Connect old MacPro to existing non-Apple wireless network

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Level 1

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Connect old MacPro to existing non-Apple wireless network

My son has asked me to help setup his system. He has a Mac Pro 1,1 running OS 10.5.8 without built in wireless connectivity. He has access to a non-Apple based wireless network; there is from his location no possibility of connecting to the network by ethernet cable. We have access to a new Airport Express, a first generation Airport Express 802.11n, and an Airport Express 802.11n (2nd Generation.) We would appreciate any help getting connected to wifi. Many Thanks in advance.

Posted on Feb 7, 2015 9:11 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Feb 7, 2015 9:14 AM in response to BAF123

Get a USB wifi dongle

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Answer 2

Feb 7, 2015 10:27 AM in response to lllaass

lllaass' approach would be the least complex and most likely to succeed provided you get a USB Wi-Fi dongle with Mac support. I recommend a Dual-Band (2.4 AND 5GHz) if you can.

a non-Apple based wireless network

If that network is at least 802.11n (802.11g is NOT good enough) there is a possibility it could be combined with an Apple Router to make one of several different kinds of extended, multi-Router networks.

Performance of such Networks (where the Routers are connected only by Wi-Fi) STINKS. Half the Wi-Fi bandwidth is wasted in communicating between the Routers. There is also some risk that your particular third-party Router will not 'play nice with others' and such a network cannot be set up.

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Answer 3

Feb 7, 2015 10:23 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

This is the key explaining article, and it has links to additional articles for each type of extension you might consider:

Wi-Fi base stations: Extending the range of your wireless network by adding additional Wi-Fi base stations - Apple Suppo…

.

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Answer 4

The hatter

Level 9

60,980 points

Feb 7, 2015 10:25 AM in response to BAF123

Other than adding wireless where compatibility is the issue, I would say to avoid or that Apple brand networking equipment is oversold and less important.

First place to start a search:

AccelerateYourMac

From its search of its database of user reports are excellent tips.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Mac+Pro+wireless&sitesearch=xlr8yourmac.com&gws_ rd=ssl

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Answer 5

BAF123 Author

Level 1

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Feb 8, 2015 9:34 AM in response to BAF123

Many Thanks to all who have responded. I have ordered the EW-7811Un from OWC and will report once it is installed.

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Answer 6

BAF123 Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 10, 2015 3:39 PM in response to BAF123

EW-7811Un from OWC solved the problem and my son is connected to the internet! Of note is that the installation instructions were for windows only, but the mac instructions were readily available via Google.

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