I have 3 PC's (2 on XP and 1 on ME) and a laptop on XP. I am using a Linksys WRT54G Wireless router. The laptop is wireless. PC's are ethernet. All computers communicate with each other in common workgroup when I use an ethernet cable for the laptop. When I use wireless for the laptop, workgroup communication is lost with other machines. No porblems accessing internet with any machine, whether wired or wireless.
I have Service Pack 2 installed and I am using Zone Alarm. Windows Firewall is turned off. The firewall is not an issue when the laptop is connected through an ethernet cable.
Is it possible that you are configuring Zone Alarm to allow LAN access to specific IP addresses, and that list does not include the laptop's IP address when it is on wireless?
I had this sort of problem using a separate WAP. Then I discovered the WAP had a fixed address of 192.168.1.1 which of course was the router's address whence connected PCs became 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.3. and clearly confusion was reigning. Once I told the WAP it was 192.168.1.4 (which resulted in the laptop becoming 192.168.1.5) then everything was fine.
FWIW, I'd give the WAP an address OUTSIDE the range of the DHCP server in the router. For instance, if the DHCP pool is 192.168.1.2 through 192.168.1.100, start your fixed addresses above that.
The wireless laptop and ethernet PCs are now communicating with each other. The suggestion to add specific IP addresses to Zone Alarm's trusted zone did the trick. I had to reboot to make it work, which I had not done when I replied to that suggestion initially. Thanks to all for ending several days of fustration.
Great! So the lesson for me is to learn to say "restart" after saying "configure firewall."
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Tech Support Guy
9.9M posts
859.7K members
Since 1998
A forum community dedicated to tech experts and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about articles, computer security, Mac, Microsoft, Linux, hardware, networking, gaming, reviews, accessories, and more!