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I have just purchased a Linksys (Cisco) product after discussion and confirmed information from a Curry Store advisor. The product is a Compact Wireless -G USB Adapter, model number WUSB54GC-EU. The minimum requirements stated for this product is 400 MHZ or faster and 128MB of RAM and an available USB port which are well within the technical range of my DELL laptop computer. I explained to the advisor that I had requested Broadband from my service provider who issued me with a router for my windows XP Home software which functions correctly for my Broadband internet service. However, I now find when I am travelling abroad where I need to access my emails, the hotel only provides a wireless service. I therefore purchased the Compact Wireless - G USB Adapter to solve this problem but when I follow the CD ROM wizard for installation I find that the product seems to require me to enter a password for the Network Security Key of my router to permently change it to wireless. Can you help.

Submitted: 68 days and 18 hours ago.

Category: Computer

Value: $20

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Already Tried:
I have followed th CD wizard information and all is well until the end when I am asked to enter a passward for the network security key of my router.I am OK with my broadband service at my base location I only want the wireless service when I am away from my base atation as all the service provision facilities seem to be wireless.

Accepted Answer

It means the wireless access point you are trying to connect to requires encryption (a wep or wpa key). Its like a password to connect to that wireless ap (such as a router).

A router is generally set up with two things. Think of it as a house. It has an address to find it wirelessly, this is called the SSID. And it has a key you need to get in, which is called a Wep or WPA key, nowadays usually done with a passphrase.

So basically, away from home or work, when you're traveling. You'll have to find a another wireless access point. Most of them won't require a password (such as hotels), but some will. You will not be able to get online with an access point of some point.

Last but not least, and this should have been explained to you. If you wanted email ANYWHERE (on the road, in any dive bar or restaurant, on the lake) you needed an AIR CARD, not a standard wireless card. An Air card functions a little more like a cell phone, and would give you access anywhere.

Hopefully I answered your question in enough detail. If I didn't, please do not accept, and just update as needed.

Accepts:
Expert:	jnayes
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	9/14/2009

Network Administrator/Not Limited

Network Specialist Degree, A+/Net+ Certs, 10 years Contract IT/Network Administration

Posted by jnayes 68 days and 18 hours ago.

Info Request

Thank you very much. Should you have anything further to add to this thread, feel free to ask. It won't cost anything.

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