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AirPort Software 3.3

The Airport Setup Assistant is also version 3.3. Has anyone tried to use it to setup WPA on an extreme basestation?

If you are having problems, that could be your issue.

Also, the WPA password will probably be available from a menu item, not from something that you click on in the airport admin utility window. It will be a long string of hex like this:
Hex equivalent password (WEP key): BC6AFB89373FE55C513D5DDDE8

(I have changed it, but that is the length of a 128 bit wep key)

In all seriousness, who do you all think are going to spend the effort to crack your wireless encryption? If you really care, use an IPSec vpn.

WPA will not make a difference when accessing https ssl secured web pages. Okay, Apple is stupid on .mac mail and does not support encrypted imap sessions. That is just cheap. AIM and iChat need to start using SSL. I would like to see easy creations of personal certificates on MacOS. These are SSL certificates that can be used to identify a person. It could be used for Mail and iChat.

Just a rant.
 
Actually, based on a recent "sales pitch" from TruSecure -- there has never been a single case of credit-card fraud that could be traced to "sniffing".

Https / ssl has little benefit in that area -- your credit-card info (for example) is far more likely to be gathered some other way.

That said -- if there WERE sniffing to happen, I think it would be more likely on my local LAN than at Amazon.com, for example (the other end of the pipe).

I can "see" two other 802.11[bg] networks from my house -- set up with no access controls, and no admin passwords.

I'm pretty excited about WPA!

😀

Mike
 
So far, so good

I just wanted to say that my AEBS hasn't dropped a connection since I installed the update yesterday--that's a record for me. Let's hope this update solves the problem for a lot of folks that have been experiencing it.
 
WPA Pre-Shared Key

Originally posted by peterjhill
WPA usually requires a RADIUS server to function. I am betting that you are not using that option. WPA fixes all the insecurities that the NSA put into the standard.
Click to expand...

WPA Pre-Shared Key (or Personal Key as Apple calls it) is what is being implemented, not WPA Radius (which does require a server). Depending upon the manufacturer of the hardware involved the TKIP Encryption algorithm may be the only one presently supported. The AES algorithm is being implemented as part of the 802.1x development and should be available before too long by firmware upgrade for at least some hardware.

With my Linksys hardware the Apple software does not yet describe the password as WPA (it only leaves a WEP name), but accepts a WPA length password and under some circumstances when rejoining the network will ask for a WPA personal key to join the network until you save it in keychain.
 
if the wifi is just in your house, why use wpa keys anyway? just set up a mac filter for the machines you know will be on it. then nobody else can even see your SSID.
 
Originally posted by Engagebot
if the wifi is just in your house, why use wpa keys anyway? just set up a mac filter for the machines you know will be on it. then nobody else can even see your SSID.
Click to expand...

Just because it can't be seen doesn't mean it can't be detected. Simply detection is all thats needed to start sniffing. If you don't have encryption then there will really be nothing to sniff and they can nearly instantly know everything that's being transfered wirelessly.
 
Is anyone having this problem: before i updated everything was fine. now when i restart, it complains saying there is no network, and do you want to create a new default one. i keep the remember me box checked and click yes, but alas everythime i restart I have to allow it to recreate the network settings.
 
Originally posted by dstorey
Is anyone having this problem: before i updated everything was fine. now when i restart, it complains saying there is no network, and do you want to create a new default one. i keep the remember me box checked and click yes, but alas everythime i restart I have to allow it to recreate the network settings.
Click to expand...

Go to your network control pane in system preferences and delete the airport network recreate it and reset it up. That should fix it.
 
Originally posted by dstorey
Is anyone having this problem: before i updated everything was fine. now when i restart, it complains saying there is no network, and do you want to create a new default one. i keep the remember me box checked and click yes, but alas everythime i restart I have to allow it to recreate the network settings.
Click to expand...

On my iBook G4 / AE / AEBS, I did not have any problems. Which protection setting are you using? I'm using WPA. The only time I've ever had to do this was when I left for a couple of days and turned off the power block the AEBS was running off of, and then opened my iBook up without turning it back on. It automatically logged into the network of someone else in my building, and then when I turned on the AEBS I had to log in again.

