Setting up wireless network

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I currently have a Linksys wireless G router connected to my pc desktop. I sold my dell laptop that was 802.11 G, and I will be getting a new Macbook Pro in about a week. Being that it is the newer "N" WiFi card, will my old router connect? And, my wife's desktop pc has a network adapter connecting to the router, so will that degrade my laptop's connection? Would it behoove me to dump my router and get the airport N? Would I need a comparable adapter for my wife's pc desktop? How easy to set up? Whew....many issues.
 
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Your new MBP will connect just fine to a G router. Click on your airport icon, then your router, type your password and your connected.
 

Neo


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Wi-fi protocols are backwards compatible, so it can connect. For your sake, I hope it's as easy as Jerrfy makes it sound (it wasn't that easy for me). Good luck!
 
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It was that easy for me. Once I had my wireless router and cable modem set up, connecting my MBP was easy as choosing it from the WiFi menu.
 

bobtomay

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It should be that easy.
However, there are some routers that flat will not work.
Had a Linksys myself - with issues - Linksys tech support told me that their routers do not work with Mac's - and this from one of their supervisors. Had no Win based wifi to check it against - so ended up getting a newer d-link n router that works great.

There are a whole bunch of regulars around here that are using Linksys routers without issue. Hopefully, you'll be in that group and when you first boot up with your Mac, it'll just go through the process, ask for your password and you're up and running.

Sounds like you try to anticipate problems and be prepared for them up front. You may be over worrying. Have found that most things pretty much "just work". Since you're doing without a notebook at all right now, wouldn't worry about it until you get your MBP and see what happens. It all may be for naught.

For a little reading, you might want to check out cwa107's threads in the faq section on both networking and printing. I did end up having to get a new printer. But after my forays into Linux, I expected it. Have made the decision not to buy peripherals any longer that are not multi-OS compatible without full knowledge of that fact up front.
 
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Jimbob, new here, with a new MBP and an old D Link broadband wireless router that I have only used with an ethernet cable on my old PB without wireless card. My son used it downstairs on his pc but doesn't remember the pw. When I click on the airport link a network with my name comes up and requires a password, which I don't have a clue what it is. Is there anyway to reprogram my current router or should I just bite the bullet and go buy a new one.

bobtomay what D link n router are you using with no problem? Thanks everyone.
 

bobtomay

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Am using this one.

You should be able to go into the router settings and get the network password.
 
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jacintosh
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Should I change?

I currently have a Linksys G router. It connects to my pc desktop with an ethernet connection. I had a pc laptop connecting through my Comcast modem and the router. I sold the pc laptop and will be getting my Macbook Pro tomorrow. Is there anything I should do? Does it pay to buy the new Airport with "N"? What, if any, is the advantage of just having a modem/router?
 
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No need to change your current setup. Should work fine. Only get a new 'n' router if you really need one...
 
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jacintosh
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Worked just fine. Found my connection immediately. I only wish it would find my pc printer!
 
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Is there anyway to reprogram my current router or should I just bite the bullet and go buy a new one.

There is a username/password to access the router and then there is your network key(or password)....
...If you don't have either of those... then you can reset the router:

http://support.dlink.com/faq/view.asp?prod_id=976&question=reset+router

How do I reset my router back to the factory default settings?

To perform a reset, please follow steps below:

Step 1 With the unit on, place a paper clip into the hole on the back on the unit labeled Reset.

reset.gif


Step 2 Hold paper clip down for 10 seconds and release.

Note: Do not repower unit during this procedure.

Step 3 The unit will reboot on its own. Once the WLAN light stops blinking, the unit is reset.

Resetting the router does not reset the firmware to an earlier version. It will change all settings back to factory defaults.

Note: The factory defaults username is admin, and there is no password.

If you have the European version of this router, this procedure may not work. Please consult the D-Link office near you. D-Link USA does not support the European version.
 

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