Airport Basestation Updates

[MacRumors]

Alongside PowerBook and iBook releases, Apple also provided some updates to the Airport Extreme Basestation hardware as well as Airport software.

Airport Software 3.4 is available in Software Update which offers:

Improved antenna output control.
Enhanced logging from your base station which is compatible with syslog.
Performance improvements for WPA security implementations.


Meanwhile, Apple also introduced an updated Airport Extreme Base Station (http://www.apple.com/airport/) which offers support for (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2004/04/19/basestation/) Power over Ethernate and UL 2043 fire safety standard support -- both features which would allow users to place the unit in more locations, according to MacCentral:

With the ability to install an AirPort Extreme Base Station anywhere an Ethernet cable can reach comes another change -- the new device supports UL 2043, a fire safety standard for devices that operate in "air-handling spaces," such as the area above a suspended ceiling in a classroom or office -- likely spots for a network installer to install a base station unobtrusively.

[iHack]

It's a pity it doesn't work with jaguar. i'd suppose AEBS software to work on the device, which has neither jaguar nor panther. ah well...

M.

[centauratlas]

There is a Apple Bluetooth module update (1.1) which is new too...

Alongside PowerBook and iBook releases, Apple also provided some updates to the Airport Extreme Basestation hardware as well as Airport software.

Airport Software 3.4 is available in Software Update which offers:




Meanwhile, Apple also introduced an updated Airport Extreme Base Station (http://www.apple.com/airport/) which offers support for (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2004/04/19/basestation/) Power over Ethernate and UL 2043 fire safety standard support -- both features which would allow users to place the unit in more locations, according to MacCentral:

[Trowaman]

There is a Apple Bluetooth module update (1.1) which is new too...

Where? I jsut got the Wireless Pro Mouse so it now concerns me.

[Freg3000]

This is semi-related....

An Airport Video (http://www.apple.com/airport/video/)

[Darwin]

This is semi-related....

An Airport Video

Thats been out for awhile, mind you it is hard to find on the Apple site :p

[dontmatter]

Yay, airport is great. I do have to say, though, I think it should come standard on every laptop. Wi-Fi is becoming ubiquitous, and isn't that so inline with the whole idea of a laptop? Sure, if you're using your computer at home it's nothing but reducing cable clutter, which isn't worth that much money. But.... for the college student market, oh man. Everybody uses wifi. So, why doesn't apple distinguish themselves, by providing standard what PC makers always have as an add on?

[Kingsnapped]

Alright, I was just about to totally reinstall all my airport whatnot. Damn things been dropping my speed down well below 56k when I compare it to an ethernet cable going right into my PB. Apple Care is all gone, so I hope this all does the trick.

[captain kirk]

Yay, airport is great. I do have to say, though, I think it should come standard on every laptop. Wi-Fi is becoming ubiquitous, and isn't that so inline with the whole idea of a laptop? Sure, if you're using your computer at home it's nothing but reducing cable clutter, which isn't worth that much money. But.... for the college student market, oh man. Everybody uses wifi. So, why doesn't apple distinguish themselves, by providing standard what PC makers always have as an add on?

Errr where have you been all day, there is a thread directly under this one talking about the ibook and powerbook updates. Part of the updates are that airport extreme cards are included as standard on all laptops except the cheapest 2 ibooks, give apple a break man!

[sworthy]

just updated on a rev b 12" powerbook. My signal strength has reduced slightly. (Used to be 3 bars, not between 2 and 3) :mad:

[five04]

just updated on a rev b 12" powerbook. My signal strength has reduced slightly. (Used to be 3 bars, not between 2 and 3) :mad:

same here. in my dorm room i used to get 3 bars at least. now i'm only getting 2. i wonder if the earlier versions of the software just weren't reporting the connection correctly or if, in fact, our connection has gotten worse.

[russed]

same here. in my dorm room i used to get 3 bars at least. now i'm only getting 2. i wonder if the earlier versions of the software just weren't reporting the connection correctly or if, in fact, our connection has gotten worse.

likewise
im like 1 meter away from my basestation and mine has gone from 4 to 3

[The Cheat]

Now if Apple would chop the price down to a quarter of its current cost ($250!!!!) I might consider buying one.

Oh wait, no, I'd still rather have my 4 port + Wireless G router I got from down the street for $50.

[dontmatter]

Errr where have you been all day, there is a thread directly under this one talking about the ibook and powerbook updates. Part of the updates are that airport extreme cards are included as standard on all laptops except the cheapest 2 ibooks, give apple a break man!

Yeah, I noticed the updates...but must admit, I didn't remember all of the new specs. Still, ibooks are possibly the single most popular computer on campus (pc users have so many different brands). I still think it would be a great move to put airport in all the ibooks.

[ibolithosje]

Am I just being really lame or is the inclusion of an Airport Admin Utility for Windows 2k and XP a new thing? Just saw it on the downloads site next to Airport.

[Nebrie]

Am I just being really lame or is the inclusion of an Airport Admin Utility for Windows 2k and XP a new thing? Just saw it on the downloads site next to Airport.

That has been there forever.

[Frisco]

Thank God! For the past 2 weeks I have been having to reset my basestation everyday--very annoying!

[eric_n_dfw]

I wish they'd pickup the tech that US Robitics is doing right now where their base and cards that use 2 channels at the same time and acheve up to 100MBS on 802.11g! :eek: That would be cool! :cool:

BTW, that base and PCCard are only $29 each after rebates right now:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=U13-4106%20P&sourceid=00357421086767606138&siteid=0035742108
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=602199

[Dr G]

I downloaded the updated Airport software 3.4. Download went fine. Upon re-boot my AirPort signal on my 15 "Aluminum PowerBook 1.25Ghz 10.3.3 dropped from the 3rd line to the 1st line of the signal indicator on the menu. Substantial drop. I hope Apple either posts a fix or re-issues the previous version.



