How best to get my OS 9.1 Powerbook to use WPA encryption

Question

My Wall Street Powerbook (upgraded to G4/500 with a USB adapter and Wavelan Silver [WEP] wi-fi card) can sometimes see but not successfully connect to public (or private, even with the password) wi-fi networks. I get a generic Airport error message that it cannot connect. I think it's because the network are WPA and WEP won't work with them. Thus, I'm looking for a way to add WPA capability to my PB.
I saw a post elsewhere on this forum about wireless ethernet adapters that can be used for this purpose. Problem is, only some are OS 9 compatible or even Mac-compatible, and they run close to $100. The one that are OS X-compatible can be configured first there, then used with an OS 9 Mac.
On the manufacturers' sites I also see USB wireless adapters, which are much cheaper. Can they be used with my PB? If they are OS X-compatible I could do the configuration (whatever that means) on my OS 10.4.11 Mac Mini.
To tell the truth I'm not sure what "configuration" means with wi-fi adapters but it seems to be a one-time thing and you don't have to use the adapter with the device you configured it with. If that's the case, why couldn't I just go to, say, MicroCenter, buy either a wireless ethernet or USB adapter, and have them configure it on one of their Windoze machines (or does it have to be a Mac, even one running a different OS from the intended hardware?)

Answer 1

I saw a post elsewhere on this forum about wireless ethernet adapters that can be used for this purpose. Problem is, only some are OS 9 compatible or even Mac-compatible, and they run close to $100.
A number of wireless Ethernet bridge devices (also known as gaming adapters) have WPA capabilities (with or without a firmware update). To be sure exactly which model (or versions of a model), check the specifications. You may want to have a closer look at, for example, D-Link DWL-G820, Linksys WET54G and Linksys WGA600N.
Generally speaking, security and all other wireless aspects are handled by the wireless Ethernet bridge. No special drivers normally needed. Therefore, you should not have a problem with system versions in this very case. A wireless Ethernet bridge can be used with older computers under almost any operating system. The main disadvantage here may be size and the need for an external power supply, which would make the wireless Ethernet bridge solution a little less portable.
To tell the truth I'm not sure what "configuration" means with wi-fi adapters but it seems to be a one-time thing and you don't have to use the adapter with the device you configured it with. If that's the case, why couldn't I just go to, say, MicroCenter, buy either a wireless ethernet or USB adapter, and have them configure it on one of their Windoze machines (or does it have to be a Mac, even one running a different OS from the intended hardware?)
With a wireless Ethernet bridge, you could carry out the initial configuration via another computer. On the other hand, bridge devices usually require a normal web browser for this task, so it may be possible to use an older Mac, too. Once configured, the wireless bridge acts rather independently (necessary when used with network printers et cetera).
The situation is quite different with USB wireless adapters. These units rely heavily on special driver software in close connection with an operating system. Most USB adapters need at least Mac OS X 10.3 (if Mac drivers are available at all).
Jan