NETWORKING

We stock a wide range of wired and wireless networking hardware:

  • ADSL routers from £54.99
  • Cable routers from £69.99
  • Wifi adapters from £19.99
  • Switches from £24.99
  • Print Servers from £44.99
  • Network Cards from £12.99

NOTICE TO OZENDA USERS!

This notice is applicable to those customers who have purchased Ozenda brand USB Wireless Adapters (OZWCL54U) and wish to use them on Windows 98SE/ME.

The USB adapters are FULLY compatible with 98/ME, however a software driver is necessary which is not included on the bundled CD.

Click here to download the driver

Click here to view the readme file

EDIMAX HIGH GAIN ADAPTER - VISTA DRIVER:

Edimax (EW-7318USG) USB wireless adapters work perfectly on Windows Vista, however currently the necessary drivers are not being bundled on the CD.

Click here to download the driver

NETWORKING ADVICE :

Whilst home networking has become more user friendly over the last year, there are a few things you should consider when setting up your network.

  • RANGE - Wireless amplification is dependant on the environment it is being used in. Most products state around 50m indoors; plenty for any home. However lead pipes or paintwork can interrupt signals, along with microwaves and bluetooth enabled phones which all work on the same frequency as the wireless (2.4ghz).
  • WIRELESS ENABLED - Some routers will require you to physically attach a cable and enable the wireless as a first step. You need to consider the initial placement of the router in this case.
  • PASSWORDS - Most routers come with an access password as standard, typically a variant of 'admin'. Also you will want to protect your network with a seperate password (network key) to stop neighbours accessing your files or 'piggy-backing' off your connection. You need to remember this password, as if you forget you will not be able to easily add other computers to your network.
  • STANDARDS - There are many standards of wireless now in use. The standard indicates the transmission rate of the connection. The most common now is G, which operates at 54mbps. Some routers operate at G+ speed (108-125). Remember your network will operate with the same standard as your router. Also it is worth remembering that your internet connection speed will be less than even the slowest standard. (So it will only affect you if you are file sharing within your network)

INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS:

We have uploaded for your reference some examples of how your network layout should look.

Click here for ADSL broadband (through your phone line)

Click here for Cable broadband (NTL, Cable&Wireless etc)

 

TROUBLESHOOTING:

If you seem to have done everything right, but still cannot get your network running, have a look at some common fixes below:

ADSL

  • If the ADSL light on your router is flashing, you have not established a connection to the ADSL network. Check your lines and filters.
  • If the PPP (or equivalent) light is not lit, but the ADSL light is, there is a problem with the settings you have put in, commonly incorrect username/password.
  • If the 1,2,3 or 4 lights are not on, and you have connected PCs to the relevant ports, there may be a problem with the network card/cards in your PC's.
  • If the WIFI light is not on, you have probably not enabled wireless on your router.
  • If the WIFI light is on, and you can still not connect, there could be a problem with the WIFI adapters on your PC's.

CABLE

  • Check to make sure you haven't left the USB cable plugged into your Cable modem. You need to remove this cable; it is no longer required.
  • If the ENET light is not lit up on the MODEM you have not made a connection with your router. Check the cables.
  • If the ENET light IS lit up on your modem, but the WAN light is NOT lit up on your router, you have plugged the RJ45 cable from the modem into the wrong port on your router.
  • If your ENET and WAN lights are lit up, but you have no connection, you may have some wires crossed. e.g. PC plugged into WAN port and modem plugged into port# 1. Check your connections.
  • If all above fails TURN OFF ALL EQUIPMENT. Then switch on in the following order:
  1. MODEM
  2. WAIT 15 MINS
  3. ROUTER
  4. WAIT 5 MINS
  5. PCs/LAPTOPS
  • If the 1,2,3 or 4 lights are not on, and you have connected PCs to the relevant ports, there may be a problem with the network card/cards in your PC's.
  • If the WIFI light is not on, you have probably not enabled wireless on your router.
  • If the WIFI light is on, and you can still not connect, there could be a problem with the WIFI adapters on your PC's.

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