Macbook taking awhile to see and connect to Airport Extreme

Hi yes, this might be a simple fix as I'm doing all the software updates right now. This has been going on for a little while and I'm just curious to know why when I open the Macbook from sleep, it takes a good 15-20 seconds to pop-up that it has connected to the Airport Extreme. My brother stopped by the other night with his Macbook Pro and had no problems. His connected in about 1-2 seconds after opening his up. He said his seemed to be browsing the net fine while I can feel myself age as I browse the net on my Macbook. The Macbook is the 13" 2Ghz Intel Core Duo, not the 2, model. If anyone has any fixes for this, or know or have had this problem, please forward along any info. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.
-Al

Yes and no.
The MacBook Pro's case is metal where the cases of the MacBooks are polycarbonate.
Since metal attenuates RF frequencies, MacBook Pros (and before then PowerBooks) have always had slightly worse AirPort performance than MacBooks (and before that iBooks.)
However the difference should not be so great as to prevent you from getting onto your local network unless it's a very weak signal to begin with.

Similar Messages

WIndows can see and connect to Airport but...

Windows XP SP2 on HP Compaq NX9110. Airport Express. ADSL modem linked via Ethernet Switch.
The situation:
Windows can connect to the Internet via Ethernet cable.
Windows can connect to the Airport Network.
WIndows cannot connect to the Internet via Airport.*
WIndows cannot connect to other Macs via Ethernet or Airport.*
One mac on Ethernet, one Mac on Airport - both Running 10.3.9., and one Mac on Airport running 10.4.10. The macs can see each other, and connect to the internet via Airport or Ethernet, whichever combination I use.
Any suggestions regarding the WIndows machine?
Christo.

WINDOWS PROBLEM SOLVED - WOHOO!
The XP laptop had IP settings were configured manually, which were setup for my old network settings, and which never worked properly at all.
After switching to automatic settings (DHCP - distributed by the router) and restarting, internet access is now working, the macs can see the PC and connect.
At this point the PC can't see the macs, but I have a suspicion that the workgroup settings on the PC may need some adjustment.
The advice and suggestions certainly pointed me in the direction to look. And it turned out to be quite simple in the end. Doh!
My next endeavor is to setup an 'ethernetted mac' as a server so it can host a website that can be accessed via the internet outside of my network.
If anyone can point me to a discussion or website that explains this it would be greatly appreciated.
Christo.

Not able to see disk connected to AirPort Extreme 802.11n

I just installed my AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wireless Base station. Wireless internet works like a charm, however, I cannot see my external hard disk when it is connected to the base station (amber light blinking and when checking the problem, I am told that "Disk needs repair"). When connecting the hard disk directly to the PC, I have no problem seeing the data. Any tips or tricks out there... ?
AirPort Extreme 802.11n Windows XP

I finally got my 500 GB Western Digital MyBook USB drive to work by reformatting it to HFS+ format.
Of course, before I could do that, I had to copy all my files onto another hard drive. That job took a day to accomplish.
I work with Poser, and have a lot of content installed... We're talking thousands of files.
Once the drive was reformatted to HFS+ format, I copied everything back over. That took another day. Then I connected to the AEBS.
The USB drive was immediately recognized. It was incredibly easy to access the USB drive on my PCs. It required no effort on my part, except to supply the password.
In the end, I've decided this effort is a failure.
The drive is way too slow for my needs. Also, one of my vital Poser utilities (CorrectReference Pro) will not work properly with the USB drive on the AEBS.
I am currently in the process of copying all those files over to two external USB hard drives attached to my other PC.
Then I plan to unmount my 500 GB MyBook drive, and reformat it back to NTFS. I'll let the Notebook PC have it on a direct connection again.
I have a couple "junk" External Hard drives that are 160 GB. Maybe I'll use one of those as an Airport disk...
But I won't be using the Airport disk for anything important. It's too slow.

