iMac OS X question

[iplagolf]

Hello, new to iMac, a few problems, a few questions. Got the Geek Squad to help me out on some but can't seem to get (or find) an answer to this one. I'm in southern Indiana. I use Frontier as my internet provider via Wi-Fi. I must add I am running Windows on a lap top in parallel with the iMac via Wi-Fi. When I sign on to Safari to enter the world wide web, at least 60 to 70 percent of the time I am told I am not connected to the internet. I start network diagnosis, as I'm about half way through it, I'm told my internet is up and working and I get the Safari home page. On the Windows based PC, before I run diagnostics on the iMac, I go to Explorer, and I am on the net. Had my modem and phone line checked, alls well. Windows PC ok, iMac not so good. Any ideas? The Geeks don't have a clue...Thanks

[stomachmonkey]

Is your connection dial up?

Does the modem also provide the wifi or do you have a separate wifi router?

[id10t]

Sounds almost like the Mac is doing "dial on demand" for initializing its IP/subnet/dns/etc info

Asssuming Frontier is providing a dsl or cable connection and you are using a wireless router under your control.

Check to see if the Mac has an IP address on the network, that you can ping from the Mac to your default gateway (that the Mac should be reporting as its gw), that the Mac is associating iwth the right access point, that if you have a multi-band wifi AP (aka B/G/N) try setting it to lowest common denominator for your devices.

[iplagolf]

Ok, dsl router...Will copy your reply and go as far as I can with it, then I'll call Frontier techs if I need further help. Thank you very much. Fritz

[iplagolf]

ID10t...Told Frontier what you said, went through a reset to a WPA (?) and I'm up and running. Played hell on the wi-fi printer and windows pc, got those back on line and all is well. Thank you!