'another bizarre wifi connectivity question

In the last week or two my 2-year-old MacBook has developed an odd and increasingly frustrating problem -- hoping someone has advice: When the laptop gets more than about 5 feet from the wifi router it's using (whether the one in my apartment, or the one at my sister's place, or the one at the coffeeshop) it loses the signal. In fact, it doesn't just lose it - once about 20 feet away, the MacBook can't even find the signal. Even sitting two feet from the router, as I type, it only registers 2 or 3 bars bars, not full strength...
I'm pretty certain it's my laptop's problem, as my buddy has no problems in our apartment with his (even older) MacBook. Ditto my sister at her place. I'm a computer moron, so I've tried the basics, to fix this (turning the connection on/off, mucking with the preferences, even deleting the 'saved' networks and re-establishing them). Nothing's helping.
I don't know that I have every bit of firmware installed that I could - for some reason the Mac sorta balks after trying to install them - but I don't know that that's the problem, at all.
Anybody got a diagnosis/prescription? I'm a freelance writer and my computer and access to the Web are my life, so I'm increasingly aggravated and worried by this. Thanks.

Thanks for the reply.
Truth to tell, it SEEMS that some deterioration was happening even starting a few weeks ago, but I chalked it up to moving into a new apartment. But the truly now-it-doesn't-work-at-all started about 8 days ago, out of seemingly nowhere. I didn't do anything different that I can think of, to cause this - no deletions, nothing. After the severe problem began, I did some software upgrades I'd been putting off. But that shouldn't be the issue...
All I've done to try to fix this, to date, is turn the airport on/off, turn computer and router on/off, and then yesterday I tried going into network and preferences and clearing the preferred wifi networks and then re-establishing those. Still, so far, I'm getting thrown off the 3 wifi networks I've tried after about 6 or 7 feet away from the router, while others with MacBooks have no problem. And they sometimes don't even "see" the wifi signal anymore. Crazy.
I haven't tried an ethernet connection but will do so, today, when I get back to my own apt. after holidays. That would tell me if it has anything to do with the wifi signal?
I can certainly go by an Apple store. And buy an Airport card if needed. But I don't want to drop $300 if not absolutely necessary...
thanks for any other advice...

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Wifi connection question

hi i am about to set up a wifi connection on my 5800 express.
i obviously have a wireless network at home via laptop and pc but what i would like to know is when the phone is connected to the system am i using my service providers connection or is it my mobile phone operators connection (orange) to browse the web.
Sorry if this is a simple question but i would just like to know before i connect asi dont really want to run up a bill on my mobile for the internet.
Regards
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Your phone will use whichever provider you set it to use.
If you set up the WLAN access point correctly and use that to surf the 'net then it will use that. Presumably it's your normal ISP, not your mobile operator, on the other side of the wireless router.
If you leave Orange's packet data access point at a higher priority than the WLAN (by default, packet data is lower priority than WLAN) or if you don't install the WLAN at all, then the phone will use that instead.
When you have installed the WLAN access point, use the "Options" in the connectivity settings to make "Internet" your default destination. Make sure that the various applications you use are set to connect using the "default connection" where possible (these applications will try to use the WLAN first and then fall back on packet data if your WLAN isn't available). If an application doesn't allow you to set a destination as a preferred connection then set the WLAN explicitly.
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Bizarre WiFi Connectivity Issue; Self-Assigned IPs, Static IP Doesn't work

