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raferx · Oct 31, 2002, 02:41 AM

Just got a wireless network going last night with an iBook, I want to make it secure, do I have to install Airport software on the iBook to take advantage of the Linksys 128 (or 40, 64) bit WEP? As it stands, with the iBook stock (no Airport software) it runs great, but it won't give me a dialogue box for setting SSID network authentication or configuration (that I could find). Do I need the Airport software? Does Linksys have an OS X.2 Network Utitlity that they keep secret? I could find none on their site. Any feedback on this would be great.

ghporter · Oct 31, 2002, 07:27 AM

Yes, load the AirPort software on your iBook. Go for 128 bit WEP, too.

The biggest challenge most people run into with getting AirPort and a Linksys (or any other, non-Apple equipment) to work together with WEP is getting the keys set right. Your AirPort password is plain text, while just about everyone else uses straight hexidecimal characters.

This isn't a real problem, but you have to do things carefully. I would generate your WEP key with the Linksys first. Copy down each of the keys exactly. Now go to the AirPort software (I can never remember which you use for what-Setup Assistant or Admin Utility) and enter the keys. Start the entry with a "$" (without the quotes) to tell the AirPort software to use the entry as hex, rather than plain text. See-not hard, just needing some care.

raferx · Oct 31, 2002, 11:32 PM

Thanks GH! I'll set it up tonight or tomorrow (I have the flu) and let you know how it goes... I really appreciate your input!

ghporter · Nov 1, 2002, 08:56 AM

Good luck with the bug-I got over a 24 hour one last Thursday, but I'm still not 100% yet. Fortunately, tinkering with your network is something you can do in little pieces, when you feel like stirring around.

Feel better and enjoy your new, wire-free surfing!

raferx · Nov 3, 2002, 05:17 PM

No luck getting either Airport utility to let me enable WEP. Are you sure it can be done with the Linksys router? Both AAdminUt and AirSet Ass came back negative on any dialogue box for allowing a user to enter pasword codes... anymore help here would be great!

ghporter · Nov 3, 2002, 06:34 PM

I don't have a machine with 10.2 in front of me right now, but it was my impression that the dialog boxes hadn't changed much since OS X.0. Here's a link to Apple's how to document on the issue. Leafing through it reminded me that it's the Admin Utility that you use to change settings after the whole thing is set up. I believe (it's been a while) that you get pretty much the same screens using the Setup Assistant as you do with the Admin Utility, at least for certain items. And of course the Setup Assistant walks you through the process.

See if the document above helps-I hate getting lost in a control's various tabs and buttons, only to find out I took a wrong turn at Albuquerque about two steps in and need hand holding to find my way back!

raferx · Nov 3, 2002, 10:13 PM

Thanks a lot GH! I got it figured out right away with that PDF link you provided! Page 9 showed how to do it... you select a network from the airport signal icon in the menu bar! Man, I just didn't even think to use that shortcut! Nice work Apple... man they have got their sh*t together! The best thing is, now you can choose in the password connect drop down menu from 64 or 128 bit HEX or ASCI! No more "$" in front. The iBook is up and running 128 WEP thanks to your help GH. I still have the flu bad, but at least my network is protected.

ghporter · Nov 4, 2002, 09:39 AM

Congratulations! Now you can sit back, sick as a dog, and enjoy your wireless network without security worries! Seriously, I'm glad I could help, and I hope you get better soon.

raferx · Nov 4, 2002, 06:56 PM

Yeah, it's a simple pleasure that's all my own. My wife just looks at me like I'm speaking Greek when I tell her she's running on a 128bit WEP network... back to the Dimetapp for me.
G'night.
:o