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Old Westell 6100, can I set up a laptop with built-in wireless without buying a new?

Hi, I have a Westell 6100 modem (I checked with Verizon and they don't provide upgrades - you have to purchase the new wireless router/adapter) and now I also have a laptop with a built-in wireless adapter, can I set up the laptop without buying a new wireless modem/adapter? Can I use my laptop away from home by connecting through Verizon? What is the difference between the built-in and a usb wireless adapter on my laptop if I were away from my home network? Help anyone?

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dslr595148

#1 Your modem is most likely a modem combo.

Let us check this, to see if you are NATTED or Not NATTED.

If you are not on Windows, please post (And some one will help you)...

If you are on Windows, go to Start -> Run.

Type in cmd

and press enter. In the new window called the command prompt, type in ipconfig /all

and press enter. If NATTED, your IP will be one of the following three important ranges:

a) 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255

b) 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255

c) 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

#2 If NATTED, like I think you are...

a) Is there any device between the modem and your computer? If so, what is that device?

b) Let me guess, this modem only has one LAN port. If that is not correct, please correct me.

Sam1Taz1

Hi, thanks for replying. When I did as you suggested on my laptop, I get the message that the media is disconnected. I believe that I just don't have any wireless service in this area and I know that the Westell 6100 that I have isn't wireless, and yes, it only has one port! So, I guess if I want to get my laptop online away from the base, I have to buy a wireless adapter, right? My basic confusion came from being up in BC, Canada... I could get service almost anywhere! Again, thank you for your help. One more thing, after I get a wireless adapter/modem, do I have to run the any special program to setup my laptop? Or, can I do it manually and if so, do you know where the info is that I'd need is located? Thanks! ~ Sam

dslr595148

The reason that you get message that the media is disconnected, is because your computer has at least NIC (Network Interface Card)s.

And one of those NICs is not connected to any network.

--

You could buy a wireless router, and then follow this FAQ (if the modem is a modem combo and is in router mode).

URL http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13600

Title: DSLR (dslreports.com) All FAQs » Verizon Online DSL FAQ » 4. Hardware » How do I use a router with the Westell 6100?

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