Open WiFi network shows up as secure on Mac OS X

[pikester]

My friend has a Netgear WGR614v8 wireless network with an SSID of "Mo's Place is Fun" setup as an open network. When a computer running Mac OS X sees the network, the Mac thinks that the network is actually secure and is unable to join the wireless network (I've tried a blank password with no luck). I have verified this with both 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard). I have been able to connect to this wireless network with Windows based computers as well as a variety of mobile devices (including the iPhone).

When I was running OS X 10.5 (Leopard), I could use MacStumbler to circumvent this issue and force OS X to connect to the network. However, with 10.6, I can no longer do this.

Has anyone else experienced an issue like this. More importantly, does anyone have a fix or workaround? I'm wondering if the issue is with the name of the network since it contains both spaces and an apostrophe. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[MisterMe]

I'm betting dollars to donuts that your friend's "open" Wi-Fi network is closed. The workaround is to persuade your friend to logon to the router's administrative website and to disable the security settings that limit wireless access.

 

[pikester]

Sorry, but it is an open network. I can connect to the network without a password using a Windows computer and an iPhone. I have been able to use MacStumbler in the past to connect my OS X 10.5 to the network without a password.