Help with my wireless usb connection

Okay, so I'm new to this forum and just bought my Macbook a little less than a year ago. My modem that I have isn't compatible with my Mac. I've talked to various different tech support people and the guy at Apple told me that my Macbook was too advanced for my modem, therefore I can't use my airport to connect wireless. I purchased a wireless USB by Dynex about two years ago for my PC and I was trying to see if I could use it on my Macbook.

I found this site and followed the directions: http://torley.com/how-i-got-my-wireless-g-usb-adapter-working-with-a-mac

Now, everything seemed to be working except that when I got to this phase, my router number isn't showing:









And when I look at my Network Status I get this:





I've tried entering everything in manually, and I get the same thing. When I check my USB Wireless Utility, it's showing that I have a great signal and link quality. I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong, or if my wireless USB just isn't compatible or if my modem really is a piece of crap. I was trying to see if this would work before I have to go out and buy a new router or wireless usb drive.

Any suggestions would be great!

Which macbook model do you have?

Which router/modem do you have?

I have the Mac OS X, version 10.4.11.

My modem is a 2Wire, the model is Home Portal 1800 HG.

fungz said:

I have the Mac OS X, version 10.4.11.

My modem is a 2Wire, the model is Home Portal 1800 HG.

Click to expand...

I'd ditch the USB adapter for a minute and concentrate on the router and your built-in airport on your macbook.

The 1800HG has standard b and g wi-fi so it should work fine with your Macbook.

Here's a link to the install guide:
http://www.2wire.com/pages/pdfs/1000_series_Gateway_Install_Guide.pdf

The router will need configuring. To do that you need to connect to it physically. This can be done by USB (file links below) but I'd use a network cable for simplicity as it needs no drivers etc.
For info....the mac os x usb driver:
http://www.2wire.com/pages/drvrs/2Wire_USB_1.3.2.dmg
The mac usb driver install guide:
http://www.2wire.com/pages/pdfs/USB_Driver_Mac.pdf

All the info in the install guide points to this being an older but run-of-the-mill wireless router. It uses 64bit wep as it's wireless security protocol which should work OK with your macbook.

Here's some info on configuring 64bit wep on macbook:
http://domster83.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/how-to-configure-wireless-with-64-bit-wep-on-mac-os-x/

Alternatively you could turn off wireless encryption altogether and just turn on MAC address filtering which will stop all but listed devices connecting to the router.

Hope some of this makes sense. If not please post back and I'll try again.

mrplow

I tried to install the 2wire USB but all I got was this:






Now, my Macbook isn't the main computer setup with the modem. I've been connected by ethernet. The Home Portal is setup on a PC. Does that make a difference when trying to configure the router?

You need to right-click (or ctrl+click) and choose "Save Link As..." to save the file to your mac.

If you just click on the file it will try and open in your browser and you'll see the results as per your screen shot.

But as i say you're probably better just connecting with a network cable for simplicity.

And no, it doesn't matter which client connects to the router to configure it. It can be done from any connected machine through a browser no special software needed

mrplow, I have to say that you're amazing! I'm currently using my airport and using my wireless internet. Thank you again!

glad to help