WiFi Adapter
 

I just ordered an n800 Internet tablet from Nokia, and it should be here on Friday or Saturday. I have a DSL internet connection, and I would like to set up a WiFi connection in my house for the n800's web browsing. Can someone please let me know if this device will work:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2470735

Or, is there another device that will work? Please, no devices that require wiring throughout the house as I am in apartment, it would be inconvenient/not practical. I need something that will simply plug into the wall and into my existing DSL connection.

Here are the details of my DSL modem, in case that makes a difference:
Siemen's Speedstream 4200 Ethernet/USB ADSL Modem

I appreciate any help you can offer!!!!!

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

No, that will not work. It's meant to add wireless to an existing computer.

You are looking for a WiFi router/Access Point... something like this.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2470125

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks for that - I would have picked up the wrong adapter for sure lol! Those 2 devices look so similar - what is the difference?

I have a few more questions for all you techy experts out there....

So a wireless adapter will allow me to use my computer's wired DSL connection to connect to my n800 wirelessly?

Will walls be an obstacle in receiving a wireless signal from the adapter?

Where is the best place to plug in the adapter?

Is any wiring required in installing the adapter?

Are there any other devices besides the one brontide pointed out that would work?

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

- replace the DSL modem with a DSL modem/wifi router... that way you only have one piece of equipment to futz with...

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

- walls can be an obstacle... direct through a wall is less of a bother than an oblique angle... get the wifi router as high as possible...

- there are many DSL/wifi routers out there... (you don't say who your provider is, but Verizon was including one with its service a few years ago)...

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

My internet service is Frontier Internet. It used to be Epix, before they switched over to Frontier. Will I have any problems using 2 devices at once (the regular modem and the adapter) or any problems using a modem not native to Frontier?

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

There are hundreds of devices that will work. A simple walk down to your local electronics store and ask. I'm sure they sell no less than 6 different models priced from $30 - $300. Don't get caught up in features or bells and whistles, get the cheapest one you feel comfortable with.

Trying to use your language..

WiFi Adapter: Allows a single, non-Wifi device, access to an existing WiFi network.

WiFi Router/Access Point: Creates a WiFi network by translating ethernet to and from WiFi. Can handle many devices at once. Most have additional ethernet ports for desktop computers and other ethernet devices.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks for the clarification! There is an electronics store down the street so I guess I can see what they have. Will I have to configure anything on my computer - my ISP is dodgy when it comes to tech support, and I am unable to configure my modem or change its settings in any way.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

you don't need an "adapter".

you need a "WiFi router / access point"

Your N800 will find any wifi connections close to it. so if you add a wifi router between your DSL modem and your PC then the N800 will see it and you can connect to it to share the connection

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

You will need to be able to access the Slipstream's setup/config interface and either print or write down all the config info for your ISP...either that you will need to call your ISP to get them. Sounds like your ISP is difficult at best...if you don't know how to access the Slipstream config here is info on how-to:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12998125

There is another option and that is connecting a wifi Access Point to your existing router. It might be easier then a whole new router/modem device. You can just wire in the AP to one of the ethernet ports on the Slipstream config the AP via the mfg's instructions and viola it's done. But the Slipstream might not like the AP though it should be OK.

Plus the AP will be a lot cheaper then the all-in-one device if cost is a factor.

EDIT: You might also be able to use the current Siemens as just a DSL modem and connect it directly to a basic wifi router's WAN port. I am not sure of the operations modes on the 4200 but it's not impossible to imagine you can turn off the LAN side of the device and use it in "modem only" mode. If this works you can pickup a Linksys wrt54g for under $50 and after just some quick changes to the config/setup it's done vs. at least $150 for an all-in-one.

Here is a wrt54g at WallyWorld:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2470125

BTW the device in the OP will not work for what you want...

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I was (I think) able to get into my modem's settings as I logged in as admin. Does anyone have any idea what setting I would need to go to to configure the wireless router (I got the terminology right this time yay me :p)?

Here is the screenshot of the admin settings:
http://i26.tinypic.com/mra6ie.jpg

Here's the direct link to the image in case that is not clear enough:
http://i26.tinypic.com/mra6ie.jpg

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

PPP settings and/or WAN interface would probably have the most interesting information.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

I just got my wireless router and set it up - I chose a Linksys WRT54G. So far I have not messed with the "advanced" set up. My internet tablet should be here Thursday or Friday, so I'll know if I need to by then. Does anyone else have the same router as me, and can anyone tell me how to set up my internet tablet to work with my router?

