Problems with Wireless Internet Connectivity with iMac

[Stan4dSteph]

So, I moved into an apartment complex that's already set up for wireless. No routers needed. Fantastic! Except that the setup doesn't seem to play well with my iMac. I know it's something to do with the Mac platform because my work laptop works fine, no issues.

The issues:


I get a good signal, but can't get an IP address. I get the default IP.
Pages load slowly or not at all.
Signals get dropped, disconnecting IM and skype calls.


My provider has not been much help. They told me that it might be that my Mac is looking for other hubs and that's why it disconnects. They suggested I fix my settings manually. I don't know how to do this.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions?

(Please keep all switch to windows comments to yourself, thanks)

[blueerica]

OK, if I'm not mistaken, you can change it so that it will only accept 1 wireless signal. Unfortunately, I destroyed (myself, thanks) my laptop so I can't look at the settings myself. Hopefully, Fej or some other helpful individual can hop in here and 'splain it better than I.

However, one would think that these other hubs would be password protected enough to not be looking. If it's free with the apartment complex, perhaps people don't care enough to protect it?

I dunno.

[mousepod]

How does the router in your complex work? Is it an open network with IP addresses assigned via DHCP? Are you assigned a specific IP address? It sounds to me like your iMac is grabbing a weak signal instead of the one you intend to get. Maybe there's another network nearby...

Either way, given the right information, you can certainly adjust your Network settings to look for a specific network. Maybe there's a genius around here...

[Not Afraid]

I think this might be solved via IM a bit later. ;)

[Stan4dSteph]

How does the router in your complex work? Is it an open network with IP addresses assigned via DHCP? Are you assigned a specific IP address? It sounds to me like your iMac is grabbing a weak signal instead of the one you intend to get. Maybe there's another network nearby...

Either way, given the right information, you can certainly adjust your Network settings to look for a specific network. Maybe there's a genius around here...I don't really know the answer to these questions. There are several hubs around the complex, and it's a secure network.