802.11n problems

Question

Level 2

430 points

802.11n problems

I have a 2.4 GHz iMac. For some reason it can't connect to my AirPort Extreme when in n (5 GHz) mode. Same problem with my MacBook 2008. I had to reset my AirPort to get back to it, MacBook didn't get IP Address in Ethernet when connected. Here is my specs of my iMac's AirPort Card:

AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x14E4, 0x88)
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (4.150.19.0)
Current Wireless Network: ******************
Wireless Channel: 9

So it only works in n (a compatible) only. What IS WRONG??? 😟

iMac Mid 2007, Mac OS X (10.4.10), I changed my avatar because I hate Leopard! It screwed up my iMac not eMac! :(

Posted on Mar 22, 2008 7:47 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 23, 2008 1:12 AM in response to srojtas

There was an AirPort (and Time Machine) update that came over on 03/19/08. Not only did it install new software on the computer, but it also installed new firmware on the AirPort Extreme. The firmware part does not get installed until the next time you run AirPort Utility.

Was that update installed?

(called "Time Machine and AirPort Updates 1.0" on my list of installed updates)

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Answer 2

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 23, 2008 3:17 PM in response to srojtas

Yes, it notified me of a utility update and a firmware update 7.4.x? There both installed.

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Answer 3

Mar 23, 2008 3:20 PM in response to srojtas

Same problem here - my macbook air connects fine to the timecapsule when it is set to 802.11n only, but the imac 2.4ghz (with n enabled) can't even see the network although it is sat next to the air. If I change timecapsule to 802.11n with b+g as well both the air and the imac connect fine.

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Answer 4

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 23, 2008 3:25 PM in response to srojtas

Is this another design flaw by Apple?

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Answer 5

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 23, 2008 4:30 PM in response to srojtas

At least I know its not only me!!!

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Answer 6

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 23, 2008 7:59 PM in response to srojtas

Anyone? I'll mark solved or helpful points if they work!!!

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Answer 7

Mar 25, 2008 10:23 AM in response to srojtas

The new Airport works in two frequency bands.
2.4GHz and 5GHz.

If you can only get a signal in the 5GHz band, I am guessing that either....
1) There is a lot of interference in the 2.4GHz band. Use iStumbler to scan
2) Your base station has some kind of hardware fault.

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Answer 8

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 25, 2008 1:07 PM in response to Glyn Williams1

I can only get it in 2.4GHz, 5 GHz does not work, I have the new one (Gigabit Ethernet), firmware update did not work.

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Answer 9

Mar 25, 2008 1:33 PM in response to srojtas

Sorry, I misread.

Your iMac and your Macbook should certainly be able to make use of the 5GHz band.
They both have 802.11n hardware.

5GHz can be less good at penetrating walls. How many walls between your AEBS and your iMac?

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Answer 10

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 25, 2008 1:35 PM in response to srojtas

None.

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Answer 11

Mar 25, 2008 1:48 PM in response to srojtas

Just to be clear....

Once you set the AEBS to 5GHz, the iMac and Macbook no longer can detect the network at all?

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Answer 12

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 25, 2008 1:50 PM in response to srojtas

Yes.

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Answer 13

Mar 25, 2008 2:13 PM in response to srojtas

My best guess is a faulty AEBSn

It is the only thing that I can think of which would explain two different machines unable to receive the 5GHz band.

There is a 2.4 GHz version of 802.11n, but it is not as fast.

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Answer 14

srojtas Author

Level 2

430 points

Mar 25, 2008 2:48 PM in response to srojtas

OK, I just realized that I posted in the wrong forum but my AirPort Extreme just passed it 90 day warrenty. Sigh 😟 .

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Answer 15

Mar 25, 2008 11:16 PM in response to Glyn Williams1

Just to reemphasize - my imac, despite all upgrades, will not connect to the 5GHz flavour of the time capsule although my Macbook will (although it does drop more often than other connections), Both connect fine to the 2.4GHz n only. Isn't it possible he has the same problem with both his computers that I have only with my imac?

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