[KeyLimePi]

I've seen this discussed previously, but not lately. Does anyone have any actual experience getting 802.11n onto an older Power Mac G5 (Quadcore 2GHz PPC)? I've seen some threads discussing using some USB dongles, and at least one PCI-Express adapter, but they're all Windows-specific.

Anyone actually done this?

[KeyLimePi]

I've got a PPC G5 Power Mac and there seems to be no 802.11n wi-fi adapter that will work with it. My MBP and Apple TV both use the 'n' standard and I hate that my tower is the slow link in the chain, so here's my question.

With the new Airport Express using 802.11n, can I get two and use them as a bridge? If connect one to my cable modem and the other directly to my Power Mac with an ethernet cable, would that give me a true 'n' network? I'd like to improve the speed of Apple TV syncing/streaming and the speed of file transfers between my tower and my MBP.

[Frankeinstein]

I was thinking this.....i know its completely off the wall and dependent on the situation/setup..but i had a non wireless G4 and a wifi~macbookpro and macpro configuration

I have a cable modem connected to my AirPort Extreme BaseStation, that feeds the wireless to my macbookpro and sometimes my mac pro as theres only one spot in the house for internet connection, and the macpro is in one room whilst the G4 is in another that has been there as a storage unit and production work. so there isnt a wifi card installed in the G4 and i was hesitant about purchasing a PCI card or a dongle.

Since theyre all around $30 ~ $100 roughly ...i decided well hey, i have a AEBS 802.11n and al my wireless computers are N speeds, so ill just pick up a AirPort Express put it int the same room as my G4 plug my G4 into the Ethernet Port of the AE, bridge the connection and access off the N speeds of the AEBS/AE creating a makeshift wireless adapter and network extender.


im not sure if its suppose to work but by a stroke of luck i randomly configured it and i can get good connection from it.


goodway to extend your network and have a wired~wireless option

edit: apparently alot of people do this with their Xbox i have researched so i guess it works =)
i figured an apple to an apple to an apple solution would be perfect instead of dealing with "Who Knows X Brands" reliability with their wireless adapters.


goodluck!

[mduell]

Instead of buying a USB or PCIe adapter without official support, buying an ethernet to wifi bridge (as Frankeinstein mentioned) is a good idea. $100 for the Airport Express isn't bad for an 802.11n draft2 bridge.

[mduell]

Yes. Didn't you ask this in another thread?

<Threads now merged.> Glenn

[ghporter]

There's nothing about the specific Mac in question that would drive this issue-ANY Mac with an Ethernet port is a good candidate for an Ethernet bridge. Don't over-think this: ANY bridge will do just fine. Get the fastest one you can and don't try to chain a bunch of more-expensive AirPort devices together. Brand is NOT a factor, just which 802.11 standard (A/B/G/N) and how much you want to (or don't want to) pay.

[vmarks]

Actually, any ralink.com.tw usb stick will give you 802.11n on your G5.

look at the ones from macwireless.com or quickertek. It's pretty easy to get them working, and cheaper than a bridge.

[ghporter]

All of the ralink USB devices work under OS X? I remember a discussion of "some" of their products (so long ago that I can't remember which YEAR we discussed them), but I hadn't seen any new developments since then.

[KeyLimePi]

Thanks for your suggestions. I've ordered a Newer Technology MAXPower 802.11n/g/b USB adapter (about $50) and a new Airport Express BS. I went with the MaxPower because it specifically says it will work with Mac OS X 10.3.9 and highter.

The only free USB port I have is on the front, which I use with my storage stick alot, so I might bite the bullet and buy a PCI-Express card with more USB ports in it. Either way I'll let you all know how it works.