Q: WiFi Issues With MacBook Air

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I was having Wifi connectivity issues with my 2013 Macbook and my 802.11g router. It would connect and drop off what seemed like constantly. I tried changing the channel and still had the same issues.

Information from Apple Wifi Specialist: The 2013 Macbooks work best with 802.11n routers or later (preferably 802.11ac).

The 802.11g router is of older (2003) technology and the 2013 Macbook Airs have the lastest technology. I upgraded my router to 802.11ac and have had no drop offs at all. I chose to go with the new Airport extreme.

Glad you found a solution to your MBA wi-fi issues.  However, the solution you found defeats the very reason for buying an MBA, which is it's portability for travel.  I frequently travel internationally, and would like the portability of the MBA, but I need a sensitive and robust wi-fi capability to connect to various hotel and airport hotspots.  In this scenario, one does not have any control over the available wi-fi signal, you take what you get or go without.  I'm currently using a small ASUS netbook which has phenomenal wi-fi performance however, the Atom processor lacks performance.  I guess I'll keeep looking.

I solved my wifi issues by deactiveating "Wake for WiFI Network access".

After 3 days with the 2013 MBA I activated this feature which was previously deactivated. Then I lost all visability of my router (Airport Extreame running latest software).

I was alble to see other computers on my subnet via Bonjour. I was not able to ping or see the default router IP address of the APEx. Once I deactiatated the  "Wake for WiFI Network access" the internet access came back.

One interesting thing is that initially I was alerted to the issue when the MBA give a message saying that there was another computer using it's IP address.. Then I noticed that there was no connection to the internet.

The MBA was connected to the Wifi and was allocated an IP address.

Hope this helps / Donal

My spouse has a 2011 MBA with no connection issues whatsoever.  I replied in the past but there were some folks around here who were so upset and emotinal and not willing to consider alternatives.

My spouse had the same issues and, unfortunately, Apple wasn't much help (although they traditionally have been).  My spouse was having problems mostly connecting at home to our 4th Time Capsule, but was able to connect outside our home.  What I did was change the profile while away from home, or outside of my home local network, and it worked (at least for a while). 

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon it but by deleting my profiles both on the computer AND keychain access, I was able to connect and never had problems since.  For some unusual reason, especially when buying an new MBA but keeping the same router, the keychain access in the MBA kept multiple profiles, passwords, etc..  By deleting all of those and starting over, I resolved all my connection issues and my spouse has had ZERO connection issues since then.  She consistently runs at 300mb/s.

Hope this helps someone.

This sounds like my problem too.  I just bought my MacBook Air 13" on Tuesday, and it drops the connection constantly.  I disable the WiFi, and re-enable it, and this it works for a little while.  I took it to the Apple Expert where I bought it, and it worked fine in their store.  I came back to the campus where I am a student, and the same problem is still happening.  I doubt the university is going to upgrade its routers for me, and I am the only one with the problem.  If Apple would simply confess that this is the problem, I could make a decision.  They say it is the not the older router, so there I am stuck.  I hope they are simply waiting for me to give up (a student does not drop $2000 and walk away a few days later).

I tried the solutions I have found in this thread, and none have worked.  Google searches have articles (not from Apple) about this being a known issue for this new MacBook Air, but are not going public with it. 

It's no doubt something they need to address because it's not as if this many MBA owners are just delusional and don't know how to operate wifi.  The fix I mentioned in my previous thread worked for me - sort of.  I now am not getting disconnected as often but the speed is atrocious.  Probably 1/4 of the download speed of my 2006 HP Laptop using the same wifi connection, despite the MBA hardware being superior in every way.

I just spent many hours with a tech at apple to try to resolve the problem.  He will not acknowledge that they have a problem, and since Apple clearly has no regard for its customers regarding this issue, I don't want to be one of their customers.  They have a lot of disciples that will follow them anywhere, so they can make their mega profits on them.  This first time buyer has been taken for granted, and will not be a second time buyer.  Or first time for that matter as this is being returned on Saturday.

This is a great forum with experienced people - I wish you the best for your apple experiences.

This may be unhelpful, but switching to a new router, preferably an Apple one might solve your problem. Annoying I know. For other people's Wifi, until Apple fixes this problem, the rumour is that external wifi dongles get around the problem. Again, more money and annoying.

I had the problem with my old Linksys g modem so I bought an Extreme and now it connects very well with the 802.11AC connection. Fast and stable and because it's a Timecapsule, it works very well as a backup (and a fast one too).

That is why (I think) it works at Apple stores. THEY have the latest versions of their own routers. If you can afford it, do that. If not, then try buying a wifi dongle and using that until they fix the problem.

Unfortunately, I am in a university campus, and need to use their wifi network, so buying an Apple router is not an option.  I am not familiar with the dongle - is it an attachment via the USB, and is simply a piece of hardware?

I think you can buy little USB devices that give a computer without wifi built in the capability. I don't have one so I can't give a specific recommendation.

My brand new MBA was having the same problem, but no other Apple devices in the house were and the MBA had no problems on other wifi systems. After spendng all morning on the phone with Apple Care, and trying numerous fixes, they finally solved the problem by having me change my router security from WPA to WPA2/WPA.

As Carbon_Dragon stated, I had the same connection problem with my linksys and made a trip to my local Mac store and got a new Airport Extreme. Problem solved. Have my Macbook Air, iPhone, my wife's iPad and her PC all connected in minutes. Store clerk told me that the new Airport Extreme was released the same day as the new MacBook Air so Apple must have know that there was a problem with the new and faster WiFi system in their Air laptops.

As mentioned earlier, I am on the university network, and I doubt that they are going to swap out their equipment for one apple laptop (all the older macs are fine) that Apple has a problem with.  Again, if they even acknowledged the problem to their customers with the problem, I might hang on for a solution to come out.  The lack of respect for thier customers with the problem is the reason to return the device.  I know this site is not for venting, I am just wishing someone from Apple would actually read these posts and show some concern.  I am desperately hoping for a reason to not return this product tomorrow.