ibooks are so much fun...

[Unknown_K]

I have an old Linksys router for WEP only laptops that acts as an access point (not connected to the rest of the network). Just don't keep it running when not in use and turn broadcast off. Very easy to hack a WEP router and you don't want the neighbors sucking up your bandwidth with bit torrents.

I do like the G3 Ibooks for OS9.

 

[LazarusNine]

I too adore my Graphite iBook G3 but do you know of a solution to access Internet via current Airport Base Station?

The iBook's card only accesses WEP and I have set my Base Station to WPA for security (anyway it doesn't support WEP now as far a I know).

I have the original flying saucer Base Station. I tried to use that as a Bridge but no joy.

I see others have used a USB adapter (Trendnet TEW-424UB 802.11b/g wireless adapter).

Any other solutions iBook owners here have successfully used?

Thanks.

Michael

I use one of these (see below) in client mode, and it gives me WiFi access (WPA2) on any device with an Ethernet port, so even down to my Mac IIx. Can't recommend it enough as a solution to WiFi concerns on G3/G4 machines. Only drawback is the fact that the cables can be a bit messy. If you're particularly bothered by that, you could always invest in super short Ethernet and USB cables.

TP-Link Wireless Adapter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00TQEX8BO/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?qid=1465403375&sr=8-15&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=TP-LINK

 

[Reasons.]

My solution for older airport cards in the age of WPA has been combining MAC filtering with a hidden access point. It's probably not the most secure thing in the world, but it's a better solution for me than adding an open network or dealing with new hardware.

 

[tanaquil]

WiFi access (WPA2) on any device with an Ethernet port, so even down to my Mac IIx

Wait, what? How does this work? I tried to read some of the description at the linked site but didn't find it very clear. I would love to know how to access my Ethernet-capable machines without hauling them into the already overcrowded office where the router is.

I'm not worried about going on the internet, but I really like to transfer files over Ethernet/local FTP.

 

[LazarusNine]

At the outset, I'd suggest looking up the online manual by searching for it using the model number. I'm happy to explain the process in general terms, but it's been a little while since I set it up.

Basically, the adapter looks like it's just a little mini WiFi router, which it is, but it also has other functionality as well. You plug it into a modern computer via USB and then open a browser and go to a specific address (it's in the documentation). There, you can edit the mode you want to use the thing in. So, 'client' mode turns it into a WiFi receiver rather than an access point. You then enter the credentials for your regular WiFi network. Once everything's done, you unplug it and then plug it into your older Mac using the Ethernet cable (provided). It still needs power via its USB cable, but I just use a wall adapter with a USB port if the thing is stationary (this is less of an issue with computers with USB ports). Anyway, once it's all plugged in, make sure you change your TCP/IP settings to Ethernet if they're not already and you're pretty much good to go!

Yeah, it really does work. I use it mainly to easily transfer files from my newer Macs to my older ones. I have a G4 Mac Mini set up as a little file server. It's nice, because System 7 and OS 10.11 can each access it. On System 7, I go through Chooser and type in the computer's IP address on the network (which I've made static), pop my credentials in and then I'm good to go. The adapter is great, though. Maybe I'll make a YouTube video at some stage and share it. All the best if you decide to go this route.

 

[Forrest]

On my 700MHz G3 iBook running OSX 10.4.11, I'm using an Edimax EW-7811Un - a small 802.11n adapter available from Amazon and Newegg for $8.99. This adapter will let you connect to a WPA2-PSK encrypted network. If you use this adapter, you'll also need to download and install the 1.0.0.5 driver from Edimax

 

[techknight]

I keep a router specifically for my older macs, connected to my main router. Double-natted. Which isn't necessarily good, but who cares? I have every port blocked but 80 and any other necessary ports I might need, as well as broadcast off and some other stuffs. 

Short from creating a VPN to access the internet, not sure what else to do to secure it. ya know? 

only other option would be a wireless to ethernet bridge. Good for older macs, but cumbersome to wifi enabled newer macs... 

 

[asaggynoodle]

I too adore my Graphite iBook G3 but do you know of a solution to access Internet via current Airport Base Station? 

The iBook's card only accesses WEP and I have set my Base Station to WPA for security (anyway it doesn't support WEP now as far a I know).

I have the original flying saucer Base Station. I tried to use that as a Bridge but no joy.

I see others have used a USB adapter (Trendnet TEW-424UB 802.11b/g wireless adapter).

Any other solutions iBook owners here have successfully used?

Thanks.

Michael

I've used the Edimax 7811un, I've mentioned it in my video in one of my posts. Works with N and WPA2. Otherwise you could open a new network with no security but disable its SSID broadcast. Then apply a MAC address filter to only allow the iBook to connect to it. That way nobody else can get access to the network (Plus they wont see it). 

 

[Byrd]

On my 700MHz G3 iBook running OSX 10.4.11, I'm using an Edimax EW-7811Un - a small 802.11n adapter available from Amazon and Newegg for $8.99. This adapter will let you connect to a WPA2-PSK encrypted network. If you use this adapter, you'll also need to download and install the 1.0.0.5 driver from Edimax

This is really good info, thanks - it looks like a good product; is the software OK under OS X?  I'd previously held onto an ASUS wireless-n dongle for my G4 Cube, but the software is highly unreliable.

 

[tanaquil]

Lazarus9 - thanks so much for the info, I will definitely check that out. Travel and work have been killing my forum time.

 

[LazarusNine]

I hear you! Next week is going to be hellish for me. Not looking forward to it! In any case, I'm glad you have a few options on the table regarding a decent networking solution.