Setting up Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router on iMac

I have a WRt54GS and I am having a really hard time getting to work all the time. I can get online sometimes, but sometimes my Imac doesn't recognize the IP address even though my PS3 and 360 both work fine. I was able to see that I have an old Firmware version, but I am not able to download the upgrade because I'm on a Mac. I have windows XP on a disk but haven't installed it yet. Before I install that, my buddy is bringing over his Dell laptop to get on my router and try doing the firmware upgrade that way. Hopefully that fixes everything.

PS - Just so you know, don't call Linksys b/c they will just tell you that they don't have the support for Macs. I wasted 40 minutes on hold to figure that one out.

I have an old WRT54G and it works fine. If you go to their support website and search the knowledgebase for "Mac OS X" you will eventually find what you need to set it up. I called them and they made me use IE on a PC, but that was just because their script for how to open and navigate with a browser is PC-only. What you want to find is the default router address (It may even be in the setup instructions.) Put that into Safari or whatever browser you use and you're good to go. Then just follow their instructions for what to do once you're into the router control panel--that's not platform specific at all.

When you turn on your airport, did their network show up in the list of available networks? If nothing happens when you click on it, you might need to go to your network preference pane and drag airport above ethernet. (You'll need to be wired to set up the router, though, the first time--just connect your imac to the first ethernet port on the router.)

1) Can this router be used on an iMac?
Yes
2) There is no mention of MAC on the packaging or literature, but I see other discussions where people are using it. If so, how do you do the Web Based Configuration because it says IE or Firefox only?
navigate to 192.168.1.1 (username blank password admin
3) What do I need to do on the iMac side to configure...
First time you may want to use a cable from one of the 4 lan ports on the router
4) Any other information is appreciated.
Remember that everytime you connect a different device to a cable modem, you need to restart the cable modem.
Rename the Wireless network name, setup wireless access password, change frequency from 6 to something else.

Thanks, Andrew. I never can remember that default address, but then once you're set up you don't have to go there very often.

Can someone tell me step by step--like I'm 5 years old, how to connect Linksys wireless router to my Ibook???

PLEAAASSEE!

Thanks!

sammy, Welcome to the discussion area!

Not sure why you posted here in the discussion area for Intel-based iMacs. Your iBook is not an iBook and is not Intel-based.

To get your iBook to connect wirelessly to the router, click on the AirPort item on the menu bar and select the name of the network you have created on the Linksys.

uuummm how do i create a network on linksys?

Use the Linksys User's guide and follow the directions for using your web browser to enable the wireless interface.

Unplug the modem from the router, and use an ethernet cord from the computer to one of the LAN ports on the WRT54G.
Open Safari
type http://192.168.1.1
type admin for username and admin for password
This will open the router configuration page. You can rename the network, and setup the wireless security, and a bunch of other setting that are best left at default. The following two links have screen shots with what you'll see in 192.168.1.1 and they are for setting up cable internet and then choosing wireless settings. Hope these help.

http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/stdadp.php?pfaqid=3686&lid=3968237401B06

http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/stdadp.php?pfaqid=3967&lid=3980637401B09

Use WPA-PSK and forget easy setup which is for Windows. Linksys 54G routers are like staples and work with any mac anywhere. Both Safari and Firefox will access the setup screen as it is a web interface and the browser is immaterial. Radius uses a server, WEP can be broken in under a minute and WPA2 might not be available depending on your OS. WPA_PSK is plenty strong with a GOOD password.

E.g. not "monkey" but 123Monkey345Gorilla678Oranguatan

The SSID and Mac filtering will not prevent hackers for more than a moment but they are popular to do despite their uselessness against experienced hackers. Good crypto and a proper password are the keys to success.