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Internet sharing with WPA (and other security options)
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2000
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So for a while now I've been running my home network with some pretty poor security, since my old base proved to have inadequate range. I've currently got my G4/400 tower (with a built-in original AirPort card, 802.11b only) serving as my access point via Tiger.
My question is, is it possible to secure this network via WPA2 or even WPA? The only built-in option is WEP which is obviously quite pathetic.
Ideally I'd like to disable SSID broadcasting and enable WPA2 but have been completely unable to find any information about doing so.
Is WPA support a hardware requirement (which the original AP card wouldn't meet), or is there any way at all to enable this? I'd like to continue using this machine as my base-station as it has exceptional range, but the security issue really does bother me.
I'm more than willing to install another OS if OS X can't (as long as it isn't a hardware incompatibility).
Thanks in advance.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2000
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So, I take it this isn't easily doable then? Seems quite a massive thing to leave out, really.
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Administrator  Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: San Antonio TX USA
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I don't think the original AirPort card can handle WPA2. It might be able to handle WPA, if it has all the latest firmware. The problem is that there is so much that's changed since 802.11b was the only standard. It may be more effective for you to get a new wireless bridge (they're often called "game adapters") and connect that through your built-in Ethernet port. A new device should support all the current standards, which would allow you to use any security protocol you want.
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Glenn -----
OTR/L, MOT, Tx
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Status:
Offline
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The original Airport card (Lucent WaveLAN derivative) is capable of WPA. You'll need to install the Airport 3.3 and later software to get WPA support. If I remember correctly, you'll need Panther (10.3) at least.
However... I'm not sure if it can act as a base-station with WPA. I remember Apple only released that functionality to the Airport Extreme base stations operating in 802.11g.
Odd, though, that it has exceptional range. The original Airport cards didn't have an internal/integrated antenna which limited its range somewhat.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Apr 2000
Status:
Offline
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Yeah, I wasn't sure about whether it was a hardware limitation or not, but I assumed not as even more modern machines (such as my MBP) can't use WPA or WPA2 when acting as a base station, which really pisses me off actually.
It seems OS X just can't do it.
ginoledesma, the AirPort card plugs into an antenna that runs throughout the frame of the G4 tower, which is (I assume) why the range is so good... no dodgy little dipole antenna.
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