I've just had the most amazing 32 hours in my life, all without sleep. I've been trying to make an (ISP supplied) DSL modem/wireless router work in wireless mode. And, I need some help::>
The modem/router in question is a Starbridge Networks Linx L-510. The website is
The bulk of my problems making it work were related to the wireless receiver in the laptop, the router itself functions fine as supplied by the ISP.
BUT.........apparently Starbridge Networks never heard of wireless security.
The 2 selectable security options are 'none' and WEP with a user definable key. There are no settings for WPA anything!
So, after I spent all this time making the wireless in the laptop work, I went to enable the WPA in order to secure my wireless. I understand this has to be done on both ends of the wireless link. Note that I AM NOT trying to connect 2 or more computers together, my sole interest in wireless is to allow the laptop to roam around my house...I believe the proper term is 'Internet Connection Sharing'.
So, here's what I found when I attempted to modify the wireless setup for improved security.
1) No WPA setting available.*2) The wireless protocol supported is never mentioned in the documentation, I strongly suspect it's not 802.11g.
3) There is no company address, website or tech support number listed in any of the documentation for the router. I only found the website by googleing.4) Even on the website, there is no company address given and no tech support number or any other form of contact.
5) The quick Start hardcopy that comes with the modem is a joke-not that unusual::> BUT.......6) The full installation and documentation manual (supplied on disk) also does not list a website, company address or contact information. Not even warranty information is supplied.
7) The website doesn't have a search engine and my model number is not listed. No information is available about my router-no drivers etc.8) The box is a plain brown box with a few stickers on it, although I confess one of those does have the website listed.
*Only WEP with user assignable key is available.I realize this is most likely an OEM model, which is why there are 'no frills'.....but, my ISP charged me a damn high price to install and lease this modem, and I'm seriously wondering whether I should send it back and tell them NO THANKS.
My initial intention was to have a router that provided 802.11g (WPA) security and to pay their price for the hardware lease so that the hardware would be supported by them. It appears that security is NOT available in this model, and why the ISP is distributing wireless routers that aren't even mildly secure is beyond my comprehension.
So, should I send it back and ask for my money back? That would mean I would have to buy a modem/router and set it up myself without their support.
Appreciate any suggestions.
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