[Rcovell]

What would be needed to add wi-fi capability to a non-wi-fi iMac G5 running Tiger?

Is there a dongle available or something?

Thanks, Bob.

[smax013]

Rcovell, on 18 December 2012 - 10:00 PM, said:

What would be needed to add wi-fi capability to a non-wi-fi iMac G5 running Tiger?

Is there a dongle available or something?

Thanks, Bob.

A Mac compatible USB WiFi adapter.

http://eshop.macsale...em/Asus/USBN10/

The above one does supposedly support Tiger (aka 10.4)

This post has been edited by smax013: 22 December 2012 - 02:35 PM

[Rcovell]

That looks interesting.

I've tried my wife's iPad and my Touch located near the G5 to see if I can get wi-fi reception and it's been spotty.
I want to try one of the newer iPads to see if it can receive any better than what I've tried already.

If not, I might be in the market for a way to boost the incoming signal. Can I use an Airport Express ( on a non-AE network) as a 'repeater'?
Is there something better/cheaper that would accomplish getting a signal to the G5?

Thanks for your replies. Bob.

This post has been edited by Rcovell: 23 December 2012 - 02:08 PM

[smax013]

 Rcovell, on 23 December 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

That looks interesting.

I've tried my wife's iPad and my Touch located near the G5 to see if I can get wi-fi reception and it's been spotty.
I want to try one of the newer iPads to see if it can receive any better than what I've tried already.

If not, I might be in the market for a way to boost the incoming signal. Can I use an Airport Express ( on a non-AE network) as a 'repeater'?
Is there something better/cheaper that would accomplish getting a signal to the G5?

Thanks for your replies. Bob.

I believe that an AirPort Express will work with non-Apple routes if those non-Apple routers support WDS, but I am not completely sure.

If not, there are non-Apple routers that can operate in a "bridge mode" that should allow you to use them to extend your network purely using wireless, I believe.

The other option is to use Powerline adapters (it uses your power lines to run the networking). You could use this method to even "put" an ethernet cable at the G5.

[Rcovell]

Again, thanks for the reply.
Since i use an Airport Express and it's nearly plug and play routine, I don't get into wireless troubleshooting much
so your help is appreciated.

The wi-fi signal I'm trying to tap into emanates in an adjacent building, so a power line approach won't work for me.
If things pan out, I'll look into the USB wi-fi dongle and try an AE to see if it might work. If not, a non Apple unit will
be next on my list of ideas.

Bob.

[Rcovell]

Update-Problem solved!

There were too many problems to overcome with my setup, so I've been biding my time, unsure what to do.

In a recent article in the online edition of Macworld, I read about something called the Bear Extender Mini.
After looking into it, I found it could be used by my (Church's) G5 iMac running Tiger to pull in nearby wireless
signals, no further dongles or equipment needed.

So, I bought one for about $60 delivered with the upgraded antenna and installed it today. IT WORKS!

You use the install CD and select your OS, answer a few questions, make a few selections and you'll see
a list of available signals. Before, using my iPad or Touch, I could see maybe 3 networks. The Bear Extender
picked up 9!

I chose the appropriate one, entered the password and was surfing the 'net in no time.

I'm going to make sure it continues to work for us before changing our old setup, but, for now, problem solved
and I'd highly recommend the Bear Extender Mini.

Bob.

[ShouldiUseMac]

Just use a Wi - Fi adapter! I think I have tried so! Can't remember the brand and model, though ;-)