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[robert_g]

I'm setting up a new AP, I need to change the SSID, turn broadcasting off, and turn off encryption. None of these settings will "stick" - It will change for less than a minute, but reverts to a random SSID, broadcasting, with encryption. The SSID also changes every few minutes (linksys_SES_*****, asterisks represent 5 random numbers). I updated the firmware to 3.04.03, no change.

What is up? Weirdest thing I've ever seen (well almost).

[robert_g]

well having found this comment by Fred - I'm going to assume my unit has a problem, since this is exactly what I did, (well I used a client IP of 192.168.1.240, but that won't change anything)

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The above comment from kenji is correct, however, it is probably correct as stated further above, you AP is being hacked.  Or it could just have a fault, it does happen.

Try these instructions to configure your WAP54G (also refered to as an AP)

1. Destroy the disk provided by Linksys, or at least stop using it.

2. Turn on your WAP54G, wait for the lights to come up, then press and hold down the reset button untill the green ACT light goes out, then release the reset button.

3. Connect a cable directly from your client (PC/Laptop) to the WAP54G. Do NOT have your WAP54G connected to your network.

4. Configure your client to have an IP of 192.168.1.200 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 no GW or DNS needs to be setup for this.

5. Open your web browser and in the address bar type http://192.168.1.245

6. When the login screen appears don't put anything in the user name, type admin for the password and press enter.

7. From the first screen change the IP from 192.168.1.245 to something else NOT in use on your network.  Change the Deafault Gateway to the IP of your router (NOT the WAP54G as this is NOT your router).  Click Save Settings, then click Continue.  Depending on your brwoser you may have to point your browser to the new IP of your WAP54G

8. Click Wireless and change the SSID to something else. Click Save Setting then cllick Continue.

9. Click the Wireless tab, then click Wireless Security. Security mode select WPA-Personal, Encription select TKIP. Now type in a Passphrase, note, the longer you make it the harder it is to crack. Also make it alpha numeric.  IE. w33tb1x.  Click Save Settings then click Continue.

10. Click Administration and type in your new password for your WAP54G. Click Save Settings then click Continue.

11. Connect your WAP54G back to your network.

12. From your wireless client connect to your newly configured WAP54G, don't forget to configure your client to use your WPA key.

13. Enjoy.

Should the SSID change again on your WAP54G I would check that nothing is dumping the front security button, or possibly consider that youre WAP54G is faulty.

I hope you find these instruction helpfull, I have a large number of WAP54G devices on my network and this procedure works every time.

Regards

Fred

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[-OTAKUS_06-]

Ahh... you see the button on the routers' front? Don't press that because it will change your ssid and security to the SES feature that the Linksys router has... because if you do, it will change the settings of your router automatically.

[robert_g]

yes, thank you. No the button is not being touched at all, although I suspect it may be bad, giving the symptoms. (continually changing ssid).

[-OTAKUS_06-]

If its not getting pressed at all, I recommend you upgrade the firmware on the access point just to make sure its not a software problem on the unit. If it still does the same then you may need that exchanged if its still under warranty.

[robert_g]

thanks again - I did upgrade the firmware, still no change - I'm now setting up a second identical unit and having no problems. Just figures the first one I grabbed (out of 10) had a problem.

[FredZ]

Only 2 things can change your security setting.

1. By pressing the ses button on the front panel

2. By selecting it in the wireless security setup in the UI

The problem you describe has been identified in the past. It seems that some units have have been assembled with the SES switch in the front panel not fully pushed all the way down prior to being soldered into place, resulting in the button being pressed up against the case when assembled, subsequent vibration and/or case movement results in the button being pressed.

This is not to say that someone isn't gaining access to your WAP54G via the UI and resetting the wireless security.

You have 2 choices, return the unit under warranty (RMA) or open the unit and seat the SES switch properly yourelf (requires some technicle ability with a soldering iron).

Regards

Fred

[dibbler]

It should never change the SSID automaticaly. As you have already upgraded the firmware on your WAP54G, i think you should reset your router and reconfigure the settings on it again. Press and hold the reset button for 1 minute...Release the reset button...Unplug the power cable from your router, wait for 1 minute and re-connect the power cable...Now re-configure your router...

[FredZ]

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dibbler wrote:
It should never change the SSID automaticaly. As you have already upgraded the firmware on your WAP54G, i think you should reset your router and reconfigure the settings on it again. Press and hold the reset button for 1 minute...Release the reset button...Unplug the power cable from your router, wait for 1 minute and re-connect the power cable...Now re-configure your router...

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WOW, didn't I say that already.

FYI. The correct way to reset the WAP54G

With the power turned on.

Press and hold down the reset button found on the back of the unit until the Act light turns off.

Release the reset button and wait for the ACT light to turn back on.

All done.

Regards

Fred