JR
Level 1 (15 points)

Q: modern wi-fi card for clamshell?

I was recently switched from my old DSL service to AT&T UVerse which killed Wi-Fi communication with my iBook SE. No one has come up with a solution, saying that the problem might be WPA security rather than the WEP my old Airport card is used to or the 802.11N in the new router vs the old "B" in my machine. I know I can plug in a dongle of some kind to get back on the air but my question to you folks is whether there is any kind of more modern card-Airport or otherwise-that will fit inside my computer?

iBook SE, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Sep 3, 2015 3:45 PM

by Jan Hedlund,Solvedanswer
Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund
Level 6 (9,869 points)
A:

This computer has (or can be equipped with) a plain 802.11b AirPort card. It is not possible to use the later (802.11g) AirPort Extreme card.

 

In principle, an 802.11b card will work with an 802.11n router. Settings may have to be verified, in order to make the two compatible (new routers can operate in different bands, and it is of course necessary to use one that the old wireless network card is capable of handling).

 

For a test, one can temporarily set a router to work without security/encryption. If a connection can be estalished then, one knows that the router and the client are compatible as such (and that the problem has something to do with security protocols).

 

The requirements for WPA can be found in AirPort Card: When You Can Join a WPA Network - Apple Support. However, even if said article indicates that WPA would work with an original AirPort card (providing that the correct software is used), there are conflicting reports about the actual compatibility. I suggest that you post a question under the AirPort discussions, in order to allow one of the experts there to help you.

Posted on Sep 4, 2015 12:28 AM

Close
JR

Q: modern wi-fi card for clamshell?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Jan Hedlund,Solvedanswer

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Sep 4, 2015 12:28 AM in response to JR
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Sep 4, 2015 12:28 AM in response to JR

    This computer has (or can be equipped with) a plain 802.11b AirPort card. It is not possible to use the later (802.11g) AirPort Extreme card.

     

    In principle, an 802.11b card will work with an 802.11n router. Settings may have to be verified, in order to make the two compatible (new routers can operate in different bands, and it is of course necessary to use one that the old wireless network card is capable of handling).

     

    For a test, one can temporarily set a router to work without security/encryption. If a connection can be estalished then, one knows that the router and the client are compatible as such (and that the problem has something to do with security protocols).

     

    The requirements for WPA can be found in AirPort Card: When You Can Join a WPA Network - Apple Support. However, even if said article indicates that WPA would work with an original AirPort card (providing that the correct software is used), there are conflicting reports about the actual compatibility. I suggest that you post a question under the AirPort discussions, in order to allow one of the experts there to help you.

  • by a brody,Helpful

    a brody a brody Sep 6, 2015 8:39 AM in response to JR
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Sep 6, 2015 8:39 AM in response to JR

    I would recommend using an ethernet based 802.11g or better router.  This will allow you to use the much more secure WPA2 encryption.  Any chance you are 1500 feet (500 meters) or less from someone who might intercept your network, you should seriously consider having WPA2 encryption.   The Clamshell can connect via any LAN port based router.