[Andrej]

This should be an easy one for folks,

I just acquired a (working) A1026 for my iMac G5, which is hooked up to the internet via DSL modem. You know, the usual internet access.

I want to access my internet from the kitchen with my Powerbook, since it has wi-fi, but I keep getting "connection timeout" or "connection failed" errors on my Powerbook, even when the separation between the two computers is only 4 feet.

I've turned off File Sharing on both computers. Both computers use 10.5.1.


On my iMac, I have selected "Create Network..." from which I specify the name, a channel (I have it on Automatic (11)), and I set a 13-character password for 128-bet WEP. Then I turn on Internet Sharing so that my Built-in Ethernet connection is shared to those computers using Airport (hence, wi-fi internet).

On my Powerbook, I am unable to join that network for no matter what password security I use. Sometimes, the connection attempt results oscillate between "connection timeout" and "connection failed." Other times, it's just a straight "connection timeout" with each attempt.


Alright, so what's going on?

[peeb]

Have you tried turning off the passwords? You have enabled internet sharing?

[Andrej]

I have already tried turning off passwords, and that didn't work.

I tried turning on internet sharing for my other computer (share Airport with computers connected by Ethernet), and that didn't work.

[ghporter]

You're not using "internet connection sharing," you're creating an ad hoc network. And those are intended and built to be ephemeral. Try using the formal Internet Connection Sharing (under Sharing Preferences in Leopard) instead of the "create network" From the AirPort status icon-I bet it'll work like a champ.

You could also buy a wireless router and plug the iMac into that. This way you could have the iMac turned off and still be able to connect the PowerBook wirelessly. Some wireless routers are not terribly expensive, and they make things so much simpler when more than one computer is involved.

[Andrej]

(In the meantime...what's everyone's favorite wireless router?)


Alright, so formal Internet Sharing is enabled on my (connected to internet via Cat-5) iMac. Result: Powerbook connection attempts still oscillate between "connection timeout" and "connection failed" for every other time that I hit the Connect button. It still does not seem to matter if I have my Powerbook's Internet Sharing enabled as well or not.

[ghporter]

The PowerBook is just a client-the iMac needs Internet sharing set up. If you don't have it set up that way then change it and see what happens.

I like Linksys products, but it's a personal preference and a lot of people will argue that "this brand doesn't support Macs" because you don't get tailored, Mac-centric instructions for setting up the hardware. Like you really need that... So far the most well regarded brands as far as I can see are Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and of course Apple (which has more expensive, but very well regarded products).

[Andrej]

Hey wait a second, my Verizon DSL modem already is a 3.0 Mbps modem with an antenna, but I'm connecting it to my iMac (host) via Cat-5. Couldn't I use my DSL modem as a router instead of having to buy a Linksys WRT?

[ghporter]

Yeah. If it's got an antenna, you should be able to use the Verizon box as a wireless router just fine. No need for a separate router or access point, but I didn't know you had a combination modem/router until just now.

Setting that box up is something I can't help with-I don't know anything about it.

[Andrej]

No setup. My Powerbook recognized it immediately, and the password worked the first try. Works from every corner in my apartment at maximum speed!




But.................. my iMac gets low signal (2/4), and the router is 5 feet away. This was why I sometimes couldn't get it working. I just got and installed my airport card yesterday, worst case condition is that computer continues to use Cat-5.

All set!

[ghporter]

From five feet away use a cable! It'll be faster anyway. I don't move my iMac much-the last time I did was to dust around it-so I leave it connected with Cat5.

I'm glad you got this figured out and are happy with your PB's connection.