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How do I set up a wireless wifi access point for my Sony PSP?

Hey Dave! I have a Sony PSP and was wondering if I buy a wireless base station how do you set it up and are there any programs that i have to install?

Dave's Answer:

There's nothing you have to install, but you're right in thinking that you need to buy something and do some configuration.

First off you really need to have broadband of some sort for this to work, whether it's a cable modem connection or DSL from your telecom provider. Without that, most access points just can't function (with the notable exception of the darn expensive Apple Airport base station, which has a built-in modem and can work with dialup services last I checked).

If you do have that higher speed network connection, odds are very, very good that you have it configured like this:

cable or DSL line into your house
connected to
special modem
connected to
your computer directly via an Ethernet cable

When we move into the world of wireless networking and wifi, you're going to have to change that configuration because the access point / base station has to be in the loop too. Here's how I have mine set up:

cable --> cable modem --> wireless access point --> my computer via Ethernet cable

Wifi base stations (access points, they're the same thing. Just multiple names to confuse us. "802.11" is the same thing too, for that matter) come with cables, so that's not an issue. Further, you'll find that the wifi base station will also likely serve as a DHCP server, so you'll have a new level of protection from nefarious hackers trying to sneak into your computer with cracking software.

What I personally recommend is that you get a wireless access point that's also a router so that you can plug more than one computer into it. They're only $10 or $20 more expensive, but give you expansion space, the ability for friends to plug an Ethernet cable in and use your network while you are too, and generally improve the flexibility of the system.

I have an eight-port router built into my Linksys base station and I have eight different Ethernet devices plugged in, believe it or not. Three computers, a network-based printer, a VOIP interface that lets me use my Vbuzzer Internet-based telephone line with a regular phone, and more. Very helpful!

So what exactly should you buy when you're ready to purchase a base station and set up a wireless network? I recommend that you get an 802.11g system, which offers much higher speed (and complete backwards compatibility) than the older 802.11b network. The latter is more common, but the "g" protocol is really the up and coming system and hopefully that's what'll be in the next generation Sony PSP when released later this year too. The 802.11b access points are probably a bit less expensive, however.

Digging around Amazon.com, here are a few exemplary units:

Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router - Currently $47 with free shipping, this is a slower 802.11b access point device, but does include four Ethernet plugs in the back of the unit, which is good flexibility at a very low price.
D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54Mbps High Speed Router - How about this? With the current set of rebates, this 802.11g higher speed access point is actually cheaper than the slower Linksys device. In fact, if you go through all the hoops, it should end up costing you a paltry $19.64 for this device. Cool! This unit has the same standard four Ethernet ports as the Linksys, a built-in firewall for security, and is small enough to tuck behind your desk and forget about.

There are, of course, a zillion different wireless base stations you can buy, these are but two. I have Linksys equipment and have had very good results with them, but there are definitely other vendors who have top-notch equipment on the market too.

Once you get hooked up, you'll want to decide whether you want to leave your wireless network open and password-free, or whether you want to add a password. There are two basic types of password security for wireless networks: WEP and WPA. The former is less secure, but more commonly supported with older wireless devices, while the latter is still not perfectly secure but pretty darn good.

The advantage of a password is that neighbors and random folk driving past your house can't suddenly pop on and be part of your local network (which is obviously quite dangerous). The disadvantage is that it's a hassle and you need to remember your password, often a fairly cryptic 24 character or longer encrypted key. Further, if you want to add a password you'll also need to install some admin software on your computer and fiddle with the new access point, which can be a hassle.

My recommendation nonetheless? Add a password to your new wireless network. The added security is well worth the extra effort.

Okay. So, buy the right device, hook it all up, set up a wireless password, and you should be able to get up and running with your new, modern network configuration, hook up your Sony PSP to the Internet, and simultaneously work on your PC or Mac without any conflict.

Good luck!

Note: This Q&A was written by Drew "flyboy" Crouch of the AskDaveTaylor editorial team.

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Comments

I have ACTIONTEC and my connection to obtain the IP address keeps on timing out what do I do?

Posted by: Charles at March 29, 2006 5:12 PM

My problem seems to be my dad configured my wireless router with too much protection plus he uses aol. Is there any help anyone can give me?

Posted by: Jared at July 3, 2006 2:56 PM

i do not know how to hook up the web or the url with my psp. I am 13 years old and please tell me how to hook it up thank you very much.and i have aol dail up not wireless.

Posted by: malcolm mason at December 25, 2006 11:30 AM

i scan for internet on my psp but it cant find an access point and i dont know what to do so im hopeing u can help me

Posted by: Joshua Troche at February 9, 2007 1:58 PM

My IP address keeps on timing out what do I do?
I really need help.

Posted by: Kyle at April 2, 2007 9:02 PM

u cant use dial up to get ur psp online. sorry :-(

Posted by: petar at May 19, 2007 4:12 PM

i need help on how to get internet on my psp can you help me please

Posted by: evan sickles at July 1, 2007 9:54 AM

what game on psp has most online people and were does this mesage go to cuz i asked a queshtin last time and i didnt get my asnswer?????? i wonder

Posted by: fadi at July 5, 2007 12:01 PM

I have an NDS, may connection was fine until one day, I got a code error, so I went to nintendowifi.com, it saif something about a WEP key, you see I'm using familie's comp, and I don't know the WEP key, how can I know it ?

Posted by: salman at July 24, 2007 10:10 AM

ummm... the wep key...i dont know it and im trying to find out what it is... oh and its a used psp so i dont even have the manual... so its sorta hard for me. im trying to reconfigure it for my couzin.. itbe nic if you can help. thanks.

