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Wireless help for older G3 iMac

I just read a topic like this from 2007. Someone named JimoWard said he had bought a Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO USB Network Adaptor (F5D9050 Version 3001) and connected it to his G4 iMac downloaded the driver, went through the set up and it worked no problem. Well I have a G3 iMac and I bought almost the identical item but it is version 4000 not 3001 and it does not work. In the Network status in Network settings it says the Ethernet Adapter (en1) has it's own IP address and may not connect to the internet. I have no idea why it has it's own IP address but I can't get on the internet, do I need to look for a different solution or can this still work. It came with a CD that has a set for mac that came with the network adapter so I don't think it's a driver problem. It does say that it is receiving a signal from my at&t gateway wireless router, but I still cant get on the internet.

RN1275J6LFB, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iMac G3 500mhz

Posted on Apr 5, 2009 5:22 PM

34 replies

raidertodd Author

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Apr 6, 2009 11:24 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Step #8 say to enter the network's WEP key based on the default transmit key selected. But step #6 indicates to select the same default transmit key as your router's. This is why I think it applies to the port the Ethernet cable is attached to as they are numbered one thru four. But I am just surmising.

Apr 6, 2009 11:45 PM in response to raidertodd

Well, no. I don't think the number of Ethernet ports on the router has anything to do with it.

This is why I think it applies to the port the Ethernet cable is attached to

I'm confused. Isn't this bridge device attached to your iMac? What is attached by Ethernet cable to the router (to Port 1)? I was assuming the router was wireless, so it should not matter what is attached to Port 1 by Ethernet cable.

I think you should pick *Key 1* and set the password for *Key 1* on in +Step 8+. If the router has more than one key, and you did not change it, it is probably set for *Key 1*. Ignore the other keys for now.

raidertodd Author

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Apr 7, 2009 12:16 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I believe you are correct about the key #'s, and to clear up the confusion, in the instructions, it tells you to connect directly to the hub, to set it up, then disconnect it and attach to your computer or game. I hope that makes sense.

I will let you know if this works. I am taking your advice. You may not be the network guru, but you have good advice.

Thanks

Apr 7, 2009 12:23 AM in response to raidertodd

When I had issues with wireless networking, what often works for me is to first set it up with security turned OFF. That let's me figure out what I'm doing wrong without worrying about security settings. Then, if I have it working fine without security, turning ON the security setting usually works without further issues.

raidertodd Author

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Apr 7, 2009 12:49 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I have given up, nothing I tried worked, I will eventually purchase the airport card, but for now I am using a cat 6 wire and using the G3 in an inconvenient location, no more help needed for the moment. Thanks to all who assisted me, it was much appreciated.

Message was edited by: raidertodd

Apr 7, 2009 12:55 PM in response to raidertodd

One thing I was curious about was the security protocol being used. That device you have seemed to only have WEP (based on the instructions). Most recent routers use WPA, although they can be set to use the older WEP. So it is important that your router's wireless was set to use WEP.

Or set it up with no security on the router until you get it working.

raidertodd Author

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Apr 7, 2009 4:42 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I was going to try it without the security, but somehow I got locked out of the IP address site that the device sent me to. So I never got to try. I think I inadvertently changed something, because it just stopped logging in to the site. So I could no longer enter the information it was asking me for.

At that point I gave up. It actually said that the device was connected but for whatever reason I still could not access the internet. In my Network settings it showed the device connected and the IP address it was connected to, but nothing else worked. I figured maybe this device and my old G3 don't communicate well, or at all.

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

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Apr 8, 2009 9:10 PM in response to raidertodd

Hi,

This appears to have been a problem related to the network (TCP/IP) settings. I do not know which Linksys product you have tested, but a Google search for something like +WET54G Mac+ should return a number of configuration examples. Also, are you sure that the (previously installed) USB adapter software was not interfering?

Jan

raidertodd Author

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Apr 9, 2009 11:23 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

You know Jan that could be.

I did delete the utility that the USB wireless adapter installed. I am of the understanding that the old settings are deleted when when you do successfully connect to a network. For the moment I have the iMac G3 connected to my router with a cat 6 cable and it is working fine, the network settings now reflect that connection. Am I right about that. It's using the DHCP setting which automatically enters the IP address and Subnet Mask and what have you, I didn't enter anything manually. That shouldn't be a problem right.

I hope not as I gave up on that device and I am waiting for an airport card adapter for the airport card I purchased. I am hoping that solves my problem. Wish me luck and thanks for the info.

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

22,261 points

Apr 10, 2009 12:19 AM in response to raidertodd

It's using the DHCP setting which automatically enters the IP address and Subnet Mask and what have you, I didn't enter anything manually. That shouldn't be a problem right.

If the connection is working, that is OK. DHCP is a standard choice.

I am waiting for an airport card adapter for the airport card I purchased. I am hoping that solves my problem.

Since this means that you will be using the AirPort software, everything should be relatively easy. Please note though that the security settings have to be in accordance with those of the third-party router.

Good luck!

Jan

raidertodd Author

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Apr 10, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Thanks Jan.

I am assuming that when you say security settings you mean WEP or WPA.

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

22,261 points

Apr 10, 2009 6:59 PM in response to raidertodd

Yes. Whenever possible, try to use WPA (which offers better security).

Jan

raidertodd Author

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Apr 11, 2009 3:25 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

I installed the card but the computer does not seem to be recognizing it. That is, nothing happened, is it supposed to open a set up wizard automatically or is there some settings I am supposed to change. There is no airport option in the network settings. If I ask it to assist, it asks how I connect to the internet, and there is an airport option, but it is dim and can't be selected, is there something I need to initiate. I read someone else's archived discussion about his airport card not being recognized and he mentioned something about airport drivers. I have an airport set up utility but that is for an airport base station, which is not what I am using. What am I missing.

Apr 11, 2009 5:00 PM in response to raidertodd

There have been cases where the adapter was not fully inserted. Apparently, you may think it is installed properly, but if you push harder, it go in more completely. The antenna wires also need to be connected, but that should not affect the system recognizing the card.

raidertodd Author

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Apr 12, 2009 12:17 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

THAT WAS IT KEN, it worked after I pushed on it and I heard a click! Then When I restarted it recognized it right away. Do you want to hear something funny.

After all this, I figured out why the other device didn't connect to my router. It was the router itself. It is a WEP system, not WPA unfortunately, but it was not set up to use the WEP key that is on the device. I was able to log into the routers site after some looking on 2wire.com and was able to change the settings. Then the USB device I was originally trying, worked on a laptop I have.

I was experiencing the same problem on the laptop until I changed the WEP key setting.

I couldn't believe it was that simple. Oh well, live and learn, thank you for all your help:-), it was much appreciated. Sheeew!

Wireless help for older G3 iMac