AirPort for Mac OS 9: Third-Party Wireless Software and Equivalent Network Password

This document covers AirPort when used with Mac OS 9. When using Mac OS X, see technical document 106864, "AirPort for Mac OS X: Third-Party Wireless Software and Equivalent Network Password".

Symptom

You are unable to connect to an AirPort Base Station using the standard AirPort password when you use third-party (non-Apple) wireless networking software.

Solution

If you are using a computer with non-Apple wireless software, you may be able to connect to the AirPort Base Station and use it for Internet access. However, the network password you enter may be different from the one an AirPort user would enter.
First try the standard password to see if it works. If it does not then you will want to try the equivalent network password. To find the equivalent network password for your AirPort Base Station, do the following:

1. Open the AirPort Admin Utility.
2. Select your base station from the list.
3. Click Configure.
4. When prompted, enter the password for your base station.
5. Choose Equivalent Network Password from the base station menu. A window appears with the network equivalent password for your base station.

Note: Wireless Internet access requires an Internet service provider (fees may apply) and AirPort (or AirPort-compatible) wireless Ethernet card and base station. Some ISPs are not compatible with AirPort. For more information, see technical document 106590: "AirPort: Requirements for Wireless Internet Access"