Parallels with Windows XP and connecting to Airport Extreme Wifi

I would like to be able to go on the web on the Parallels side of my MacBookPro but can't seem to do it. Does anyone know the workflow in Parallels/Windows XP to connect that side of my laptop to my Wifi connection? I've tried Network Connections > Create New Connection, but it doesn't work. I also tried Control Panels > Wireless Network Setup, which allows me to select the name of my Airport Extreme to add a new computer to the network. However, when I click Next, I get Use a USB flash drive or Set up a network manually. It still doesn't let me connect the Windows side to the Internet via the Wifi connection, and I don't think the Wifi connection is working on that side. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen

P.S. Under Network Connections > Details, it says
Local Area Connection
LAN or High-Speed Internet
Connected
Parallels Network Adapter
IP Address:
(address shown)
Subnet Mark: (shown)
Automatic Private Address
When I go to Internet Explorer, it says I'm not connected. ???

MacBook Pro can't see and connect to WiFi but adjacent MacBook can

My wife and daughter both have MacBooks and can see a lot more local WiFi networks that I can on my MacBook Pro. In fact I'm using my wife's MacBook to post this topic since I can't get online with my MacBook Pro. I've compared the settings between the computers and can't see a difference. Could it be that the MacBook Pro has a "weaker" AirPort card in it or is there something I've done?
Thanks.

Yes and no.
The MacBook Pro's case is metal where the cases of the MacBooks are polycarbonate.
Since metal attenuates RF frequencies, MacBook Pros (and before then PowerBooks) have always had slightly worse AirPort performance than MacBooks (and before that iBooks.)
However the difference should not be so great as to prevent you from getting onto your local network unless it's a very weak signal to begin with.

Apple TV often drops connection with AirPort Extreme and Express stations

Here's my setup:
- Mac Pro in basement office connected to AirPort Extreme (802.11n) station via Ethernet
- AirPort Extreme station running WPA/WPA2 security and 802.11n (b/g compatible)
- AirPort Express station across basement room connected to stereo expressly for AirTunes purposes
- Apple TV and MacBook Pro on house ground floor, both connecting to the network via WiFi
(unless specified, the software and firmware in my devices is all extremely up to date. I write about Apple news for a living so I know when the updates land and install all of them almost immediately)
Here's what's going wrong:
Since I have one of the first gen Apple TVs with a 40GB hard drive but a 100GB iTunes library, I use streaming almost 100% of the time. The Apple TV can usually connect to my iTunes library for streaming via WiFi, but if the AirPort Express (a b/g device, mind you) is active on the network, the Apple TV and even my MacBook Pro get booted off the network usually between 12-24 hours, if not 48. Sometimes WiFi seems to work itself out and I can get the MacBook Pro back online, sometimes it even needs a full restart, as Mac OS X will start giving me nothing but "there was an error trying to join this network" warnings. Just as frustrating though, the Apple TV getting booted off means I need go through the whole tedious process of connecting it to WiFi again (it doesn't remember the password for some stupid reason), and then manually surfing again through the Sources list just to get back to streaming my media.
What the heck is going on? Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all? I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore; it's all just flavors 802.11n now. When I set up the AirPort Express to connect to the network just for AirTunes streaming to the stereo, I used the setup wizard that the AirPort Utility provides. Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?"
Any thoughts or similar experiences are very, very appreciated. My wife and I love this setup, but its unreliability is really getting on my nerves. Thanks in advance.
Message was edited by: bedoughty

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Macbook pro connects to airport extreme only 50% of the time

Hi,
I have a mac book pro that i use with an airport extreme unit. When the laptop comes out of hibernation it does not connect to airport extreme. I have to put it back to sleep and start for the second time for it to connect. Any ideas on what the problem is?
thanks!
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Hi Laurent,
although I was given the advice earlier that I should simply take the machine back to the shop, or call the help centre, I ended up just praying that it would be OK. A couple of days after I posted the message I think there was an update to download and install, just a regular one from Apple from the Software Update option for the operating system or it may have been one for Final Cut Pro X, and once it installed I never had the problem again, so my prayers were answered.
It was pretty scary at the time because I thought it must be some hardware malfunction, but because it was resolved through an update it suggested it was a software issue. Hopefully it is the same with you.
I'm now running 10.7.2 and have had no recurrence of the problem in many months, thankfully.
It might have nothing to do with it, but the only other two things that may have somehow caused errors in the system startup (and I doubt these will be "unrelated" to people who know how computers work better than I do, but I feel I should mention them just in case), but I also updated Final Cut Pro X from a glitchy version to version 10.0.2 around the same time, and I also had an application installed which didn't function correctly in OS10.7 called PowerController (a simple app that can start up the computer at a set time and play music from iTunes as an alarm clock) and it was in the group of apps that were set to start at the starting up of the computer.
Anyway, I hope your problem is resolved as easily. Pray about it too!

