FIOS and Macbook connectivity issues
 

Hey all, this is my first post, and hopefully someone has an answer.

I've had FIOS for about a year now, and for the past few months, Ive had some issues. When I start my Macbook (2 GHZ Intel 2 Core Duo, 2GB Ram, OS 10.4.11), the wireless signal icon shows 3 out of 4 bars. I have to click the icon, and select my network in order to get 4 full bars. Mind you, my network is already set as the only proffered network, and the little check mark is already next to my network. If I don't click the icon, my internet will never connect.

Also, at least 3 times a week, at totally different times of day, the signal drops randomly. The wireless icon will just flash on and off for 10 minutes. I open "Internet Connect" and the network dropdown list flashes between "not connected" and my network name.

I've tried restarting my router multiple times, changing the channel that my router communicates with my Macbook, and turning on the interference robustness.

Do I need a new router? Can Verizon tech support help me? Help!

This is not so much a FIOS question as it is a Verizon router question. I have FIOS but I do not use their router for wireless. You need to let us know what model of router Verizon provided you. I posted awhile back about port blocking on the Actiontech one they were using at the time.

I have my Verizon Actiontech as a slave of my Apple Airport Extreme N Gig with the Actiontech wireless disabled, it only provides service to my Verizon Set Top box umm "Cable Box":)

If you call Verizon they will probably make you call Actiontech.... Though if there is something wrong with the router Verizon might replace it.

Have you had other routers? What distance between Router and Macbook, What type of structure do you live in? Apartment building, House etc? You might be able to reposition the Router. I forget whether the Actiontech is G or N and whether your model Macbook is N Capable. If your running on G or even in the 2ghz band you might have issues also with Cordless phones, Neihbor wifi, microwaves, baby monitors etc. Sometimes changing channels on the router can help alot. Going 5Ghz can help alot if thats an option. You might want to eliminate your own cordless phones by powering them down for a test.

Before I got Fios, we had Verizon DSL and used Airport Express, and had no problems. The router is in the basement of our cape cod, but I don't believe that's a issue because it still gets 4 full bars all time, except for when I start the computer. And my Nintendo Wii has no issues connecting at all, and has never dropped a signal.

The router is MI424WR version D.

Basements are not always the best place, since signals can only go up instead of up and down. Wifi signals tend to travel better side to side then up and down any way.

Indeed you are using the actiontech router I stopped using except for the channel guide, It is B and G only. Is the Wii new to the environment? Is the Wii in the exact same place your trying to use your Macbook?

You might be getting interference despite the changes you made so far. Either from within your own home or from a neihbor. I am not sure you can use the Wii as a dianostic as I am assuming you mostly spend your time using it as game console not for its wireless? *** You can download Istumbler and check for network interference. http://www.istumbler.net/ *** It is free, though on the right side of the screen there is a button for donations.

You have partially answered your own question you did not have these issues with the Express. And the Express unlike the Extreme is not even meant to broadcast to a large area.

One option you can try if you still have the express is do the what I did. Turn of the wireless antenna on the Actiontech and plug your Airport Express in and let it provide the wireless access for a while or permentntly. At some point you might want an Airport Extreme gig or some other N class router assuming that your Macbook is capable of using N. I seem to rememeber that it is at least software upgradable to N. *

Below is a detailed description on using the inspector feature of I stumbler... I borrowed it from antoher thread on the net...

To get a more accurate picture, use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to determine the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the AEBSn and the Mac. Within the Inspector, note the values for "signal" & "noise" at these locations. Start with your Mac near the router, note the readings, and then, choose other typical locations.

SNR is the signal level (in dBm) minus the noise level (in dBm). For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.

The SNR, as measured from the MacBook, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.

SNR Guideline
o 40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
o 25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
o 15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
o 10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
o 5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal

If the SNR is 20dB+ at the Mac Pro, then you should be getting reasonable performance from your AirPort. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating either the base station or the Mac Pro until they are within a 20dB SNR range.

