New Macbook Air - wifi connectivity problems

Hey guys,


Hope someone can help?


I have a brand new Macbook Air which is able to connect to the internet for just a minute or two before suddenly it drops out. This is even though the signal still shows at full strength and all my other devices are still able to surf the net as per normal.


This device is straight out of the box so no 3rd party applications have been installed. I heard that the wifi has been upgraded to 802.11n on this machine, could that be an issue?


Do i need to return the machine or is there is a software fix for this problem?


Thanks heaps!


Vicky

MacBook Air, iOS 6.1.4

Posted on Jun 13, 2013 5:55 AM

Reply
2,163 replies

Jul 3, 2013 4:30 AM in response to Randal Guymer

Hi Randal Guymer! Thanks for this information about you and your partner's new 2013 MBA.


I'm in the same situation with the same lucky outcome - mine works wherever I take it.


I'm sure Apple recognise they need information about the detailed setup arrangements from 2013 MBAs that work.


Any software/hardware trouble shooter will understand that, as with any problem, comparing "what just works" with "what just does not" is the place to look for solutions.


For this reason I have posted the detailed setup of my MBA and of those routers that I have had access to (hotels, airports and starbucks just don't advertise that stuff!).


Apple can search for my info in this thread.


Several posters have already explained how to find this detailed information in their MBA - easy to search for it because their posts are padded out by long lists of information in geek-speak.


T H I S I S A C A L L F O R A N Y B O D Y R E A D I N G T H I S T H R E A D W H O 'S 2013 MBA "J U S T W O R K S" T O P O S T T H E I R MBA WiFi S E T U P H E R E.


T H A N K S!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Jul 3, 2013 5:18 AM in response to vhkim

I bought a MBA 13. I am having the same problems as almost everybody.

I think there should be no need for me to bchanging my modem/router device or configuration. The machin should work in any place and with any wifi config. That is the reasson it is a portable computer that cost 2k $

I am from Argentina, i can not take it back and be refound or exchange it.

Thas anybody knows anything about the progress in the fix? will it be solve or will we have to get used to this issues?

Thanks, and very sorry for my awful english.

Jul 3, 2013 6:01 AM in response to arielchari

Hey,


Sorry to insist and for repeating myself but for those who are forced to keep their new MBA and wait for Apple to fix the issue:


I FOUND A GOOD TEMPORARY SOLUTION to connect to the internet with your new MBA in spite of the current wifi problem.


My boyfriend got me a simple wireless usb adapter! You just stick it to your USB port and wow! it finds even more networks than usual and the speed is fast. It costs about $30 onwards. I know this will not fix the original problem but at least you can connect! For me it was stable and even faster at home than with my old and good working Macbook Pro.


After struggling for days like everybody else with a connection that was dropping all the time, I could suddenly have a very good and stable connection at home (with no Apple router!) and elsewhere.

I am not a technician. But I just know that this stuff works and that was temporarily enough for me


But be careful with the choice of the little device. Not all of them are compatible with Apple.

All I know is that mine works well: the brand is "EnGenius" and the model is "Long Range Wireless N150 USB Adapter". It is black with a little antenna.

Sorry for supporting a non Apple device but it is a case of emergency. I am sure many other brands are ok. But I saw that some do not work. Just make sure with the seller beforehand


As for me, since I was still in the range of 14 days, I just returned my MBA 13" in spite of my new acquisition. I want to buy a new one when they are flawless.


Good luck to all!


Nathalie

Jul 3, 2013 8:27 AM in response to vhkim

Hi guys, want to ask a question here, anyone in Sydney that ordered custom Air 2013 online? how long does it take to ship to your home? I ordered this Monday it said will deliver 05/07/2013- 8/07/2013. But till now the status is still processing, which means they haven't post it out yet, I`m start worry about this because I will away from Sydney from 9th of July, Where your guys Macbook air ship from? China or local warehouse? is the est date 8/07 reliable? thank you!

Jul 4, 2013 12:52 AM in response to vhkim

As i predicted earlier, ...I assumed this wifi issue fix would be buried inside an OX Update 10.8.5 rather than a mere “wifi patch/update”


Today Apple seeded a SECOND BETA of 10.8.5 which is built 12F17, whereas first beta of 10.8.5 was build 12F13



Can any confirm that this new beta build contains buried within the wifi OSX fix,…


And ALSO ADDITIONALLY a fix for the wifi 802ac throttling issue found in the TCP limitation found to occur in Mac OS?


When bootcamped AIRS were checked, wifi speeds increased 189% (over 2012 macs) because the TCP blocks were higher in WIN than in Mac of 41% (over 2012 macs) , a known issue to be fixed in upcoming OS


User uploaded file

Jul 4, 2013 3:31 AM in response to brianbriareos

Ive had a senior Apple rep tell me the same 2 days ago basically he just said “WPA2….etc etc Router settings…..etc etc.”


When I calmly and nicely mentioned that public wifi routers are not under the purview of the user to change or modify, that obvious comment infuriated him.


Apple can get ANYONE with enough work to get their AIRS to work at home. But an AIR is not a desktop, its premise is not home use.


The logical premise of the new Macbook Air in denotation is:


#1. AS RELIABLE on junk/public wifi AS prior AIR models...

#2. And much faster connection WHEN and WHERE possible on increasing 5ghz and 802ac wifi.


Right now, #2 is achievable AT HOME (or work), or where the user can modify, update router firmware, or change things around.


But #1 is NOT in place (relative to earlier Airs).


Air users don’t need a fix for #2, but #1, which is really about 80% of what the AIR is meant and designed for, leaching off public access wifi.


I know Apple is working on it, and im patient for the fix.., theyre answerable to shareholders (myself) and everyone else to make this fix expedited however.

Jul 4, 2013 3:29 AM in response to vhkim

Update on the UK New MacBook Air 1st MBA would not hold an internet connection although could hold the WiFi signal with a Huawei router b/g with WPA2 in a very crowded signal enviornment. No problem for 2 x iPhone5, 2 x iPad and MacBook Pro. Took it to London Genius Bar replaced, and new MBA is now working fine, also tested in cafes, London Heathrow Airport and Munich Airport...The Genius Bar was aware of the issue. I hope this helps

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New Macbook Air - wifi connectivity problems

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