DNS problem w/ wireless & AirPort?

Forum: Networking
Topic: DNS problem w/ wireless & AirPort?
started by: dslfool

Posted by dslfool on Aug. 12 2004,20:43

This is apparently not a DSL issue, but I'm hoping someone can suggest ways of verifying info in DSL which might help.

- DSL 0.7.3 HD install on Toshiba Portege 7200 CTe notebook
- WaveBuddy 11WP-611AL 802.11b wireless PC Card

also

- Apple AirPort base station (original "graphite" 11mbs model), connected to ISP via (gulp) built-in modem in base station
- Mac PowerBook G3 w/ AirPort card

Card works and is apparently compatible with AirPort, as
- connects to access point at a local coffee shop, DHCP & DNS OK, can surf & send/receive email
- connects to AirPort station via DHCP or static IP, can ping and FTP to and from PowerBook through station

BUT, when I try the following:
- connect AirPort station to ISP via modem (via command from PowerBook)
- PowerBook gets IP and DNS from AirPort station and can browse web, etc.
- Toshiba gets IP from AirPort station and has good signal (per ifconfig, iwconfig & LEDs)

...the Toshiba won't connect to any external sites. Browsers return errors re not resolving locations.

I've also tried with static IPs and static DNS settings from my ISP, no help. I can still connect to the PowerBook through the AirPort station regardless of whether I'm using DHCP or static IP on the Toshiba.

What I'm clueless on (among other things) is how to verify the DNS used on the Toshiba in DSL. Any thoughts on whether this is a DNS problem or something else? How do I check the DNS that DSL's using?

Many thanks.

Posted by roberts on Aug. 12 2004,21:36

cat /etc/resolv.conf

if not correct then edit in what it should be.

Posted by dslfool on Aug. 12 2004,21:52

/etc/resolv.conf - got it. Thanks.

Bummer - this just helps confirm that the settings appear correct (so the dang thing should work). When I'm using DHCP, the DNS shown in resolv.conf is 10.0.1.1, the IP address of the AirPort station (which is, to my knowledge, what the DNS should be). If I manually enter the ISP's DNS settings, resolv.conf shows these as well.

It's funny that my card w/ DSL should connect to the AirPort station and talk back and forth to the PowerBook through the station, but not get past the station to the Internet. Gotta be a relevant config setting for the station somewhere...

Posted by dslfool on Aug. 12 2004,23:22

Looks like its the AirPort base station. when I power off the station and set up the PowerBook to use its AirPort card to function as a base station, the Toshiba w/ DSL picks up the signal from the PowerBook and gets to the Internet with no problems.

I noticed that the DNS in this setup was different than what the ISP recommended. I configured the wireless card in the Toshiba with these numbers and tried again through the AirPort station, but I still can't get to the web.

Oh, well. I can still surf around the house as long as I power on the PowerBook and use it as the wireless router. Whoopee.

Posted by ke4nt1 on Aug. 13 2004,05:01

I recall reading on another forum somewhere about the "airport" being finicky
about connections to "some" wireless cards, and not others...

That's cool that you can use your powerbook wirelessly
to " share " your connection..

I wonder how that works in the coffee shop with the "other" guy's powerbook?

Nice work..

73
ke4nt