I'm only a relatively new convert from Windows to Mac, so apologies in advance if this is a simple question

I'll be getting an iPhone soon and would like to set up wi-fi so that if I use any iPhone data around the home, it will be over wi-fi and not 3G.

Will I need to purchase any additional hardware to set up a wi-fi network? I assume that it has something to do with the AirPort option on my iMac?

I have searched for this, but I couldn't find anything that covers this

Thanks

If you have a wireless access point, no.

How are you connecting to the Internet now?

Dial-up?
Ethernet?

If it's wireless (AirPort), then you already have what is needed.

At the moment, just standard cable broadband.

I assume the cable modem is then connected to your iMac.

In that case, you will need a wireless router if you wish for your iPhone to use wireless at home. i.e. you need a wireless network (WLAN).

Your iMac might be able to create an ad-hoc WLAN to serve as an access point for your iPhone but I don't recommend this as a viable solution for long-term wireless usage.

Yes, the modem is connected directly to the computer.

How much would it cost to set up? Are there any models of routers that I should look at specifically?

Out of curiosity, what do you mean about using my iMac as an access point? Is there a wireless chip inbuilt I can use?

Thanks

I don't have any experience with Apple's Wi-Fi (AirPort) solutions such as Express and Extreme, Time Capsule, etc. But you can find more here: Apple - Wi-Fi - Which Wi-Fi Base Station are you?

And wireless routers range from $50 to about $200+ depending on brand, specs, etc. Look around and purchase the one you like.

You should look for 802.11g routers as the iPhone supports 802.11b and g only, not n. If you buy an 802.11n router, then it will cost more and you will not benefit with the iPhone by having it. Both the iPhone and iPhone 3G only support 802.11b and g.

Your iMac (depending on model) should have an AirPort card in it. You have said that it does so yes it has the 'wireless chip' inside. This can create a wireless ad-hoc network. Again, not recommended personally to share your Internet. Get a router.

Hi Battye,

Your iMac has wireless built in (airport), you can set your iMac up to be the wireless router you connect to, but this isnt advised for long term use (as mentioned by Huy), it is very "touch and go" and not stable for ongoing use.

I would suggest your easiest option would be a new modem with is also a router.Centre Com Online

That link takes you to "centrecoms" website, that Linksy Router would be a perfect solution for great wireless, and a modem all in one, it is cheap for that unit, and I highly recomend Linksys as one of the best brands around.

Failing that you could buy an Apple Airport Express / Extreme and run a cable from your current modem into this, this may not be an option if your current modem only has the one ethernet port or is USB, as then it can only connect to your iMac.

Hope i've been a litle help, and if i've confused you feel free to ask more questions.

Cheers

There is no need to buy a new modem if they already have one that is working just fine. Unless money is no object, then combine the cable modem with a wireless router. Otherwise, just get what you need.

If you buy an all-in-one, you'll be left with a perfectly good modem that isn't used. It probably isn't worth much either to consider selling.

As you sound like you may not be extremely technologically advanced I suggested the combo of modem / wireless router as it may be slightly easier for you to setup (and if i'm honest, i just hate having more little boxes lying around than is needed).

cheapest you will buy just a wireless AP on its own is around 50 for something decent anyway, why not spend the extra 20 and save some clutter, and make your life a little easier.....

I am quite 'extremely technologically advanced'.

In fact I am using a DSL modem/wireless router combo myself.

But yes, if you want to save on some space, and have the money, go for it.

(Povo student here).

Hi,

Thanks for the advice Huy and mallo, I really appreciate it. $50 would be fine for something like this. It's not something I would use all that often though so I don't want to spend too much. Primarily, it would just be for the iPhone if I needed to quickly access the internet from another room or outside.

Is it insecure? (could people steal my bandwidth? or do I have the option to set username/password settings, etc...) As I said, it's not something I would use too often so if it is "touch and go" or "unstable" but was still semi useable then it would probably be just sufficient for my use.

Thanks again for the help

It is insecure if you want it to be.

You can enable encryption/passwords etc but I believe the ad-hoc mode only allows for WEP. (I am using an iMac Mid 2007).

Sorry Huy, I actually meant battye, no offence to you either battye.


I'm not sure how it runs on the iMac, but on my MacBookPro i find that when creating an ad-hoc wireless network using its airport, anytime i turn it off/on again, i then need to tell it to create the network again.

As for other "cons" for doing it this way, you will have to have your iMac turned on to use the network (and make sure the wireless is available). As opposed to being able to pull your phone out of your pocket whilst on the couch and use it straight away, without having to power up the iMac, create the wireless network on that, then join it on your iPhone....

No offense taken mallo, I'm actually pretty good with software and internet related things (I've been creating and administering websites for years) but I'm the first to admit my knowledge of hardware is quite poor

Thanks for that! I think when the phone arrives, I might give this a shot first to see how it goes. I may not even use data around the house much at all, so using the inbuilt hardware probably would be a good way to trial it.

But it's good to know that if that doesn't work all that well, I can easily set up a router and run things that way.

Thanks for the help Huy and mello!

enjoy the iPhone mate, you'll love it!