HT204616: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a roaming network (802.11 a/b/g/n)
Salvatore B.

Q: Can I add an 802.11g airport to 802.11n wifi base station via ethernet?  The wife has an iBook G4 running 10.4 (which is not compatible with 802.11n), causing Kernel Panic shutdowns.  Would combining 802.11g and 802.11n cause a problem? Sal

Can I add an 802.11g airport to 802.11n wifi base station via ethernet?  The wife has an iBook G4 running 10.4 (which is not compatible with 802.11n), causing Kernel Panic shutdowns.  Would combining 802.11g and 802.11n cause a problem? Sal

Posted on Feb 16, 2012 9:08 PM

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Q: Can I add an 802.11g airport to 802.11n wifi base station via ethernet?  The wife has an iBook G4 running 10.4 (which is not ... more

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Feb 16, 2012 9:12 PM in response to Salvatore B.
    Level 10 (271,467 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 16, 2012 9:12 PM in response to Salvatore B.

    Yes, but that won't solve a kernel panic problem. First off try booting computer into Safe Mode then shutting down. Does it still panic?

     

    Post a panic log: Mac OS X- How to log a kernel panic. You can also visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on diagnosing kernel panics.

  • by Salvatore B.,

    Salvatore B. Salvatore B. Feb 16, 2012 9:22 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 16, 2012 9:22 PM in response to Kappy

    Yes I was able to boot the ibook in Safe Mode, then shut it down.  When I tried to reboot it, sometimes it opened and other times it didn't.

     

    Until 2/1/12, I had an airport extreme 802.11g (bought in 2006) and then upgraded to 802.11n. I have a macbook air that is running 10.7 with no problems, we also have apple TV with no problems with 802.11n.  However, the ibook and my kids mini (also 10.4) began on 2/1/12 to suddenly shut down (with multilanguage message.) I am assuming that this is a KP problem caused by the new 802.11n that is not compatible with any OS earlier than 10.5.7.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Feb 16, 2012 9:27 PM in response to Salvatore B.
    Level 10 (271,467 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 16, 2012 9:27 PM in response to Salvatore B.

    Your older computers only support 802.11g, but so does the router unless you have it configured wrong. The AEBS wireless should be set to use Compatibility Mode so it works properly with 802.11g wireless.

  • by Salvatore B.,

    Salvatore B. Salvatore B. Feb 16, 2012 10:30 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 16, 2012 10:30 PM in response to Kappy

    Sorry for the confusion, but on 2/1/12 I upgraded from my 2006 AEBS (802.11g) to a 2012 AEBS using 802.11n. I could not find any "Compatibility Mode" setting of option in Airport Utility, when I select the AEBS which it finds.

     

    It was when I installed the new AEBS a few weeks ago that my wife's iBook G4 and kid's mini (both use 10.4) began to have these shutdowns with a screen asking to power down computer and in multiple languages.

     

    My macbook air (10.7) is aok.

     

    This is why I asked if I could add (via ethernet) my old AEBS 802.11g airport to 802.11n AEBS; and if it would cause problems.  Or, can I add it as it's own network (and not a Bridge) and then select in the iBook and Mini's use "old network" (AEBS using 802.11g)

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Feb 17, 2012 9:31 AM in response to Salvatore B.
    Level 10 (271,467 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 17, 2012 9:31 AM in response to Salvatore B.

    In Airport Utility click on Manual Setup button or if you have the new Airport Utility click on the AEBS icon and select Edit from the dialog.

     

    Click on the Wireless tab. Locate the dropdown menu labeled Radio Mode. Set it for 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) then Update the change.