Separate question: as a newbie...I installed the update, rebooted, and then ran the admin utility to upload the new software to the AEBS. Am I done or are there more steps? It's too bad that the updater software doesn't automatically check the rev level on the AEBS and tell you to update it (I wouldn't have done it, except for having read the thread).

Also separate annoyance...the AEBS admin utility is pretty easy to use, but it's too bad it isn't integrated into sys preferences....
 
Originally posted by mkrishnan

Separate question: as a newbie...I installed the update, rebooted, and then ran the admin utility to upload the new software to the AEBS. Am I done or are there more steps? It's too bad that the updater software doesn't automatically check the rev level on the AEBS and tell you to update it (I wouldn't have done it, except for having read the thread).
Click to expand...

Yep, that's it. That's a good point about the updater. It would be better if it was automatic, as long as there was a way to manually override (in case the older version gives some people better performance).


Also separate annoyance...the AEBS admin utility is pretty easy to use, but it's too bad it isn't integrated into sys preferences....
Click to expand...

Funny you mention that--as an Airport veteran, I find the newest version of the admin utility incredibly easy to use--but you're exactly right, integration into sys preferences would be even better. It should also be accessible from the signal strength icon in the menu bar. I hate hunting for it in the Utilities folder every time.

I guess the idea behind hiding is is that newbies shouldn't have to worry about it--all the options are intimidating. But how about having the basic options in sys preferences, with an "advanced options" button for uber-geek stuff?

EDIT: I just realized why they don't have it there: it would mean anyone on an airport network could update the firmware. What if the new version of firmware messed up the airport connection for others on the network? This really is an advanced option, and so should probably be hidden somehow. It's definitely a tough problem.
 
Originally posted by zync
I'd much rather go with a netgear or possibly D-link...I've heard a lot (and have had personal experience) that linksys equipmet is terrible...
Click to expand...

I will ditto this. Went through a WEP-11 and a Linksys G router before getting a Netgear which has had absolutely no problems and greater range.
 
Originally posted by wordmunger
EDIT: I just realized why they don't have it there: it would mean anyone on an airport network could update the firmware. What if the new version of firmware messed up the airport connection for others on the network? This really is an advanced option, and so should probably be hidden somehow. It's definitely a tough problem.
Click to expand...

Protection through obscurity isn't really protection. A user still has the ability to launch that utility, so if they don't want you to use it - they should just remove it altogether or require administrator rights on the hardware being updated (the wireless router). A lot of those things in the utilities folder are too well hidden and unless you know that they're there you'll get frustrated looking for the functionality.

I remember the first time I was deploying a Java WebStart application to OSX and looking around for where the OS was keeping that and the Java plugin settings. Same thing when dealing with Bluetooth configurations.
 
Originally posted by gregorypierce
Protection through obscurity isn't really protection. A user still has the ability to launch that utility, so if they don't want you to use it - they should just remove it altogether or require administrator rights on the hardware being updated (the wireless router).
Click to expand...
Which is exactly what Apple does. You need to know the base station password in order to update the firmware. So only the person who set up the base station (and whomever they give the base station password to) can update it.
A lot of those things in the utilities folder are too well hidden and unless you know that they're there you'll get frustrated looking for the functionality.

I remember the first time I was deploying a Java WebStart application to OSX and looking around for where the OS was keeping that and the Java plugin settings. Same thing when dealing with Bluetooth configurations.
Click to expand...
I think it makes quite a bit of sense to do it this way--with fairly mundane configuration available in System Preferences and more advanced stuff done via stand-alone apps in a Utilities folder. What would you prefer instead--do you really want all these options cluttering up your System Preferences?

WM
 
LinkSys stuff is great... except when an Airport Extreme device comes into the mix.

linksys wifi stations generally work great with pc gear, and even with the original airport, but there are a lot of problems with linksys/AE combinations. especially the befw11s4 routers (the 'Wireless-B' router commonly available at bestbuy, ect.
 