The short and sweet of the problem: Macs/Apple Devices are pulling self-assigned IP addresses when connecting to a Linksys EA6900/AC1900 router.
Here’s the detail: I am working at an office with 1 Airport Extreme and 1 Linksys EA6900/AC1900, both are configured for Bridge Mode and both use WPA. DHCP is being handled by a Watchguard XTM5 series firewall.
When Macs (and often iPhones) connect to the Linksys (on 2.4 or 5Ghz) they get a self-assigned IP address. If you enter a manual address you still do not have any connectivity. However, if you connect to the Extreme you will instantly get an IP address, and if you switch to the Linksys your DHCP address will carry over and you will retain connectivity. This problem does not happen to the Windows machines in the office- they all connect to all base stations without any issue. Total users on the network range from 5 to 20 WiFi users at any given time plus and AppleTV (also affected).
More info: When there are between 5-10 people in the conference room for a morning meeting the Macs will all revert to self-assigned addresses (even if they were working before). The workaround has been to connect to the Extreme, but there are occasions when this occurs that the Extreme will also not seem to pass the DHCP addresses from the firewall; addresses become self-assigned and you lose all internet. To make matters more odd, this behavior seems to really only affect the network during business hours; after hours the Linksys works pretty much normally and any device can connect without issue.
Things I’ve done: Run Wireshark and located a number of rogue devices that were handing out overlapping DHCP addresses. Identified machines that were ARP storming and removed them. Expanded the DHCP pool so that we aren’t running out of addresses and confirmed that we had enough by checking the logs.
More things I’ve done: Used Netspot to check signal strength and channel overlap and isolation. I have mapped the signal strength by location and we have strong signals to the various locations (the Linksys AP is 7 feet from the conference room). I have checked that the firmware is the most recent version.
I can’t find any logical reason for the Macs (and pretty much only the Macs/Apple devices) to not be picking up DHCP info through the bridge mode devices. I would tell them to get another Extreme but they are going to be deploying a Cisco Meraki system soon and I suspect that this problem will persist since the Linksys was put in place because the last AP displayed the same behavior with the Macs picking up self-assigned IPs. Affected Macs range from 2010 era MBP and Air to 2013 MBP and Air and they are running OSX 10.8 through 10.10.
As for the history of this network, I just walked into this company and know very little about how well it worked before, but apparently it has always been flaky according to the staff.

I agree that something isn't right; I am going to cut over DHCP services from the Watchguard to the newly deployed OS X Server tonight and see if that changes anything.
On the other hand, faulty DHCP server/client settings doesn't explain why applying a static IP still leaves you with no connectivity. I think that clue is also fairly important but I can't figure out what would be blocking connectivity on a static IP setup.

My laptop is connected to company LAN on wire and I have another active wifi connection provided by a router. Can I use the wifi connection for mozilla connection and the wired for everything else? I'm on Win7.

I have 2 simultaneous active connections:
no1: wired connection to company lan; private IP 172.19..
no2: wireless connection to unrestricted traffic router; private IP: 192.168...
my question: can I use the wireless connection for mozilla traffic and the wired for everything else?
I'm on Windows7 Prof, all security updates installed.

Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center >
Click Change adapter settings from left panel > Open the network connection you want to change the DNS servers for by right click and select Properties > Select
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties button > Choose the
Use the following DNS server addresses > enter the IP address for a
Preferred DNS server as well as an Alternate DNS server.
Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
This IP belongs to Google public DNS.
Note: Wired connections are usually labeled as Ethernet, while wireless ones are usually labeled as
Wi-Fi or Wireless Network Connection.
Uncheck Internet Protocol version 6
Mark as Answer if it's worked. Thanks. Balamurugan_Subramaniyan

Wifi connection question - please help

I have a Cable Internet connection connected to a Linksys SPA2102, behind the 2102 I have a Linksys wireless WRT54G Router. When I try and connect to my wifi via my iphone 3g the phone says its unable to connect. Its WEP enabled and I know my password is correct. Anyone have any ideas??
Thanks

Try restoring the iPad and try again.
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Iconia A1-830 has a Wifi connection problem when it out to 3-5 meters

I bought Aser Iconia A1-830 in BestBuy and after 10 days I found out the Wifi Connection problem. If you stay close to router (1-3 meters) the WiFi signal is Good (not excellent). If I go to another room - Wifi connection is Poor or disabled. I changed it for another one (the same model). The second model was perfect only 1.5 months and now it has the same wifi connection problem. Can somebody help me? Maybe the problem in my router, but why it worked 1.5 months?

I'm not sure what the real reason is, but I do know it's a it of a hassle getting the connectors pushed back on. They are very tiny and take some pressure to install and I could easily imagine a wire not completely tied in place moving enough to work loose. Let us know how yours comes out.

WiFi Connections in Airports

I was in two airports this week, and tried to use a service called DataValet. It's a free service in airport lounges in Canada. The iPod appears to properly connect to the network, as I get an IP address. When I open up Safari, it fails saying that I have a network problem. If I switch to another service/WiFi connection (a paid one) Safari properly opens up the opening page where they ask you to login or subscribe.
I tried hooking up my notebook to the DataValet service and it works fine. I use a PC with FireFox. Anyone have any ideas on how to solve this?

