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Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

iMac Wi-Fi update v1.0 : is it working for you?

I'm running Lion OS on an iMAC. Experienced the wifi - connectivity problems in regard to the Sleep function. In addition to this, I was also experiencing multiple drops in connection throughout the day- sometimes 40+ drops a day. iMac was also running extremely slow. Reconnecting was not always easy, I would get multiple "time outs" and other times my network couldn't be found at all.

Since updating yesterday as per a gracious poster who posted this update

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1501?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

my iMAC is running faster. I have only had the wifi connect upon sleep problem twice, but it resolved itself quickly when I found my network and just clicked on it in the drop down. I have not had any drops since. I'm wondering how others are faring with the new update?

iMac

Posted on Feb 25, 2012 8:27 AM

86 replies

lenny491

Level 1

15 points

Feb 26, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

I'm using Time Capsule 1st gen. After this update WiFi works flawlessly!

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 1:36 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Thank you for catching this: she has a 27 in 2010 iMac. My apologies.

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 1:41 PM in response to Javajoe

My apologies. As Joseph Kris pointed out, the update is for 2009 and up. My friend has the 27 in 2010 iMac....sorry for the confusion.

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 3:09 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Airport Express Model Number A1084, (802.11b/g compatible

Airport Utility 5.6

I am not seeing anything stating which firmware I have when I open Airport Utility. Only the information posted above.

(It is an old router to be sure. I'm sure it's probably time to replace it). Do you think that would help the issue that I am having? It isn't as bad with the v1.0 but I'd like to avoid having the issue. Thanks, Joseph Kriz.

Feb 26, 2012 3:19 PM in response to Cåts

If you are using Airport Utility 5.6, it should tell you the version right on the opening page before you even have to log in...

It should saysomething like this:

Airport Name: ?????

IP Address: xxxxxxxx

Version: ?????

If you have the older "g" version then the latest update is something like version: 6.3 or something similar...

I don't think upgrading to a newer Airport Express would help these problems..

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 3:30 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

You are correct. It says 6.3 for the version.

Upgrading the router to a newer Airport Express wouldn't help? Could you shed some light on why? I'm asking because you obviously know your stuff, and when I was on the phone with Applecare a week ago, they seemed to think that I needed to update my router, but it left me with a big question mark. They said that people generally buy new routers every 2 years! I didn't think it was necessary but was beginning to think, after this update, that maybe it was my router. Thanks for your time. I appreciate it.

Feb 26, 2012 3:50 PM in response to Cåts

I have friends that have older versions and aren't having these problems.

I think this is like buying anything else, they always want to sell you a new car.....

You could always buy a new one and keep your old one for Airplay to a stereo somewhere in your house...

Use the new one as the main base station and the older one to Join the network so you can play music... or printing to a printer in another room, etc....

Myself, I started out with on older Express, then added another to a stereo, and then another...

Sold all 3 older units on eBay for about half price and then bought 3 newer "n" version along with an new Airport Extreme...

The Airport Extreme is my main base station now and the others are hooked to stereos in other rooms and outbuildings....

Depends on how much you want to spend I guess.... 🙂

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 4:07 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

When you wrote:

"Some of you may be using an old router that the cat dragged in from the back yard."

I was certain you were going to say that my router was old. I got it in '06 I believe 🙂.

I considered that when Applecare Tech suggested buying a new router..it was like trying to sell me a new car.

Sounds like you have a nice set up! Can I ask, what is the difference with the "n" version?

For now, I really don't want to spend the money if I don't have to. I just want this issue to be resolved. I would have posted sooner but...I lost my connection again 😝 This time it took a bit longer to get "connected".

I keep hearing that the newer routers are faster. I will say that before this v1.0 update, my iMac has gotten considerably slower, but with the update, it has gotten faster again. Still having the drop wifi drop outs, but like I said, they are easier to "reconnect" now.

P.S. Cool photo on your profile. Thanks for all your input. Appreciate it.

