Karen Carlson
Level 1 (15 points)

Q: Intermittent problems connecting Mac Mini to wireless router

A couple of months ago I purchased a Mac Mini and I’m having intermittent problems connecting to the internet using my wireless router.  I have MAC and PC laptops, iPhones, and other devices which connect without any issues, and a wireless printer which sometimes changes it’s IP address but usually keeps the connection.

 

Then there is the Mini.  When it re-connects with the router (after powering up or being asleep) the menu bar indicates it’s connected, but I can’t access the internet.  When I go into the network preferences, the Status is On, but then the IP address is listed as a bunch of letters and numbers with a comment that it will not be able to connect to the internet.  Turning the Wi-Fi On and Off a number of times will usually/eventually find the actual IP, although sometimes I have to turn the computer Off/On to get it to connect.

 

I’ve updated all the software and have tried putting in the IP as a static number or otherwise changing anything under the advanced section, but nothing seems to hold and it defaults back to DHCP. 

 

Any thoughts?

Mac mini (Late 2012)

Posted on Apr 22, 2014 4:19 AM

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Karen Carlson

Q: Intermittent problems connecting Mac Mini to wireless router

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  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Apr 22, 2014 9:54 AM in response to Karen Carlson
    Level 10 (123,720 points)
    Apr 22, 2014 9:54 AM in response to Karen Carlson

    Hi Karen,

     

    Are you using any Bluetooth or USB3 items near it, there can be interference problems.

    Status is On, but then the IP address is listed as a bunch of letters and numbers with a comment that it will not be able to connect to the internet.

    That is strange, can you copy that here!?

     

    Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712

     

    10.5, 10.6, 10.7 & 10.8…

     

    System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

     

     

    10.5.x/10.6.x/10.7.x/10.8.x instructions...

     

    System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

     

    The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.

     

    If using Wifi/Airport...

     

    Instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

     

    For 10.5/10.6/10.7/10.8, System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...

     

    208.67.222.222

    208.67.220.220

     

    (There may be better or faster DNS numbers in your area, but these should be a good test).

    Click OK.