Connecting to MetroFi Free Wi-Fi using a Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP

Resources

  • Metrofi Support Click here
  • Buffalo Tech AIRSTATION TURBO G HIGH-POWER ( WLI-TX4-G54HP ) Click here
  • Buy at Amazon Click here

    Instructions

    NOTE:
    these instructions are provided on an "at your own risk" basis. I did ultimately did not have a good experience and was only able to sporadically achieve connectivity. This information is provided in the hopes of helping you avoid some of the quirks I encountered. Ultimately I returned this device as I wasn't able get satisfactory service.

    CAUTIONS

  • disable all other network connections
  • do not disable the connection to the Ethernet Controller at any time during this operation

  • Remove the antenna from the Ethernet Converter
  • connnect Ethernet Converter to your PC
  • Plug in the Ethernet Converter
  • Reset the configuration of the Ethernet Converter by pressing the INIT button on the bottom of the unit for 7 seconds.
  • Set your IP address to 1.1.1.2
  • Insert the installation CD
  • Run the AirStation - Ethernet Converter Manager
  • Select Edit > Search for an Ethernet Converter
  • It should show only one row
  • Click on the Configure button, it can take 30 seconds for the browser window to open.

    Set Admin Password

  • Click on Advanced
  • Click on Management
  • Click on Name and Password
  • Enter a password. It must be no more than 8 characters or you will not be able to log in again and you'll have to reset the Ethernet Converter to it's factory settings. Despite what the help says, you cannot use the dash, only the underscore.
  • Note that the userid to login is always "root".

    Disallow adminstration from wireless clients

  • To further improve security, you should disallow management of the Ethernet Converter by WiFi clients. This means the only way to change the settings of the Ethernet Converter is by plugging directly into the back of it using a wired connection.
  • Click on Advanced
  • Click on Management
  • Click on Name and Password
  • Check the box "Prohibit Configuration from Wireless Clients" and then click [Set].

    Set the Ethernet Converter Name

  • Once connected to the wifi ISP, The Ethernet Converter Manager will see lots of Ethernet Converters on the network. You should change the name of yours to something you will recognize.
  • Click on [Advanced]
  • Click on [Management]
  • Click on [Name and Password]
  • Enter an Ethernet Converter Name
  • Click on [Set]

    Upgrade Firmware

  • Click on [Advanced]
  • Click on [Management]
  • Click on [Firmware Update]
  • Current version is 2.5, there are no updates available (www.buffalotech.com)

    Set the wireless network

  • Screw the antenna onto the Ethernet Converter
  • Click on Advanced
  • Under Wireless Settings, click the [Search] button under SSID.
  • Select the SSID MetroFi-Free and click [Select]. If you do not see it click [Retry]. If it still does not appear, you may need to reposition the unit closer to a wall/window, or add an external WiFi Antenna.
  • Click [Set].

    Set the Ethernet Converter IP mode to DHCP

  • In order to work with the WiFi ISP, the Ethernet Converter must obtain it's IP address via DHCP from the ISP. By default it is set to a static IP of 1.1.1.1.
  • Click on [Advanced]
  • Click on [Network Settings]
  • Select "Automatic Assignment (DHCP Server)"
  • Click [Apply]
  • Once you do this you will be unable to communicate with the Ethernet Converter. You must now also allow your PC to obtain it's IP address from the WiFi ISP.
  • Start > Settings > Network Connections > Local Area Connection
  • Click Properties, scroll down, and double click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)".
  • Select "Obtain an IP address automatically", then click [OK]
  • Click [OK], Click [Close]

    Verify your IP address

  • Start > Run > cmd.exe
  • Type ipconfig
  • Inspect the value of "IP Address". It should be an IP address assigned by your WiFi ISP.
  • If this did not work the chances are the Ethernet Converter does not have a strong enough signal to send or receive from the WiFi transmitter.

    Determine the IP of your Ethernet Converter

  • To further manage your Ethernet Converter settings, you need to get it's new IP address (the one assigned via DHCP from your WiFi ISP).
  • Run the Ethernet Converter Manater program, note that if you set an admin password, it will prompt you for it.
  • Edit > Search for an Ethernet Controller
  • Note that it will probably find several of them now, because it is also finding the Ethernet Controllers used by your neighbors who are also connected via the WiFi ISP. Locate your unit by the name, and you will see the IP address currently assigned to it. Click on the [Configure] button to change any settings.
  • Note that this address can change over time and so each time you wish to manage the Ethernet Converter you will need to repeat these steps.

    Test your Connection

  • At this point you should be connected. Start a browser and try going to http://www.yahoo.com. Also, things such as your IM clients (Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft) should have automatically connected.

    Testing your Connection Speed

  • You can test your connection speed using the sites: http://reviews.cnet.com/Bandwidth_meter/7004-7254_7-0.html http://support.sbcglobal.net/dsl/speedtest/ http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest
  • If your connection is slow, it probably means that the Ethernet Converter is not getting a strong enough signal. Try an external Wifi antenna.

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