How to use external USB wireless instead of airport?

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by lavrishevo, May 28, 2008.

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  1. lavrishevo, May 28, 2008

    lavrishevo macrumors 68000

    lavrishevo

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    #1
    So I have a Ralink USB wireless card the I was using to play with Kismac which is able to see it and interact fine. The issue I run into is the poor performance of the internal airport with networks that are not real strong signal on the MBP. I have not found a way to use the USB card instead of the airport for Leopard to see and join networks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  2. lavrishevo, May 28, 2008

    lavrishevo thread starter macrumors 68000

    lavrishevo

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    #2
    Come on people... Nobody using USB wireless cards?
     
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  3. alphaod, May 28, 2008

    alphaod macrumors Core

    alphaod

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    #3
    Go to Network Pref, select Airport and turn it off.
     
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  4. GRN99EX, May 29, 2008

    GRN99EX macrumors member

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    #4
    I have a Sierra Wireless Express Card through Sprint. I don't use Airport when I am using the wireless card. It came preloaded with Sierra Wireless Watcher software for a Mac. Works pretty well when I can get an EVDO signal. Check to see if there is a similar software that you should run when using your USB card.

    Hope that helps a little bit.

    -Sean
     
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  5. lavrishevo, May 29, 2008

    lavrishevo thread starter macrumors 68000

    lavrishevo

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    #5
    I guess what it boils down to is drivers, or the lack there of. I know the cell phone wireless networks cards come with drivers but seems most of the 802.11 b/g USB card do not provide drivers for Mac. Ahh well. To bad OS/X does not interact with these simple little cards. If if Kismac can see it you would think Leopard would be able to see it as well.
     
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  6. lavrishevo, May 29, 2008

    lavrishevo thread starter macrumors 68000

    lavrishevo

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    #6
    I guess what it boils down to is drivers, or the lack there of. I know the cell phone wireless networks cards come with drivers but seems most of the 802.11 b/g USB card do not provide drivers for Mac. Ahh well. To bad OS/X does not interact with these simple little cards. If if Kismac can see it you would think Leopard would be able to see it as well. Also the reply to just turn off the Airport is pretty....:rolleyes:
     
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  7. bigfatdummy, May 29, 2008

    bigfatdummy macrumors newbie

    bigfatdummy

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    #7
    Yes, you can use an external USB wireless rather than the internal. I have the hawking HWUG1A USB Wireless. I got it to use with an external antenna, (a can antenna). I use at my vacation condo, the lodge across the way has free open wireless for the condos and lodge but the signal is weak. With an external antenna I pick it up at 3 or 4 bars consistently.

    I have tried many other USB wireless devices and drivers have been a big problem. Most do not have any drivers included for mac. You can find 3rd party drivers out there but tbh I haven't had luck with any of them. The HWUG1A has the correct drivers and it works great.
     
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