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bob-c's avatar
bob-c
Tutor
Feb 06, 2024

Ethernet connections to wireless router R-6900

My Netgear router AC1900 R6900 has been running well and I have an older iMac G4 which doesn't have wireless, just Airport card which I don't think connects to the Netgear router. Can I connect the iMac to the router via an Ethernet cable to get on the Internet?

bob.c

4 Replies

    • bob-c's avatar
      bob-c
      Tutor

      Thanks for your quick response and sorry for my late follow-up - time to file taxes!!   I bought a new cat 6 cable to hook up my iMac but the connection results in a red light on the light row of the router. I tried all four of the router's ethernet slots but no joy. If I unplug the cable from the iMac the red light goes out. I run the 'connect by ethernet' routine and the diagnostic test says the iMac is connected to the server.

      Any suggestions?

      To answer an obvious question: why am I trying to connect a computer that is old enough to drink and vote, I have a very nice Epson scanner that still works great but won't work with my current MacBookPro. So I want to be able to make copies and move them over my local network. Maybe I have to find a guru for legacy Mac products....

      Tnx for any advice you can pass along!

      bob.c

      • Kitsap's avatar
        Kitsap
        Master

        bob-c wrote:

        Thanks for your quick response and sorry for my late follow-up - time to file taxes!!   I bought a new cat 6 cable to hook up my iMac but the connection results in a red light on the light row of the router. I tried all four of the router's ethernet slots but no joy. If I unplug the cable from the iMac the red light goes out. I run the 'connect by ethernet' routine and the diagnostic test says the iMac is connected to the server.

        Any suggestions?

        To answer an obvious question: why am I trying to connect a computer that is old enough to drink and vote, I have a very nice Epson scanner that still works great but won't work with my current MacBookPro. So I want to be able to make copies and move them over my local network. Maybe I have to find a guru for legacy Mac products....

        Tnx for any advice you can pass along!

        bob.c


        Most likely the Ethernet port on your computer is rated for a 100 Mbps.  That is usually what causes the amber (red) indicator color on the router port.

         

        With the cable connected to your computer, does the internet connection work?