Connecting a wireless capable ThinkPad R51 to a wired home network.

Greetings,

I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its wireless
capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set up.

I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100 Mbps
Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained automatically.
The computers are sharing the
Internet connection and two printers.

What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
capability of my ThinkPad R51?

Thank you in advance for your help and comments,



Leigh

On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:49:06 GMT, "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote:

>I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its wireless
>capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set up.
>
>I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100 Mbps
>Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
>Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
>Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained automatically.
>The computers are sharing the
>Internet connection and two printers.
>
>What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
>capability of my ThinkPad R51?

IBM ThinkPads come with IBM Access Connection which will walk you
through the wireless setup and configuration. If you didn't update
your laptop to the latest version, I suggest you do so first:
| http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...id=MIGR-4ZLNJB
The proceedure and inevitable bugs are in the docs at the top of the
page.


--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558

"Jeff Liebermann" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:49:06 GMT, "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)>
> wrote:
>
>>I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its
>>wireless
>>capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set
>>up.
>>
>>I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100 Mbps
>>Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
>>Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
>>Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained automatically.
>>The computers are sharing the
>>Internet connection and two printers.
>>
>>What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
>>capability of my ThinkPad R51?
>
> IBM ThinkPads come with IBM Access Connection which will walk you
> through the wireless setup and configuration. If you didn't update
> your laptop to the latest version, I suggest you do so first:
> |
> http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...id=MIGR-4ZLNJB
> The proceedure and inevitable bugs are in the docs at the top of the
> page.
>
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558

Jeff,

Thanks for your response. I did not make my question very clear in my
original post, sorry. I believe I need to attach some sort of a device to
modify my wired network to accept a wireless connection. My current network
is all hard wired. What sort of a device do I need so I can use the ThinkPad
with a wireless connection on my home network.

Thanks again in advance for your help,


Leigh

On Sun, 03 Jul 2005 17:52:13 GMT, "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote:

>Thanks for your response. I did not make my question very clear in my
>original post, sorry. I believe I need to attach some sort of a device to
>modify my wired network to accept a wireless connection. My current network
>is all hard wired. What sort of a device do I need so I can use the ThinkPad
>with a wireless connection on my home network.

Oh, I assumed that you already had a radio in the Thinkpad R51.

If you want an internal adapter, you have a choice of the overpriced
IBM Mini-PCI cards for the R51 or taking your chances with whatever
you find on eBay. See:
| http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~mjg59/thinkpad/wireless.html

I would go with the Intel 2200BG which is what IBM currently supplies
with the R series laptops. You can find them on eBay for about $15.

Here's the video of how to install the card:
| http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...cid=MIGR-53822
| http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...cid=MIGR-53859
Only 17 screws to remove. Ugh.

Here's the approved list of devices:
| http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...IGR-43693.html

If your Mini-PCI slot is already occupied by a modem, Bluetooth, or
other device, you can always use any PCMCIA or USB radio. There's no
limitation on which one will work in the R51. Only the internal
Mini-PCI cards are a problem due to the required BIOS support.


--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558

Leigh wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its wireless
> capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set up.
>
> I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100 Mbps
> Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
> Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
> Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained automatically.
> The computers are sharing the
> Internet connection and two printers.
>
> What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
> capability of my ThinkPad R51?
>
> Thank you in advance for your help and comments,
>
>
>
> Leigh

You need a WAP (wireless access point). Simplest thing might be to just replace
your router with a wireless one. Something like the WRT54G or similar product.
Those products are a router, an access point, and 4 port switch all rolled into
one. Does your current modem and router connect via CAT5 cable?

