kyleness
Level 1 (4 points)
Notebooks

Q: WPA2 wifi on PowerBook G4 - possible?

hey PowerPeeps - upgraded my wifi router which uses WPA2 Personal encryption by default (preferred); older Powerbook G4 can deal w WEP (& LEAP) encryption only, so it rejects login attempts to the wifi

 

Does anyone know if there is a device or an app that can help this faithful old dog make the leap to this level of security?

 

I do know that i can back down the encryption on the router to WEP for the Powerbook (& everything else), but then security level is decreased for all my other newer devices (assuming they will work using WEP), so would def prefer not to

 

Any help, advice, or recommendations appreciated - thx! Kyle

Posted on Apr 10, 2016 8:45 PM

by Jan Hedlund,Apple recommended
Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund
Level 6 (9,864 points)
A:

There were many PowerBook G4 models/variants.

 

The requirements for WPA with AirPort (802.11b) and AirPort Extreme (802.11g) cards were:

  • Mac OS X 10.3 or later
  • AirPort software version 3.3 or later for the AirPort Card
  • AirPort software version 3.2 or later for the AirPort Extreme Card

 

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 a USB wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter instead, as indicated by BDAqua. The problem with USB adapters is that they need special driver software. If Mac OS X 10.5 is not possible, there may be a few USB adapters available with support for Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4 (often difficult to find, but examples may include versions of ASUS USB-N13). Check specifications and requirements before you buy.

 

An external wireless Ethernet bridge (connected to the Ethernet port of the computer) could be another alternative, albeit not as small as a USB adapter. There are such devices (also known as gaming or media adapters) from several manufacturers. Netgear WNCE2001 and Linksys WET610N are merely two examples. Normally, a separate power supply is needed as well (although the WNCE2001 could use USB in some cases). 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). Some of the Wi-Fi range expanders have an Ethernet port, and may be used in a similar way.

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 2:50 AM

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kyleness

Q: WPA2 wifi on PowerBook G4 - possible?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Apr 10, 2016 11:29 PM in response to kyleness
    Level 10 (123,467 points)
    Apr 10, 2016 11:29 PM in response to kyleness

    Solurion if you're running 10.5.x...

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/MXP3802NU2CO/

     

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/MXP3802NU2C/

  • by Jan Hedlund,Apple recommended

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Apr 11, 2016 2:50 AM in response to kyleness
    Level 6 (9,864 points)
    Apr 11, 2016 2:50 AM in response to kyleness

    There were many PowerBook G4 models/variants.

     

    The requirements for WPA with AirPort (802.11b) and AirPort Extreme (802.11g) cards were:

    • Mac OS X 10.3 or later
    • AirPort software version 3.3 or later for the AirPort Card
    • AirPort software version 3.2 or later for the AirPort Extreme Card

     

    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 a USB wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter instead, as indicated by BDAqua. The problem with USB adapters is that they need special driver software. If Mac OS X 10.5 is not possible, there may be a few USB adapters available with support for Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4 (often difficult to find, but examples may include versions of ASUS USB-N13). Check specifications and requirements before you buy.

     

    An external wireless Ethernet bridge (connected to the Ethernet port of the computer) could be another alternative, albeit not as small as a USB adapter. There are such devices (also known as gaming or media adapters) from several manufacturers. Netgear WNCE2001 and Linksys WET610N are merely two examples. Normally, a separate power supply is needed as well (although the WNCE2001 could use USB in some cases). 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). Some of the Wi-Fi range expanders have an Ethernet port, and may be used in a similar way.

  • by kyleness,

    kyleness kyleness Apr 11, 2016 7:57 AM in response to kyleness
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 11, 2016 7:57 AM in response to kyleness

    Hello BD & Jan - thx so much for the feedback; my PowerBook G4 is maxxed-out at OS 10.4.x, so I'll see if I can find a usb wi-fi that is backwards compat w that

     

    thx again, feel free to followup again if u have further ideas or come across a specific device that you think might work - meanwhile I will ck the ones you rec'ed

     

    thank you! Kyle

  • by kyleness,

    kyleness kyleness Apr 11, 2016 8:29 AM in response to kyleness
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 11, 2016 8:29 AM in response to kyleness

    think I found a couple, guys:

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Edimax/EW7811UN/

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/TRENDnet/TEW805UB/

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Apr 11, 2016 7:39 PM in response to kyleness
    Level 10 (123,467 points)
    Apr 11, 2016 7:39 PM in response to kyleness

    Good finds, but I'd ask OWD if they support PPC Macs in 10.4.x, drivers might be Intel code only!???

  • by kyleness,

    kyleness kyleness Apr 11, 2016 7:48 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 11, 2016 7:48 PM in response to BDAqua

    I gave them serial # so assume/hope that eliminated the potential pitfall you describe. Thx, will confirm back here when it arrives

  • by ziggy29,Helpful

    ziggy29 ziggy29 May 17, 2016 9:13 PM in response to kyleness
    Level 2 (293 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 17, 2016 9:13 PM in response to kyleness

    In addition to USB there are some PC card solutions for PowerBooks that have a PC Card slot.  I use one on my Pismo, and when you insert it into the slot, it acts just like an Airport card and more or less "hijacks" Airport control from the internal card.  The system treats it as if it were the built-in AirPort card.  The one I have supports WPA2 and 802.11g also.

     

    Here's the one I have; I don't know that it's sold anywhere any more but you may be able to find one on eBay:

     

    http://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-Extreme-Wireless-Cardbus-G54-CB/dp/B0000DIWTY

     

    I've also tried the USB adaptors on Tiger and Leopard and they work, but they seem to be limited to their USB 1.1 speeds so they are very slow.  A PC Card supporting WPA2 and 802.11g are much faster for me, as is the wireless ethernet bridge.  The wireless ethernet bridge also has the advantage of not being as OS dependent or driver dependent; the Mac sees it simply as an Ethernet connection, even in OS X pre-Tiger and in OS 9.

  • by kyleness,

    kyleness kyleness May 17, 2016 9:20 PM in response to ziggy29
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    May 17, 2016 9:20 PM in response to ziggy29

    Thx very much for his feedback ziggy, wish i couldve come across the info before ordering usb device. It just arrived & i havent tried it yet, but am now kinda dreading the inevitable lag it sounds like i will be saddled with. Didnt occur to me that the USB t'fer rate would be a bottleneck :-/ Will know soon