How do I get my Wireless Network to work?

Question

Windows is telling me that my wireless network connection is 'connected' and its signal strength is 'excellent'. When I open the Windows task manager and go to the networking tab, only the local area connection shows activity and not the wireless network connection.

So basically, I keep the ethernet cord plugged in and I open internet explorer and everything works fine (using Verizon DSL >> Westell Modem >> Ativa Router >> USB Adapter). Then I unplug the ethernet cord and open explorer and it can't access the internet.

My USB adapter's driver is telling me that it is connected and is communicating with the router just fine. I've gone into the router and made sure the MAC address of my adapter is there. all the WPA2 settings are fine. what else could it be??

I'd really like to be able to know how to switch between the LAN and the WAN so that I could watch them register in Task Manager. Then after I see my Wifi is operable, then unplug the ethernet and just go wifi. HELP!

Answer 1

What I would do is go to control panel, network connections, Disable local area connection. Then try to use the net and see if its looking only to your wifi. If your still not going, then i would disable WPA and retry to see if thats a problem.

I have noticed WPA client/AP showing connected when the key was off a letter or so.

Answer 2

Unplugging Your Wireless USB Adapter And Then Connecting Your Ethernet Should Work. Sometimes When You Disconnect You Ethernet Plug And Connect To Your Wireless Adapter, You Will Have To Reboot Your PC In Order For The Settings To Update. If You Want To Look For Information On Your Wireless You Might Want To Try The Software That Came With The Adapter.

Answer 3

Okey, you can try to go into internet explorer's tools, options, connections, lan settings, auto detect and try to close and reopen internet explorer and try again... if this doesnt work... disconnect your lan connection and try to ping your router... or the gateway... you can find the gateway by going in to start - run - cmd - ipconfig....

if that pings then there is no reason why you shouldnt get internet... are you using any antivirus software or firewall software? if yes try to disable them and then see if internet works...

all the best..

Answer 4

Are you sure your wifi adapter isn't connecting to another computer nearby. If not try disabling and enabling the network connection when you turn your computer on.

Answer 5

if you have a firewall it mite think it's a virus and block it so check that .