[Headshot]

I don't know why but for some reason I can't get my 2009 MP to search for routers or even get the icon in the menu bar.

I've had a router for a couple years so my PS3 can read the iTunes playlists, but just used the Mac's ethernet port since there's no need for wireless internet.

NOW...I want to do some major renovations in the part of the house where the cable comes into the router and need to move the whole computer setup to another bedroom and want to finally use the router for the web.

SO...how can I tell if my MP has the 'built in' Airport card I'm reading about on Apple's sight?

THX!

[Thorzdad]

System Preferences > Network > Airport
Is Airport on or off?

[Headshot]

There isn't the word Airport anywhere to be found in the pref!
Weird huh?

[Headshot]

I mean I have Ethernet 2 & 1, and Firewire all in the left box but no mention of wireless or Airport.

[Thorzdad]

Yeah. My bad. Looks like you got one of the last MacPros to need an optional card installed.

[Headshot]

Really? It's the 2.66 Quad, rats!
How come on Apple's store page you type in Airport and they don't even have any cards there!
Must be discontinued, you know how Apple likes to stay ahead of the trends. Guess I'll locate the
right model on OWC, then get it for less on Ebay LOL!

thx for the help with this...

[Big Mac]

I also thought all Mac Pros had Airport built-in. I thought that it went standard across all lines after the Intel switch. Interesting.

[Headshot]

Nothing shows up in the profiler, yet I can get it to search for BT devices?

[Thorzdad]

Well, according to this spec chart, Airport Extreme became built-in only with the mid-2010 MacPros.

[Headshot]

Just an interesting note on this:
Apple doesn't even sell it, at least not in the Store part.
I've seen 2 different model #'s that are to be compatible with any MP's, both "N" ready
One is listed for over $110 ish
The other, B&H photo has for $50?

I know I'm not supposed to link to commercial sites but it's pretty confusing trying to come up with the right model.
On top of it, it's supposedly not user installable. Then there's simple instructions on how to install it. Seems that the 2 little
screws are the hardest part to get in there and a little confusion in the antenna placements.

[indigoimac]

there's not a chance that that interface was deleted from the network pref pane?

Click the + on the left and see if you can add airport from the list of interfaces... also check apple system profiler and check and see if there's any info under airport...

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Thorzdad 

Well, according to this spec chart, Airport Extreme became built-in only with the mid-2010 MacPros.

That’s quite odd … mine’s from 2007 (2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core), and it does have the AirPort card built in. I guess I must have extra-optioned-in for that, though I have no recollection of doing so …

I know I'm not supposed to link to commercial sites but it's pretty confusing trying to come up with the right model.

Linking to commercial sites is no problem in a thread like this, by an oldtime member.

[Spheric Harlot]

The Airport module can be ordered from Apple by authorized service technicians, who will install it for you. They're not fun to install, I hear, requiring partial disassembly.

[Headshot]

I was just under the hood today and I can confirm there is no airport card installed next to the fan...
Thorz was correct, my MP4,1 was an add on option which I never added!

[Headshot]

What Airport card for 2009 Mac Pro - MacRumors Forums

THis is the most comprehensive illustration I've seen yet....
doesn't look like rocket science.

[AKcrab]

On the 2009 model, you just need to remove the processor tray (no tools required) and then you have full access to the socket for the Airport card. So assuming you can find the part, installation is simple. But like Spheric said, a service shop will do it for you.