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[RichLink]

I am using a 655 now and found its range is too short. When I search a new one on D-Link, DGL-4500 is the only one left based on my house square footage. So I bought one and trying to replace the 655.

Since I've never done this before, could some expert here tell me how to do it step by step?

Thanks!

[LookIntoMyEyees]

"Expert" the word of the day Well first what are you trying to set up? The unit should work fine out of the box. It is highly recommend to set a password for your WiFi unit, besides that if you are experiencing any issues or want to go into a deeper level of set up we may assist you into doing so. Feel free to ask question's, we are here to help.

--
Chris

[FurryNutz]

Also what wireless mode are you using. G will travel the farthest over 2.4Ghz. If you want to use 5Ghz N, it's susceptible to buildings, walls, doors and such and is best in line of sight.

[RichLink]

Thanks to both your two experts!

But actually I've tried once: I simply replaced 655 with 4500 and run the software came with 4500. I remember I was asked for a number (MAC address?) and it's automatically filled in with my PC's. So I clicked OK and nothing happened: I couldn't get onto the Internet.

Now I am wondering if that MAC should be the cable modem's? I am using cable Internet. Since there are so many devices connected to my 655 and I don't want to make everybody mad at me, I want to make sure this time before I try it again.

Thanks and please tell me the right way to start.

[Hard Harry]

It was probably asking for the Mac address of your computer to try to set up something called mac cloning. You see some ISP don't like if you use a router, so they only allow one device (determined by the MAC) to connect. Most router manafactures try to get around this by adding the ability to make your router broadcast any Mac you want. Who do you have as a ISP? The ones that do this are few and far between.

Most likly, the issue your having can be solved by a simple power cycle.

1. Unplug the modem and DGL4500. Turn off your computer
2. Make sure the ethernet goes from the modem and into the "Internet" port on the DGL4500
3. Power on the modem. Wait 60seconds, or as long as it takes for the lights to look normal on the front.
4. Power on the DGL4500 and wait about 60seconds or so.
5. Turn on your computer.

If that doesn't work, let us know.

[RichLink]

Thanks for the information. I am using Comcast cable.

I will follow all your steps except I think I have to add some before I start yours:

0a. Turn off the old 655 and computer;
0b. Swap 655 with 4500;
0c. Turn on 4500 and computer;
0d. Run 4500 software and use MAC of computer to clone 4500 as my computer;

then your steps...

But I just realized a problem: I don't have the computer I origianlly set up my 655 with anymore! Which means I don't even know what my 655 is cloned to. Is there anyway I can find this out?

Thanks again!

It was probably asking for the Mac address of your computer to try to set up something called mac cloning.
...

[Hard Harry]

Yea, MAC cloning is not needed for Comcast, and if anything it can just cause issues. Leave it all 0's and it will default to it's own mac address, which is fine.

[RichLink]

I just found something interesting: I used McAfee Total Protection to find my 655 MAC ends with C23, but on its packaging box, it ends with C24. All other digits are exactly the same. What does this mean? I am confused!

Yea, MAC cloning is not needed for Comcast, and if anything it can just cause issues. Leave it all 0's and it will default to it's own mac address, which is fine.

[Hard Harry]

My best guess is your looking at he wrong MAC? Most devices will have the HFC MAC and the USB MAC.  Not sure.

On a seperate point though, Mcafee? Did it come free with your computer?

[RichLink]

I just checked with Network Magic and found the same: actual is 23 and on the box 24. Maybe D-Link messed it up...

McAfee is free for a year and then I have to pay annual registration fee.

My best guess is your looking at he wrong MAC? Most devices will have the HFC MAC and the USB MAC.  Not sure.

On a seperate point though, Mcafee? Did it come free with your computer?

[RichLink]

Good news: I succeeded. The problem was I forgot there is a backup battery in my cable modem and without removing it, I will never reset the modem!

Bad news: I didn't find 4500 give me any stronger signal than 655. I don't know what to do now. I tried DAP-1360 and that didn't help either.

Anybody have better ideas?

[FurryNutz]

What wireless modes are you using?
Did you try Single mode G to test?

[RichLink]

I haven't changed anything yet. So it should be on whatever came with it.

I also didn't change anything on my old 655. So is it a fair comparison (factory to factory)?
 

What wireless modes are you using?
Did you try Single mode G to test?

[FurryNutz]

So it would be mixed mode. I would change to single mode G or Mixed mode G and N. If you don't have any devices using A or B then you don't need to broadcast those modes.

[Hard Harry]

Good news: I succeeded. The problem was I forgot there is a backup battery in my cable modem and without removing it, I will never reset the modem!

Bad news: I didn't find 4500 give me any stronger signal than 655. I don't know what to do now. I tried DAP-1360 and that didn't help either.

Anybody have better ideas?

Ahh, you have a EMTA. You can usually find a reset button above where the coax connects to it.

As for the wireless signal, I am surprised. I think the DIR-615 uses a 2 3dbi omni-directional antennas, while the DGL-4500 uses 3 5dbi reverse SMA dual-band antennas. The problem is, think of it as a cell tower. You can have the best, biggest, 4G tower..but if you have a old 2G cell phone, your not going to see any difference. What kind of computer do you have? Or what kind of wireless card do you have atleast?