Q: New Macbook Air - wifi connectivity problems

Update:

I had posted in the beginning that a reformat solved the problem. It didn't. I later posted that changing the firmware on my Asus RT-N16 router from DD-WRT to Tomato solved the problem. Well, it didn't. It seems to merely make it happen less often. Anytime I try to do a time machine backup over the network, or transfer any large file, then the network traffic stops working. All local network drives stop connecting, internet doesn't work, can't ping other devices. Just as before, every other device on the network (2007 Macbook Pro, 2011 Macbook Pro, iPad Mini, iPhone 4S, 2011 Mac Mini) continues to work flawlessly. For everyone's information, I'm running an Asus RT-N16 router with Tomato version 1.28 (Shibby build) with WPA / WPA2 Personal + AES.

I paid $1800 for a computer that can't even transfer a 1GB file over a network without crashing. I'm returning this piece of junk. It's quite clear that no one even bothered to test the computer before they shipped it worldwide.

Update, my MBA as been "captured"! Went to the Apple Store @ Grand Central for my Genius Appt. As soon as I mentioned Wifi he wanted to swap for a new one. Apparently Apple has instructed Genie's to swap out MBA's that exhibit the wifi issue so they can diagnose.

Mine didn't want to work with 802.11g WPA. 

has anybody had any success or problems with the cisco/linksys E2000 router?

When my E2000 was running DD-WRT it was stuck in 802.11g mode (not sure if the 11g was relative) and it was a nightmare.  When I flashed it back to the default firmware, it was fine (and in 11n mode)

the problems dont exist in the routers or base stations. I have a new Mac Air 2013

works perfect on the new Extreme, and works anywhere hotspot thru/to the iphone.

The problem ALSO is certainly NOT the reported antenna wifi placement in the hinge as reported "losing signals when placed on a table/metal table. This has already been disproved.

The only 2 deductive possibilities as Apple likely already concluded is bad handshaking between the 802ac and the Mountain Lion OS

or #2. firmware 802ac wifi protocols which are booting connection.

The possibility of this being hardware sourced are next to nill, both logically and as evidenced by process elimination.

ERGO, 1 of 2 things.... OS update to handshake better with next-breed 802ac wifi ......or wifi firmware protocols shunting priority to connectivity rather than optimized speed defaults when using stone age wifi in timbuktu coffee shops etc etc.

The Courtyard I am at has been fine all day, I am connected to a 2.4ghz 802.11n network with no security.  for what that is worth...

Hi Mike, your new MBA wifi works good?

until an update is issued, which I bet will be within a week or so, if you are on the go, hotspot your IPHONE with your new Mac Air

from all examination, Ive seen NOBODY reporting a problem getting connected or having wifi-booting problems thru their Iphone hotspot. 

Love my macbook air, much nicer / faster/ runs cooler/ writes faster than my old 2011 Air. 

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/24/apple-allegedly-looking-into-macbook-air-wifi -issue-replacing-m/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadge t

All of you return your Macs back to an Apple Store. I will personally do so when I have my MBA delivered to me , if the slightest issue arrises.

Maliath, look at my last post. I have the Asus RT 16 working w.o issues. What dd-wrt firmware version are you using ? Try the one I have. And use WPA2 Personal with AES. Folks here seem to have success with it.

Experiencing the same issue with my new MBA 13" i7.  My first Apple Macbook purchase....

My iPhone connects to the wifi perfectly, but my Air looks like it is connected, but it is not.  The only way I fix it is to restart the wifi on my Air.

Guidance or suggestions from anyone?

I had this issue with the new mid-2013 Macbook Air 13" at my home.  We have a Linksys WRT54G router.  I upgraded the firmware on the router to v1.02.8 (latest version) and all issues were resolved.  Strong, steady connection now.  Just thought I'd offer my solution to you guys, in case it might apply to your situation.

Same here, received my 13" MBA last night, connection fails on TKIP. Changed to AES and works perfectly. That's not really a fix, waiting on Apple to maybe update the firmware? If not I'm returning it.

New 2013 macbook air: wifi "silently" disconnects around 3 times per hour though signal strength shows max. Turning wifi off and on solves the problem. Extremely annoying. Apple: please INFORM and SOLVE.

Even though my new Air runs better at home now (changed to WPA2, changed channel, moved wifi ahead of bluetooth in service order) it still goes slower when other laptops in my family are connected to wifi and still drops occasionally.  My concern is when I go to a friends or family members house where they have a router I can't adjust.  I am on my 2nd Air since 6/11 and think I will return this one also. 

Apple, I think you should extend the return period for the purchasers of the new Air products for an extra couple of weeks until you are able to confirm a fix is in the works...