Connecting to Wireless Network

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Level 1

9 points

Connecting to Wireless Network

I have a iMac G4 without an AirPort card. I have an existing wireless network with non-Apple wireless router (Netgear). My iMac is currently connected directly to the router, but I would like to move it to another location and use a wireless connection. Can anyone help me understand what hardware I need for this. Obviously my Netgear USB wireless adaptor does not work.

Thanks. Charlie.

Posted on Sep 25, 2005 7:27 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 25, 2005 9:49 PM in response to banth

Have you tried to have an airport card installed? This would be the easiest.

Ben

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Answer 2

banth Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 26, 2005 5:28 AM in response to Ben Versang

On the Apple site they only sell an AirPort Extreme card. The description says that this part is only for "AirPort enabled Macs". Does that just mean that the correct software is installed?

Charlie

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Answer 3

Sep 26, 2005 5:37 AM in response to banth

Well, as far as I know, I Mac G4 are airport enabled. I am however not sure if all G4 are.

The softwares can be downloaded from the Mac website or updated throught system update.

Probably a good idea to give Apple Store a call as they will be able to let you know through your IMac serial number whether or not it can support Airport cards.

Good Luck
Ben

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Answer 4

Henry B.

Level 9

78,713 points

Sep 26, 2005 8:28 AM in response to banth

All G4 iMacs are "Airport Ready".

The real issue - with the exception of the last two G4 iMac models which use the Airport Extreme card, all older G4 iMacs require the original Airport card. See the table at:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86258

The original Airport card is no longer manufactured or sold by Apple or it dealers. Only a few retailers still sell this card, and the current cost from them averages around $150. Ebay is now the best and lowest cost source.

As an alternative to getting an Airport card, I recommend use of a wireless bridge device like the Linksys WET54G.

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