Also, don't forget to use iStumbler to determine if there are other Wi-Fi operating. If there are, note both the channel(s) and signal strength. You will want to use a channel that is least used. For example, if the other Wi-Fis are operating on channels 6 and 11, switch your network to channel 1.To get a more accurate picture, use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to determine the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the AEBSn and the Mac. Within the Inspector, note the values for "signal" & "noise" at these locations. Start with your MacBook near the base station, note the readings, and then, choose the location of your Mac Pro. Reading in between would be useful as well.

SNR is the signal level (in dBm) minus the noise level (in dBm). For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.

The SNR, as measured from the MacBook, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.

SNR Guideline
o 40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
o 25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
o 15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
o 10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
o 5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal

If the SNR is 20dB+ at the Mac Pro, then you should be getting reasonable performance from your AirPort. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating either the base station or the Mac Pro until they are within a 20dB SNR range.

Also, don't forget to use iStumbler to determine if there are other Wi-Fi operating. If there are, note both the channel(s) and signal strength. You will want to use a channel that is least used. For example, if the other Wi-Fis are operating on channels 6 and 11, switch your network to channel 1.

Maybe.

We have FiOS, and have had no trouble - yet - with the Actiontec Router. We previously had DSL, and had to have Verizon replace the router almost annually. We'll probably do what we did then call for a replacement to keep in reserve.

Have the same FIOS setup and similar issues (except mine also resulted in the dreaded "self-assigned IP" message. Try hard resetting the router (push in the little pin until the lights on the router blink and let go). The router will now default to its default name, password and default WEP key. Make sure you change the WEP key from its default to something else (in my case I'm using WEP 40/64 with the 10-digit key). I also used the "Assist Me" function the the Network preference in 10.5.6. These seemed to do a better job of setting up the wireless connection that I could do manually. Let us know if this works.

Slow Verizon wireless internet for macbook only
 

I had 10/2 Verizon FIOS installed in July. I have the Actiontech MI424WR rev. D modem/router combo. I have one wired PC hooked up. I did a speed test and got around 10/1.5. I have a Wireless laptop PC running Vista and I got about half those results. My wireless Macbook is dreadfully slow, even if I have it only a few feet from the router. The speed test was .193/.180. Wired connection on the macbook is fine.



The only speed issues are when the Macbook is in wireless mode.



Any ideas? I've been searching around the internet and have not found much. It seems to be a common problem, but I have not found a solution that works.

GaryGnu:
I merged your new thread into this existing one discussing a similar issue.

There is no harm in letting Verizon replace the Actiontech routers in both posters cases but I suspect the issue is a combination of distance, interference and the the Actionteh not being a great wireless router, not that the individual ones you have are bad perse.

Gary in order to be as helpful as possible to have the exact model of Macbook and OS etc.

Both posters let us know what you find out about your Signal strength and Noise via I stumbler, and read through the thread about placement etc. The self asigned IP thing is a differnt issue having to do with an improper initial setup of the router or computer. You can always use the Netowork Util in the Util folder or go to network prefrences and go to Aiport and confirm that you have a valid IP that is 192.xxx as opposed to a non routable 169.xxx.

Struggling to find the exact model number. This is what I found from my order receipt, which was in July 2007: MB 13/2.0 CTO: WHITE. The OS is 10.5.5. I did just notice one strange thing. My DNS server is set to 192.168.1.1 and its greyed out. I cannot remove it. My IP is a local address 198.168.1.5.

Another thing I should mention, I jumped onto a neighbor's network, and even though the signal strength is poor, I get a faster speed test using the verizon speed test.

Using iStumbler, my signal is in the 89-92% range with 9% noise with my macbook within feet of the router. On the neighbor's signal where I get a faster speed test, the signal is 40-42% with 9% noise.

