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General discussion

G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi router

by isumbras Feb 21, 2011 1:47AM PST

I have a Thompson wireless router which has been firmware upgraded. I can successfully access the Internet with my Intel iMac and my PC laptop. When I try to connect to the router using Airport on my GG Powerbook 867Mhz OS X 10.5.8. I get a connection timeout message. I have successfully connected by airport/wifi to my old router in London and even to a MacDonalds free wifi. No luck here and ISP unable to help despite sending me a new router and recommending the software upgrade. Any assistance greatly welcome.

Isumbras

Discussion is locked

12 Posts
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Make sure that the Router
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Feb 21, 2011 9:07PM PST

is sending out 802.11B and not just G and N.

This could be the problem.

Access the router, see the manual, and make sure that it is broadcasting on all three channels B, G& N


P

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Make sure that the Router
by isumbras Feb 22, 2011 1:54AM PST

Many thanks for the tip ~ I'll check straightaway.

I

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G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi router
by isumbras Feb 22, 2011 11:07PM PST

Sadly not the root of the problem - Interface Type: 802.11b/g/n (from Thompson Router Gateway).

Still many thanks for you consideration

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Moving right along.
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Feb 23, 2011 1:22AM PST

Now that we have established that, there is a next step.

I assume that you are not spreading the wealth around the neighborhood by running a wireless network that does not have encryption.

The next step is to turn OFF the encryption and see if you can now connect to the router with the PowerBook.

Let us know

P

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G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi router
by isumbras Feb 23, 2011 3:16AM PST

Ok, I'll give it a go in the a.m. and come back to you. Many thanks again - I've been working with Macs since 1992 and do Mac support myself but this one has me stumped.

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G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi router
by isumbras Feb 23, 2011 10:41PM PST

Yes that works. Can log into wifi from PowerBook G4 when encryption is turned off. Unfortunately have had to re-enable encrytion as have a lot of data on other machines logged in to wifi.

I guess we're a little closer to an answer though; you are top man. Maximum thanks for all the help.

isumbras

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What encryption are you using?
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Feb 23, 2011 11:12PM PST

I have found that my older machines will only work with WEP.

The newer stuff leaves them out in the cold


P

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G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi router
by isumbras Feb 24, 2011 12:05AM PST

Ah, could be it - encryption type is WPA+WPA2. Many more thanks. I'll get on to the ISP.

isumbras

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This is not something that your ISP can help with
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Feb 24, 2011 7:48AM PST

It is up to you to set what type of encryption you use on that router.

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G4 Powerbook times out when trying to log in to wifi
by isumbras Feb 24, 2011 11:37PM PST

Many, many thanks for all your help. Edited the security preference in the Router Gateway to WEP and Lo the Powerbook now logs in fine. Plusnet - who only came up with the correct solution after I had fed the info on the basis of your information - said i would have no problem logging on with my iMac which was not the case. Aren't they supposed to know this stuff?!

Fortunately I managed to remedy the iMac login and now wait to see if I can get my wife's PC (spit) to connect. HeyHo

Best wishes

I

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WEP
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 24, 2011 11:46PM PST

WEP is no protection today. That is, in less than 120 seconds with kid friendly software other folk can hijack your connection and use your internet connection as they wish.

BUT IN THIS DISCUSSION it looks like you are stuck with it. When you can, and when the machines allow it, move off WEP ASAP.

And let's be clear. MAC address filtering does not work and hiding the SSID only results in more complaints and no added security.

--> Use what works but be aware of the downsides.
Bob

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WEP
by isumbras Feb 25, 2011 12:01AM PST

Many thanks for this info Bob. Hope this thread has been useful for some other people too.

Best Wishes

I

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