I started up my old iBook 900 and it won't get onto my home wifi system. It seems it only will allow me to input a WEP, WEP 40/128 hex or WEP 128 40/128 ascii or LEAP password and I believe my new 5th generation Airport extreme requires a WPA connection and password. What can I do to make it work? Thanks.

Hook up with an ethernet and dumb the wifi security on the wifi down to WEP

edit--OOOPS-I saw yours does on WPA only---you might have to get a USB wifi stick.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2012 05:38PM by Ken Sp..

Will a USB wifi stick change the restrictions of the iBook? In't the stick merely antenna?

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Mr. Curmudgeon, on Mountain Lion.

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modelamac
Will a USB wifi stick change the restrictions of the iBook? In't the stick merely antenna?

The USB WiFi adapter is a stand alone WiFi interface. In theory, it should solve the problem.

What OS? 10.4.x supports WPA.

"Requirements for WPA

To join a WPA network, a Macintosh computer must have:

an AirPort or AirPort Extreme card (see Note)
Mac OS X 10.3 or later
AirPort software version 3.3 or later for the AirPort Card (available via Software Update)
AirPort software version 3.2 or later for the AirPort Extreme Card (available via Software Update)"


[support.apple.com]

The iBook has Mac OS 10.4.11 on it.

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JEBB
The iBook has Mac OS 10.4.11 on it.

What version Airport software?

I don't know where to find out the Airport software. There is software for setting up an Airport Base Station but nothing I have found for the Airport card in the iBook.

btfc's link is a starting point for downloading the Airport Software. You'll probably need to do a few Software Updates to get to the latest Airport Software AND Firmware version.

Assuming you update the Airport Software and Firmware successfully (see below for more) - there's one reason you may NOT want to allow your old iBook to join the network. According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2416

Physical data rate based on IEEE 802.11g specification. Actual data throughput will be lower. Range will vary with site conditions. Assumes AirPort Express/Extreme network with 802.11g-enabled computer. Speed and range will be less if an 802.11b product joins the network.

If you still want to upgrade your Airport Software and Firmware, I checked my 700 MHz G3 iBook with an original Airport Card, and I'm able to join WPA networks. According to System Profiler (OSX 10.4.11) my Wireless Card Firmware is 9.5.2. According to my Software Update history, the following Apple Software was installed on my computer - oldest to newest:
Airport Software version 2.1.1
Airport Software version 3.2
Airport Software version 4.1
Airport Software version 4.2
Airport Update 2005-0001 version 1.0

You'll need to dig thru Apple's Download area if Software Update doesn't install this software automatically.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/04/2012 06:39AM by Forrest.

It's not very secure, but if you think you need to drop down to WEP encryption to get your laptop on your network, you should be able to set your router to use WEP encryption.

Why not use that approach?

I have found that the app Internet Connect is from 2004, v. 1.4.3. There must be a newer one; how would I get it? I did run the 10.4.11 combo updater again but nothing changed.

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Chakravartin
It's not very secure, but if you think you need to drop down to WEP encryption to get your laptop on your network, you should be able to set your router to use WEP encryption.

Why not use that approach?

Just above your post Forrest wrote that he is able to get onto his WPA network with his 700 G3 iBook. I'd rather do that.

Yes, you can connect to a WPA network with you G3 iBook. But you won't be able to connect to a WPA2 network.

I was able to set my Netgear WGR614 802.11b/g router to WPA+WPA2 encryption - this allows 802.11b devices (like the G3 iBook) to connect and also allows faster 802.11g devices to connect. But if you want 802.11n devices to connect at the quickest speed - you can't allow 802.11b devices to join.

I have a 5th generation Airport extreme that seems to have only No encryption, WPA/WPA2 Personal or WPA2 Personal encryption but no WEP. It would appear that the only way to use this iBook at home is to use ethernet or, perhaps, find an older "g" airport extreme.

I have a TRENDnet TEW-424UB currently connected to my G3 iBook - allowing me to use WPA2 encryption to connect to my 802.11n router. I'm sure there are other models that also work - but it's difficult finding USB wireless adapters with OSX 10.4 drivers. The TEW-424UB model is still available new for less than $15.

I see OWC carries one that works with G3 iBooks, but also requires OSX 10.5? Might be worth a call - it's only $9.99 link