Cannot see Belkin 802.11n router

Question

Level 1

38 points

Cannot see Belkin 802.11n router

I am trying to setup a new network on a new Belkin N1 Vision router/modem

The router connects to the Internet and I can get access over the Ethernet connection, however I cannot get my Mac to connect to the Network.

It doesn't seem to even see the Network. Any suggestions on what to try?

iMac G5 20", Macbook Core 2 Duo, iPhone 3G 16gig, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Apr 27, 2009 1:11 PM

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Answer 1

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Apr 27, 2009 1:22 PM in response to DanKell

Open up *Network Utility* in Applications>Utilities. Does it say your Airport card supports the N option?

~Lyssa

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Answer 2

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

Apr 27, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Lyssa

Ah ha! Was wondering where to find that out. Model is a/b/g/n

The Belkin only seemed to give WPA/WPA2 as an option.

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Answer 3

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Apr 27, 2009 1:33 PM in response to DanKell

You may have to get things set up using the Ethernet connection.

Does your computer see the wireless network?

~Lyssa

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Answer 4

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

Apr 27, 2009 1:38 PM in response to Lyssa

Macbook saw the Network a few times when I was messing around with the settings. Timed out when adding the password under WPA or WPA2. Dual mode was invisible I think...

Oddly my iPhone does see it more consistently...

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Answer 5

Apr 27, 2009 1:39 PM in response to DanKell

I'm using the same router through wireless on my a/b/g/n card within my MacBook Pro. The settings I use are as such:
WPA/WPA2 (for compatibility with other computers and Airport Express)
Automatic Channel (uses 1)
192.168...IP address with DHCP.
QoE is On.

However, from initial use, the computer "saw" the router on wireless with no serious issues. I would concur that maybe trying to perform first setup through wired would be a wise idea.

Realize, it's unlikely you'll ever receive more than approximately 130mbps through that router, since it is a single band (20 + 40, but not 5.2ghz). The speed is quite good, regardless.

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Answer 6

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Apr 27, 2009 4:05 PM in response to DanKell

DanKell wrote:
I am trying to setup a new network on a new Belkin N1 Vision router/modem

The router connects to the Internet and I can get access over the Ethernet connection, however I cannot get my Mac to connect to the Network.

It doesn't seem to even see the Network. Any suggestions on what to try?

First step is to update the router firmware or at least be sure it is the latest version.

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Answer 7

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

Apr 28, 2009 7:03 AM in response to nerowolfe

Belkin is up to date with "real" firmware. There's a beta available but that doesn't seem to cover this issue.

Macbook is fully patched to 10.5.6

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Answer 8

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

May 5, 2009 12:41 PM in response to DanKell

Right, new information.

Have deleted all keychain entries pertaining to Wifi, and all Wifi networks from System Preferences.
iStumbler can see the network with only one other network on Channel 1, 4 on channel 6 and occasional networks on 11 and 13. Strength is 95 to 60% all around the house, however when the wifi is not working, the network is listed under the main list, but not under the Airport > Visible Networks list.

I can sometimes connect, but often have to do it manually and will eventually be dropped. Ethernet works and so does the web.

Here are the WiFi settings:

Wireless Channel: 1
Extension Channel: 5
SSID: Pelham123
Wireless Mode: 11b gn (only option other than off)
Broadcast SSID: On
Protected Mode: Off
Bandwodth: 20 + 40 Mhz
QoS: Off
Security Mode: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Authenication: WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK
Encryption: TKIP + AES
Password: 10 digit mixed

Guest Settings: Disabled

Help?

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Answer 9

May 5, 2009 4:25 PM in response to DanKell

Besides your iPhone, do you have any other computers in the residence with which to test the router? Perhaps a PC which you know can handle N wireless? Or even another Mac?
I've got my Extension channel set to "2"; not even an option for 5. With the number of networks in your range, I'd say to enable Protected Mode, at least for testing.
Also, usually Quality of Service (QoS) is best to leave active.
If they determine it faulty, Belkin will replace the router under the warranty.

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Answer 10

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

May 6, 2009 2:12 AM in response to umparrothead

I've tried both the iPhone and my Macbook.

The macbook can "see" the network if I run iStumbler, but doesn't list it in the available networks

The iPhone sees the network in it's list of networks under Settings, but has "Connection Failed" errors if I select it - same if I tell it to forget it and reconnect.

Have tried turning QoS on and Protected mode on and no dice...

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Answer 11

May 6, 2009 7:29 AM in response to DanKell

I'd say to try using a different router - Belkin replaced one of mine already due to similar issues.
If both of your devices don't connect, then the problem likely lies with interference or the router itself.

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Answer 12

DanKell Author

Level 1

38 points

May 7, 2009 12:52 PM in response to umparrothead

Well I seem to have it sorted.

Did a full reset and changed the password to 13 chars, and changed the channel to 13.

One of those sorted things out - which is strange as channel 1 appears to be clear, whilst things are busier up towards 9-11

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Answer 13

Jul 8, 2009 10:41 PM in response to DanKell

Hello All! I too am having the same issue! Brand new Belkin Router. Tried every setting from the above and it still does not like my MacBook! It works AMAZING on every other computer and laptop in the house! We even have an older MacBook Pro and it runs through it just fine but it is running on Tiger and not Leopard. Mine is a new MacBook Aluminum. It can find the router but it loads pages really slow! I am at a loss at what to do! It is seriously like it just doesn't like my computer. A netbook even picks it up and loads web pages FAST!!!

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Answer 14

Jul 22, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Browse007X

As this question is marked as "Answered", I'd suggest you begin a new post on your issue. That way, you can write out specifically what is the problem affecting your hardware.
Did you try using that computer on Ethernet to the router? Did it work then? Which model of Belkin router are you using? Have you contacted the company for support?

Again, this really would be best served by beginning a new post. Few people will look at an issue marked as Answered.

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