Though AirPort cards are only for use with Apple computers that include an AirPort card slot, earlier PowerBook computers that have a free PCMCIA (PC) card slot may connect to an AirPort network with a third-party wireless card such as the Lucent WaveLAN, Agere ORiNOCO, or Farallon SkyLINE. For Mac OS 9, only 802.11b cards from some third-party vendors will be compatible. 802.11g or 802.11b/g cards will not work with the AirPort software included in OS 9. For more information about this topic, please see the document "Installation Instructions" included on the AirPort disk. For information on Mac OS X and wireless PC card compatibility see technical document 106205: "Mac OS X, AirPort: Third-Party Wireless PC Cards Do Not Work With AirPort Client Software."
Figure 1 Location of Installation Instructions
Connecting to an AirPort Base Station without an AirPort card
Any computer that works with an IEEE 802.11 DSSS-compliant wireless interface card and its required software can connect to an AirPort Base Station. This applies to both Macintosh computers and those that use other operating systems. A computer connected with a third-party card can utilize TCP/IP-based services on the network, including Internet access where available. Computers without a PC card slot can utilize the AirPort Base Station as a router via Ethernet. See Note 1.
Using an AirPort Card
See the Apple Spec Database if you are unsure if your computer is compatible with the Apple AirPort card.
Using AirPort Admin Utility software
You may use the AirPort Admin Utility version 1.1 or later with any Macintosh computer that is connected to an AirPort Base Station either wirelessly or via Ethernet. If the software is not already on your computer, you may copy the Base Station Extras folder from the AirPort disc to the Macintosh from which you wish to use it. See Note 4.
Notes
Note: Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and an Internet service provider, for which fees may apply. Some ISPs are not compatible with AirPort. For more information, see technical document 106590: "AirPort: Requirements for Wireless Internet Access."
Figure 1 Location of Installation Instructions
Connecting to an AirPort Base Station without an AirPort card
Any computer that works with an IEEE 802.11 DSSS-compliant wireless interface card and its required software can connect to an AirPort Base Station. This applies to both Macintosh computers and those that use other operating systems. A computer connected with a third-party card can utilize TCP/IP-based services on the network, including Internet access where available. Computers without a PC card slot can utilize the AirPort Base Station as a router via Ethernet. See Note 1.
Using an AirPort Card
See the Apple Spec Database if you are unsure if your computer is compatible with the Apple AirPort card.
Using AirPort Admin Utility software
You may use the AirPort Admin Utility version 1.1 or later with any Macintosh computer that is connected to an AirPort Base Station either wirelessly or via Ethernet. If the software is not already on your computer, you may copy the Base Station Extras folder from the AirPort disc to the Macintosh from which you wish to use it. See Note 4.
Notes
- 1. If you are using a non-Apple 802.11 DSSS interface card, verify full AirPort compatibility with the vendor of the card.
2. The Indigo iMac (Summer 2000) computer with a 350 MHz microprocessor does not include an AirPort card slot.
3. The parenthetical product description (Summer 2000) refers to the summer of the Northern Hemisphere.
4. You do not have to use the AirPort Installer for the AirPort Admin Utility to work. In fact, the Installer does not work on some Macintosh computers. For related information, please see:
Article 58584: "AirPort: Configuring a Base Station With a non-AirPort-Capable Computer"
Note: Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and an Internet service provider, for which fees may apply. Some ISPs are not compatible with AirPort. For more information, see technical document 106590: "AirPort: Requirements for Wireless Internet Access."