unclemo

Q: Can't get my Mac mini Wi-Fi to connect to my bt home hub v1.5.

I have just purchased a Macmini and connected it to my bt home hub v1.5 using an ethernet Cat5E cable and it seems OK in that I can connect to the web etc.

When I tried to do the same thing using Macmini Wi-Fi I couldn't connect.The Wi-fFi sees the BT hub OK and and I have selected WEP security and entered my WEP key correctly however it says that there is a Network problem

.All the lights are green ( I am using the diagnostics page on the Macmini) except the Network light which is amber. I am less than 8 feet from the Hub .When it asks for WEP password I assumed this was the WEP key they were aking for.I have tried using the Hub password but to no avail

Any ideas?

Mac mini

Posted on May 22, 2012 7:26 AM

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Q: Can't get my Mac mini Wi-Fi to connect to my bt home hub v1.5.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 22, 2012 8:38 AM in response to unclemo
    Level 9 (54,684 points)
    Wireless
    May 22, 2012 8:38 AM in response to unclemo

    Do you actually have the BT Homehub configured to use WEP for wireless security? If not, it is possible that your new Mac mini is misinterpreting the security type and indicating that it is using WEP.

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 22, 2012 11:24 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2012 11:24 AM in response to Tesserax

    Hi Tesserax,

    I will go into the Hub manager and check this out.

    In the meantime - thanks

    Unclemo

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 22, 2012 12:12 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2012 12:12 PM in response to Tesserax

    Hi Tesserax,

    checked at the Hub mngr and it is selected for: WEP

                                                                       : Key length 64 bit

                                                     wireless key; xxxxxxxxxx

     

    I have been careful to enter the wireless key  correctly.

    Let me know if this makes sense.

    rgds

    unclemo

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax May 22, 2012 12:30 PM in response to unclemo
    Level 9 (54,684 points)
    Wireless
    May 22, 2012 12:30 PM in response to unclemo

    The WEP standard provides support for either:

    • A 10 hexidecimal digit or 5 ASCII character key for 40-bit WEP,  OR
    • A 26 hexidecimal digit or 13 ASCII character key for 128-bit WEP

    In order to make things easier, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling the use of simple easy to remember WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys. The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AirPort Express will be hashed differently than on a non-Apple client and vice versa.

     

    In addition, the 802.11n AirPorts do NOT support either 40-bit or 128-bit WEP in the "n" Radio Mode. You will have to switch to one of the non-"n" modes to access these wireless security options. When operating in 802.11n, the only WEP option is the WEP (Transitional Network Security) mode. Note: This mode only supports using 13 ASCII character keys.  You may find the following Apple Support article helpful: AirPort: Joining an encrypted WEP  or WPA Wi-Fi Network

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 22, 2012 1:26 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2012 1:26 PM in response to Tesserax

    went to the article you suggested and tried all combinations and still no joy.

    In my hub the interface is listed as 802.11b/g, should I therefore set the airport for the same interface standard and if so how do I get into Airport to do this.

    Again,

    thankyou for your patience

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH May 22, 2012 3:26 PM in response to unclemo
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    May 22, 2012 3:26 PM in response to unclemo

    Looks like we are using quite some ancient technology here...

     

    At least we dont' also have a PPoE problem as well.

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 23, 2012 1:46 PM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 23, 2012 1:46 PM in response to HACKINT0SH

    Hi Hackintosh,

    I am guessing that this may be my problem - old versus new.

    I have been back into the Hub mgr and there are two options for alternative encryption styles:

    one is labelled: Use WPA-PSK Encryption

             the other:Use WPA Encryption

     

    Would either of these be of use with Airport Wi-Fi?

     

    Thankfully I have at least got an ethernet connection but Wi-Fi is preferred.

     

    Rgds

    Unclemo

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH May 23, 2012 2:43 PM in response to unclemo
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    May 23, 2012 2:43 PM in response to unclemo

    WPA-PSK is also known was WPA-Personal.  It is quite compabile with Apple Routers I assure you.

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 23, 2012 2:52 PM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 23, 2012 2:52 PM in response to HACKINT0SH

    O.K. I will give it a try and see what transpires.

    Rgds

    unclemo

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 25, 2012 3:29 AM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2012 3:29 AM in response to HACKINT0SH

    Hello Hackintosh,

    I have tried and still not working so I have taken the plunge and ordered a new BT HomeHub v3.0 which is their latest offering.I believe the encryption options will match Airport.

    Here's hoping.

    Rgds

    unclemo

  • by HACKINT0SH,

    HACKINT0SH HACKINT0SH May 25, 2012 8:21 PM in response to unclemo
    Level 5 (5,774 points)
    iLife
    May 25, 2012 8:21 PM in response to unclemo

    Well I would have suggested not to take the plung so earlye, as we could have tried other things to get your current model working.

     

    However, if your current model only supports G type networks, and your new BT supports N then I guess there is no harm there.

     

    Speaking of plunge, I picked up another Belkin today, since I couldn't resist a brand new Wifi router (brand name) for less than $20.  Unfortunatley, it isn't dual-band, but what do you expect for twenty bucks

  • by unclemo,

    unclemo unclemo May 26, 2012 12:08 AM in response to HACKINT0SH
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2012 12:08 AM in response to HACKINT0SH

    Hi Hackintosh,

    the new router supports the latest 802.11n standard the old one didn't .

    Glad you were able to pick up a Belkin router at <$20 - happy days.

    I will let you know how I get on with the new router.

    Rgds

    unclemo