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Problems With Linksys

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By Christopher Capelle
eHow Contributing Writer
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A Linksys router.
A Linksys router.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of webhamster

Linksys, a division of Cisco, is a manufacturer of computer networking products that are popular with both home and business users. It is regarded as one of the top-tier companies in its sector, and its products have the reputation of being stable and requiring minimal setup and maintenance. Fortunately, when there is an issue with a Linksys product, it can be easily solved most of the time.

    Common Problems

  1. Laptop users rely on wireless networks.
    Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Adam Rifkin 
    Laptop users rely on wireless networks.
    Linksys devices are most commonly used for establishing a network, adding wireless capabilities to an existing network, and as a firewall or for restricting access for both internal and external users. The three most common problems are the inability to connect to the Internet, a lost password or passkey for wireless access, and users who are unable to access other network resources, such as printers, servers or shared computers.
  2. Simple Solutions

  3. Confirm that everything is powered on.
    Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jeff Wilcox 
    Confirm that everything is powered on.
    Physical connections are a common problem. The router needs to be properly attached to the modem (cable or DSL) and both units should be powered on. If your computer is attached to your network and you still can't get online, try to access the network with another computer. This will determine if the problem is confined to just one computer or if it's something more universal. In addition, make sure all connecting cables are properly seated.
  4. Networks

  5. You might be connected to your neighbor's wireless network by mistake.
    Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jakob Montrasio 
    You might be connected to your neighbor's wireless network by mistake.
    If you're networking wirelessly, you could be connected to the wrong network. In many cases there are several different wireless networks within range, and your computer may be attempting to connect to a neighbor's network. To avoid this extremely common issue, give your wireless network a distinctive name, changing it from the default "linksys."
  6. Forgotten Password

  7. Any Web browser can be used to configure a Linksys router.
    Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Niels Heidenreich 
    Any Web browser can be used to configure a Linksys router.
    Any standard Web browser can be used to configure Linksys routers. Entering the URL 192.168.1.1 will bring up user name and password fields (the default for both is "admin"), and the configuration page opens. Since most users change the user name and password initially, a lost admin password will require the unit to be reset to its factory defaults. Use a pen to hold in the "reset" button, found on the back of the unit, for 45 seconds while the router is powered on. Remember that this will revert all settings--wireless network name, network security and any advanced settings--back to factory defaults, so all these items have to be reconfigured after the unit has been reset.
  8. Other Issues

  9. A secure password will keep others from accessing your network.
    Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Peter Harris 
    A secure password will keep others from accessing your network.
    You can solve most router/network issues by rebooting both your router and modem itself. The best way to do this is to power down both devices, reboot the modem, wait 45 seconds and then reboot the router. Wait another 45 seconds before connecting. If you are still unable to connect, try rebooting your computer as well.
Resources
Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of webhamster

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Adam Rifkin

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jeff Wilcox

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jakob Montrasio

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Niels Heidenreich

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Peter Harris

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eHow Article: Problems With Linksys

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