pglages
Level 1 (5 points)
Mac OS X

Q: iBook G3 optional airport card connection

I have a 2003 iBook G3 with an optional airport card which doesn't connect to a new airport extreme base station.  Is it just too out-of-date to make the wifi connection to new base stations?  I can connect by ethernet.

Posted on Mar 21, 2015 12:11 PM

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pglages

Q: iBook G3 optional airport card connection

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  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Mar 21, 2015 12:50 PM in response to pglages
    Level 6 (9,901 points)
    Mar 21, 2015 12:50 PM in response to pglages

    The article https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht2594 contains information about the requirements for a connection to a base station with WPA security (if this is what you are using). However, although a plain AirPort card (802.11b) is mentioned there, it appears to be unclear whether it in fact is possible to use such a card with WPA. You may want to study posts in the AirPort communities to begin with.

     

    You may also (temporarily) want to switch off encryption (or use WEP) at an available base station (router) for a test. If one can connect then, you know that the problem is related to security settings.

     

    One alternative could possibly be to use a USB wireless adapter (with WPA/WPA2 capabilities), but these do usually require at least Mac OS X 10.3 (often higher). So, make sure that driver software is available for your system before you buy.

     

    Another option (albeit less portable) could be to connect a wireless Ethernet bridge (such as Netgear WNCE2001 or Linksys WET610n) to the Ethernet port. This kind of adapter does not need special drivers, and can thus be used under almost any operating system.

     

    Jan

  • by pglages,

    pglages pglages Mar 22, 2015 11:39 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 22, 2015 11:39 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan, I like the idea of the wireless adapter--do you have any suggestions where to look for a usb wireless adapter for a iBook G3 running os 10.4.11?  Thanks so much.

  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Mar 22, 2015 1:44 PM in response to pglages
    Level 6 (9,901 points)
    Mar 22, 2015 1:44 PM in response to pglages

    Hello,

     

    System requirements for adapters earlier known to work often appear to change with each hardware revision, so I cannot really recommend anything specific. However, the product specifications at http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Edimax/EW7811UN/ (just an example) at least mention 10.4.11, so that could perhaps be one possibility. There should be other devices (new or used) that could work as well. Things to check would be the chipset and any available Mac OS X 10.4.11 drivers for it. An iBook with USB 1.1 ports will limit the maximum speed, but it should otherwise be OK. Generally speaking, always ask a seller to confirm compatibility with your computer and operating system. Good luck!

     

    Jan

  • by pglages,

    pglages pglages Mar 25, 2015 6:12 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 25, 2015 6:12 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan, if you're still listening, the Edimax usb wireless adapter you referred to has worked for me.  I'm using it right now!  (It's not going to break any speed records, LOL, but completely adequate.)  Thanks so much for your knowledge and help.  Carter

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Mar 26, 2015 12:29 AM in response to pglages
    Level 6 (9,901 points)
    Mar 26, 2015 12:29 AM in response to pglages

    Carter,

     

    Glad to hear that, and good to know.

     

    Regards,

    Jan