Setting up a wireless network in my home

[Lel]

Bear with me please, I don't know anything about how computers work.

I've got a wireless modem (I think that's what it's called) that I received from AT&T a while back. I have DSL service through them.

The signal through the modem has been erratic recently. Sometimes the light that is labeled "broadband link" is lit, and I can access the internet, but sometimes it goes out or turns red. I have to disconnect power to the modem for a few minutes and hope that the link is restored on startup.

I can't tell whether the problem is with AT&T's DSL service or with my modem, but I suspect that it's a modem problem, so I'd like to replace it. Thing is, I'm not sure of the right way to do this.

Currently, the setup is as follows: phone jack --> DSL filter --> modem. Can I just buy a new modem and plug it in? Or is there something special about the modem supplied by AT&T?

The wireless network has a default name - something like "2WIRE###". 2WIRE is the name of the manufacturer of the modem. If I install a new modem, will a new wireless network be automatically created, that my laptop will then be able to detect?

How do I make this a secure/encrypted network?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It could be a number of reasons. If you still have service with them call their tech support. They can test the circuit, as long as it is on, and find out what is going on. They can run some loopback tests and find where the problem lies.

I would not buy another modem till you find out if it is their problem. If it is the modem, as long as you have service, they could send you a replacement. They may charge you, but if it is broken, I doubt it.

As far as setting it up, you would need an encryption key.

Not all modems are compatible.

[Lel]

I've been hesitant to call their customer service, because in my experience it's been horrible. Usually I'm kept on hold for a long time, and in the end they haven't been able to provide much help (not on this problem, on other problems in the past). But maybe I will give it another try. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Do NOT replace the modem at this time.

Do you notice any crackling or static on your phone line? Try a different phone--if you still hear it, then call customer service and ask for a line test.

Do you get your DSL and phone service from the same company?

[Lel]

Hmmm, haven't noticed any static, but I'm not one to notice those things anyway. I will check when I get home today.

[Anonymous]

Have you always had issues or is this the first time the modem hasn't worked properly. As I said earlier, many things can affect the quality of DSL. Sometimes being too far from the central switch can cause problems.

[ckostecki]

The red light means it can not establish a good connection with th DSLAM. Preferably do not have any kind of filter on the modem, even the ones that are designed to support a phone and modem. Also as a test unplug every single phone device, this includes phones, fax machines, cable/sat boxes, and whatever else I can't think of. If it is stable with nothing plugged in you have a bad filter or some device is not on a filter.

[Anonymous]

I reread your original post. You should not have a filter plugged into the same jack that the modem is plugged into. Every other jack should have one.

[Lel]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
Have you always had issues or is this the first time the modem hasn't worked properly. As I said earlier, many things can affect the quality of DSL. Sometimes being too far from the central switch can cause problems.

---

For the most part, I haven't had any persistent problems with the modem. Occasionally I would lose the signal, but lately it's been happening quite frequently. Very irritating.

So I should get rid of the filter on the phone jack? Okay, I will give it a try. Need to find a different place to plug in the phone....

Still haven't called AT&T to see if it's a problem on their end. There's no static on the phone line that is attached to the same filter as the modem.

Thanks, everyone, for your input!

[Anonymous]

You can plug the phone directly into the back of the modem where it says "phone". Just do not use the filter.