Hey all,
I'm having a goofy problem with a Snow AirPort base station. Every couple minutes, the wireless signal will drop out, and then a couple seconds, return. The signal level at the target machine (a TiBook with built-in AirPort card) is about 70% when the base station is offering signal. There are other wireless networks in the area, but I've changed the base station's channel to not interfere with them. The problem doesn't seem to be caused by cordless phones or microwaves. There's another wireless network whose signal comes and goes frequently, but it's not on the same channel as the AirPort. I also have a Linksys wireless router on another channel, and it's stable all the time. The firmware on the base station and the AirPort software on the TiBook is up-to-date.
Anyone had this problem? Any suggestions for solutions (besides buying an ultra-high-gain directional antenna to attach to the Linksys router)?
Well, to rule out any kind of interference, have yout ried enabling "interference robustness?"
Yeah, and it actually makes the problem worse.
I have found that Interference Robustness is a compete and total crock. It doesn't work to reduce interference, and it actually reduces effective range.
As for the submarining, I'm not an expert on wireless equipment, but it sounds like something isn't getting enough power or is getting too much power.
I have actually found it to be the complete opposite. Back when I was in college, I had no choice but to have my airport base station very close to the microwave. If I didn't have interference robustness turned on while the microwave was running, I would lose my connection.
I had that problem. It was an easy fix.
http://vader.inow.com/~drbob/temp/airport.mov
If I had a gun, you know that would be the first thing I would do.
Anyway, it's pretty much been narrowed down to a hardware problem with the base station or AirPort card in the TiBook. Later this week I'll go buy another Linksys WRT-54G and see if that solves the problem.
I've found that those Snow Airport BaseStations have issues as they get older, more than other kit of its vintage. I've never been able to determine why the signal cuts in and out, or suddenly cuts out after a certain distance, but replacing the BaseStation with a cheap 802.11b/g router has always helped immensely.
Cheers,
The Czar
are you saying that apple's will run off routers other than airport? because im not exactly impressed with the one my buddy has... 25 feet and its no signal........
It would actually be fairly difficult for Apple to realisticly restrict Mac users to only Airport base station equipment. Historicly, Airport equipment has always been 802.11b compliant, I belive.
AirPort is little more than a custom brand name for 802.11. Just like FireWire and iLink are brand names for IEEE 1384. AirPort cards them selves are designed to only work in Airport slots, but other than that most of it is all compatible with any 802.11b/g setup. I use a Netgear MR814v2 router at home and my in-laws use a LinkSys Wireless-G (another brand name...) 802.11g router. Both work flawlessly with my iBook and it's Airport card, even though it is a b card on their g router.
I use a Linksys router with Sveasoft firmware for my home network. Works great for both macs and PC's.
well atleast i know now that if i ever got a newer mac with airport card i could use it on my home network
its a cheesy lil netgear 802.11b but it works fine
by the way does anyone make something to make a B&W g3 wireless? as it is she is wired directly and works fine im just curious...