       with older or less expensive computers or wireless cards.
      If you are inside your RV step outside and try it. Also try it from
       different lacations in the park. See Wireless Basics for an explination of signal strength.
    *Dropped packet could also be an issue with the Internet Service Provider.


STEP THREE/Check the Browser

1. Open your Internet Browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape)
   and type www.yahoo.com in the address bar and wait for a response.
     A- If you get "Page can't be displayed" and the ping test was good:
       - Check for firewalls, security software or the connection configurations.
       - Try another browser.