I recently moved and thanks to the deal my new apartment building has worked out with the cable company I was able to get the lowest (1.5) internet connection they have on the cheap.
I would like to keep using the wireless as I may be buying a laptop soon and would enjoy the freedom of a wireless connection. I asked at the store and they said they thought I could just use the Zoom as a wireless access point, but I can't seem to find any instructions on how to configure it, and the auto configure mode doesn't recognize the cable connection.
Does anyone have any idea on how to configure this? I can connect just fine with the cable modem using an Ethernet cable, so I know it isn't the connection.
[ October 13, 2008, 04:44 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
The only thing you should need to do is turn off DHCP in the modem, give it an IP address on the inside network, and plug your current internet connection into the four port switch on the modem. If you can do that within the setup interface for that thing, you should be good, but I can't say for certain because I've never used one of those before (and DSL modem/routers are a little screwy sometimes).
You will need to make sure you have some form of DHCP on your home network (in other words, a home router between the cable modem and the rest of your computers).
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
This is a combination router/DSL modem. I think I can turn off the DHCP (not that I even know what that is, or what it does), but are you saying I need to get ANOTHER router?
I am just trying to use the router function of this one. I believe it can be done, I just don't know where to start.
Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
I think at the very least you'll need a separate cable modem.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I have one, and it is hooked up already. I just need to figure out how to use the zoom router JUST as a wireless router.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Oh, just buy another wireless router, already.
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In all seriousness, without a WAN port on the Zoom, you're going to at best be able to use this thing as a bridge. And for $40 off NewEgg, you can grab an actual wireless router with nearly twice the range of your old Zoom modem, thus enabling you to -- for example -- access the Internet from your laptop while your PC is turned off, something that you won't be able to do while your PC is routing traffic.
[ October 13, 2008, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kwea: This is a combination router/DSL modem. I think I can turn off the DHCP (not that I even know what that is, or what it does), but are you saying I need to get ANOTHER router?
I am just trying to use the router function of this one. I believe it can be done, I just don't know where to start.
Unfortunately, since it is designed specifically to handle DSL connectivity, there isn't any way for it to perform its routing functions with a cable connection. You *can* use it as a wireless access point, but it's functions as a router will not be usable, so all the computers on your network will have a public IP address from your ISP and be completely visible from the Internet.
edit: Let me clarify slightly. Cable modems don't do any routing whatsoever. The proper setup for a cable modem is like this...
Because the router you currently have has no actual WAN port to plug the cable modem into (only a phone port to plug a phone line into) your network will be like this...
Cable Modem ---- Switch/wireless ---- Computer
You *could* theoretically do this...
Cable modem ---- computer ---- switch/wireless
But this is less secure, and as Tom mentioned, your computer has to be on at all times. (it's also a pain in the butt to set up.)
second edit: while you were on DSL, your network looked like this (most of this was done inside the Wireless router/modem)
[ October 13, 2008, 04:38 PM: Message edited by: Boris ]
Posted by Zevlag (Member # 1405) on :
Boris is correct.
You need to access the configuration webpage of the zoom modem, and turn of the DHCP server. (The client can stay on without any problems.
I'd recommend the following, though this is just a hunch of what should work, I don't have the same device. You should be able to find the details in the manual on the manufacturers website.
1. Unplug everything from the zoom except the power cord.
2. reset the device to defaults. Probably by holding the little reset button in for 10 seconds while it is plugged in.
3. plug in your computer to the zoom LAN ports, or connect to it wirelessly. You will not be able to access the internet yet.
4. go to http://192.168.0.1/ or http://192.168.1.1/ and login with a default user name and passowrd. probably admin:admin or admin:password or admin: with a blank password.
5. Change the local network settings, turn off DHCP Server. Make sure wireless is turned on.
6. Plug ethernet from cable modem into LAN port on zoom.
7. reboot computer. The internet should work.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Well, considering my actual financial situation these days, I will probably just skip the wireless functions for now. I will buy a new router if needed IF I end up getting a laptop.
I was hoping t get some more use out of the Zoom because it was already paid for. Posted by Zevlag (Member # 1405) on :
Kwea, whatever works for you. If you folllow my directions it really should work for you.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I found the DHCP settings and turned it off. I will play around with it later when it isn't so late.
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