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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Connection Via Airport

creekside - Sep 14, 2005 - 5:34 pm

I have problems trying to load web pages. Many times I get the following error message (using Safari and Tiger):

"Safari can’t open the page.
Safari can’t open the page “http://www.wunderground.com/US/PA/Littlestown.html”. The error was: “lost network connection” (NSURLErrorDomain:-1005) Please choose Report Bug to Apple from the Safari menu, note the error number, and describe what you did before you saw this message."

Sometimes reloading the page will allow it to go thru, but not all the time.

Also, many times the imbedded images in websites and in Mail will not load (get box with ?).

My wife's computer and my other computer are running earlier versions of OSX, and have the same problem, so I discounted a problem with Tiger.

I contacted my ISP (Direcway.com), and wondered if they were having DNS problems. No they said and suggested that I connnect my computer directily to the output of the modem -- cutting out the AirPort network.

I did so and the problem went away. All pages loaded properly and all pages/Mail with imbedded images loaded properly.

Knowing that the problem was in the network, I downloaded and installed all the latest updates to AirPort and the base station.

That didn't work. I still have loading problems.

What next? HELP!!!!!!!!

Thanks.......
Terry Scholle
tjschol@mac.com

puppetmac - Sep 15, 2005 - 12:48 pm

Hi Terry

I first recommend that you check signal levels for your wireless Airport system. If you could describe your system in more detail. Which computers are wireless and which are connected via cables. Where are the problems ? You may have a bad Airport box. Can you borrow an Airport box and see if probelm is resolved ? Move the computers and the Airport 10-20 feet from each other with no obstructions and see what happens. Report back the results to us.

Thanks

AGSC

creekside - Sep 15, 2005 - 4:19 pm

Hi AGSC,

Additional information: Signal levels at the machines are all 50/60+ except the PowerBook I sometimes use in my office next to my desktop computer(connected to AirPort and Direcway modem) which is only about 6' from the AirPort base. Other times it is used downstairs about 15' from an AirPort Express I use to extend the coverage (again, strong signal). My network has been operational for over a year.

This problem also exists on the desktop machine that isn't part of the wireless network (directly connected to modem and AirPort base via cable), yet when connected directly to the modem, the problem goes away.

The page loading/image problem has surfaced in the past weeks. Prior to that, all was well -- that is why I originally suspected a change at Direcway.

I'm not sure where I could 'borrow' another AirPort base to check for problems there. When I did update the base, express and my computer s/w, it seemed to have improved the situation a little -- but not cure the problem.

If you need additonal information, please let me know.....

Thanks....

Terry Scholle

puppetmac - Sep 15, 2005 - 5:05 pm

If you cannot borrow an Airport base, I suggest borrowing a wireless router. I have gotten wireless routers on eBay for as little as $10. If you go that route, I can talk you through using it. All evidence points at the base station right now.

By the way, are you using "b" or "g" ?

creekside - Sep 21, 2005 - 10:48 pm

I am using 'g' for all the computers on the network (except for Sally's old iMAC which is 'b' and for my PC which is 'b' also)

I have been doing some research on wireless routers and I think I have found one that isn't too expensive.

I can't seem to find anyone (on the net or friends) that can help me get a non-Apple product (wireless router) up and running. You mentioned that you would be able to do that for me. Does the set-up require that you know the brand of router??

I'm not comfortable buying a router that only has s/w for PCs and not having the ability to get it up and running to work with my Apple machines.

Thanks....

Terry Scholle

puppetmac - Sep 21, 2005 - 10:55 pm

I will walk you through the install. Most routers are "agnostic" and work with Macs. Best bet is to get a router that you can return if it does not work.

AGSC

creekside - Sep 30, 2005 - 5:50 pm

Thanks AGSC.

I can't stand the problem anymore so I am going to get a 'returnable' wireless ("g") router from Staples to satisfy myself that the Apple router is the problem. All the routers I looked at so far require the use of a PC to set the network up. I don't have a PC hooked to the network anymore (running Linux and the wireless card I am using doesn't support Linux). Shouldn't the router work 'right out of the box' like my AirPort base station did?

When I was at my sister-in-law's place I was able to connect to her wireless PC network as easily as I connect to mine at home.

What is the walk-thru procedure......

Thanks.....
Terry Scholle

puppetmac - Sep 30, 2005 - 6:03 pm

Although many routers advertise a Windows PC install program, I have yet to find a router made in the last 3 years that did not let you set it up using a web browser. Thus these routers can be set up using Windows, OS X, Linux or ......

The details of choosing the correct address in your browser depend on the router you buy. I can help you more once I know the brand and model #.

regards AGSC

creekside - Sep 30, 2005 - 9:22 pm

Thanks AGSC ....

I will stop off at Staples tomorrow and pick one up. When I do, I will be back in contact with you for help.

Thanks again!

Terry Scholle

creekside - Oct 1, 2005 - 10:12 pm

Hi AGSC,

I just picked up a Netgear wireless router model number WGT624v3. It was on sale. How do I set it up to work with my Apple network/computers?

Thanks.....

Terry Scholle

puppetmac - Oct 4, 2005 - 3:29 pm

Connect the router to the modem ethernet port. Do you have a DSL modem or a cable modem ? Otherwise I have egg on my face.
Look in the manual that came with the router to see what IP address it uses as default. Connect your Mac directly to one of the LAN ports and use your browser to type in the IP address it suggests. ( Probably 102.168.x.x )
AGSC

creekside - Nov 26, 2005 - 10:35 am

Back again with the same loading problems as before. I have installed a new wireless router (Belkin dual-band wireless a+g router (on sale)), as suggested, and there has been a very small improvement -- but not substantial. I still have problems loading pages and images.

Recap: This began several months ago, when my computers (all MACs running Tiger or Panther) connected to the Internet via Direcway (satellite) and an AirPort wireless router would not load web pages or email imbedded images properly. I contacted Direcway and tried to find out if anything had changed on that end. I was told (in broken English) that no changes were done on their end. Direcway suggested connecting one of my computers to the modem directly and see what happens. When connected directly to the modem, all is fine, indicating to me that the problem is with my network. Knowing the problem was in my network, I purchased the Belkin router and installed it. The loading problem happens only when connected to the Internet via wireless modem. I can use my laptop at school (connected to their network via wireless connection) with out any problem. No lost pages or images. New wireless router, same loading problems. Now what? What else could it be???

I called Belkin to see if they had any suggestions, but they were not very helpful (again, I spoke to people speaking broken English!). It seems that if you have an Apple machine, you are out in the cold when taking to the tech folks there. I talked to other MAC users I know and no one is able to help me. I can't believe that I am the only one with this problem. I have tried everything I can think of to try to solve this frustrating problem. I have even turned off the web proxy server to see if that was causing my problem. Nope.

Can you think of anything that may be causing the problem (some configuration setting in the router or on my computers to better handle non-Apple networking equipment).

What is especially frustrating is that I am taking an on-line course from Cornell/Penn State and I can't get the images to load properly for the course.

Another difficulty that has croped up is now with the Belkin router my AirPort Express (used to extend the network) doesn't recognize the new router. How can I get that to work????

Thanks.....

Terry Scholle