Also, is there any way to test my wireless router's functionality without the use of a WiFi device? The proper lights are blinking so I'm assuming it is functioning correctly.

P.S. I got a Nintendo DS case for my internet tablet. Should my internet tablet fit nicely in this?

I look forward to joining the internet tablet community :)

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

The manual and the web should provide you with more than enough information to setup the linksys properly, make sure to change the SSID ( WiFi network name ) and Encryption from the default so that it is more secure.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks for the tip brontide!

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

yup, you want to enable WPA-PSK (it's fancy for a type of encryption only using what is called a pre-shared key, hence the PSK.) Just think up a password you can remember and enter it into the NIT as the rotuer's wireless security section and then in the setup/config for the connection on your NIT. After that the connection to the router should be easy as rolling off a log.

In addition to changing the SSID you might want to turn of the SSID Broadcast too. But only to that after you know EVERYTHING is running smoothly.

It's not really a difficult task to get it all working just remember to make only one change at a time, test it, then if it is working move on to the next thing. And KEEP NOTES of what you are doing. That way in the excitement of something not working, you can always return to them for exactly what ya did or did not do. I actually use those black & white notebooks with the graph paper inside. I have one for each device that needs setup. They cost about a buck each or so at any office supply or even WalMart. So, I always can find whatever I did 3-months ago for that particular device or even software. Got hooked on them in Kawledge and have used them ever since. BTW, I prefer the graph paper sorts over the composition ruled paper versions.

And remember on the Linksys, in the worst case if you bugger something in the config and cannot get a connection you can always reset the router to all the factory defaults and begin again. So, you can't wreck it simply by changing the settings.

And try not to get frustrated if you get lost in the mix...there are tons of people to help out...I bet a large proportion of us use the same Linksys as you have.

Most of all HAVE FUN!!

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Turning off the SSID broadcast buys you nothing, it doesn't give security but it can sometimes give trouble for yourself. Just set it up with proper WPA encryption and you're fine.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Hey guys I just got my N800 today, and I am typing on it now! My router seems to be working, however Youtube and other flash rich sites are running extremely slow. Any tips/suggestions? Also, my estimated battery usage keeps fluctuating between 1 and 2 hours. Is that normal?

Also, I surprisingly found an open WAP in my area. Is it legal to use it?

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Make sure you charge the device fully before you start doing anything real (in particular wi-fi).

Youtube won't run very fast, but there were improvements in the late operating system releases.. which version did yours come with? You may want to upgrade to the latest OS2008 version.

As for open networks, if it's legal or not to use it depends on your country. If it belongs to a coffee shop or something then it's legal (although they will want you to go inside and buy something, fair enough), if it belongs to a neighbor that's clearly clueless as to how to set it up (typically the AP will be called '3com', 'default' or something) then I would stay far away from it independent of country. Oh, and if it's named Free Public WiFi or HP or linksys-<something> then it's often either a viral fake network (the first example), or just an ad-hoc connection (the last one), useless for you. Stay away from them. (The Free Public wi-f won't be able to infect your NIT, but it could infect your Windows PC. In any case, useless for you.)

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks! The Open WAP connection was just called "OpenWAP" and I've been connecting to it in the mornings when I don't feel like powering on my computer. I guess I'll stop using it then, I don't want my tablet to get infected! I found a couple WiFi hotspots downtown in local coffee shops, and they seem to reach a block or two. I do go inside to get a coffee though :)

Also, I don't know what OS mine is running on?

I have a kind of dumb question (sorry if this is off-topic) - am I supposed to take the memory card out of my tablet before charging it?

Also, can I install applications directly onto the tablet via WiFi, or should I download them to my computer and then drag and drop them to the tablet? I'm trying to figure out how to install that Pidgin program. (EDIT: I just saw Internet tablet's blog how to install applications, and I now have Pidgin.)

Thanks everyone!

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Well, the N800 wi-fi _is_ very sensitive :)

Start the control panel from the settings menu, then find the 'about product' option (I'm a bit vague about the actual names because it depends on the OS version and your country settings).

No need to remove any cards. Plug in the charger in any situation where it's feasible (you never know when the next opportunity comes around..)

Yep, just install directly through wi-fi when you can, it's easier because the application manager will be able to resolve dependencies automatically and download whatever extra packages are needed.

Re: WiFi Adapter
 

Thanks! Mine is running OS2007. So wait, can I use the tablet while it's charging? I heard that charging a device before the battery is empty can wear out the battery.

I also found out that Open WAP connection is probably coming from the university (I live a few blocks from one).