Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with osx and wireless

Laptop connects to wireless network but not to internet

criticalbill — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:50:55 -0800

Laptop (running Vista) connects to home wireless network full strength but not to internet. The other laptop (OS X) connects to internet wirelessly no problem. The Vista laptop can connect the internet via ethernet cable. This seems to be a common problem but i cannot find an appropriate solution The Vista laptop is not new, but it is new to my house; it connected to a wireless network previously.

Things I have discovered while looking through replies to similar questions: The Vista laptop has been assigned the correct IP number (which has a different last digit to the OS X one). DHCP is enabled. Node type is Hybrid. The wireless adapter driver is working. When I try to ipconfig /release it tells me: The requested operation requires elevation.

What is the best OS X wireless router.

HuronBob — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:19:40 -0800

What is the best wireless router for a Mac based household? most of the family is Mac. We're now using an old Airport (graphite) router. When I upgraded my Internet connection to 10 meg from 5, I get great, fast connections when connected directly to the modem via Ethernet, but, when I switch to the airport, I get about 4 meg download speeds.

We use a variety of Macs, all running at least 10.3, two running 10.5.

Should I spring for a new Airport, or is there a non-apple router that will do the job just as well?

only connect

grumblebee — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:37:58 -0800

Two Macbook Pros, same model, same room, one gets a lot of bars and a strong connection via airport; the other gets just a couple of bars and a low connection. I recently acquired a slightly-used (as in used for one day) Macbook Pro (15" -- not one of the models Apple just released).

I tried it in my apartment next to my old Macbook Pro (also 15", about a year older than my new-used one).

My older one got a good wireless signal. My newer one got a crappy wireless signal. They were both equidistant from my
Linksys router.

I thought maybe the older one was somehow interfering with the newer one, but I tried the newer one by itself, in a different location. In this new location, everyone else (some on similar macs) got a good signal. I still got a crappy one.

The previous owner told me that he had the same problem with it, and he took it into the Apple Store. They ran some kind of diagnostic program on it and insisted that nothing was wrong. The previous owner concluded that the signal was just weak where he was trying to use it. But unlike me, he didn't test it next to another computer.

I can sometimes get a good signal by turning airport off and on or by going into Network Preferences and hitting Renew DHCP Lease. But the boost in connectivity only lasts a few minutes. (This also might be my imagination. The signal waxes and wanes, so maybe I'm seeing a cause/effect where there isn't one.)

I have also been able to get a strong signal by placing my Macbook right next to the router. If I move even a few feet away, the signal degrades.

Vitals:
- Mac OS X Version 10.5.4
- Processor 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- Memory 4GB 667 NHz DDR2 SDRAM

No wireless at home!

schwap23 — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:40:29 -0800

Upgraded to Leopard, now I can't connect to my wireless at home, what gives? I'm using AT&T DSL with their provided modem (a 2wire), and my connection is fine if I jack in directly. I can also connect using other wireless signals just fine, if not a little better than before, so I'm looking at the modem suspiciously... I've got my original settings written down from when I first set the modem up, but this is pretty much the extent of my knowledge!

Xbox 360 + Connect 360 (OS X) + 720p + 802.11n = jerky video?

bryanjbusch — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:26:43 -0800

Xbox 360 + Connect 360 (OS X) + 720p + 802.11n = jerky video? While recently streaming some 1280x720 video from the MacBook (10.5.2, RAM maxed out) through the AirPort 802.11n thing to the Xbox 360, which is connected via a physical ethernet cable, the show would periodically stop.

Then the audio would continue by itself, and then after a minute or so, the video would sort of "fast-forward" and catch up with the audio.

I wasn't running any other applications or downloading big files at the same time. Is this normal behavior, or should I be able to stream HD quality video with this sort of setup?

Airpot doesn't like me

AceRock — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:19:19 -0800

Mac OSX filter: Help! Airport keeps kicking me off... and then hiding... This is a new one (for me). I have a Macbook Pro and and an Airport Express wireless router, and I keep getting disconnected from my wireless network. I'll connect, and stay connected for a minute, maybe 2, maybe a few seconds, and then I get disconnected. When I try to connect again, I often don't see my network (I can see it maybe 1 out of every 5 or 6 tries). Sometimes it will say that it can't connect to the network, but sometimes it will connect. I am sitting RIGHT NEXT to my Airport Express. What the hell is going on? What can I do about it?

I can't see some sites via wi-fi.

