What is needed to 'hook up' a Power PC G5 to a wireless network? Already have a router...
Is there anything to plug into the computer?

Thanks-

Is your router a Wireless Router? You do not say.

If the answer to question one is yes, then you need an Airport Card in the G5.

Are you to far away from the router to use a Cat5 cable? The cable would more than likely be faster and your network more secure from outsiders.

Let us know.

Didn't all G5's come with airport cards? If his router is wireless and plugged into the ethernet coming from his cable or DSL modem, then all he has to do is turn on Airport in Network preferences. In Network preferences, there is a box to check to show Airport status in the menu. If you check that, then you will see the airwave symbol in your menu when in Finder. Click on that and choose turn airport on. Then the computer should automatically join, assuming you have it set to join automatically. It will show you there all the networks it can see in the vicinity.

The more info that you can provide the better.

• How many computers will be on the network?
• Is a desktop computer going to be hardwired to the router?
• Any laptops?
• Do you have a Cable or DSL modem?
• What company is your provider?
• Does your wireless router have Ethernet ports?

If you can provide more info and what you are attempting to do, it will be easier to make recommendations.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Gawet,

Which PPC G5 - an iMac or a PowerMac? Airport was an option on PowerMacs, not included by default like with the iMacs.

bg618: Just think out the answers to your own question.

AirPort is WiFi. That's wireless telemetry. You need a receiver and transmitter. Airport is a transceiver - a transmitter-receiver. You still need two: one on the end of your cable connection, one inside your PPC G5.

You can determine if you have an AirPort transceiver card inside your G5 by looking at the System Profiler built into your computer's operating system. The illustration below tells you that you have Airport hardware. Of course, you have to turn AirPort 'ON,' and configure it correctly, for it to function correctly.

The other transceiver (connected to your Internet cable system) might be a little bit more problematic to choose and setup, depending on your situation. I'll stop adding my 2¢ there, but you should know that most cable companies will help you set up the 'cable end' of the WiFi system. They might have <preferred> WiFi hardware for their cable connection. If you get a cable installer familiar with Macs, or just open to the challenge, they might offer to configure your G5 AirPort as well. [Installers are alloted so much time per visit - they have more time to spend on your problem if its a slow day.]

Early G5 iMac's did NOT come with an Airport card. That was an optional purchase.

G5 towers used both the standard Airport Extreme card and Airport module (installed by the factory or a technician) depending on the model.

Give us more info to work with please!