Hello,
Has anyone managed to get this working yet?
A few things you could try on top what has been suggested with the VPN clamp is to manually open ports on your firewall or put your device in the routers DMZ avoiding the firewall all together, this should be used to test only as if you don't have a firewall on your device you leave yourself a little open :-)
It is possible that the VPN services you wish to use are operating on custom ports for extra security, as your router will use network address translation from inside to outside the intial port will be opened automatically and the router will allow return traffic back on that port. However, if the return port is different to the port opened then the firewall may block it because it wasn't intiated from the client... (depends on your setup) What you would need to do is find the ports your VPN service uses, create a stactic IP for your device internally and then open and forward all ports required in and out to your internal device. This way the router will allow return traffic to reach your device.
The DMZ option basically moves your device from behind the firewall and will allow traffic to and from any host you connect to. You could try both these options but the first is the saftest way.
For a list of common ports you can try here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbers
I hope you have better luck and this may give you a hand in the right direction: http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43715/~/how-to-set-up-game-and-application-sharing%2F...
You can also see which ports are open on your service by port scanning your ip address here: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2 (make sure you scan all service ports)

My macbook air is not getting internet connection through our home wifi It was working fine yesterday until I took the Air out of the house and used it on another wifi connection.

My macbook air is not getting internet connection through our home wifi. It was working fine yesterday until I took the Air out of the house and used it on another wifi connection. One question is how to delete some of the networks that I don't use. Would too many networks cause the internet connection to fail?
Thanks.

Would too many networks cause the internet connection to fail?
It shouldn't but sometimes deleting the list of networks actually does solve the problem you are describing. Have you turned WiFi off and then back on on the computer?

Thinking of purchasing Time Capsule.... Can I access my documents saved on (Home Network) Time Capsule from another Network??? For instance, I can access my documents saved on MyBookLive (which is connected to my wifi) from ANY wifi connection...

Thinking of purchasing Time Capsule.... Can I access my documents saved on (Home Network) Time Capsule from another Network??? For instance, I can access my documents saved on MyBookLive (which is connected to my wifi) from ANY wifi connection... Like when I'm at school I can download documents stored on my MyBookLive at home.... I love this feature... But I would prefer to keep my products apple... So my question is can I access my documents from ANYWHERE with Time Capsule???
Other products I have: MacBook (2009 limited edition it's aluminum) two iPad2 (2012) iPhone 5 (2012) two iphone4 iPod touch (2010) iPod Nano (2011)

Remote access to TC is allowed by BTMM and iCloud service.
Not for ipad or iphone.. only the Macbook although I think people have some work arounds..
NOTE. Your school firewall should block it. If I was still working in network admin I would. ie you are risking the whole network to get access to files unchecked for viruses.. and please don't just say Macs don't get viruses, you can still be the source of the infection even if you don't suffer the disease. Just a carrier.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3486

How can i transfer a keynote presentation from an iPad to another iPad? I haven't a wifi connection.

How can i transfer a keynote presentation from an iPad to another iPad? I haven't a wifi connection.

Depends on how big the file is. If itis only a couple of pages, or mostly text, the easiest way would be to e mail it. If it is a very large file you are going to need wifi. Take both pads to starbucks, and e mail it from there. Or if you have wifi, use drop box, for example.
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With a bluetooth method, you need both devices in the same place. If you are trying to send your file across country, bluetooth will not work for you. you need e mail or drop box type solution, and if the file is big, you will almost certainly need wifi.

TS1398 my ipod will not connect to my home wifi, it can see it and asks for a password but will not connect. I have tried it at another location and it will connect to other wifi connections. I have another ipod that is connecting just fine to my home wif

My ipod will not connect to my home wifi, it can see it and asks for a password but will not connect. I have tried it at another location and it will connect to other wifi connections. I have another ipod that is connecting just fine to my home wifi.

- Reset the iPod. nothing is lost
Reset iPod touch: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
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My MacBook Pro will not connect to my home wifi but will connect everywhere else. My other Apple devices (I-pad, I-touch, another MacBook Pro) connect to the router without problems. It was working fine but all of a sudden stopped working.Thanks!

My MacBook Pro will not connect to my home wifi but will connect everywhere else. My other Apple devices (I-pad, I-touch, another MacBook Pro) connect to the router without problems. It was working fine but all of a sudden stopped working.Thanks!

try this.
get back into your router's settings and start deleting devices that are not connected to your router.
you can also delete the ones that are connected - they'll connect again.
on the DHCP side of it, increase the amount of users that can connect/log in to your router.
see if that sorts it out for you.
good luck.