Tacodog — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 13:19:09 -0800

DD-WRT wireless access question: why can I connect to some sites when I'm wired into the router but not able to access those same sites when I'm connected via wi-fi? I clicked on the first two links of the biggest suspension bridge post this morning (link 1 and link 2) and immediately get "Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at www.antara.co.id." I get the same result using Safari.

I notice the same thing when trying to connect to Homestead and Furniture Today Strangest thing though, when I connect via my XP box that's wired in, I see the sites just fine. My mac (via wi-fi) can't even run traceroutes on those sites: I get a "no route to host" message. I can run traceroutes on biggies like yahoo.com and stuff, and I can get to other sites just fine, as I'm posting this from the wireless computer in question.

My router is running DD-WRT v23 SP2. The only port forwarding and QoS deals I got going on relates to the windows/wired box. Wireless setup on the router is pretty plain jane with WPA enabled.

This is driving me bananas. Any idea what is going on? Is there some network setting in my mac that I jacked up?

Printing woes on XP

sneakin — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:40:45 -0800

Apple Airport wireless printing problem: I am able to print wireless from my MacBook to our printer (via our Airport). My girlfriend, on the other hand, cannot. She has XP. I have read old AskMe threads and followed those instructions (like setting up printer sharing on her computer) but nothing has worked. When we try to print from her laptop, we get a dialogue box reading "the printer is offline." I am no Mac expert but I am DEFINITELY lost on how to deal with PCs. Thank you.

MacBook wireless connectivity issues

proj — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:56:15 -0800

Why does my wireless connection on my Macbook spontaneously die and prevent me from reconnecting for a minute or so? I have a MacBook Core 2 Duo with OS X 10.4.9. Frequently, the wireless connection will die (connectivity stops at first and then I am disconnected from the wireless access point). The odd thing is that, after I am disconnected, I frequently cannot see any wireless networks for anywhere from 5-120 seconds.

For example, I am currently in a building with 12 access points. After being disconnected, I will be able to see anywhere from 0-4 access points for a minute or so, then they will all reappear. During this time when only a few are visible, I get an error message when I try to connect to any of them.

This has happened here in this building as well as at home. There does not seem to be a specific time period that must elapse for this to happen and I have also reinstalled OS X (not because of this problem, but coincidentally). I am hesitant to take it to the Apple Store just to replace a wireless card if there is another fix.

How can I fix my wireless connection?

Len — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:16:48 -0800

Why has my wireless connection gone wonky? And how can I fix it? I've got a G4 iBook, and a Belkin wireless router. Until about six months ago I was running 10.4 on the iBook, then, for reasons that don't matter, 10.3.9. Under both, the wireless signal was fine – full strength signal in all parts of the house, no dropped connections, etc. When I upgraded to 10.4.6 about two weeks ago, the wireless connection suddenly got very temperamental, and it's got to the point that the signal will disappear – i.e. when clicking on the Airport logo on the taskbar, my home network (nor any of the five or six others in the building) will not even appear as a network to join, in some parts of the house; previously, I could have wandered over to the other side of the street and still connected to my network. It's not the router – there's a Windows laptop in the same house that has no problems; in addition to that, there's a desktop eMac (running 10.2.8, if it matters) sat next to my iBook which has a perfect connection – and that's if I use the same Airport card that's currently in my iBook.

Frankly, I'm bored of this now, and it's starting to be a pain in the arse. I have an 8Mbps ADSL line, and I'd like to be able to use it to its full potential – as I had done before upgrading to 10.4.6. And I'm getting increasingly frustrated with the dropped connections, not to mention only being able to use my internet connection in prescribed parts of my flat.

I've hunted, and maybe I've missed some vital document, but is this (a) a known problem and/or (b) fixable? I'm presuming that there's some conflict between the OS and the router, but given that my iBook ran 10.4 and there were no problems previously, I'm at a loss ...

Interference robustness???

pompomtom — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:52:11 -0800

OSX wifi: Why would I not use 'Interference Robustness'? From what little info I can find online, this feature should stop my wifi connection being stung by microwave ovens and welders and things. So if I were to turn this on during a heavy session of welding microwave ovens, what advantage would there be to turning it off again afterwards? Does this cost me battery life, or throughput, or karma, or, well, anything? I'm presuming there must be some advantage to turning it off, or why have the option at all?

Wii Wi-Fi via Airport Extreme?

pzarquon — Thu, 24 May 2007 17:39:03 -0800

How can I get my Wii online via my Airport Extreme? Finally got a Wii. Love that it's got built-in Wi-Fi. But I can't get it to connect to my Apple Airport Extreme base station.

