Most SparkLAN wireless routers, ADSL gateways, and APs can be configured to provide a reliable wireless uplink for the 802.11b WiFi based wireless client interface integrated within Nintendo DS gaming consoles.

If you have one of the newer SparkLAN devices (such as the ones based on 802.11n, Pre-N MIMO, 802.11a+g, 802.11g Super G, 802.11g Turbo G, 802.11g, or 802.11a wireless networking standards), you may have to throttle its data transfer speed (i.e. Base Setting or Transmission Setting) to 1-2mbps so as to allow it to provide a reliable wireless uplink for your 802.11b based Nintendo DS.

However, in order to uplink your Nintendo DS using a wireless link through a SparkLAN Wireless Broadband Router/Gateway/AP, it is essential that both of those devices are configured such that their Networking parameters (subnets, etc.), Data encryption (use of WEP vs. WPA, etc.) settings, Authentication/Security protocols, and the wireless standards supported by them (IEEE 802.11b) are mutually compatible.

Ascertaining the above is not very complicated as outlined below. Essentially, you need to first (1) Verify/update wireless networking/security parameters (SSID, Username, Password, WEP key, IP Address, MAC Address, etc.) on your SparkLAN device, and then (2) Work on creating a matching wifi connection profile (using one of the three Connection Save Files -CSF 1, 2 or 3) on your Nintendo DS.

Launch a web browser (Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, or Netscape, etc.) on your computer to access the configuration/setup utility program on your SparkLAN device using the HTTP protocol. Type in http://192.168.0.1 (default IP address for most SparkLAN devices) in your web browser's URL/Location bar, and then press Enter on your keyboard.

If presented with a user authentication (login) screen, try the following:
Default Username - SparkLAN Wireless Routers: not required (leave blank)
Default Password - SparkLAN Wireless Routers: not required (leave blank)

If you have trouble logging in, verify that (a) you are typing your password correctly, (b) your CAPSLOCK key is off, and that (c) you have current admin password for your SparkLAN device. It is also possible that the firmware (a set of instructions stored on an EEPROM microchip) on your SparkLAN product is corrupted. If all else fails, your only option may be to reset your SparkLAN WiFi router to factory default settings.

NOTE: Secure your SparkLAN devices right away (using a strong password, a non-obvious WEP Key, etc.) after resetting it (wiping it clean) to factory default settings -unless you want to open up your entire WLAN (possibly including all of your personal data) to scammers.

Login to Your SparkLAN Wireless Router, and Proceed as Follows:

• Retrieve/Change SSID on Your SparkLAN WiFi Router: Go to the Wireless tab to review/update SSID.

  Default SSID on SparkLAN Wireless Routers: Wireless

• How to Access or Change WEP Keys on SparkLAN Wireless Routers: To access the WEP information, go to the Wireless tab.

  Hint: If you are experiencing connectivity issues, try a 64-bit (instead of using a 128 bit WEP key or WPA) data encryption key. To avoid WEP Key mismatch (typing errors, etc.) errors, use a simple 10-digit WEP Key (i.e. a Hex WEP Key such as 0123456789, 9999999999, etc.) during troubleshooting or initial setup. Jot down your WEP Key carefully because you will need it while configuring a matching Connection Save File on your Nintendo DS.

• To Verify or Update DHCP Settings on a SparkLAN Router: Go to the LAN tab.
  
• To Verify or Update DNS Settings on SparkLAN Routers: Go to the Advanced tab, and then go to WAN Port.
  
• To Change Broadcast Settings on SparkLAN Routers: Go to the Wireless tab.

If you have verified and carefully documented various settings (such as password, SSID, WEP key, LAN interface IP Address, Mac Address, etc.) on your SparkLAN router, proceed to creating a matching Connection Save File (CSF 1, 2, or 3) on your Nintendo DS. For step by step instructions, read: How to Configure Nintendo DS WiFi Connection Save Files to Work with Your Wireless Router

If you experience any connectivity or link stability issues, check out additional documentation available at this and/or manufacturer's site. You may also want to look into possibly upgrading firmware on your SparkLAN router/AP.

This document contains information applicable to most SparkLAN WLAN products including: 802.11n draft AP Router WRTM-320, Pre-N MIMO Wireless AP Router WRTR-300, 802.11a+g 108Mbps AP WX-7615A, 802.11g Super G 108Mbps AP Router WX-6615GS, 802.11g Turbo G 125Mbps AP Router WX-6615GT, 802.11g Router WX-6615M, 802.11g Wireless 54Mbps AP Router WRTM-121, as well as 802.11b Routers WX-6215G / WX-6215D, and WX-6215M.