Problems with Macbook wireless connection to Airport Extreme

I have been experiencing an issue with setting up and connecting my Macbook (new in April 08 and running OS X 10.5.5) and a new Airport Extreme purchased a few days ago. Essentially the Macbook struggles to connect wirelessly, or even to recognise the airport extreme. When connected directly using an Ethernet cable their are no problems (this is ultimately how I configured the airport extreme). The airport extreme wireless connection works faultlessly with my 3G iPhone and the Macbook seems to connect fine to other wireless networks. Anyone got any ideas / suggestions?

It sounds like we may have similar problems. I have a new MacBook Pro and I just bought a new AEBS 802.11n. It shows up intermittently on the MacBook available networks and I can only occasionally configure it using the airport utility, but then it fails to connect after that and I have to reset the AEBS and start over. Curiously, the AEBS shows up consistently on my iPhone, so I think this is a problem on the MacBook side. Unfortunately I can't configure the AEBS via the iPhone (at least I don't think I can).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Recently moved and installed ATT DLS - I use their wireless router and connectted my airport express - Now I'm getting the Blue ? on some images

Recently moved and installed ATT DLS - I use their wireless router and connectted my airport express - Now I'm getting the Blue ? on some images - and at times - videos don't load. I've increased / deleted Cache. Suggestions? Misconfig? Could it be possible my configuration from MacBook to router isn't correct?
Thanks!

JG,
Thanks for the info.
Couple of questions. I found an apple support document on this topic that opened with this line:
"AirPort Express and all AirPort Extreme base stations can use WDS. Earlier AirPort base stations can't."
If the TC is an airport extreme base station, why can't this work to extend the network? I think I misunderstand. Here is the full article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2044?viewlocale=en_US
If I buy a new airport extreme, set it to wireless-n only as my main router, am I correct that my existing time capsule could be used as a bridge if plugged in upstairs?
Final question (and that should do it), could I take this old airport express, plug it in upstairs using the ethernet connection, and just create a separate wireless network to use with a different name?
I'd like to keep one network if possible but just kicking around short term solutions.
Thanks again.

Losing connection and visibilty of Airport Extreme N

Hi,
I have a 17 inch iMac and an Airport Extremem N Base Station.
The iMac also sports an "N" compatable airport card that came included with it.
After connecting my iMac to the router all stays ok for a couple of weeks most of the time then BAM, the iMac drops off the router and can no longer see it to reconnect. Any other devices I have can see and connect to the router without any issues at all.
This has happened a couple of times to me now. The only way I can get the iMac back on the network is to completely reset the router and set up a new network.
But even here I am having issues, sometimes I have to reset the router 6 or 7 times before the iMac actually sees it. It can take 20 minutes or more for the router to show up on the iMac. I have an old airport express base station that shows up immediately when I reset it.
Is anyone else having this issue? Or does anyone know what is happening or how to fix it?
At this stage Im ready to throw the iMac and the router out the window its so infuriating.
Thanks a million.

Having almost the same issue here. Apple rep recommended I try the iMac on another network to see if the same problem persists. I have not tried to use Channel 7 on the Airport Extreme but I will try prior to lugging it to an Apple Store to test it out.
I have a feeling that the latest update (003) messed up something or that my Airport card is fried. But only time will tell.
RtC

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme.
Sorry, but no.
Time Machine will backup your Mac, but not the hard drive attached to the AirPort Extreme.
Time Machine will back up a hard drive only if it is attached directly to your Mac via USB or FireWire.

