Macs can't connect wirelessly but can connect wired (Netgear DG834G)...

[Ken Masters]

Hi Guys

I've searched and searched and searched and tried absolutely everything including PPPoE stuff, random other stuff and still no hope...

Got my MacBook Pro today and can't connect wirelessly. Internet works fine when plugged in via LAN cable. I've noticed that whenever 'Mac friends' come round they can't connect either so it must be a Mac only problem. Obviously this wasn't really a problem but now I've converted it has become one.

Router: Netgear DG834G
ISP: Pipex

Thanks in advance

 

[stoid]

What kind of computer do you have? My 1.25 Ghz PowerBook G4 can't connect wirelessly to my roommates D-Link, but my Airport Express plugged into the D-Link can get a signal and so I get my wireless from that.

 

[Ken Masters]

I have a brand new 15" MacBook Pro intel 2.33ghz. I don't think the model makes any difference because various other Macs have been unable to connect wirelessly to the internet.

 

[dolphin1]

I have an ibook and I have no problem at all getting wireless service. I use it at work and use wireless, I've traveled with it and get wireless service at hotels and such.

 

[Queso]

I used to have a DG834G and never had a problem with it. It may be the way the WEP/WPA keys are configured, since on the Mac the terminology is different to how things are phrased on the router.

Strip out all security on the Netgear, broadcast the SSID, and allow it to accept all MAC addresses. See if the Mac picks it up and can use the connection. Then one by one add the security options back in to see where the configuration problem is.

 

[Ken Masters]

In the end I just rang Netgear customer support (who were surprisingly helpful).

All I needed to do was change the WEP key to WEP key hex and re-enter the WEP key (ensuring all caps). I was overcomplicating things with PPPoE and DCHP worries when in reality all I had to do was change an option in the connect menu!

I'm a happy bunny!

EDIT: pretty similar to what was suggested above by dynamicv.

 

[Queso]

Well done. BTW, are you the same Ken Masters that used to wear lots of pastel shades and employ Leo Howard?

 

[Ken Masters]

No, I'm the guy who will still be playing Streetfighter when I hit my thirties!

Ken Masters

 

[Queso]

LMAO. The fact that I'm thinking of an obscure fictional balding powerboat tycoon rather than such an obvious cultural reference says a lot about my lack of cool

Glad you got your MBP sorted though.

 

[UpsideDownFace]

Netgear DG834PN

I used to have a DG834G and never had a problem with it. It may be the way the WEP/WPA keys are configured, since on the Mac the terminology is different to how things are phrased on the router.

Strip out all security on the Netgear, broadcast the SSID, and allow it to accept all MAC addresses. See if the Mac picks it up and can use the connection. Then one by one add the security options back in to see where the configuration problem is.

I bought a reconditioned macbook 3 days ago and because my previous router broke down the day before, I bought a NETGEAR DG834PN which works OK with my 3 linux computers.

The DG834 worked after a while with the ethernet connecion, but kept telling me I had entered the WEP key incorrectly even if I set it to nothing.

So I entered "macbook netgear WEP" into google and found this forum which told me to put $ before the WEP key.

This ended 2 days of frustration, by giving me an almost instant connection to the internet.

So I am happy !

 

[The Void]

Hi,

I just had the same problem, and this thread helped. I found adding "0x" before the hex code fixed it for me. Trouble is, my iPod touches, that were previously on the netgear's network now won't connect - 0x or not.

Anyone know why my Macs will connect but my iPods won't?

Thanks,

The Void
.................
Blues for Palmers

 

[The Void]

Found my own answer:
iPod - Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings.
This restarts the iPod, then re-inputting the WEP key made it all work.

Hope that helps someone.

The Void
..................
Clicking wood

 

[Jaxsensei]

Connected

Thank you Ken Masters. You have stopped endless hours of swearing!

 

[chrono1081]

In the end I just rang Netgear customer support (who were surprisingly helpful).

All I needed to do was change the WEP key to WEP key hex and re-enter the WEP key (ensuring all caps). I was overcomplicating things with PPPoE and DCHP worries when in reality all I had to do was change an option in the connect menu!

I'm a happy bunny!

EDIT: pretty similar to what was suggested above by dynamicv.

I was about to suggest that but you already got it taken care of.

This isn't a mac only thing, this happens a lot with various types of machines. I wont get into the nitty gritties of why but its always safest to use a hex key over a passcode.