Another glitch that I have recently encountered is this:

A Netgear 54 Mbit Wireless Modem.
It has four network cables plugged in of which max of 3 devices are ever used at once.
It also has WiFi active all the time.

If I connect either of the two laptops by cable I have Internet access.
But, if I use wireless on either of these laptops then I have to re-set the router.

My smartphone connects automatically, as do various other phones and tablets from visitors.

Both laptops are set to discover local networks and connect automatically when in range. - They don't.
I must first re-set the router, as said, then the laptops do their stuff.

If I switch either of the laptops off and later back on, it's the same procedure - reset router.

This was not the the case before. - And, I haven't been near another Wi-Fi network to check
the behaviour there. No changes have been made to the settings for ages.

The router is set to broadcast SSID.

Any ideas from anyone?

Ta.
Am.