Airport has a self-assigned IP address...WHY?
 

I have had my iBook for 2 years and never had one issue connecting wirelessly. I use multiple wireless networks throughout the day.

Recently, I opened my iBook to see that I couldn't connect to the Internet. I tried several wireless networks.

Long story short Airport is assigning the IP address 169.254.194.18. Of course, this doesn't work. I am running three macs on my current wireless network, all using Airport, and the iBook is the only one having this problem.

It works in flashes or if I restart, but retreats to the same problem quickly.

I called AppleCare and they walked me through some stuff, but mostly tried to blame it on my router or modem. She wouldn't listen to the fact that it is happening on multiple routers and modems. :confused:

Thanks for any help!

Maybe there is a clue in the logs.
Launch the "Console" application (under /Applications/Utilities) and look for relevant error messages. Note that messages are labeled with the date & time so you can use that to locate the part of the log to look at. Copy & paste the relevant messages back here so we can see them.
Be sure to look at system.log as well as console.log (Use the "Logs" button (top-left) to see the various logs available - note that you will probably need to be an "admin" user to see the system.log)

What kind of router are you using? Are these machine able to get out to the internet? Have you checked the router to make sure that it isn't being given a self assigned WAN IP address?

What happens if you wire the machine in question directly to the router/cable modem? Are you still getting a self assigned IP address?

Haynes...
console.log
Mac OS X Version 10.4.8 (Build 8L127)
2007-02-25 22:51:10 -0600
2007-02-25 22:51:15.465 SystemUIServer[83] lang is:en
Feb 25 22:51:19 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:19 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:23 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:23 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:26 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:26 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:29 localhost pulsed[183]: Can't write PID file
Feb 25 22:51:29 localhost pulsed[183]: PULSE server ver 1.0 12/13/2006 (stand)
DOCK: CFMessagePortSendRequest returned -2
DOCK: CFMessagePortSendRequest returned -2

there is so much under system.log...I just copied some (let me know if you need more)
Feb 25 22:51:00 localhost DirectoryService[48]: Launched version 2.1 (v353.2)
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Jettisoning kernel linker.
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Resetting IOCatalogue.
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 0
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 1
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 1
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 1
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 1
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: Matching service count = 1
Feb 25 22:51:01 localhost kernel[0]: IPv6 packet filtering initialized, default to accept, logging disabled
Feb 25 22:51:02 localhost kernel[0]: UniNEnet: Ethernet address 00:14:51:09:2d:fc
Feb 25 22:51:02 localhost kernel[0]: AirPortPCI_MM: Ethernet address 00:11:24:c0:e1:15
Feb 25 22:51:02 localhost diskarbitrationd[42]: disk0s3 hfs 759F348A-FFD2-3C41-9136-7902A85EE463 Macintosh HD /
Feb 25 22:51:02 localhost launchd: Server 350b in bootstrap 1103 uid 0: "/usr/sbin/lookupd"[47]: exited abnormally: Hangup
Feb 25 22:51:02 localhost lookupd[64]: lookupd (version 369.5) starting - Sun Feb 25 22:51:02 2007
Feb 25 22:51:03 localhost configd[40]: WirelessConfigure: 88001003
Feb 25 22:51:03 localhost configd[40]: initCardWithStoredPrefs failed.
Feb 25 22:51:03 localhost configd[40]: WirelessConfigure: 88001003
Feb 25 22:51:04 localhost kernel[0]: [HCIController][setupHardware] AFH Is Supported
Feb 25 22:51:05 localhost kernel[0]: ATY,Snowy_A: vram [98000000:02000000]
Feb 25 22:51:05 localhost kernel[0]: ATY,Snowy_B: vram [98000000:02000000]
Feb 25 22:51:05 localhost /System/Library/CoreServices/loginwindow.app/Contents/MacOS/loginwindow: Login Window Application Started
Feb 25 22:51:06 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:06 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:06 localhost loginwindow[68]: Login Window Started Security Agent
Feb 25 22:51:07 localhost mDNSResponder: Adding browse domain local.
Feb 25 22:51:19 localhost kernel[0]: AirPort: Link Active: "Ezra710" - 001217e25345 - chan 6
Feb 25 22:51:19 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:19 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:23 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:23 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost launchd: Server 0 in bootstrap 1103 uid 0: "/usr/sbin/lookupd"[64]: exited abnormally: Hangup
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost lookupd[153]: lookupd (version 369.5) starting - Sun Feb 25 22:51:24 2007
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost configd[40]: executing /System/Library/SystemConfiguration/Kicker.bundle/Contents/Resources/enable-network
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost configd[40]: posting notification com.apple.system.config.network_change
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost launchd: Server 453b in bootstrap 1103 uid 0: "/usr/sbin/lookupd"[153]: exited abnormally: Hangup
Feb 25 22:51:24 localhost lookupd[156]: lookupd (version 369.5) starting - Sun Feb 25 22:51:24 2007
Feb 25 22:51:26 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC” instead
Feb 25 22:51:26 localhost mDNSResponder: Couldn't read user-specified local hostname; using default “Macintosh-001451092DFC.local” instead
Feb 25 22:51:29 localhost pulsed[183]: Can't write PID file
Feb 25 22:51:29 localhost pulsed[183]: PULSE server ver 1.0 12/13/2006 (stand)
Feb 25 22:51:41 localhost /usr/sbin/AppleFileServer: TIME-CHECK: NSLXStandardRegisterService took 1.645748 seconds!\n
Feb 25 22:51:42 localhost configd[40]: target=enable-network: disabled

roncross@cox.net

I have had the problem on a Linksys, Netgear, and three other wifi networks where I am not sure what they are using.

Currently, I have two other machines that are able to get out on the Internet and the iBook cannot. I haven't checked the router for the self assigned? shoud I?

I still have the same problem during a hard wire.

I am curious, what kind of environment are you using getting the self assign IP address for the ibook? It doesn't sound like this is in your home. Is this at a work environment or some other environment where someone else controls the modems gateways/routers? If someone else administers the modems, gateways/routers, you may want to ask them for a self assigned IP address

Do you only get the self assign IP in this one location are several locations?

Have you tried using Airport assistance by going to 'System Preference' -> Network -> Airport -> 'Assist me'?

When you go through this process, one of the first things it will ask you to do is to reset the modem/router/computers etc....

Exactly what do you mean that it retreat? When does it retreat? Does it retreat after you go to sleep, logout or while you are surfing? Does the wireless strength fades in and out?

This is probably obvious but it is a common mistake. Make sure that you can view and connect to the proper network under the Airport menu. You may inadvertently be on someone else's network.

I am having the problem in every location/environment I have tried. It has been in my home as well.

I have tried using Airport assistance and calling AppleCare.

I have reset the modem/router/computer (I don't quite understand why everyone wants to blame the modem or router; I have had this problem on a total of seven different wifi networks so far).

By retreat I mean that If I restart, Airport will work, but eventually go back to the self-assigned IP. It retreats after it goes to sleep and while I am surfing. I have never noticed any changes in the wireless strength.

I am sure I am on the correct network.

What you might try to do is remove the old location and creating a new location.

You would do this by going to 'System Preference' -> Network ->

Click on the location button and click on edit. Another window will pop up and then click delete. Remove all the locations and restart the machine. When you start back up, go back in and create a new location again and see if that clears up the problem.

If the problem still exist, when you are at home, try and set up a static IP address on the ibook. You can give the machine a static IP address which is unique and doesn't conflict with the other machines. The IP address is something like 192.168.1.xxx. You will need to get the DNS servers and router IP from your home router.

One unusual thing I notice in the logs is this message: "Couldn't read user-specified Computer Name".
What name do you have set for this Mac - e.g. in the Sharing preferences?

It didn't have a name; it was just blank! I gave it a name, but have not solved the issue yet.

I have done this multiple times; this is what AppleCare walked me through as well. It hasn't helped.

I have done this as well. It removes the error that Airport had about self-assigned IP, but still doesn't allow me to get to the Internet.

Ok, did you perform some kind of upgrade such as security or os x updates prior to noticing that the computer wouldn't connect to the internet?

Have you installed some software prior to noticing this?

probably/maybe...I don't recall. I always allow the software update to work and complete it.

Yes! Pulse, maybe some others. Is there anyway to tell. I do know that I had Pulse for probably a week or two together, and they worked fine.

Thanks so much, by the way!

Does this mean that the problem exists when connected via an Ethernet cable?

It is possible that you may have performed a software or "os x" upgrade and there were some errors in the bits being transfered to your machine.

Please open up your console log and go to /Library/Logs/'Software Update.log'

Look for something in the log that specifies your last "Mac OS X Update", it will also be dated. In addition, look for the log that specifies your last "Security Update..." which is also dated. Please post back the Installed date with the version of the updates for both.

It will be something like:

2006-10-03 19:17:31 -0700: Installed "Mac OS X Update (PowerPC)" (10.4.8)
2007-02-17 14:47:45 -0700: Installed "Security Update 2007-002 (PowerPC)" (1.0)

Let's see if this is in the time frame that you started to experience your problem. Please list any other updates as well that may be in the time frame when you started to experience this problem.

Even if it isn't, you may want to reinstall both the "Security Update" and "Mac OS X Update" with the combo updater from Apple.

You can find it at the following url:

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...acosx_updates/
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...urity_updates/

To find other applications that you may have installed during that time, you will need to open 'System Profiler' by doing the following:

Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen. Click on About this Mac. Click on 'More info...' Go down to Software -> Applications. A list of Applications will appear and the last date they were modified. This will also be a good time to go into Network and take a look at the information under Airport Card, so please post back this information if it looks strange.

You might also check to see if there was an Airport Update during the time you experienced the problem. Sorry, I forgot to mention this in the last post.

Everything before this dates back to October. I think it is probably one of these...

2007-02-02 22:24:01 -0600: Installed "Security Update 2006-007 (PowerPC)" (1.0)
2007-02-02 22:24:35 -0600: Installed "Security Update 2006-008 (PowerPC)" (1.0)
2007-02-02 22:27:32 -0600: Installed "Security Update 2007-001" (1.0)
2007-02-24 09:04:19 -0600: Installed "Java for Mac OS X 10.4, Release 5" (5.0)
2007-02-24 09:04:25 -0600: Installed "Security Update 2007-002 (PowerPC)" (1.0)
2007-02-24 09:05:47 -0600: Installed "Daylight Saving Time Update" (1.0)

Software by date modified:
2-2 - Font Book
2-2 - iTunes
2-13 - Pulse Proxy Configuration Editor
2-13 - unistall-pulse
2-24 - Java Cache Viewer
2-24 - Java Preferences
2-24 - Java Web Start
2-24 - Input Method Hotkey
2-24 - iChat
2-24 - Java 1.4.2 Plugin Settings

We first noticed the problem on Friday the 23rd.

I have reinstalled the updates to no avail. I am going to attempt to remove Pulse.

Cheers!

What is Pulse? Can you point me to the website?

So it sounds like something before the 23rd. That would be before the updates on the 24th. Maybe Pulse is the culprit. Do you have this in the startup menu by the way?

You should try removing all items from the startup menu, restart the system and see if you can connect. To do this, you go to Accounts -> Login Items

select all items with cmd+a and then hit the minus button.

Pulse is at www.brainmurmurs.com. I am attempting to remove everything from startup (pulse was in it).

Did you reinstall the Java update as well? According to Pulse troubleshooting, some errors are associated with Java.

Did you only install Pulse on this one machine and not the others? So would this be the only difference between the ibook and the other machine?

The iBook was the only machine I installed Pulse.

I have removd it and put the iBook asleep, and everything continued to work correctly. Will update after some more tests!

Removing Pulse has appeared to solve the problem. I have moved in and out of a couple of wifi networks, as well as put the iBook to sleep, etc. Nothing has caused it to go back to self assigning the IP address!

Thanks for all your help!!!!

I'm having a similar issue with my MacBook Pro and Linksys WRT54G router. My computer would properly connect to the router when I restarted or woke from sleep, but it would lose the internet connection periodically. After turning Airport off and on, I'd get the self-assigned IP address

I tried numerous things including reinstalling the OS, turning off the firewall, changing wireless channels, changing the router IP address, etc. I downloaded iStumbler and I do see another network that may be causing some issues.

The solution was to have the MBPro assign it's IP address manually. This is done under the Network System Preference. Go to AirPort and click on the TCP/IP tab. Select "Manually" under "Configure IPv4".

Select an IP address in the range specified by your wireless router. For my Linksys WRT54G, the default is in the range of 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.149.

The "Subnet Mask" is listed under the "Basic Setup" on my router.

Router is the IP address for the wireless router, default for my WRT54G is 192.168.1.1

Here's the key that got this to work:

My router has a place to enter "Static DNS 1" & "Static DNS 2". These are listed on the router's "Status" page under "Internet". Enter these first on the router's "Basic Setup" page, then in the computer's Network System Preference under "DNS Servers".

With these addresses entered, it works well. I've tested by turning the router on & off, restarting the computer, etc.

FWIW, I have a DSL modem through AT&T. The router is set up as "PPoE" under "Internet Connection Type".

Anyway, the issue seems to be solved for the moment and I wanted to share in case anyone else might come across something similar.

-murray

Airport IP problem also
 

I am having the same problem as the others. I have noticed that the subnet mask drops off the 3rd 255, and then I loose my connection