Creating a wireless network

[lufwa]

Apologies if this question has already been posted, but I didn't find what I needed searching the forums. I've been using macs for years and am usually reasonably competent, so I feel like a bit of an idiot for having so much trouble with this...

I have a mini and an ibook, both with airport cards. I recently purchased a netgear dg632 modem/router and managed to set it up with my mini to get on the internet using the ethernet cable it came with. I was under the impression when I bought the router I would be able to set up a wifi connection amd not need an ethernet connection between the two, however when I've disconnected the cable nothing happens.

Here's where the ibook comes in. I'd like to network it with the mini and share the internet connection. I think it's almost there, but not quite. The mini 'connects to the file server' ibook, but it's not a reciprocal arrangement. The ibook can't access files on the mini. I've been through the sharing preferences and personal file sharing is on for both computers and they both say 'other users can access your computer at ...'

Please help... I must be having a mental block or something because I've been fiddling around with this for days with no luck.

Thanks

luf.

ps. I should add that the mini is using 10.4.6 and the ibook 10.3.9

 

[gallagb]

shorter version

make sure airport is turned on
(both machines)

follow the directions that came w/ the netgear
they might need you to 'setup' the router...etc
before it can broadcast a signal...etc- i know this is the step i always forget

others can give you more specific directions if need b

 

[lufwa]

Thanks. Airport is definitely on and I've just checked the router setup again and it looks like if NAT is enabled internet access should be shared across the LAN... it is enabled... so could it be my half-functional network causing the problem?

luf.

 

[lufwa]

Aaaarrg. Finally got through to Netgear's support line. Apparently I've been sold the wrong router and it's not wireless... that was two days well spent.

Anyway, so I'm back at square one. All I want is something I can plug into the phone line that will send internet wirelessly to my two computers without hassle or cables.

I read somewhere that to do this with an Airport Extreme base station I'll need to buy an ethernet modem as well. Is that correct? Does the Airport Express base station require an ethernet link to the computer? I wish I could find this information in simple English, but I'm really struggling.

Thanks.

luf.

 

[Nickygoat]

You have 2 options open to you.
First up is to leave it the way it is and use the mini wired into your router (the Netgear) and then turn on Internet Sharing.
System Preferences->Sharing->Internet then tick off the box for Airport and then Start.
This means that the iBook can connect through the mini to the internet. Downside is that the mini has to be on if you want to use wireless.
You already have an ethernet modem so to go completely wireless you just need a wireless router. Personally I wouldn't bother with an Airport Extreme/ Express. Buy a Linkysys WRT54g (also at PC World for £48, and is a collect at store item - this is useful. It means that you order it from their online store, wait an hour, then go and pick it up and pay the cheaper internet price.)
Just plug the phone into the Netgear, the Linksys into the Netgear and you're good to go. If you have the Netgear configured to your broadband account then the mini and the iBook should (touch wood) just connect straight in.
HTH