The FIOS Actiontec routers are notoriously poor in wireless signal strength. As soon as I take my Macbook to an adjacent room, the signal strength drops by half. A very good workaround for me has been to install the Actiontec Powerline Adapter kit. Basically, it uses your home electrical wiring to transmit the signal to another powerline adapter in another room far away from the router (to which you can then run an Ethernet cable to your computer from the second adapter). Alternatively (in my particular case) instead of using the ethernet cable connected to powerline adapter, I linked to the Actiontec wireless transmitter at the other end of the powerline setup. The wireless adapter re-broadcasts the wireless signal essentially giving you great coverage throughout your house (using multiple wireless adapters if necessary). In order for this solution to work your house has to use a single electrical breaker box. Also this solution isn't the cheapest (you can get the Actiontec Powerline wireless kit at www.buy.com for around $119. Each additional wireless adapter will set you back an additional $90). This setup is very easy and far better than running ethernet cabling throughout your house. In order to test whether your electrical wiring will work, go to BestBuy and purchase any kit from them (Netgear, Belkin) and try it out. Test your download and upload speed using Speakeasy Speedtest (http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/). If it works for you, return the kit to BestBuy and buy the Actiontec wireless version from Buy.com (I believe Actiontec is the only company that sells the wireless version of powerline). It's a good solution.

So after trying a hard reset, turning off the cordless phones, nothing changed still. So I searched the Apple forums for something similar, and found a thread talking about changing the channel to specifically 9. Happy to report, my problem hasn't surfaced in the past 2 days. Hopefully, this will work. Thanks to everyone who replied!

apingicer Sounds like there was interference and channel 9 was cleaner. Let us know how things continue to go.

Interference, Noise is not consistent or constant so finding good readings for a few minutes does not mean there is never any interference.

GaryGnu It is interesting you are getting better results from a weaker signal...

I would clean out your net prefrences:
Go to the Apple, System Preferences,
Network Prefrences,
Go to Location Pop UP menu @ top middle of window
Go to Edit locations,
Click the + sign to make a new one (call it somthing unique like NEW),
Click DONE.
Then go back again to locations and Click on - (to delete) and delete all other locations but your newly named ones.

You will have to rejoin your wifi network and all but this can clean up problems. If nothing else I would start with this.

I have read elsewhere that this could be due to an issue with DNS servers and Macbooks. The weaker signal I am picking is likely not a FIOS signal - probably Comcast.

There is no issue with Macbooks and DNS server perse. I still would like to see your results from a non Actiontech router. Maybe borrow borrow one from Radio shack or another store with a good return policy?

I deleted network connections and re-created them as you suggested. I also did a software update. Its running slower now according to the speed test .009 Mbps download / .095 upload. This is with the Macbook 3 feet from the router. Its basically like not having a connection at all. Again, no issues at all with wired connection, or wireless PC laptops elsewhere in the house.

Again, I jumped onto my neighbor's weak signal, and while still very slow, the speedtest numbers improve over those above.

Update: I went into the Advanced Wireless Settings of the ActionTech router, and changed the Transmission rate from 54 to Auto, and that did it! Now I get 7.4/1.7 speed. Unbelievable. The other PCs/wireless connections are fine. I'm not even sure what this setting does, but it worked, at least for now. Wow, what a difference.

Interesting
 

Glad changing the settings on the Actiontech helped.

I would still dump the Actiontech at some point for wifi and go with an N class router.

Is there a way I can do that and still use the modem part of the ActionTech, or do I need to get a modem also?

I think were all tempted to call them Cable Modems even though FIOS is 100% digital and not Cable. I assume by Modem you mean that it provides the channel guide for your STB (Set Top Boxes).

** The answer is yes. Buy an Airport Extreme N gig, Or N class router of your choosing. The Apple one offers wireless time machine backups, wirelss Hard Drives, USB sharing aka printers, printing wirelessly if you have no interest in that functionality.

The process is simple turn off wifi on the Actiontech, the plug the Action tech into one of the Ethernet ports on the Airport Extreme or other N Router. FIOS uses PPPoE so you will have to configure the new router for that, a simple matter. And if it has not changed the login is your verizon email and pass which I only use for the router and nothing else.

I think I'm having a similar issue, but with printer connectivity across the network.

Its weird, but we have two networked HP laser printers at home. Up until three days ago, they worked fine. But now they aren't. I can ping them just fine from the router interface, comes back solid. The two wired computers in our house both see the printers fine (one mac G5 os10.4, one DIY win XP sp3) but our two laptops (Powerbook G4 10.4, Macbook Pro 10.5.6) can't see the printers over the wireless network. It's really weird! If I turn on printer sharing on the G5, then the Powerbook can see the printers. The MBP cannot.

Both printers are network enabled. Everything is plugged directly into the router, no other switches or hubs.

We have FIOS, but our router is a Verizon MI424WR router. I will say our wifi connectivity is not that consistent, but if I'm sitting right next to the router it's ok.

Any ideas?

Our network looks like this:

Verizon MI424WR router
-Ethernet port 1: Win XP PC
-Ethernet port 2: G5 Tower
-Ethernet port 3: HP 2605dn printer
-Ethernet port 4: HP 4700 printer
-Wireless: Wii (works like a champ!)
-Wireless: Mac Book Pro
-Wireless: Powerbook G4

I think I am having a similar issue. Mine is with printers though. We have FIOS with a Verizon MI424WR router. Our wireless connectivity isn't that bad, not super.

Up until three days ago, we had two HP Laser printers networked that worked just fine. We could print from our two wireless connected laptops no problem. Now, we can't. I tried to re-load the printer on my machine, and the printers aren't even detected

From the router interface, I can ping away at the two printers and get successful results. But I cannot detect them from the either laptop System Preferences.

Our network is:
Verizon MI424WR router
- Ethernet Port 1: Win XP PC
- Ethernet Port 2: Mac G5 Tower OS 10.4
- Ethernet Port 3: HP 2605dn Printer
- Ehternet Port 4: HP 4700 printer
- Wireless: Wii (works just fine!)
- Wireless: Mac Book Pro OS 10.5.6
- Wireless: Powerbook G4 OS 10.4

Everything is plugged directly into the router, no switches.

If I turn on printer sharing on the G5, the Powerbook can see them, but not the MBP. It's weird. I'm clueless. Well, that's normally the case...

You might get better help if you post a separte thread
 

You might get better help if you post a separate thread since this one is mostly about self assigned IPs and wireless reliability.

---That said I'm easy....

You indicate that the wireless is just OK. Does it drop? Is it weak? You primarily have a wired network. If I remember correctly the Default Ip of the Action Tec router is 192.168.0.1.
-Is everything assigned an address in that Lan via DHCP or Manual, e.g. The computers/printers would all be 192.168.0.x 192.168.0.2, 3 etc.
-What are the addresses of the Printers? Are the printers defined with this address as Printers on the wireless Macs?

You will find it more reliable to either give the printers manual and permanent addresses on the Lan or reserve the address on the router. I would recommend the former. Generally you can do this from the printers panel or from HP configuration software on a wired computer.

***I would start with the Obvious can the wireless mac computers ping the printer and router? Is the that printer address how the printer is defined in your printer set up on the Macs. Either way you might want to start also by deleting the printers from the wireless Macs that are having the issue and re-add them. For clarity please update the info you provided to include Ips and whether they are manual or DHCP.

I thought about starting a new thread, but I guess this wasn't quite that similar!! And sorry about the double post. I didn't realize my first one was being "moderated"!

Thanks for the answers... here's some more info:
First, resetting the router (turning it off) has made everything work for the time being. I suspect the problems will reappear though.

Everything is DHCP.

The printers addresses are dynamic... but I am using bonjour to connect to them? On my MBP w/ 10.5.6 I can also (now post-router reset) see them also by HP IP protocol. I assume though that If I go this route I'll need to assign the printers a static IP?

Okay. I think I can manage that!

I have to admit, I know how to ping something on a PC, but I don't know how on a mac :D I've only been using them for a year or so... I assume it's through terminal? (The googles will provide me with a tutorial I'm sure!)

And I have deleted the macs, which was horrifying, because I couldn't see them to add them. Well at least until I reset the router. Then I was able to add them back!

Okay, my homework is:
- assign static IP to each printer via the printer control panel
- ping each printer's IP from the wireless computers

Thanks. This has been very helpful information.

Yes you can pint from Terminal:) Only differences are if you want continuous or to control packet size which is not relevant for your issue.

Indeed static or reserved will make things better. DHCP is great but when not everyone knows where you have moved to it makes for grief.

Almost 4 years later and I was having the problem again. My setting was still on Auto. I changed it to 54, then changed it back to Auto again. Problem solved again. Here is another reference link: http://forums.verizon.com/t5/FiOS-In...nly/td-p/10483