Problem with a WiFi Network

[VillageIdiot]

I just got a Mac mini at home the other day, love it, except, I'm so in the dark as how to use it.

My internet hasn't been set up yet so my next door neighbor gave me his password to log onto his WiFi network until my internet is up and running.

Here is the problem, I Enter his password and the connection assistant (think that’s the programs name) tells me I'm connected to his network and the signal shows almost full strength. However, when I open Safari or IE, they both tell me I'm not connected to the internet.

What am I doing wrong? or has this been too cryptic of an explanation? Unfortunately, my username describes me well, especially with computers

[yellow]

You need his DNS settings.. I bet the connection IS working. Try this:

http://17.112.152.32

Can you get to the site? If so, you just need his DNS settings, as the DHCP server isn't dispensing them for you.

[VillageIdiot]

I'll hafta try that site when I get home, I know when I just tried to go to www.apple.com that it wouldn't connect me.

could I have the security setting wrong?!? there is many different options for security types.

the great part is my neighbour is more useless than me.

[yellow]

The link I gave you above is for Apple's site. It's just the numerical IP, sans DNS translation to the more memerable www.apple.com.

I have no idea what security settings you might set or use, but 9 out of 10 times, the problem is with the lack of DNS servers being listed.

[VillageIdiot]

ok, so, I tried the numerical address you gave me, no dice.

when I connect to his network, the little pie shaped icon on the top bar shows 4 bars, when I open "internet connect" it says that airport power is on, the network selected is the one I want, it has a base station ID and the status says "connected to Altimus"

In "system preferences", "Network", in "TCP/IP" I have an IP address assigned by his network, a Subnet mask, but no Router

I entered the DNS (Primary and Secondary) into the DNS servers feild, makes no difference, still no internet

oh, I also have a IPv6 address

any ideas?

[cleanup]

Maybe he has MAC address filtering on?

That's what I use, instead of a password. It lets people "connect," but it doesn't let them in.

[janey]

I'm thinking his neighbor has a wifi network but no active wan connection to it.

Meaning, no DSL, no cable, no dialup, whatever.

[trainguy77]

Maybe he has MAC address filtering on?

That's what I use, instead of a password. It lets people "connect," but it doesn't let them in.

I use MAC filtering, it does not let you connect either. If it did what would be the point, great they don't have internet, but they can gain access to my machines!

[ElectricSheep]

ok, so, I tried the numerical address you gave me, no dice.

when I connect to his network, the little pie shaped icon on the top bar shows 4 bars, when I open "internet connect" it says that airport power is on, the network selected is the one I want, it has a base station ID and the status says "connected to Altimus"

In "system preferences", "Network", in "TCP/IP" I have an IP address assigned by his network, a Subnet mask, but no Router

I entered the DNS (Primary and Secondary) into the DNS servers feild, makes no difference, still no internet

oh, I also have a IPv6 address

any ideas?

What address and subnet were you assigned?

[VillageIdiot]

Can't remember the IP address of the top of my head, but the subnet is 255.255.0.0

The service provider is shaw cable in Vancouver

[yellow]

If the IP address you were assigned was a 169.254.x.x, then you're not being assigned an IP address. That's a self-assigned IP address (a failover if the DHCP server isn't responding), and will never get you anywhere. Was that the IP you were getting?

[VillageIdiot]

yup, thats the IP all righty... Dang, oh well, guess I just gotta wait for the damn cable company...

thanks for the help all (unless there is something easy that I'm missing)

[yellow]

In that case, make sure your firewall is off.. and make sure your buddy isn't using MAC address filtering (as others have mentioned). Those are 2 main reasons why you wouldn't get an IP address.

[toto156]

difference is my desktop work but not my laptop :mad: