Can I use Airlink AR315W to get internet access on Nokia Lumia 521 cell phone

[rob-081]

Six or more years go, I bought an Airlink+ 802.11g wireless router model AR315W. It came with a USB receiver model AWLL3025/NA. Shortly thereafter after some frustrations I opted for wire connection << I like sure things in life >> and never used the router/usb receiver. Now forward ahead many years, I have Nokia Lumia 521 Windows 8 cell phone. Is it possible to use the router to access the internet from my cell phone? If so how would I do that? Any ideas. I tried wifi, and it’s not being recognized, even though the cell phone picks up tons of signals. I am wondering if the router is capable of linking to a cell phone, etc. Second question: Just in case I am forced to buy wireless adapters, do I need wifi and Bluetooth or just wifi. Although I am fairly computer savvy software and hardware-wise, wireless isn’t my thing. Thanks.

 

[RealBeast]

Your Nokia can use G wireless. Are you using that router as your wired router now? If so, you can go into the configuration and enable the wireless radio, give it an SSID, and security and a passkey. Then you should be able to detect the wireless or at least enter the SSID and find the wireless to enter the passkey on the Nokia.

You should not need to buy anything, but if you do, the thing to buy would be an inexpensive N router that would be used as an access point off your current router -- it's range would be far better than bluetooth.

 

[eibgrad]

Is the phone not detecting the wireless AP’s SSID, or it does but just won’t connect to it? Are you sure the router is broadcasting its SSID? Can you still connect other devices to that router?

The router doesn't care about the "type" of device that wants to use its wireless AP. Just as long as they are compatible (support the same wireless mode (G/N), same wireless security (WPA/WPA2), etc.).

Since the phone is new, and the router is relatively old, it's possible there's an incompatibility. I checked the spec on that router and noticed it supports WEP and WPA, but not WPA2. And that *might* be the issue. It's possible your phone will not accept WPA, but only WPA2 (which is more secure). But that's just pure speculation at this point.

That's the problem sometimes when mixing old and new tech. Incompatibilities develop (sometimes subtle) and things you think should work, don't.

 

[rob-081]

Wow Amazing! Occasionally it would occur to me that the router might be defective. But I am now connected. I accessed the router via its website interface (may be friendly for 2006 but probably archaic for 2013) and I checked the "Broadcast SSID" box, changed the security system from WPA-PSK to WEP, this time it was under 64 bit, then entered a paraphrase, hit the "Generate" button, after which the software generated a random 10 character alphanumeric. Gaining a little confidence then I changed to 128 Bit encryption and it generated a random 28 character alphanumeric that I keyed on my cell phone and used it to login. Now I have internet access and Wi-Fi calling on my Nokia 521! Thank you RealBeast, eibgrad. I've asked the administrator to credit you both equally with the "Pick best Solution".

For long-term, realizing WEP is not the latest encryption, but more importantly being a purely desktop kind of guy, I don't use laptops, cellphone is only wireless I have. Given I never used the router/usb adapter to connect wirelessly until now, I prefer my desktop connection wired, I will donate the router/usb adapter to recyclers. I would like purchase a PCI (not PCI express) adapter. I heard those are more powerful than usb adapters. Please let me know if any suggestions. Thank you all -- Happy Holidays!