Need Help with Airport Card performance

BeesDad · #1 July 6th, 2009, 09:05 PM

Hi All. Thanks for reading.

I have a MacBook, with OSX 10.4.11. It uses an AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x86) and it connects to a Linksys router (which is attached to my cable modem in the basement.

Approx. 4 days ago I started noticing that the signal strength would vary, and then drop off all together. I have reconfigured my router, downloaded the new firmware for it, and been online chatting with Linksys techs all day. We have had no problems for months with this router, or with signal strength.

My wife brought her MacBookPro home this evening to see if her machine would connect to our wireless network. Fired it up and no problem. Her machine, using the same airport card in it, had no problem with signal strength.

I'm confused and a bit frustrated. Other than this issue, my MacBook has operated just fine. Any one have any ideas?

Thanks,

Jim

djackmac · #2 July 6th, 2009, 09:22 PM

Try a safe boot. Boot holding the Shift key until you reach a login screen. Once booted into safe mode you may or may not be able test the wirless signal but safe boot clears alot of hidden caches and puts some things back in line. Just reboot normally after the safe boot and test signal levels.

BeesDad · #3 July 6th, 2009, 09:26 PM

djackmac, I'm a bit unclear, forgive my ignorance.

Do I:
- shut down
- restart and hold the shift key until the normal login screen comes up
- try to access the wireless....if I can, what does that mean? if I cannot?
- then shutdown and login like normal

Thanks again for any and all help.

djackmac · #4 July 6th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeesDad

- try to access the wireless....if I can, what does that mean? if I cannot?

Sometimes airport extreme hardware/services are unavailable while booted to safe mode. Also startup/login items are disabled as well as extensions. That's why I said if the wireless is available.

Jesse714 · #5 July 7th, 2009, 03:32 AM

Have you tried turning your Airport off, and then back on? What about your router? Is it next to anything that might interfere with the signal? I have my router and my modem right next to each other, and it wouldnt let me connect, so i called tech support and they said that its generally caused by interference from another device..