There are forum posts scattered across several gaming sites, but they have different solutions, and none of them are particularly attractive. The most common "solution" seems to be using WEP (not WPA/WPA2) and limiting the password length to exactly 13 characters.

This sounds wacky to me, and I'm not crazy about the idea of crippling my network security (and changing the settings on all my other wireless devices, including TiVos, Apple TVs, and other computers), too.

The Wii says it does WPA2, the Apple Airport Extreme does WPA2... this stuff is supposed to be platform independent, right? Surely, there's an Apple fan and a Wii addict whose gotten this combination to work the way it's supposed to? I can't believe WEP is the only workaround.

Quick fix iMac as monitor for another Apple.

Bengston — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:16:32 -0800

Is there any way that I can easily use my iMac Desktop (Current Intel Model) monitor as a second or primary monitor for my Powerbook using either the wireless network or a monitor adapter? Would using some sort of remote desktop allow me to utilize all the extra monitor space? I just want to use some software that I have on my 12" Powerbook on my friends much larger monitor that is unfortunately also attached to his iMac. Thanks.

OS X Home Security

bloodniece — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:27:27 -0800

Recently my bike and some other trivial stuff has been stolen off my porch. My bike was locked. :( I want to bait this thief with another bike (my broken one) and see who this jerk is. I have a mac and want to use a wireless webcam. Infrared is key since I believe he strikes at night. Is there an app for OS X and a compatible webcam for this situation? Ideally, it would not capture footage unless their is activity. -thanks

AirTunes, anyone?

dance — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:36:13 -0800

Suggestions for AirTunes Fun / Hacks, please! I've just ordered an Apple Airport Express w/ AirTunes from an eBay seller. I'm very much looking forward to receiving it and playing with it. I'm looking for some tips, fun tricks/hacks and advice from owners. Ideally I'd like to use it to:

1. Extend the range of an existing unencrypted WLAN
2. Stream audio to my hi-fi.
3. Share a HP1200 with a Mac and a PC

Possible complications:
1. The WLAN AP is a WRT54G (so supposedly compatible) but it isn't mine. My neighbour very kindly shares his internet with all in range, but I very much doubt he'd be willing to allow me access to its settings to configure it if that's necessary?
2. I had wanted to use this setup for DVDs too, in conjunction with AirFoil, but I've read that delays are prohibitive.
3. The printer should ideally stay in the office, not move to the living room to be next to the AirPort Express and Hi-Fi - I guess for this I'd need two AirPorts!

So - it's up to you if you'd like to comment on the above, but what I'd also really appreciate are thoughts, experiences, hacks anecdotes from existing owners.

Thanks!

WiFi Streaming of music from computer to stereo...

Manhasset — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:36:49 -0800

Today I saw a Slim Devices SqueezeBox 3. Just read a review at NYT. Looks pretty neat. That said, I have zero interest or use for the radio/pandora aspect of it. However, the other features may make it worth the price tag. But, before I shell out... what are my other alternatives? (On OS X) In short, need something to:

- stream my music over wifi
- have the id tags read so they can be displayed in the other room
- hooks up to stereo
- has a remote
- works with os x
- open source would be nice but isn't mandatory

In addition, I have all my music on a separate external hard drive. Is there anything that will interface directly with the drive to take the computer out of the loop? I doubt it, but thought I'd ask.

Wireless Mac ADSL hell

ClanvidHorse — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 13:23:29 -0800

Setting up a Mac wirelessly on ADSL. Help! I have just got ADSL broadband installed at my new house. The problem is I cannot connect to the net wirelessly. Its fine when the ethernet cable is connected but otherwise wont connect. What am I doing wrong?

A few things. I am in the UK and the DSL is through BT. I have an imac G5 running OSX. The router is a BT Voyager 2500. As I said above, I can connect with an ethernet connection direct from the router and surf the net etc. but when I try to use it wirelessly it wont connect. It shows in the top right hand corner of the screen that I have Airport access to the network (I.e. it isnt greyed out) and it is obviously picking up the signal from the router but it wont translate this to web-browsing. Any ideas?

I previously used a Belkin wireless router with Cable broadband and it worked fine. This is so annoying.

Thanks

Why does XP hate my network?

logovisual — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:27:35 -0800

Mixed wireless network: 3 Macs, one Windows XP PC. We're using 40-bit WEP encryption, and for some reason the Windows XP laptop simply cannot stay on the network... why that be? We use the hex equivalent for the password, and the laptop can get on the internet when it's entered, but even so, XP still insists that the computer is "not connected" to the network, and every few minutes the internet connection gets dropped. Anybody have any ideas? It's not a reception issue; the laptop can be sitting right next to the router and this will still happen. It's got to be some kind of configuration thing I'm missing, but I was hoping somebody would know what this behavior is symptomatic of (i.e. the sporadic connection)...