Feb 26, 2012 4:12 PM in response to Cåts

its not my router. I think lion only wants you to use items made in 2011 to future. My imac worked just fine under snow lepord. I bought this Imac nov 2010. updated to lion when it was released, big mistake. I use an At&t dsl wireless router. my ipad, iphone4, macbook08, ipod touch, apple tv(2) work just fine.

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 4:14 PM in response to Peter_Belgium

Joseph Kriz posted:

"It might be a good idea for everyone to post which wireless router they are using....

I have an Airport Extreme 4th generation and am not having any problems...

Airport Extreme = 4th generation

Airport Utility = 5.6 (and 6.0)

Airport Firmware = 7.6.1

Some of you may be using an old router that the cat dragged in from the back yard.

Unless you tell us, we have no way of knowing what you have....."

Post your info and maybe someone can help you. I'm not getting the exclamation point anymore, and drop outs are less now and easier to reconnect. But be sure to post the above mentioned information so someone can help you. NOOO....don't put it on eBAY!!! 😝

Feb 26, 2012 4:15 PM in response to Cåts

Here are some basic differences...

1. The "n" versions will allow you to transfer files faster to another computer in your house.

It does not speed up the Internet however...

2. It also allows you to use another Apple base station to "Extend" the wireless network throughout greater distances in your house if you have a large house...

(You can do this with older models but not in the Extend mode and it also slows down your entire network)

3. The newer Extreme models have Dual Band... Meaning they have both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz running both at the same time... (not the Express model though)

Those are just some of the differences between old and new...

One reason I would recommend the new Extreme is not only because of the "n" but also the "Simulatneous Dual Band"....

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD031LL/A/AirPort-Extreme?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 4:18 PM in response to superfly_ind_st

Yes, your other devices work fine because they aren't running Lion. Same thing here, all my devices work fine, althought I did run into one day when none of them worked at all. None of them. Is your router firmware up to date?

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 4:32 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Thanks for the link. Very informative. And thanks for your explantion.

Let me ask a simple question: when you say it can extend the wireless network throughout greater distances in the house....is there a possibility that it would also extend somewhat into my backyard? Currently, I can only get

internet on my deck. (My backyard is 200 feet deep). Is there a possiblity that I would be able to get alittle further out then being confined to my deck? Lame question, I know. But I figure if I can get to the deck now, then the walls are not interfering. I'm just curious because it would be nice in the summer to be able to bring the iPad outside and not be confined to the deck!😉

Feb 26, 2012 5:04 PM in response to Cåts

Yes, that would extend the signal beyond your deck... as long as you are using "n" devies from Apple....

See this Apple diagram and article:

To learn about other options for expanding your Wi-Fi base station wireless network and things you should consider before expanding your network, click here.

Set up: Components of an extended network

➊ Primary Wi-Fi base station (this is the base station connected directly to the Internet)
➋ Extended base station

Configuring a wireless extended network

If you get a good signal on the deck but not too much further, put an Airport Express in the "Extend a wireless network" mode near your deck wall inside....

The devices on the deck may or may not connect to it as needed, but the devices further out in the yard will connect to it.

In the photo above it shows another Airport Extreme but an Airport Express will do the same thing...

Cåts Author

Level 5

4,566 points

Feb 26, 2012 5:47 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

They would all have to be N devices? So, then, my g wouldn't work out then, right? Or am I missing something?

If the Airport Express G doesn't work, then I need to get 2 "n"s? Now, here is the thing: My cable modem is in front of the house. As I understand it ..are you saying that the main Airport would be connected to the modem in the front of the house, and then, the secondary Airport Express would be inside, (in the Extend a wireless network" mode, near the deck wall?

Could I use my G for that- or..do I have to have 2 "n"s?

This is all so very helpful. I'm going to read through those links again while I eat some Watermelon Sherbet. Thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate it.🙂

iMac Wi-Fi update v1.0 : is it working for you?