"DanR" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:HE%xe.383$(E-Mail Removed).. .
>
>
> Leigh wrote:
>> Greetings,
>>
>> I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its
>> wireless
>> capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set
>> up.
>>
>> I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100
>> Mbps
>> Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
>> Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
>> Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained
>> automatically.
>> The computers are sharing the
>> Internet connection and two printers.
>>
>> What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
>> capability of my ThinkPad R51?
>>
>> Thank you in advance for your help and comments,
>>
>>
>>
>> Leigh
>
> You need a WAP (wireless access point). Simplest thing might be to just
> replace
> your router with a wireless one. Something like the WRT54G or similar
> product.
> Those products are a router, an access point, and 4 port switch all rolled
> into
> one. Does your current modem and router connect via CAT5 cable?
>
>
Dan,

Thanks for your response. Yes, I do connect with a CAT5 cable. My ThinkPad
has an Intel PRO/Wireless 2200NBG (802.11b/802.11g).

Is the WRT54G made by Linksys? I will check out their website.

Thanks for your help and support.

Leigh

Leigh wrote:
> "DanR" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:HE%xe.383$(E-Mail Removed).. .
>>
>>
>> Leigh wrote:
>>> Greetings,
>>>
>>> I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its
>>> wireless
>>> capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set
>>> up.
>>>
>>> I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100
>>> Mbps
>>> Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
>>> Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
>>> Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained
>>> automatically.
>>> The computers are sharing the
>>> Internet connection and two printers.
>>>
>>> What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
>>> capability of my ThinkPad R51?
>>>
>>> Thank you in advance for your help and comments,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Leigh
>>
>> You need a WAP (wireless access point). Simplest thing might be to just
>> replace
>> your router with a wireless one. Something like the WRT54G or similar
>> product.
>> Those products are a router, an access point, and 4 port switch all rolled
>> into
>> one. Does your current modem and router connect via CAT5 cable?
>>
>>
> Dan,
>
> Thanks for your response. Yes, I do connect with a CAT5 cable. My ThinkPad
> has an Intel PRO/Wireless 2200NBG (802.11b/802.11g).
>
> Is the WRT54G made by Linksys? I will check out their website.
>
> Thanks for your help and support.
>
> Leigh

Yes, it's a Linksys 802.11b/g device and that's what I own. I actually have the
WRT54GS which "maybe" can speed things up a bit if you have compatible hardware
at your wireless computer. I'm not sure if the WRT54G has the SPI firewall
capability whereas the 54GS does. Once you decide... shop around. The Linksys
units usually go for around $50 - $60 at places like BestBuy with a rebate. They
seem to be on sale every other week.

Leigh wrote:
> "DanR" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:HE%xe.383$(E-Mail Removed).. .
>>
>>
>> Leigh wrote:
>>> Greetings,
>>>
>>> I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its
>>> wireless
>>> capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set
>>> up.
>>>
>>> I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100
>>> Mbps
>>> Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
>>> Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
>>> Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained
>>> automatically.
>>> The computers are sharing the
>>> Internet connection and two printers.
>>>
>>> What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
>>> capability of my ThinkPad R51?
>>>
>>> Thank you in advance for your help and comments,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Leigh
>>
>> You need a WAP (wireless access point). Simplest thing might be to just
>> replace
>> your router with a wireless one. Something like the WRT54G or similar
>> product.
>> Those products are a router, an access point, and 4 port switch all rolled
>> into
>> one. Does your current modem and router connect via CAT5 cable?
>>
>>
> Dan,
>
> Thanks for your response. Yes, I do connect with a CAT5 cable. My ThinkPad
> has an Intel PRO/Wireless 2200NBG (802.11b/802.11g).
>
> Is the WRT54G made by Linksys? I will check out their website.
>
> Thanks for your help and support.
>
> Leigh

Yes, it's a Linksys 802.11b/g device and that's what I own. I actually have the
WRT54GS which "maybe" can speed things up a bit if you have compatible hardware
at your wireless computer. I'm not sure if the WRT54G has the SPI firewall
capability whereas the 54GS does. Once you decide... shop around. The Linksys
units usually go for around $50 - $60 at places like BestBuy with a rebate. They
seem to be on sale every other week.

