Adding security > inability to connect

gwatts · 22 Nov 2011

Adding WPA 2.
I use DD-WRT v24-sp2 (06/03/09) mega - build 12255 [and it's worked well for several years] on a small unsecured home network in order to increase the range.

When I set this up several years ago I added a specific nondefault username and password to the Linksys 610N v1 router. Now when I open 192.168.1.1, DD WRT either shows me my username with a hidden password or goes straight to the various tabs and I can make and save changes in the DD WRT options.

I never got around to adding any security to the any of the devices all of which work perfectly through the router.

However now, I set up a new connection on Windows 7 and added WPA2 with the router password but this new connection does not connect. I cannot make it connect automatically or manually. Even when I put the original DD WRT as first in line to connect it does not connect until I manually click the connect button.

When I add WPA2 and AES to the 192.168.1.1 (which usually has no security enabled) I lose connections from both the connections, the one with and the one without security enabled.
I have confirmed that I have the correct username and password by opening DD WRT with a new browser.

I have read multiple “How to's” without benefit. Since DD-WRT works perfectly it seems to me the problem is in W7. It seems like I have some basic misunderstanding (usually) of security or my system is somehow different.

I will greatly greatly appreciate advice.

Corazon · 22 Nov 2011

Hello gwatts and welcome to SevenForums!

From the sound of it, I believe you set up a username/password for accessing the router's built-in web interface, which is what you access in your browser by typing 192.168.1.1.

You cannot use this password for WPA/WPA2 encryption; this is set up with a completely separate key. You should first set up WPA2 encryption using your router's interface, creating a new passkey of your own choice in the process. Then you set up your clients (the computers connecting to the router) to use the same passkey.

The exact steps to do this depend on your router model. Do you have a manual for it or are able to download one from the manufacturer's webpage?

Here is a tutorial I found via Google: Tutorial: How to set up WPA2 on your wireless network - Computerworld

It's kinda old, from 2006, but should help you get a basic understanding of the way WPA and WPA2 work and how to set them up.

gwatts · 23 Nov 2011

That's it.
A very sincere thank you. Cannot use same password.

G