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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Cannot connect to protected networks

burning_jonny - Sep 11, 2007 - 1:40 pm

Until the other day my iMac G5 had no issue connecting to my Airport Express. Now I have no connection. Allow me to elaborate:

I normally configure my network to be WPA2 protected, access control for my MAC address, interference robustness on, multicast rate set to highest (the base station is just on the other side of the wall) and change the channel to something besides 6 (there are many networks around my apartment). As well, I do not broadcast my SSID. This has worked great for me the past few years.

One morning, after leaving Azureus open all night, my Airport was disconnected. I tried turning it off, then on. I also tried shutting down my computer for a while. I unplugged the Express during this time as well. Everything back on, still no dice.

I factory reset the Airport Express, and my iMac connected fine. I proceeded to configure with my previous settings, except for hiding my SSID, and then it would not reconnect once the base station restarted.

Thinking it may just be that my Express was dead, I ordered a new Airport Extreme. In the meantime, I switched to a Microsoft wireless router. With this, factory settings were fine. As soon as I enabled WEP, my connection went dead once again. For the time being, I used it with no protection, only MAC filtering.

Last night, I set up the my new Airport Extreme. I set it up normally, but it wouldn't reconnect after configuring. So I started from scratch.

I tried a process of elimination, configuring one setting at at time. I didn't bother with the multicast though, nor hiding my SSID. One by one, everything was fine. For the rest of the evening, everything was great. Full signal strength.

To put things to the test, I left Azureus open for the night. I should note that I have opened the port for Bittorrent as well. This morning, I am unable to connect, yet again.

I'm thinking of reformatting and reinstalling my system. I'm not sure if this will make any difference. I have on order a QuickerTek nNano, but since this uses my iMac built-in antenna, I wonder if this will just be a waste of money.

Any insight into my problem will me much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jonathan

Natobasso - Sep 12, 2007 - 12:56 pm

Create a Location for your internet connection (apple menu/location). I imagine your computer 'forgot' your connection and is trying to connect to another one in your area automatically.

burning_jonny - Sep 12, 2007 - 1:34 pm

I have been doing some more troubleshooting, and think I am onto something. I brought an iBook into the mix. I set up the base station with it, and it configured fine. I was able to connect my iMac as well.

So last night, I again tried to download something with Azureus overnight. This morning I could not connect with either the iMac or iBook until I cycled the power of my Airport Extreme.

I think possibly my Bittorrent client is making too many connections, and overloading the base station. I have to verify this in my settings later today, when I get home.

But that does not explain why I could not connect the iMac earlier to my other base stations after security was applied...perhaps your reply may be the solution. Just to make note, when they actually would appear in the Airport list, I could not connect anyways. The only solution was the factory reset.

Natobasso - Sep 12, 2007 - 1:55 pm

I'd venture to guess you're serving files from bittorrent and it might overload your wireless connection from sheer volume of files, or your isp could step in and limit your data flow on their end if they detect it.

Let me know what happens.

burning_jonny - Sep 14, 2007 - 8:47 pm

Hey, sorry for not getting back sooner.

As I had suspected Azureus (v3.0.2.2) to be the root of my troubles, I tried switching to Transmission v0.82. I've been up for most of the day...with no issues whatsoever.

I have subscribed to a few topic in Apple's support forum that indicate I am not alone in this problem:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread....readID=1129594
http://discussions.apple.com/thread....readID=1065805
http://discussions.apple.com/thread....readID=1129723

Perhaps I mistakenly believed this to be a problem with my computer or Airport Express? I'm not sure what had been changed in the new version of Azureus to trigger such a problem.

I'd like to take a little more time to see if everything works fine over 24 hours. Thanks.

Natobasso - Sep 15, 2007 - 1:58 pm

Sure! Let me know what happens. Have you created a location yet?

burning_jonny - Sep 15, 2007 - 2:04 pm

I have left the thing on all night...no problems yet to speak of. I have not created a location -- I have left it as 'Automatic', but have added my network into "By defult, join: Preferred networks". What are the benefits of creating a location?

Natobasso - Sep 15, 2007 - 2:06 pm

Location ensures you know exactly which network you're connecting to at all times. If you have more than one you can switch just by switching 'locations'. If you only have one network, it keeps you from logging onto unprotected networks. I have a few in my apartment complex as you may do...

burning_jonny - Sep 15, 2007 - 2:13 pm

Okay...I have used this on my sister's MacBook. I don't bother with it on my iMac, as I'm always asked before I join any open networks.

So anyways, I think I solved my problem...though it didn't really explain why the Express stopped working with my iMac. I guess what matters is that I'm up and running now.

Thanks, Natobasso.

Natobasso - Sep 15, 2007 - 2:15 pm

I still think you should set up a location on the iMac. It will eliminate that as a possible issue, beyond your Express.

Shall I close this thread?

burning_jonny - Sep 15, 2007 - 2:21 pm

Sure, go ahead. Thanks.