Apple Tower

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Level 1

19 points

Apple Tower

We are connected to Spectrum for TV, Internet, and telephone. Their Wi-Fi feature is very clumsy compared to the "tower" (which I have also in another location). I do not care how their internet features work nor the fact that I cannot see on my iMac the "network" connection.

When I click on the WiFi fan on my iMac or my Mac Laptop and the tab opens showing if the WiFi isconnected and the status of the connection, I am getting a "toggling" effect that is constantly switching from "WiFi: ON" to "WiFi: Looking for Network". I have never seen that before. Spectrum says that is normal! It just doesn't sound right. Spectrum claims that is how their configuration works. I am not confident about that and would like to get me an Apple Tower.

Question: From the Spectrum ARRIS modem I can connect via ethernet cable to the Apple Tower? And configure the ID's and password? How do I eliminate the Wi-Fi 2.4 and 5.0G so that those parameters are ONLY managed from the tower? Do I need to advise Spectrum to "turn off" the wi-fi on their modem?

Please advise so I can order the Tower ASAP. Thanks, Richard

Posted on Jun 4, 2020 2:09 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,440 points

Jun 4, 2020 4:49 PM in response to rbfrank

When someone buys a new Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone etc.. and wants Internet access they need at least a Internet modem and router. Most ISP's will supply (for a rental fee) an Internet Modem and router. The ISP will typically set it up for you and ask what you want your network named and what password you want to use. Your Wi-Fi device(s) will connect to the supplied device, when it initially looks for a Wi-Fi connection it will look to see what is local and then ask what the password is. This is why you MUST keep your Router's password available.

If you have a home (like mine) that supports a lot of Wi-Fi devices (I have over 30) and/or you have a large home you may need a more robust network than what the ISP supplies. Then you need to look into router system that can support a large number of devices all over your home. These types of router systems are called Mesh Networks and are known to be easy to setup and also provide coverage throughout the house. For example about a 1 ½ years ago I found I wasn't able to support my new Apple TV4K and 4K TV to watch the beautiful 4K content because I did not have adequate wi-fi coverage throughout the house. So I got a Mesh network that covered the whole house (and front & back yards) and now I'm back in business.

So to answer your question, you chose your ISP and they supplied your Internet Modem and Router. If you find that your needs expand and you need even more bandwidth than what they offer then it's time to look into a Mesh network.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,556 points

Jun 5, 2020 8:45 AM in response to rbfrank

You need to get one that is supported by your ISP since it has to work with their equipment (modem). When I had Comcast, they published a list of compatible routers and modems, so contact your ISP and ask.

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,556 points

Jun 4, 2020 3:06 PM in response to rbfrank

You use your ISP's modem/router combo for both wired and Wifi

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Answer 4

rbfrank Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 4, 2020 2:43 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Am I going crazy? Or is this an old ... very old ..... apple product? Maybe it goes by another name. It is not an ISP.

From the ISP modem/router an ethernet cable is connected to a "tower" that sends WiFi signals to the Apple TV, to the iPhones, etcetera. Is it called AIRPORT ? The software is the "airport utility 6.3.9"? Please let me know I am not going crazy; just old. Same question !

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Answer 5

rbfrank Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 4, 2020 3:00 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your reply. So when someone buys a new iMac or similar, what "airport device" is being suggested or recommended by Apple to connect to an ISP? How does Mac connect to the internet now-a-days?

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Answer 6

rbfrank Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 5, 2020 4:39 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for your detailed explanation. It was very helpful and clarified the issue regarding the Apple Airport.

So I guess my next question is: There are quite a few makers with fine looking modem/routers in the market with prices that seem to be "decent". If I don't care for the Wi-Fi offered by Spectrum, are there any modem/routers in the market that will work better with Macs than others?

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Answer 7

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,440 points

Jun 4, 2020 2:26 PM in response to rbfrank

Apple has no tower and is not an ISP, what are you asking for?

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Answer 8

rbfrank Author

Level 1

19 points

Jun 5, 2020 9:03 AM in response to babowa

Thanks for the information. Richard

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Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,440 points

Jun 4, 2020 2:52 PM in response to rbfrank

Apple used to make routers, they were called Airport devices however Apple got out of the router business several years ago. They also use to make Mac Pro's that were also called towers. That is the best I can gather what you are referring to.

As your ISP has already provided you with a working Wi-Fi solution I would recommend just leaving it alone as long as it is working okay.

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