Have a Mac But No Airport. What's the Answer?

[esutherland]

I want to add an old iMac that doesn't have an Airport card or antenna to my 802.11b network. I seem to remember an 802.11b product that connects to the USB port. Anyone remember the company's name?

Ed

[MoleStrangler]

I would use an Ethernet bridge rather than a USB bridge. There was a company called 'nomadic' who had a product with RF & Ethernet interface. 3Com bought 'nomadic' a few years ago, but I think there are still products out there that will do the same job.

Advantages; Uses the iMacs Ethernet port which is not being used (if ever); does not require any drivers or support by OS X or classic; does not requrie you to use a USB port.

The iMac would just think it is in the network using its Ethernet port, but there is the transparent wireless bridge that does all the work.

[esutherland]

Thanks for the lead. The iMac is the last box still wired to Ethernet.

Ed

[esutherland]

Noticed today Linksys also makes a USB-802.11b bridge.

[MoleStrangler]

3Com - Ethernet Client Bridge (RS232 & Ethernet)
Proxim - Skyline 802.11b USB Adapter for Desktops (Windows & Mac)
Agere - Ethernet & Serial Converter
NetGear - 802.11b to USB (model MA101) (Windows)
Askey - USB Wireless LAN
Buffalo - AirStation Series USB Port Adapter (windows)
HP - hp 802.11b USB wireless lan (windows)
Intel - Wireless 2011B LAN USB device
Linksys - WUSB11 - Instant Wireless USB Network Adapter (Windows)