DaytonJer
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: iMac G4 WiFi modes

I have an old 700 MHz flat panel G4 that I've recently resurrected.  It has an Airport card, but I cannot get it to connect to my network.  I have an Airport Extreme base station.  I realize the computer won't support any modern encryption standards, so I tried using the guest network and turning off all encryption and it still won't connect.  Is it potentially an issue with the radio modes?  Any ideas are most appreciated.airport.jpg

Airport Extreme Base Station

Posted on Mar 27, 2016 4:15 PM

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DaytonJer

Q: iMac G4 WiFi modes

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Tristris389,Helpful

    Tristris389 Tristris389 Mar 27, 2016 7:20 PM in response to DaytonJer
    Level 1 (21 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 27, 2016 7:20 PM in response to DaytonJer

    most modern wireless routers don't support 802.11b regardless of security settings or not. i recommend you use a ethernet cable if possible.

  • by DaytonJer,

    DaytonJer DaytonJer Mar 27, 2016 7:21 PM in response to Tristris389
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 27, 2016 7:21 PM in response to Tristris389

    That's what I was afraid of....anyone recommend a fairly inexpensive wireless bridge that I can use to connect this via ethernet?  It's not even on the same floor as the router.....

  • by Tristris389,

    Tristris389 Tristris389 Mar 27, 2016 7:25 PM in response to DaytonJer
    Level 1 (21 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 27, 2016 7:25 PM in response to DaytonJer

    id try to find one on amazon. find one that says it supports your version of mac os. you might not find one that supports anything lower than leopard but you can try. Best of luck

  • by DaytonJer,

    DaytonJer DaytonJer Mar 27, 2016 7:29 PM in response to Tristris389
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 27, 2016 7:29 PM in response to Tristris389

    Or alternatively, will this computer support a newer Airport card?  Might have an easier time tracking one of those down on EBay....

  • by Tristris389,

    Tristris389 Tristris389 Mar 27, 2016 7:37 PM in response to DaytonJer
    Level 1 (21 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 27, 2016 7:37 PM in response to DaytonJer

    unfortunately your iMac G4 doesn't support a newer airport card.

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Mar 28, 2016 3:46 AM in response to DaytonJer
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Mar 28, 2016 3:46 AM in response to DaytonJer

    A modern wireless router is usually compatible with 802.11b with certain limitations (see, for example, the Tech Specs and System Requirements at http://www.apple.com/shop/product/ME918LL/A/airport-extreme), at least with the appropriate settings. In order to get additional information about an AirPort Extreme base station setup, it may not be a bad idea to post a question under the AirPort discussions. See also the general information Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support about radio modes, etc.

     

    The requirements for WPA with an AirPort card were:

    • Mac OS X 10.3 or later
    • AirPort software version 3.3 or later

     

    If you wish to use WPA2, or if there is a problem with WPA or earlier security protocols, with radio modes or speeds, you may want to try an external wireless Ethernet bridge (connected to the Ethernet port of the computer) instead. There are such devices (also known as gaming or media adapters) from several manufacturers (Netgear WNCE2001 and Linksys WET610N are merely two examples). Do pay attention to the specifications before you buy. Typically, a wireless Ethernet bridge setup can be done via a standard web browser (it does not have to be on the computer where the device is to be used later). Special driver software is mostly not needed, thus allowing the wireless Ethernet bridge to work under almost any operating system (even on some very old Macintosh computers, as long as they are Ethernet-capable).