Originally posted by Engagebot
please dont do this. linksys and AE cards dont play nicely together.
Click to expand...

I agree as I've said I did a lot of research and the Magazines and personal review sites agree the Netgear WGR614 is hard to beat if you want a 802.11G wireless router with a true and excellent built in firewall that takes no time or skill to setup.

You can pick them up at Amazon.com right now for $56.99 after rebate.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...47/103-0098434-6132666?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
i used to work for the computing services department here at LSU (basically student worker IT). We have a campus-wide network that includes a blanket of wi-fi access all over campus. linksys access points not only in every building, but sometimes more than one per floor, not to mention the parade grounds, the union, the cafeterias, and the dorms.

Granted, the majority of our access points are 802.11b, so i cant speak as well for the G routers, take my word for it: AE and linksys B equipment aren't friends.
 
Originally posted by dstorey
Is anyone having this problem: before i updated everything was fine. now when i restart, it complains saying there is no network, and do you want to create a new default one. i keep the remember me box checked and click yes, but alas everythime i restart I have to allow it to recreate the network settings.
Click to expand...

I am having this problem as well. It's weird, I have my g4 iBook and a g5 dual networked together. I ibook is fine, but the g5 can't connect to the network. In fact, it can't even recognize the base station. When I open up the airport admin utility my basestation doesn't even show up!

this is really annoying.

Any suggestions?
 
Originally posted by chumsferd
I am having this problem as well. It's weird, I have my g4 iBook and a g5 dual networked together. I ibook is fine, but the g5 can't connect to the network. In fact, it can't even recognize the base station. When I open up the airport admin utility my basestation doesn't even show up!

this is really annoying.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Unplug your AEBS for while and then repower it and try again.
 
Originally posted by mangoman
I'm gonna jump in here for a little while: I'm debating whether to dump this piece o' crap Belkin hard-wired router and go with Airport Extreme to use for my two macs. Just not convinced yet. I'm sure it'll be great for grabbing the laptop and walkin' around, but I don't want to lose my hyper-fast hard-wired cable modem connection if Airport Extreme is finicky.

Anyone doing a similar setup currently? Willing to endorse Airport Extreme?
Click to expand...

I have the airport extreme for my dads 17" powerbook, its fine for internet including 2Mbit/s connections. However be aware the max data rate is approx 25Mbit/s not the 55Mbits Apple claims, half of the rate is overhead. For networking even 100Mbit/s is 4x as fast and Gigabit is 40x as fast so for networking bin it and hardwire it.
 
Originally posted by MacBandit
You can't use the Linksys to generate a key. You need to generate a key on the Airport system and then type the end resulting generated key into the Linksys settings.
Click to expand...
The WEP Key Maker utility can be used to generate WEP keys.
 
Originally posted by peterjhill
Okay, Apple is stupid on .mac mail and does not support encrypted imap sessions.
Click to expand...
Unless I've misread tcpdump output my imaps (port 993) sessions to mail.mac.com with Mulberry are encrypted.

I wish it were possible to use different passwords for different services with a single .Mac account. I dislike sharing a mail and iDisk password, for example.
 
[OT] WGR614 question

Originally posted by MacBandit
I agree as I've said I did a lot of research and the Magazines and personal review sites agree the Netgear WGR614 is hard to beat if you want a 802.11G wireless router with a true and excellent built in firewall that takes no time or skill to setup.
Click to expand...
Anyone know the maximum number of ports that can be forwarded with the WGR614 and whether TCP and UDP can be handled separately?

I've started doing a bit of wireless network product research since I'll probably have a couple new AE-capable Mac systems within a few months. For now I'm stuck using 802.11b with my iBook 600 Airport card so there's been no reason to upgrade my Linksys BEFSR41 (>5-year-old rev1 model) + Orinoco RG-1100 hardware, which has been very reliable with decent WLAN reception (better than I'd expected for a cement & chicken wire walled environment).
 
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