So we signed up for NetCombo 10MB. NetVirtua is the distribution agent for NetCombo in our neck of the woods in Floripa. All we wanted was the internet... just the internet... happy to do without cable TV and a home phone. We use cell phones and more and more, given the costs to make phone calls in Brasil -- Skype. So again, all we wanted was internet service, and the attendant explained that it's less expensive to get the whole package -- 10Mb internet, basic cable TV and phone for about R$100 per month versus R$128 for just internet service.

A NetCombo Service Tech came to our house (where there'd never been cable before) and ran a cable in from the street, hooked up a NetCombo cable modem and ran a cable from the modem to the NetCombo wireless device -- pretty standard procedure.

Then he programmed the boxes and assigned a name to our wireless network (NetVirtua + our street address), and entered a 10-digit security encryption code for wireless network. Again, pretty standard stuff, though I was a tad disappointed because I'm accustomed to a 26-digit security code and 128-bit encryption. I think the 10-digit code only provides 40-bit encryption. Also wasn't crazy about our street address being part of the name of the network but was willing to let it slide for now.

Then the other day, I'm looking at our first NetVirtua/NetCombo bill and realized that when they program the encryption code for your wireless network, they use the last nine digits of your account number + 0! -- a number that is clearly printed on the outside of your invoice envelope (until you go paperless) and hardly what I'd call secret nor secure, so we called NetCombo and asked how to (a) change the name of our wireless network and (b) how to change our 10-digit security/encryption passcode.

The attendant was not helpful and tried to discourage us from changing the settings -- even said that we lose some kind of warranty if we change the settings but in my view, I prefer that possibility to not having what I'd consider a more secure wireless network.

Back in the USA, I was able to do this easily by hooking up my laptop to the wireless box with an ethernet cord, opening a browser page and inserting a URL which would give me access to a login page to access the wireless device's programming fields. As I recall one simply typed "admin" into the password field and then a simple matter to change the network name and passcode.

When we asked the NetCombo Agent about this, she more or less confirmed as much (after she spoke to several different people while we waited on hold), but also told us that we have to hit the reboot button which I don't ever recall doing before. She also was unable to provide the URL access to the box. She said she'd email it. That was several days ago. We're still waiting.

Has anyone ever done this? Does anyone know the URL and how to execute this procedure? I want to make sure we do it correctly so we don't lose our wireless connection or internet service.

Thanks!   

Edited by coolbloo - 06 May 2012 at 18:36

we have wireless and net, and i bought my own wireless modem.  i suspect bandwidth-leeches here but when i tried to fool around with configs - something i had done before but not with net-  i managed to make my whole system go ass-over-teakettle and had to call a friend to come and fix my mess.  i suspected my own inability but maybe it is a NET thing.

my only suggestion to you is that in future conversations you mention Procon.  Not sure if Anatel applies to internet too, if they do, drop that name too.  it's the only way NET seems to do anything.
actually, one more suggestion- if you have a new account, watch it like a hawk.  make sure that your promotional fees are charged as they are supposed to be (3 months @50R, for example, not 1 month @ 50 and the rest at 150.  or billing twice for the same month.  we've had both happen with NET.)

Yes the caiparinhas are to be enjoyed but maybe not when you are resetting your modem LOL. I'm not sure what user name and password to use but Here you will find a tutorial on this process albeit in Portuguese and I would turn off the audio for a less annoying experience.

Ohhh my , if the OP don't even now what user name /pass for the modem refers to then he should stay far, far away.

Anyway
Username:   (no user name it seems)
Password:admin

Or
Username:Admin
Password = the MAC address of your modem.

Edited by Twirly - 07 May 2012 at 16:51

@coolbloo if you look at the bottom of your modem you will see various MAC id's as well as the SSID number if you still are trying to solve this problem you can try some of these.