Two 802.11 computers on the same network can't communicate

It sounds to me like the issue lies with the mode in which your wireless network is operating. If you're running it in 'Infrastructure' mode, computers will not be able to see or talk to each other. However, they will be able to link up to the access point, and share HARDWIRED resources connected to the same Ethernet segment that the access point is connected to.

'Ad hoc' mode allows wireless-equipped computers to establish connections with each other. I've not tried this (I always run Infrastructure), but I don't see why file and printer sharing would not work.

Keep in mind the security issues inherent to wireless. Favor WPA encryption over WEP if at all possible. If WPA is not available, use the longest and most complex WEP key your equipment will allow, AND upgrade to WPA-capable hardware as soon as you can.

Also, use MAC-address filtering. Set it up so that only system with their MAC address in your wireless device's ACL will be allowed to connect.

Good luck.

The bridge or the laptop's WIFi card may be faulty. sh*t happens.

Does the laptop WiFi work in other locations ? If it does you have a case to call Belkin and see if they can suggest anything. LOL.

Just for grins, you might download netstumbler to your laptop and see what it thinks of the signal your AP is putting out. (netstumbler is a little particular about models of WiFi cards. good luck.)

Try resetting your bridge to factory values.

Perfectly.

Belkin, when called, said "flash the router's PROM." This didn't help.

This can't be correct. The access point MUST allow them to communicate, or the whole idea of a wireless LAN is defeated.

Make sure your firewall is not blocking the IP address of your computers in the network. it will block the file sharing. Assuming you are using zonealarm, you can add your computers in a trusted zone. That should do the trick. Also look at

Carl F>

'Infrastructure'

Apparently you missed the "both computers running Linux" part of my posting.