Telecom Thomson modem/router with MacBooks

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farcus

1554 posts

Uber Geek

#426572 12-Jan-2011 16:14

my router is supposed to have the latest version and Telecom haven't suggested it either. In any case why should I as a customer have to do it? That's telecom's responsibility.

yes, but you have a Telecom supplied Thomson router that will have Telecom firmware on it.
It is likely that there is a newer Thomson branded firmware available. Might be worth trying if you are having problems.

Of course you could also hound Telecom to fix the problem - but I like your chances with my suggestion better.

ossydave

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#426577 12-Jan-2011 16:33

@ farcus: sadly you're probably right!

farcus

1554 posts

Uber Geek

#426583 12-Jan-2011 16:50

there's a thread here that might provide some help

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=73072&page_no=2#421852

ossydave

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#460094 18-Apr-2011 13:20

I now have the solution to the issue of macs not working with the Thomson router/modem properly and its simple.

The Thomson router/modem from Telecom is set to have a WPA security password which works for Windows but not OSX which prefers a WEP security passowrd.

All a user needs to do is go to the Thomson Gateway homepage and change the security setting form WPA to WEP. The router password will remain the same except any letters will become lower case.

Once done your Mac can slee in the normal way or be shut down and it will immediately pick up the router when wakes or starts up.

If you run a Windows machine too you'll have to change that to WEP but my net book works fine.

I was given this information by a telephone support technician. I did ask why it took me so long to find out but I think the answer will remain a mystery. I'll be leaving Telecom as soon as my contract expires.

Thanks for all your help.

farcus

1554 posts

Uber Geek

#460213 18-Apr-2011 16:33

ossydave: I now have the solution to the issue of macs not working with the Thomson router/modem properly and its simple.

The Thomson router/modem from Telecom is set to have a WPA security password which works for Windows but not OSX which prefers a WEP security passowrd.

All a user needs to do is go to the Thomson Gateway homepage and change the security setting form WPA to WEP. The router password will remain the same except any letters will become lower case.

Once done your Mac can slee in the normal way or be shut down and it will immediately pick up the router when wakes or starts up.

If you run a Windows machine too you'll have to change that to WEP but my net book works fine.

I was given this information by a telephone support technician. I did ask why it took me so long to find out but I think the answer will remain a mystery. I'll be leaving Telecom as soon as my contract expires.

Thanks for all your help.

WEP is far less secure than WPA2. I wouldn't recommend using this setting.
Macs should have no problem with a WPA2 security setting

MattD

663 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#460267 18-Apr-2011 19:19

ossydave: I now have the solution to the issue of macs not working with the Thomson router/modem properly and its simple.

The Thomson router/modem from Telecom is set to have a WPA security password which works for Windows but not OSX which prefers a WEP security passowrd.

Macs do not prefer WEP, it is inferior level of security.
We have over a dozen Apple devices connected using WPA2 without an issue. It is the Thomson router. Replace it with something that works.

Thudds

11 posts

Geek

#460935 20-Apr-2011 13:52

We've been having the same problems. The tg585 v7 previously supplied by Telecom worked fine with WPA2. When it died Telecom replaced it with a tg585 v8. After trying all variations nothing would work consistently with the Macbook. The Telecom reps I talked to preached WEP too, regardless of my explanations. I suggested providing a downloadable firmware upgrade on their site as this seemed to have solved others problems elsewhere in the world. Is there a better way to lobby Telecom to do this as it doesn't seem to be a priority?

I'm considering getting the TP-Link TD-W8960N. Can anyone please confirm this works ok with Macs?
Cheers :)

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tomhenderson

26 posts

Geek

#460942 20-Apr-2011 14:08

This is terrible advice. I set up mine with WEP and was able to break the key with a backtrack4 vm in about 15 mins. You really should use WPA2, which means either buying something else, or doing what I do: put something heavy on the return key after entering the wifi password. Go make a coffee and by the time you get back it'll be connected :D.

bfginger

1268 posts

Uber Geek

#461161 21-Apr-2011 05:53

The TG585 v8 as supplied by Telecom has the 8.2.7.7 firmware and not the latest 8.2.7.8 firmware which contains fixed wifi drivers.

Others have updated the firmware
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=68585

Thudds

11 posts

Geek

#461312 21-Apr-2011 14:03

bfginger: The TG585 v8 as supplied by Telecom has the 8.2.7.7 firmware and not the latest 8.2.7.8 firmware which contains fixed wifi drivers.

Others have updated the firmware
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=68585

Indeed, which is what I was suggesting to the Telecom reps. Though I believe Telecom has to provide their own branded firmware update. Did that technique work for you/them?

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