Network
Controlling AirPort Network Access with Time Limits
Matt Cone April 9, 2013
If you own an AirPort base station, you can use the Timed Access feature to control the days and times when users access the internet. This could come in handy in a variety of situations. For example, if you own a cafe and provide free wi-fi access, you can configure the AirPort to block all access to the internet when your business is closed. And if you have children, you can set time limits for specific devices in your home.
How to Find Your iPad's MAC Address
Matt Cone March 28, 2013
Your iPad’s Wi-Fi interface has a permanent, unique serial number called a media access control (MAC) address. Some universities and employers may request your iPad’s MAC address to monitor or limit your access to certain Wi-Fi networks. MAC addresses can also be used for less nefarious purposes. For example, if your iPad is stolen on a university’s campus, the IT department may be able to use its MAC address to trigger an alert when the criminal connects your iPad to a university network.
How to Find Your iPhone's MAC Address
Matt Cone March 25, 2013
Your iPhone’s Wi-Fi interface has a permanent, unique serial number called a media access control (MAC) address. Some universities and employers may request your iPhone’s MAC address to monitor or limit your access to certain Wi-Fi networks. MAC addresses can also be used for less nefarious purposes. For example, if your iPhone is stolen on a university’s campus, the IT department may be able to use its MAC address to trigger an alert when the criminal connects your iPhone to a university network.
Setting DHCP Reservations on Your AirPort
Matt Cone March 22, 2013
In a previous tutorial, you learned how to set a static IP address in Mac OS X to create a permanent, private IP address for your Mac that doesn’t change from one day to the next. But if you own an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or Time Capsule base station, you can use something called DHCP reservations to do essentially the same thing. What’s the difference between a static IP address and a DHCP reservation?
How to Configure Network Locations in OS X
Matt Cone March 14, 2013
Your Mac allows you to save and quickly switch between multiple network configurations, which are referred to as network locations in OS X. This is a useful feature for users who need to set network-specific proxies, DNS servers, or static IP addresses. You can also use network locations to specify settings for specific network interfaces, such as an Ethernet card, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, and even VPN. Once you’ve created and saved different network locations, you can switch between them by using the Apple menu or System Preferences.
Creating a Dedicated 5GHz AirPort Network
Matt Cone March 13, 2013
AirPort base stations released after 2009 are capable of operating over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously. That means that when you connect a Mac, iPhone, or iPad to an AirPort’s wireless network, it will automatically select and use one of the bands for the best speed, consistency, and range. That should be fine under normal circumstances. The choice is made for you automatically, and you’ll probably never notice the difference.
How to Password Protect an AirPort's Settings
Matt Cone February 27, 2013
Whether you operate a guest network on your AirPort or simply use it to provide wireless access to the people in your home or workplace, you should ensure that your AirPort base station’s settings are protected with a strong password. Doing so will prevent users connected to the AirPort network from modifying the base station’s settings with the AirPort Utility application. The base station’s password is usually specified when setting up the AirPort, but it can be changed at any time.
How to Create a Guest Network with an AirPort
Matt Cone February 20, 2013
Did you know that your AirPort base station is capable of creating two separate wi-fi networks? By enabling the guest network feature, you can create a second network specifically for guests or - since guest wi-fi networks can be open or protected with a password - authorized users. Creating a guest wi-fi network with your AirPort is easy and takes only a few minutes. This tutorial shows you how to do it.
Make Your iPad Ask to Join Wi-Fi Networks
Matt Cone February 19, 2013
By default, your iPad automatically connects to known wi-fi networks. (To stop an iPad from automatically connecting, you can tell your iPad to forget a wi-fi network.) But what happens if you take your iPad to a new location? You’ll need to manually connect your iPad to a wi-fi network. That’s a hassle. But if you have the foresight and inclination, you can save yourself time in the future by making your iPad ask to join wi-fi networks when no known networks are available.
How to Wirelessly Sync Your iPhone
Matt Cone February 6, 2013
For years, the only way to sync the music, movies, photos, and other content on your Mac was to physically connect it to your iPhone with a USB cable. Of course, that’s still an option. But if you own an iPhone running iOS 5 or later and a Mac with iTunes 10.5 or later, there’s an even better way to sync content to your iPhone: wirelessly and automatically. This tutorial shows you how to cut the cord.