Posted by: gilberto at July 27, 2007 11:32 AM

hey dave what this IP ADDRESS thing...and the WEP KEY...CAN YOU HELP ME???..my psp is used so i dont have the manual...

Posted by: big D at August 23, 2007 1:22 AM

my psp sees the network but keeps asking for wep key pls help.

Posted by: oyinlola at September 16, 2007 3:55 PM

after i scanned for connections i get a wireless 1 with no password and later when i try testing it, it keeps timing out? what do i need to do??

Posted by: nathan at October 23, 2007 4:11 PM

Hey Dave..i have even emailed the psp spot..ya kno tha main website and they wont hit me back....my psp wont get on tha web..the ip address keeps timing out...it used to work now all of a sudden it wont....please help me out man....what can i do?

p.s im close to the router and i know the wep code....

Posted by: Daniel at October 29, 2007 10:06 AM

can i just click on one thing for this wep key
?

Posted by: moose at November 25, 2007 8:39 AM

My IP address keeps timing out, what do I do?

Posted by: julian at December 1, 2007 8:05 AM

dave y doesnt my psp internet workit just keeps saying connection wit server failed a dns has occured

Posted by: ravi at December 15, 2007 12:14 AM

what happens if you forget your wep key

Posted by: chris at December 31, 2007 5:46 PM

My step son has a new PSP. His father has a LYNKSYS G-router @ his home, so do I.
The PSP works fine @ his father's home yet will not connect in mine. My laptops work fine throughout our home, however his PSP does not. I have no security setting set up on mine. How can I make him have access in both homes and make both of us happier?

Posted by: tony berry at January 2, 2008 2:40 PM

Hi Dave

I have a PSP, but like every one else i have problems with the SECURITY SETTINGS - mainly the WPA - PSK -(TKIP) code - Any help?

I use Livebox - 4278 if thats any help?

Posted by: Adam.H at January 8, 2008 10:34 AM

I CAN'T GO ONLINE ON MY PSP BECAUSE ITS KEEP ON SAYING ERROR. WHAT'S WRONG?

Posted by: GERYN at January 28, 2008 8:57 PM

How do I find my WEP key for my lynksys router?

Posted by: Gene at February 6, 2008 2:29 PM

I am going back to dial up from wireless. What do I have to do to accomplish this on my computer

Posted by: rose at April 22, 2008 9:15 AM

dave tell me how to download free videos off the internet with a usb

Posted by: leazy at June 1, 2008 7:08 PM

yeah i have this problem i just got my psp and i have a dsl or watever and so i tried to do the internet thing and i have did the ssid stuff and all that but its saying my access point was not detected..can someone help me that?

Posted by: tyler at June 2, 2008 5:31 PM

i have a problem when i test my connection i get
something that says
"a connection error has occurred.a connection to the access point could not be established.check the security settings for the network and try again."

im not completely sure what the heck this means can you please explain this to me in simpler words please!?!

Posted by: Nathan at July 22, 2008 6:07 PM

Hey dave i have the same question as this "i have a problem when i test my connection i get
something that says
"a connection error has occurred.a connection to the access point could not be established.check the security settings for the network and try again."

im not completely sure what the heck this means can you please explain this to me in simpler words please!?!"

Just want to see if you can help me out, i downloaded the newest firmware through the psp website and through usb just don't know how to set it up, my wireless works for my ps3 just fine, Thanks, Kevin.

Posted by: Kevin P at November 4, 2008 12:55 AM

Dave,
I actually hvan X360 console, and im trying to connect it to my wireless netwrk, but im sure it links the same way as the PSP, PS2, and other consoles mentioned n help topic articles.
i hv the same problem every1 else mentioned... i cant find the WEP key on the network. iv seen articles on net how to dial n to router interface, which didnt work. i hardreset router, tried to relog in, didnt work. one site looked like it even found my info for me, and listed it in box (i think it turned out to be example of what to look for), but the WEP key didnt login for me.... i even read two of your postings on the matter, one refering to other... so if you could, please help me!!
How do i get my own WEP key for network? my brother is the admin of cpu, but disnt live at home. the cpu is actually mothers, not mine. but the XBox 360 im tryin to log on w is mine. brother is being neglegent in awnsering, so i took upon myself to search net for awnsers. can you help?

Posted by: Derek at November 10, 2008 12:20 PM

I thought the wep was located on the back of the router box I have gateway and it's a 10 digit number I have used it for my printer and it worked fine. Now my Ps3 is a different story. I am using a mac laptop so the instructions glen gave in the earlier post were useless as i don't know how to change them up for my mac. All this computer wireless crap is hurting my head. It's a love hate relationship definitely. your site is cool, just ask dave and taylor just happens to be a cool name too.
thanks for all the info
lisa

Posted by: Lisa Taylor at January 29, 2009 6:19 PM

Hi Lisa. Nice last name. :-)

There's no way that a WEP could be printed on the back of any sort of wireless unit because it's an optional password that someone has to *set up* for it to be in place. When they set it up, they enter a word, a phrase, a number, or something similar and that's the "WEP password".

So you really need to use a computer and connect to the wireless device through its administrative management software then figure out how to get to where you set the password and see what it's already set to. That's what you would then need to enter in the PSP itself.

Posted by: Dave Taylor at January 29, 2009 9:47 PM

PLEASE i beg of you help me!

My psp is a 3000 version 4.21.
i cant go on the internet or play with my friends on wi fi. The psp cant find the acsess (i kno i spelled these wrong) point or it keeps timing out
WHAT DO I DO?

Posted by: nicholas uzusaki at April 9, 2009 11:10 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!