Windows 7: strange problem

I have an Apple Airport Extreme router. I am running win 7 home edition. The Apple router is PC compatible.

The Mac router seems to be incapable of handling downloads of large files.

I must find a way to split the ethernet signal from my ISP modem between the Apple router (WiFi only) and my HP Pavillion a4310f computer (download of large files). I do not know if it is possible to split an ethernet signal: I doubt that there is any answer to my problem. My brother uses iMac computer, therefore wants this Airport router.

Can I purchase a PC router which is MAC compatible and will handle downloads of large files???

This is probably not a solvable problem, but any comments would be appreciated. Even negative ones.

Thank you.

I'm not sure I understand your problem, but let me take a shot anyway:

To answer your question, sure they make splitters:
Amazon.com: RJ45 CAT 5 6 LAN Ethernet Splitter Connector Adapter PC: Electronics

But if your problem is just that the system drops the transfer when downloading large files from the internet then the problem could just as well be external:

• The modem
• The ISP
• The originating website (or server)

Or local:

• Faulty router
• Poor wireless signal (distance too large, too many obstacles)
• EMI (cordless phones, cell phones, fluorescent lights, etc)

But keep in mind that a router is a router, and with very few exceptions operates entirely independent of any computer operating system. Routers run on very strict protocols. It's not a case of needing a Mac router or a Windows router. They both must comply to the protocols.

A good test would be to connect your PC to the router with an Ethernet cable and then attempt a large download. If the download works fine on the cable then you know the problem is local.

Dear TVEblen,

Thank you for your interest and prompt reply.

Previously I had ISP modem>airport router>computer CPU. Problems with downloads occurred only after several months.

Router was (according to ISP) interfering with internet access; instructed to power off router, then power on again. This procedure was carried out several times; surprisingly, the wifi service in my house was apparently unaffected (????). Would have thought that router settings would have been deleted upon power loss.

Anyway, when Airport Extreme router was removed from system, file downloads returned to usual. It appears that this Apple router interferes with downloads of large files. Surprisingly, the transfer capabilities of this router are not mentioned on the appropriate Apple webpage, unlike PC routers.

Anyway, I will try splitting the ethernet output from my ISP modem between my computer CPU and this Airport router. Do you think the signal to either of these will suffer signal degradation due to this connection? Unlikely since it is a passive device.

I now must locate a local retailer who sells this ethernet splitter.

Thanx again for your input!

Powering off the router only resets the table of connected devices. All of the user settings (SSID, and key, etc.) are saved on the equivalent of a flash memory chip. There is a special switch on the routers for clearing this memory and truly reset the router.

The signal will be cut in half, but that is the signal - the amplitude of the data stream. Your router will be able to tune a signal within a certain range. Your signal would need to be very low for it to not be picked up. Rarely a problem.

Try the splitter if you find one, but in the meantime I suggest again trying the Ethernet cable from router to PC. It might yield clues.

"A good test would be to connect your PC to the router with an Ethernet cable and then attempt a large download. If the download works fine on the cable then you know the problem is local."

--I am uncertain of your suggestion.
I had router connected to PC before, when problem occurred.

I have ordered a splitter to split the modem output to my router and CPU.
You mentioned the signal strength. Can I operate the computer and router simultaneously with acceptable results, or will the signal strength be too low?? Is there any method to amplify the modem output through the ethernet cable?

Thanx.

You may have misunderstood. Sounds to me that TVeblen was simply implying that you would probably not have a problem with splitting the signal (in other words, the signal will be cut in half, but the connected devices will likely still be able to use the half-strength signal).

As far as the suggested test, I think TVeblen may have misunderstood the fact that your router does not have ethernet ports and is only wireless. What you could do, is connect (via ethernet) your CPU directly to the modem to test (but before you do, make sure your firewall, AV, and MS updates are in good shape). That would help you to determine if the router could've been the cause of your trouble.

So when that spltter arrives you're going to split the modem output to your router and CPU? Meaning your CPU will essentially connect directly to the modem? That would mean you lose the security protection afforded by the router. If it was me, I would insist on placing a router between the modem and CPU.

Why don't you directly attach to the modem. And also, routers are so cheap. I would get another one for PC.

Routers aren't typically Mac or PC compatible. They both use the same protocols to talk to each other and use the internet. I have heard of many people having issues with the Apple line. That being said, I'd go get a Linksys or Netgear and be done with it.

I cannot help but wonder after this statement whose wifi router you are connected to. Clearly not yours if you can unplug it and there's no signal loss !

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As it was previously. This does not work. Router screwed up file downloads. I have never depended on this router for firewall protection.


I currently have the router completely disconnected from my system. I have NIS firewall protection. The modem output is directly to the CPU, the way it was before this router appeared and began causing these problems.
I did not know routers had coax cable inputs; I thought they handled modem signals only, by ethernet. My brother, who installed this device, was also convinced that this Apple Airport Extreme router had cable inputs.
router. My brother is also a Mac user.
I am now uncertain if this hassle is worth the ability to use my netbook in the kitchen or backyard; screen dims on battery power so unlikely to use outdoors. However, I greatly appreciate your input on this problem.

It is apparent from your info that I can only use the splitter and see if it works. I hope I have not wasted $22 (incl shipping) on the internet purchase.

My doubts about actual compatibility of Apple products continue. It would be useful to have wifi in the house, but not at the expense of losing file downloads.

I will inform you of the results when the splitter is installed. System may work at times, malfunction at others. As mentioned previously: ISP service, adjacent electronics devices (we have a large university building on one corner and a hospital 2 blocks away), and the other factors mentioned can interfere. But not befoer this Apple router was installed.

It seems all observations indicate my Apple Airport Extreme router is the source of my woes.

Bye the Bye, where is the best place to locate understandable instructions on how to set up this router, assuming this problem can be solved???


Once again, I value your output and am counting on your continued support.