Time Machine doesnt see my USB drive, connected to Airport extreme =(

Hello,
I've been trying to figure this one out for almost 3 weeks now, but with no luck. I have a usb hard drive, connected to airport extreme. I've clicked on "setup time machine", select "choose disk", there is no disk to select. So I click on the "set up time capsule, it takes me to airport utility. I then click on the "disk" button and file sharing is enabled.
I can mount the disk through the finder, just fine and able to transfer files back and forth, however time machine cant seem to pick up the drive. Would love to be able to use time machine to do backups, So can someone please help?
osx 10.5.5 with airport utility 5.3.2
Thanks in advance!

Well this has worked for me. I have a Freecom 500Gb usb hard Drive connected through an unpowered 4-way USBhub to an Airport Extreme Base station. After mounting the Air Disk hard drive on my powerbook, I then dragged the disk to my user folder, thereby creating an alias. I have put that alias in my login items and now TimeMachine works beautifully. I've repeated it on a Mac Mini (also using OSX 10.5.5) and that seems to be fine too. Admittedly the back-ups take a long time over airport, but fine via Ethernet.
Good luck everyone who struggles with this.
David

I moved to new house where I have wifi base station I made extension via TP-link power line adapter and connect my Airport utility 6.3.2, but I don't now how to set up as a second network with one IP address?Could you help me please?

I moved to new house where I have wifi base station I made extension via TP-link power line adapter and connect my Airport utility 6.3.2, but I don't now how to set up as a second network with one IP address?Could you help me please?

Urvergessen wrote:
+You may have already done this, but do you have the first AirPort Express configured to "Allow this network to be extended"?+
Could not find that setting anywhere.
It's in AirPort Utility, AirPort panel, Wireless tab.
When I'm within the range of the base station I connect normally, but further away the connection drops despite the fact that the other Airport is very close and light is green. Interestingly, my PB Pro has signal almost everywhere in the house, but my iPhone and Mac Mini don't. Most likely just a hardware difference?
In AirPort Utility with the second Express, in the AirPort panel, Wireless tab, have you checked "Allow wireless clients"?
The second AP does show an IP address: 10.0.1.3.
With a "Configure IPv4" setting of "Using DHCP", that suggests that the second Express really is connecting to the first Express. In that case I have no other explanation of your your problem.

My iMac and iPad keep loosing the wireless connection to Airport Extreme issue started after I installed Lion?

Since installing Lion, I have been loosing my connection to airport Extreme after I have put my IMac in sleep mode. My Ipad is also loosing the connection. This issue started since the installation of Lion, is anyone else experiencing the same thing?

I've had that problem on my macbook running 10.5.8 for a few years. Sometimes it's worse than others. No other computer in my house has this problem.

Cannot see hard drives on airport extreme

Recently I cannot see hard drives on the network that are connected through Airport Extreme . The airport Extreme can see the drives, but the network cannot. I have not changed any settings that I know of. Only a reset of my macbook pro running Mavericks allows me to gives me access to the drives. Airport utility 6.3.2

+I will check when I get home. How do I do that?+
Connect the drive directly to a USB port on your Mac.
Then open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility
Click on the drive in left hand panel and look for information at the bottom of the window about the disk
Your drive may be formatted as Windows NFTS. If that's the case, you will need to reformat the drive to work at the USB port of the AirPort Extreme. Be sure to copy any data that you need to another drive (maybe twice to be sure) before you do this as the reformat will erase all data on the drive.
When you are ready, click the Erase tab and then select MS-DOS (FAT) as the format so both PCs and Macs will be able to read the files.
Then copy a small test file back over to the FAT drive and plug the drive into the USB port on the AirPort Extreme. Restart everything on your network starting with the modem first, then device attached to the modem, etc.
On you Mac, open Macintosh HD and check to see if your AirPort Extreme icon appears under the SHARED heading on the left side of the window. If so, click the icon and folder will appear to the right representing your drive. Double click this folder to reveal the contents and mount the drive on your desktop. You should see your test file. Make sure it is operable..music plays, video works, etc.
Sorry, I haven't used Windows in 3-4 years and cannot remember how to access drives, but I would start with My Computer and start poking around. You want to verify that your PC can access and play the files as well.
If everything is OK,you can copy all your backup files back onto the USB drive attached to the AirPort Extreme. Keep the extra backup copy handy for awhile, just in case as well.

Macbook taking awhile to see and connect to Airport Extreme

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