Mac OS X 10.4.1: Loss of AirPort connectivity/weaker signal, solutions
Some readers have reported either a degradation in AirPort signal strength, or complete loss of AirPort connectivity after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.1.
MacFixIt reader Arno writes:
"Ever since I installed Tiger, my Airport connection is a lot slower than usual. Copying some large files takes ages, compared to Panther. Data rates jumping up and down, while sitting next to the Airport Express. And at a distance of just 10 meters, data rates dropped to about 10kbyte/s, while the monitor still showed a connection of 35Mbps."
Some users report that deleting the following cache files:
- /System/Library/Extensions.mkext
- /System/Library/Extensions.kextcache
resolves connectivity issues. This can also be accomplished with a utility like Tiger Cache Cleaner.
In other cases, a more drastic workaround -- involving reversion to older AirPort kernel extensions -- may be necessary.
This can be accopmlished by first downloading the shareware utility Pacifist, then obtaining the AirPort 4.1 updater package.
Use Pacifist to open the AirPort 4.1 package, and extract the following files:
- AppleAirPort.kext
- AppleAirPort2.kext
- AppleAirPort3.kext
Place these same files in the /System/Library/Extensions folder, replacing the old copies (you will be asked for your administrator password) and restart.
Index:
- AFP Issues: Not inheriting permissions, can't set file attributes
- Distorted prints from Preview.app caused by ColorSync changes
- System freezes occurring when in/entering full-screen mode; QuickTime-related
- Problems creating disk images from Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther)- burned media
- iSync 2.0: Problems synchronizing; potential solution
- Kernel panics when copying large files
- Live spell-checking problem, solution
- Loss of AirPort connectivity/weaker signal, solutions
- Problems with Mac OS 9 system access to Mac OS X Server-stored files
- Mail.app 2.0: Bundles now disabled; Problems with POP accounts, more
- Problems mounting disk images
- Printer Problems: Launching Epson's Printer Utility
- Problems with some internal modems
- Release Notes, difference between Software Update/download versions
- Safari 2.0: Downloads window re-sizing bug
- Problems with sleep; Solutions
- Spotlight: Tips for faster searches, problems with .DAT files; more
- Third-party applications
- Widgets: Conflict with Helvetica Neue; Dashboard crashes
separate iBook G4 machines.
Is there any more information, possible fixes to try? Right now we're resorting to
working in the same room as the base station to achieve satisfactory results.
This wasn't the case before the Tiger install. (I've also done a hard reset on the
Base Station).
The Airport 4.1 update contians only 2 items:
- AppleAirPort.kext
- AppleAirPort2.kext
where in Tiger's extension folder are 3 items:
- AppleAirPort.kext
- AppleAirPort2.kext
- AppleAirPort3.kext
Do I have to remove the "AppleAirPort3.kext" extension or leave it?
Thanks for any info.
I'm using a PB G4/15" with Airport Extreme built-in. My base station is a SMC
Baracade G. Since loading 10.4 I'm getting bumped off all the time and the only
way to fix it is to unplug the power from the base station then plug it back in.
This is the only wireless device I have running and the only other computer on
the network is a Dell 3800 notebook with a wired connection.
- by Elchseher July 7, 2005 1:44 AM PDT
- Has anyone actually found "AppleAirPort3.kext" in the Airport Update 4.1
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(4 Comments)package? If I use Pacifist (or any other software) to extract the files, it only finds
"AppleAirPort.kext" and "AppleAirPort2.kext". So, should I only replace these
files and leave "AppleAirPort3.kext" or delete the latter?
Also, when I try to copy the older files to my Extension folder, I am asked to
"identify" myself as administrator, but nothing more happens. I don't even get
the window to enter my password.
Did anyone experience the same problems and found a solution? I would be
grateful for any help. Cheers!