klivengood
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How do I get internet to a computer with no wireless capability?

Here's my predicament: my husband bought an older iMac from one of his friends that does not have wireless capability. Currently, we have a looooong ethernet cable running across the house, and that's not going to fly with a toddler on the loose. I chatted with Apple support about the issue, and they recommended that I purchase an Airport Express. I am currently sitting here, staring at it, and I'm not sure what to do now. Will this recommended purchase even solve the problem?

iPad 2, iOS 6.1.3, null

Posted on Mar 8, 2016 1:47 PM

Close
klivengood

Q: How do I get internet to a computer with no wireless capability?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 8, 2016 2:33 PM in response to klivengood
    Level 9 (54,398 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 8, 2016 2:33 PM in response to klivengood

    Basically you will connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN (opposing arrows) port on the AirPort Express to the Ethernet port on the iMac. You will then set up the Express to join your existing wireless network. In this configuration, the Express' ports will be active and the iMac would get Internet access.

     

    So the key here is to configure the Express properly. The following Apple Support article will give you the basics.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Mar 8, 2016 2:39 PM in response to klivengood
    Level 7 (27,397 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 8, 2016 2:39 PM in response to klivengood

    Alternatively, you can always return the AirPort Express, and try a USB wifi adapter.

     

    For instance:

    http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WN725N-Wireless-Adapter-150Mbps/dp/B008IFXQFU/r ef=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457476515&sr…

     

    Should be easier to setup for what you want.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 8, 2016 3:02 PM in response to klivengood
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 8, 2016 3:02 PM in response to klivengood
    I'm not sure what to do now

    We can provide the steps that you need to perform to try to configure the AirPort Express.

     

    We are assuming that you have a wireless router there, which is providing a wireless signal to your home.  Is that correct?  Is this by chance another Apple router?

     

    Will you be using the iPad that you list in your profile to set up the AirPort Express......or another device?

     

    You do have 90 days of free phone support from Apple as well.  it's your call, but things might be easier having another person on the phone to guide you through. An online forum is not quite the same as a phone call.

  • by klivengood,

    klivengood klivengood Mar 8, 2016 3:20 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 8, 2016 3:20 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    We have TWC internet, so we got what they issue, which says Arris DG1670A on it.

     

    I tried to get Apple support on the phone, but all of my attempts to request a call ended in an error message on the website.

     

    Can I use any device to set it up on his computer? I have a new MacBook Pro that I'd rather use over his computer, if I am able to.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 8, 2016 3:28 PM in response to klivengood
    Level 9 (54,398 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 8, 2016 3:28 PM in response to klivengood

    The Arris DG1670A is a combination modem & wireless router or gateway device. The support article instructions, that I provided in my earlier reply, should work to get the new Express connected to the Arris' wireless network as a client. This is what you will want so that the Express will provide an active Ethernet port for the iMac.

     

    Note: You will not need to make any configuration changes on the Arris gateway.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 8, 2016 3:37 PM in response to klivengood
    Level 10 (105,067 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 8, 2016 3:37 PM in response to klivengood

    I was asking if you wanted to use the iPad that you listed in your profile to set up the AirPort Express.  Did not know that you had a MacBook Pro, since that info did not appear in your profile.  We can use the MacBook Pro if you want.

     

    One of the different and sometimes difficult things about using an online support forum is understanding that the folks here who are trying to help only know as much about your network as you can tell them. We can't see your network, or know what you might be thinking. 

     

    So, we may appear to ask dumb questions when the answer is obvious to you.....but totally unknown to us.  Some patience and trial and error is likely going to be required to make progress.  Thanks for understanding.

     

    So, if you want to proceed........

     

    We understand that you want to use the MacBook Pro to set up the AirPort Express, correct?

     

    Have you tried to configure the AirPort Express at all, or make any changes to the AirPort Express?