Wifi connects but cannot obtain IP

jkillips · 06-25-05, 01:54 PM

Just purchased my X50v and first PPC after many, many years of Palm ownership. I love it so far, except I cannot get wifi to connect properly.

FWIW, I have read the numerous guides on this site, and have searched the archives but haven't found a solution. I use a netgear MR814 router which is functioning properly, and has several other wireless devices attached to it. I am using 128 bit WEP.

I set up the axim to connect to my SSID. The device indicates that it connects, and actually shows network traffic. In addition, it has the correct MAC address for the router listed. However, I eventually get the message that the device could not obtain a server IP address. Also, the router never indicates that the device connects. I have tried disabling WEP to no avail.

I *think* the settings on my axim are correct - connecting to work network, directly to internet. My router is set up to assign IP addresses automatically, and I do not restrict by MAC address.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

John.

ikehiker · 06-25-05, 03:18 PM

Does the router have the 'starting' and 'ending' IP address settings wide enough to allow another device? Is it set to 'b and g' mode? Are you using 'open system' or 'shared key'? Have you tried 64-bit WEP (in practical terms, it is just as secure as 128 and it's much easier to get 10 characters correct than 26).

jkillips · 06-25-05, 07:30 PM

I've got my router set up with plenty of IP addresses, so the problem shouldn't be having enough.

My router does not have a B vs. G mode, so that isn't an issue.

I have tried using automatic, open and shared for the authentication type with no changes. I have also tried turning off WEP. Didn't change anything.

Dobermann · 06-25-05, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by jkillips

My router does not have a B vs. G mode, so that isn't an issue.

I don't know Netgear's setup, but it would be highly unlikely that you do not hav a "b, g or both" mode on it. Double check your manual/advanced settings.

Dobermann

ikehiker · 06-25-05, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Dobermann

I don't know Netgear's setup, but it would be highly unlikely that you do not hav a "b, g or both" mode on it.

Actually, he's right. The MR814 is an 802.11b device (thus, no G setting). Sorry I didn't realize that before.

Jkillips, you could try reseting the router and seeing if the Axim will connect with the default settings (if you don't mind setting it up again from scratch). Also, you might check Netgear for firmware upgrades.

06-25-05, 10:39 PM

I have had this same problem.

Go to start-settings-connections-network cards. Click "Dell Axim X50 WLAN Wireless Adapter". Enter a manual IP and info (mine is, IP: 192.168.0.20, SM: 255.255.255.0 DG: 192.168.0.1). Should work :).

Good luck.

jkillips · 06-25-05, 11:32 PM

I have the latest version of the firmware. My router is pretty much set at the default status, with the exception of WEP.

I thought that maybe there was a limit to the number of devices attached to the router, so I turned all other wifi devices off and reset the router, but that didn't work either.

gerbila · 06-25-05, 11:42 PM

I own the same router, Netgear MR814, and was having the same prob. Then someone suggested what the poster above me did, of setting a manual IP, and it now works. There are more detailed directions in this post:
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=88204

gniknalu · 06-25-05, 11:43 PM

I too have a problem with a network with 128 bit keys. Other networks with 64 bit keys work with the X50. This is even true with PocketWinC (a GREAT program). I noticed that, after defining a 128 bit key, when I return to look it's a 64 bit key! Think I'll sniff to try and watch the key exchange . . . .

jkillips · 06-26-05, 09:56 AM

Thanks Gerbila!

This was the exact problem....stupid router wouldn't give me an IP address. Added them manually and worked fine. I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier.

slowpid · 06-26-05, 09:37 PM

I'm having the same problem...sort of. I had my X50V running just fine using a linksys router for the wifi connection for about 3 weeks. Then it started dropping connections and giving me all sorts of messages ( can't obtain address, can't connect, check settings etc.) I've tried resetting the axim, the router, and even reinstalled activsync, but nothing has solved the problem. The latest development to this problem involves not being able to get a wifi connection at all while my desktop computer is running. The minute I log off, I get a solid sync up with the router???? I could understand this if I'd been messing with things, but it was running fine one day, and started acting problematic the next. Any ideas from anyone?