wi-fi networks

One way to tackle captive network connection errors in OS X

When you connect your Mac to a network, if you receive a proper configuration such as an IP address and DNS servers from your router then you should be able to use Mail, Safari, and other networking client programs to access various services either on the local network or through the Internet. However, sometimes it can happen that despite a seemingly healthy connection you aren't able to access Web pages and e-mail.

Recently MacFixIt reader Tom ran into such a situation with a university network:

We have a MacBook Pro mid-2012 release running 10.8.2. The computer is … Read more

Get a D-Link 802.11n router for $9.99

Do one or more of the following traits describe your router?

1. It's old.

2. It supports only 802.11g or "draft-N" Wi-Fi.

3. It's not working as well as you think it should.

4. It died last night.

5. It doesn't support the cool DD-WRT firmware you've been itching to try.

If you answered yes to any of the above, today's your lucky day. For a limited time, and while supplies last, GearXS has the refurbished D-Link DIR-601 802.11n Wi-Fi router for $9.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. It sells … Read more

Apple looking into new iPad Wi-Fi issues

Apple is investigating Wi-Fi connection issues on the new iPad, according to a report at 9to5Mac.

The Apple-centric Web site has posted what it says is an AppleCare internal document citing "intermittent connectivity...slow Wi-Fi speeds...[and] Wi-Fi network not seen."

At the top, the document states in red, "Issue/Investigation in Progress" and, under that, "Products Affected, iPad (3rd generation)."

Retail stores and "contact centers" are instructed to "capture" third-generation iPads if they exhibit any Wi-Fi issues, according to the document. In this case, capture refers to picking up … Read more

Get a powerline Ethernet kit for $19.99

Having Wi-Fi troubles? I've been there. Sometimes you just can't get a signal to go where you need it to go--like from the router in the basement to the bedroom two floors up.

If you like drills and impossibly tight spaces, you can always run some Ethernet cable through walls, floors, and ceilings. It's effective, but also a major pain in the keister.

A much easier option is to use a power-line networking kit, which takes advantage of your home's existing electrical wiring. It's a simple, plug-and-play solution.

And usually an expensive one. Power-line kits … Read more

AirPort Utility 6.0 missing a number of features

Yesterday Apple released AirPort Utility 6.0 along with an update to the older Version 5.x of the same program. The new tool offers an updated and intuitive interface for managing your Wi-Fi network, but it also is missing some key features that, while not necessarily beneficial to most home users, might frustrate IT professionals and network administrators.

After installing the utility and exploring its features, MacFixIt reader Joshua O. wrote in regarding a number of these he found:

I've been surprised that no one has commented on the massive loss of functionality in the new Airport Utility. … Read more

Get a powerline Ethernet kit for $49.99

This is an update of a deal I wrote about earlier this year.

Having trouble getting a Wi-Fi signal to go where you need it to go? It's a fairly common problem: I've been in houses where the signal won't reach beyond one room, let alone between floors. So what are your options?

One option is to run Ethernet cable through walls, floors, and ceilings. It's effective, but also a major pain in the butt.

A much easier option is to use a powerline networking kit, which takes advantage of your home's existing electrical wiring. … Read more

Networking products to look for on Black Friday

It's that time of year again.

If you're in the market for networking devices to upgrade your home's media-streaming capabilities, Black Friday is a great opportunity to fulfill that desire. As with everything else, not all networking devices are created equal. In fact when it comes to wireless routers, it's actually a better deal to pay the full price for one that works than getting a lemon for cheap.

But we're talking about getting the one that works for cheap here. And while I can't advise you on how great of a deal you'… Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1522: Is there ice cream for WiFi Day? (Podcast)

It's 8-02-11 (in U.S. style date parlance, we know), and therefore it's WiFi Day ... we don't know what that means, but Molly's planning to get some ice cream out of it! Plus, Android malware that can record your phone calls and free WiFi in London, thanks to Virgin Media. Plus, the New Yorker is a winner on the iPad and the MacBook Air is a winner with our show hosts.

Zyxel joins wireless display club with WiHD-based Aerobeam kit

D-Link's recently available MainStage would make a great accessory for those with an Intel WiDi-enabled laptop. But if you have another laptop or want to connect any HDMI-enabled devices to your big HDTV screen, the Aerobeam WirelessHD (WiHD) kit, model WHD6215, that Zyxel introduced today will make a better investment.

This is the first wireless display product the networking vendor has introduced. Similar to the D-LinkMainStage and the Netgear Push2TV, the WHD6215 allows you to wirelessly connect devices, such as a laptop or a DVD player, to a big-screen TV.

While the MainStage is based on Intel's WiDi wireless display standard, ZyXEL's WHD6215 Kit is based on the WiHD technology standard, which is again based on the 60GHz wireless networking standard, similar to that of wireless routers.… Read more

AirPort firmware updates not installing for some

Apple's firmware updates that were released yesterday have been installing properly for most people; however, a few people have run into problems when trying to apply the patch. After running AirPort Utility's firmware update option, the utility will fail and show a fairly generic-sounding error that states "An error occurred while updating the firmware."

If this happens, there are several things you can try to get the firmware to update:

Update AirPort UtilityInstallation of the latest firmware update is recommended to be done through the latest AirPort Utility release (currently version 5.5.2). Check the … Read more