In theory, Windows and Mac OS should get along easily via IEEE 802.11g/b standards. In pratice, however, there are usually problem with mixed networks. Apple often doesn’t work too well with alphanumeric security measures.

If the connection to your AP doesn’t work, first switch off WEP and WPA security features on your access point. When this is done, try to connect your Mac and your Windows PC again.

For 64-bit WEP Keys, you need 10 hexadecimal characters, whereas with 128-bit WEP keys you need to specifiy 26 of them. You can mix them randomly, although be aware that hexadecimal value only include digits from 0 to 9 and letters from A to F. A 64-bit WEP key might look something like 456F78E123.
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In theory, the further the distance is between an access point and the adapter connecting to it, the slower the transfer speed is. This is because most access points automatically reduce the speed based on signal strength. This is to ensure a continuous connection and to manage the lost of packets. Some access points, however, don’t automatically control the speed of the connection, and as a result the potential range of the connection can be severely limited.
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Many hardware manufacturers offer firmware upgrades for their devices and this is especially the case for manufacturers of wireless routers. These firmware upgrade usually contain bugfixes and in many instances unlock new functions. For example; firmware upgrades for older NetGear Wireless routers allow WPA security which was previously unavailable using these routers. Such firmware upgrades are free and provide users not only with a way to keep up with standards, but also a way to add better functionality to old devices.
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