Wireless Connection to TRENDnet router is weak :(

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Wireless Connection to TRENDnet router is weak :(

Hi folks!

I own a 12 inch powerbook, and I enjoyed great internet connection until my 2Wire DSL box died, and we had it replaced by a SpeedStream box and Trendnet router. Now my mac only has internet connection when it's in the same room as the router. If I go downstairs (or any other room, really) the connection is lost. I called Trendnet, and they had me change the "channel" (w/e that means) but it still did not help.

My sisters use their own laptops around the house, and their internet connection in just fine. I know my mac is fine if I use it at a library or coffeebean, so what's the deal with my house connection?

Any ideas?
Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Sep 22, 2009 1:12 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

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250,259 points

Sep 22, 2009 1:30 PM in response to e.sad

Hi e.sad, and a warm welcome to the forums! 🙂

Sometimes changing the Channel works, there are 1 thru 11, but only 1, 6, and 11 are real non overlapping frequencies, and those are generally the best 3 to try, but for odd reasons any of them may work better than another one.

http://www.moonblinkwifi.com/2point4freq.cfm

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wifihomenetworking/qt/wifichannel.htm

You don't say which PB you have, do you know if it's 802.11b/g capable?

A workaround might be one of these...

http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=11491&Item=NWTMXP802GU2

http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=10303&Item=NWTMXP802NU2C

Far better Range and Speed than Airport cards as a rule.

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Answer 2

e.sad Author

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Sep 25, 2009 5:53 PM in response to BDAqua

thanks for your reply and the warm welcome 🙂

i talked to TRENDnet, and they talked me through several different things to try, all of which did not solve the problem.

They suggested that I update or upgrade my driver for the wireless adapter. My question is... How do I go about doing that? haha

I have a 12 inch powerbook, version 10.4.11

thanks!

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 25, 2009 6:15 PM in response to e.sad

They suggested that I update or upgrade my driver for the wireless adapter.

Do you have an adapter, or an Airport Card?

Go up to the Apple icon at top Left & click on it, then choose About this Mac>More Info...

Highlight Hardware on ythe left then copy & Paste like this, but not the Serial #...

Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: Power Mac G4
Machine Model: PowerMac3,5
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 2
CPU Speed: 1.3 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU): 2 MB
Memory: 1.5 GB
Bus Speed: 133 M

Then click on the little disclosure triangle beside Network, \click on Airport Card if that is what you have, copy & paste like this...

AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: 9.52
Current Wireless Network: t˜z$^&Aʼsp˙ork1.3
Wireless Channel: 6

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Answer 4

e.sad Author

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Sep 25, 2009 10:36 PM in response to BDAqua

Hardware Overview:

Machine Name: PowerBook G4 12"
Machine Model: PowerBook6,8
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.5)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.5 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1.25 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz

AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: 405.1 (3.90.34.0.p18)
Current Wireless Network: TRENDnet
Wireless Channel: 6

...like this? btw, thank you for your help!

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 25, 2009 11:19 PM in response to e.sad

like this?

Perfect! 🙂

I don't see a problem with any of that, unfortunately OSX has been one string of Airport problems for many, one after another.

Some have had success by replacing the Airport kext with an older version, but for my money, those USB WIFI sticks are a far better solution!

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Answer 6

e.sad Author

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Sep 28, 2009 11:12 AM in response to BDAqua

thanks for the info!

so it looks like i will be buying one of those usb things. how exactly does that work? is there a monthly charge for that? does it connect me to other networks (anywhere i go) or just my personal network at home?

also, any idea why my powerbook connects just fine wirelessly when i'm at the public library or local coffee house? but at home, it refuses to work 😟

thanks! just curious 😉

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Sep 28, 2009 12:09 PM in response to e.sad

is there a monthly charge for that?

Nope, several companies have similar looking things that only connect to their Particular networks, but these aren't that at all.

does it connect me to other networks (anywhere i go) or just my personal network at home?

Yes, it'll be just like an external Airport Card really. You just need to install the Drivers that come with it.

any idea why my powerbook connects just fine wirelessly when i'm at the public library or local coffee house? but at home, it refuses to work

Only thing I can guess at this point, is that possibly your Home Router/Modem needs a Firmware update?

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