Getting Airport only connect to Access Points

phyrewerx — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 20:53:22 -0800

Is there a way to tell a Powerbook with airport to connect only to Access Points like Windows XP? In Windows XP, there is an option to tell the computer to connect to Peer to Peer networks only, Access Points only or both. I'm wondering if the same option exists on OS X.

Shared iTunes on an ad-hoc WiFi network

samstarling — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 02:50:44 -0800

Can you share iTunes Music Libraries over an ad-hoc (computer to computer) network? OK, so I'm providing the music for a party and a large proportion of the music I want to use is stored on my eMac. However, I don't want to have my Mac 'on show' at the party. What I thought I could do is take my old Toshiba Tecra 8000 laptop (with Netgear WG511 card and iTunes) along, and have my Mac in a different room serving the tunes. This all works perfectly when I'm connected to a wireless base station, but not when the network is set up 'ad-hoc' - iTunes simply doesn't discover the library of my eMac's iTunes.

Am I trying to do the impossible?

How do I convince my Mac to ignore all the wireless networks around it that aren't my own?

logovisual — Sun, 10 Apr 2005 09:16:17 -0800

How do I convince my Mac to ignore all the wireless networks around it that aren't my own? My roommate and I live in a building with a *lot* of wireless networks in it. My room is near the exterior wall, and I pick up at least four during any given computing session; my roommate's room is near the building's interior hall and she picks up about *nine*. Unfortunately, some people are stupid and don't password-protect their networks, so our computers occasionally, with mounting frequency as of late, log onto theirs instead of our own, and then we can't connect to the internet and it takes a lot of swearing and quitting/restarting Airport in order to convince our computers that yes, now they are on a network that works. It's a huge PITA, and I want to know if there's any way to convince our Macs to ignore all of the other wireless networks and only log on to our own at startup. We're both running the newest version of Panther and our network is broadcast over an Airport Express, and our signal strength is very good while the networks we get logged onto often aren't, so it can't just be a question of needing to overpower the other signals, right? (Or is it? Would an antenna solve this problem?)

OS X Wireless Collage

mkelley — Tue, 22 Feb 2005 08:52:59 -0800

I had an app a few years back, that would create a collage of the images floating around in real-time, over a local wireless network. It ran on OS X or OS9 and I remember a fellow blogger talking about it. I can't remember the name of it, but maybe someone else does.

Wireless network Security

fionab — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 21:33:21 -0800

Wireless Network Security: I'd like to know more about keeping my info safe on OS X. [MI] I run OS X, and have an Airport wireless network in my apartment. I currently have the Apple Firewall turned on. I used to run Doorstop but haven't for a long time. Based on some of the stories here and a friend who is pretty sure his passwords were taken while he was on a free wireless network, I'd like to know how to take care of a few different scenarios. I don't code at all, so would like easy interface solutions if possible. I've tried researching this online but am totally bewildered at all of the options out there! Can someone lead me in the right direction? I'd like to know how to:
a) have everything securely shut down so that only I can access the wireless network, and others would need a password
b) be able to make my network freely available to others without a password, but for me to be able to prioritize the access such as mosche in this question
c) use a free wireless access point (either in libraries, coffee shops or nice neighbours) without giving my passwords or personal data out (this may be called tunneling? I have VPN - will that help at all?).

Thank you very much!

My wireless Mac and wired PC transfer to each other at 2.5 MB/s. Can I speed this up any?

ascullion — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:48:36 -0800

I've got a network in my home - one PC, connected by wire to the router, and one Apple, connected by an Airport card (which I believe is 802.11G). The fastest speed I can get transferring files from one to the other is 2.5MB/s, which seems slow. Am I right, or is this standard?

How can I make my Mac stop automatically connecting to my neighbors' networks?

eilatan — Sun, 29 Feb 2004 13:57:04 -0800

Stupid Mac question - I have an AirPort card, but no base station. I was just visiting my cousin for the weekend, and they have one, and they did something to my computer to get it to connect to their wireless network (they have all sorts of security on it) and now I cannot have my AirPort card turned on without it automatically connecting to my neighbors' networks. I use an ethernet cable here at home, and I have my configuration set to look for the ethernet connection before a wireless one. I am at a total loss as to what to do to tell it to not automatically connect, short of leaving the card turned off unless I'm using it (and Apple's website is no help, because they assume that you do want to use it). Any ideas?