I am using iPad1. Running v4.3 and when connecting to wifi iPad keyboard does not work. Keyboard works for everything else including typing this question out. Why would it not work when typingin password for wifi connection?

I am using iPad1. Running v4.3 and when connecting to wifi iPad keyboard does not work. Keyboard works for everything else including typing this question out. Why would it not work when typingin password for wifi connection?

Kowhai wrote:
Lots of WIFI needs a username and password to get access. I guess you're lucky and yours is set up unsecured.
Normal secured WiFi requires only a password to get access. The password is used to encrypt traffic between your device and the WiFi access point. If whatever you are using requires a username as well then it is not simply normal secured WiFi. It might be a subscription WiFi service like GOGO, ATT, etc., or a service with authentication, i.e., college campus, etc. To help you out we need to know what you are using and what connection dialog you are being presented with. You don't have exactly the same problem as the original poster. He is having a problem entering a password into the password dialog that iOS presents when one tries to connect to a normal secured WiFi network. Could you clarify exactly which WiFi service you are using.

Just bought a iPhone5, I cannot connect Wifi in my home, whereas, my another iPhone4 can connect Wifi, why? How to resolve? Pls advise. thx.

Just bought iPhone 5 and try to use Wifi at home, but it cannot connect Wifi, whereas, my another iPhone4 can connect Wifi, why? how to resolve? Pls advise. Thanks.

Make sure you're updated to iOS 6.0.2, I know that has had something to do with Wi-Fi for a lot of people.

Yet another iPhone WiFi thread - cannot connect to some OPEN networks

I make no apologies in starting another thread about iPhone WiFi connectivity. Judging by the number of references to WiFi issues in this forum, as well as on the Internet generally, this is a big issue with many users and yet there seems very little acknowledgement by Apple that there is problem.
In my case I have a first generation iPhone which works well on most WiFi networks, both open and closed, including my secured network at home, but cannot connect properly with some open networks. I have had this problem while using 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1 firmware.
Sometimes I get the "Cannot Connect ..." message and sometimes I am able to connect and obtain a good signal and see an IP Address and a Subnet mask, but no Router or DNS address.
I'll repeat that I talking about open networks, so there is no password issue. In one local cafe, I am unable to connect to a network that I used to be able to connect to routinely. I have talked to the owner, who is another Mac and iPhone user and he assures me that he has not changed any router settings.
Can anyone offer any suggestions beyond the usual re-setting and re-booting options? Is there something about iPhone MAC addresses or the WiFi signal that certain routers don't like?
Simon

This is not a solution to your problems but:
1- Expecting someone from Apple to respond here is a vain hope. This is a discussion forum for users and you can only expect responses from users. Talk to Apple tech support if you want a response from them.
2- I saw an item on an iPhone blog page somewhere yesterday saying that Apple was now replacing iPhones with this issue if you took it to an Apple store. Don't know if it's true but it also had a workaround that you could use for your own home network if you were having problems—and I am—and that workaround basically worked for me.
I turned wi-fi off on the phone and opened Airport Utility on my iMac. I turned wi-fi security OFF and then tried to connect. I actually got a connection straight away, and I noted down the IP addresses and subnet mask data from the DHCP screen in the iPhone's wi-fi network info screen. I then restored wi-fi security on my iMac. Of course that restarts the router and I lost my connection and when it started up again, the IP addresses had changed but the subnet mask had not. I swapped to the Static screen instead of the DHCP screen and edited all 3 IP addresses. That got me my connection back and it has continued to work throughout today. That's the best result I've had so far.
It seems to me that my iPhone has problems picking up the network data from my home network and I don't know why that is. I was at a friend's last night and tried to connect to his system and it connected straight away. I assume there's something about my settings which is problematic but I don't know what it is but at least now I have a workaround.
It's possible that something similar is going on for you with the public networks you're having problems with but, unfortunately, the workaround I tried won't work for you in a public network so that's probably not much help.
You could try taking your phone to an Apple Store and seeing if they exchange it. The blog I read suggested the magic words were "hardware problem". In my case I don't think it's a hardware problem but it may be in yours.

'another bizarre wifi connectivity question

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