On Sun, 03 Jul 2005 12:21:15 -0700, Jeff Liebermann
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>Oh, I assumed that you already had a radio in the Thinkpad R51.

Argh. I also assume you already had a wireless router. Sorry, I
misread your question, twice. I wasn't sure how to interpret
"wireless cableable". From here, it's like "wireless ready" which
means that it *CAN* do wireless, but it's not supplied or installed.
Before you write me off as a total idiot, please note that you did not
supply any information as to what equipment you have to work with.

As the other poster suggested, a Linksys WRT54G will work just fine.
Your news header shows that you're on Road Runner which means you have
at least a cable modem and cable broadband connection, and possibly a
router either built into the modem, or seperate.

The WRT54G can be configured in several different ways.
1. It can be used as a router in addition to the existing cable modem
to provide connections to more than one computer.
2. It can be added to an existing ethernet router to form what's
called "double NAT". This will make networking between the laptop
and other computers on your LAN difficult.
3. The WRT54G can be converted to an access point by:
- disabling the DHCP server
- setting the IP address to something in the range of your
existing routers IP address range.
- ignoring any connection to the WAN port on the WRT54G.
If your existing cable modem has a built in router, this is my
recommended configuration.

Also be advised that the WRT54G has a variety of alternative firmware
with better and less buggy features. I suggest (free) Alchemy by
Sveasoft.
http://www.sveasoft.com/content/view/3/1/

Anyway, some clue as to what you already have in your network would be
helpful.


--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558

"Jeff Liebermann" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news(E-Mail Removed)...
> On Sun, 03 Jul 2005 12:21:15 -0700, Jeff Liebermann
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>Oh, I assumed that you already had a radio in the Thinkpad R51.
>
> Argh. I also assume you already had a wireless router. Sorry, I
> misread your question, twice. I wasn't sure how to interpret
> "wireless cableable". From here, it's like "wireless ready" which
> means that it *CAN* do wireless, but it's not supplied or installed.
> Before you write me off as a total idiot, please note that you did not
> supply any information as to what equipment you have to work with.
>
> As the other poster suggested, a Linksys WRT54G will work just fine.
> Your news header shows that you're on Road Runner which means you have
> at least a cable modem and cable broadband connection, and possibly a
> router either built into the modem, or seperate.
>
> The WRT54G can be configured in several different ways.
> 1. It can be used as a router in addition to the existing cable modem
> to provide connections to more than one computer.
> 2. It can be added to an existing ethernet router to form what's
> called "double NAT". This will make networking between the laptop
> and other computers on your LAN difficult.
> 3. The WRT54G can be converted to an access point by:
> - disabling the DHCP server
> - setting the IP address to something in the range of your
> existing routers IP address range.
> - ignoring any connection to the WAN port on the WRT54G.
> If your existing cable modem has a built in router, this is my
> recommended configuration.
>
> Also be advised that the WRT54G has a variety of alternative firmware
> with better and less buggy features. I suggest (free) Alchemy by
> Sveasoft.
> http://www.sveasoft.com/content/view/3/1/
>
> Anyway, some clue as to what you already have in your network would be
> helpful.
>
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your response and resources.

Here is my original post:

I just bought an IBM ThinkPad R51 1836 Q4U. I would like to use its wireless
capability and connect it with the wired home network I have already set up.

I have two computers running Windows XP SP2 connected to a SMC 10/100 Mbps
Broadband Router model SMC7004ABR which is connected to Time Warner's
Motorola SURFboard SB 4100 Cable Modem which, of course, is connected to
Time Warner's cable running in my home. IP address obtained automatically.
The computers are sharing the
Internet connection and two printers.

What do I need to add to my home network in order to use the wireless
capability of my ThinkPad R51?

Thank you in advance for your help and comments,



Sorry I was not clear with what I already have in my network. However,
between your post and Dan's post I now have a good idea of what I need to
do.

Thanks again for your response and help.

Leigh