Alongside PowerBook and iBook releases, Apple also provided some updates to the Airport Extreme Basestation hardware as well as Airport software.

Airport Software 3.4 is available in Software Update which offers:




Meanwhile, Apple also introduced an updated Airport Extreme Base Station (http://www.apple.com/airport/) which offers support for (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2004/04/19/basestation/) Power over Ethernate and UL 2043 fire safety standard support -- both features which would allow users to place the unit in more locations, according to MacCentral: :mad:

[crees!]

I wish they'd pickup the tech that US Robitics is doing right now where their base and cards that use 2 channels at the same time and acheve up to 100MBS on 802.11g! :eek: That would be cool! :cool:

BTW, that base and PCCard are only $29 each after rebates right now:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=U13-4106%20P&sourceid=00357421086767606138&siteid=0035742108
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=602199

Yea, but that doesn't make any difference if you are on Cable or something similar. The only good thing about it is if you transfer a lot of files to different machines on your network.

[quagmire]

Does it do anything if you don't have the ae base station?

[Noiseboy]

Yes, I too have lost apparent signal level by one bar from 3 down to 2.
I don't know if it's an actual drop or just an indicated one. It still downloads fine but it's a bit disturbing if it really has gone down. One of the places I work only has a very weak signal to start with, it would be a royal pain if I suddenly can't connect. :mad:

[penum6ra]

If you are getting lower signal strength, take a look at the new utility that Apple provides for measuring strength and bandwidth over wireless. Try it before you update, then again after. On my AlBook 15" my menu bar is reporting lower signal strength, but the utility reports almost double the throughput. Just one case though. Browsing does feel a bit 'Snappier.' :cool:

[kenaer]

If you are getting lower signal strength, take a look at the new utility that Apple provides for measuring strength and bandwidth over wireless. Try it before you update, then again after. On my AlBook 15" my menu bar is reporting lower signal strength, but the utility reports almost double the throughput. Just one case though. Browsing does feel a bit 'Snappier.' :cool:

What new utility? Am I missing something here...

[skymaXimus]

If you are getting lower signal strength, take a look at the new utility that Apple provides for measuring strength and bandwidth over wireless. Try it before you update, then again after. On my AlBook 15" my menu bar is reporting lower signal strength, but the utility reports almost double the throughput. Just one case though. Browsing does feel a bit 'Snappier.' :cool:
Where might I find this utility of which you speak?

[centauratlas]

Where? I jsut got the Wireless Pro Mouse so it now concerns me.

It showed up on my software update on my iMac (with built-in Bluetooth) as "Apple Bluetooth Module Firmware Update 1.1". Didn't show up for either my 867 or dual 800 without built-in bluetooth.

Edit: This is what the description says:
About Bluetooth Firmware Updater
Provides improvements in the update installation process, better performance when waking the computer from sleep, and support for additional key commands during startup.

The Bluetooth Firmware Updater is for D-Link USB Adapters (revision B2 or later), and Apple internal Bluetooth modules on PowerBooks and PowerMacs. This firmware update will improve connectivity between the computer and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. Use this updater for the modules specified above; this updater is unsupported with any other Bluetooth modules.

Important: Applying this firmware updater to a D-Link USB to Bluetooth adapter will make it incompatible with non-Macintosh systems.

[http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/bluetoothfirmwareupdater.html]

[kenaer]

I think this is it :

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/airportmanagementtools10.html

d/l link is dead for some reason...

[big]

About time... there has been a rash of issues with these airports.... all software related. If you guys have not had much of an issue, I am surprised.

[papersushi]

I did install the new Airport software update on my 12'' PowerBook, not only I noticed the same problem as other encounters "signal drop" and my connection is dropped and forzen all the time.

I notice whenever I start LimeWire, my connection will be frozen and cannot surf web site anymore. It never happened until I installed this update. I have to restart my computer to regain connection again. It has nothing to do with my router since other computer are just fine.

Anyone has the same problem as I do?

[papersushi]

Looks like a lot of people are having problem with this update when runs P2P softwares like LimeWire. It will lockup and froze your connection. Check out this thread on Apple's Discussion Board. P2P locks up connection after installing Airport software 3.4 (http://discussions.info.apple.com/WebX?13@123.1uWTaobBkc7.1@.6891e697/3)

[minstryoffunk]

Just to make sure: if I had an AE card, and say the USR basestation above, they would be compatible, correct?

[asim]

i thought that airport extreme base stations could act as relays, meaning that a given base station may not have to be within reach of an ethernet cable?

afc

[WM.]

i thought that airport extreme base stations could act as relays, meaning that a given base station may not have to be within reach of an ethernet cable?
That's correct. In fact, with AirPort 3.1 and later, you can have a chain of as many base stations as you want, relaying the connection down the line wirelessly (via WDS). Couldn't tell you what performance would be like with a chain of, say, 20 base stations. :)

The main problem with WDS right now, as far as I'm concerned, is that it doesn't support WPA. At least, not on Apple base stations. I haven't been able to find out if that's an inherent limitation of the standard or just something Apple hasn't gotten around to implementing yet. Anyone know?

FWIW
WM

[WM.]

Has anyone managed to download the AirPort Management Utility and/or AirPort Client Monitor? I'd really like an OS X-compatible Apple utility to optimize base station placement--you could do this in OS 9, but they took it out for X...

WM

[Ackley Kid]

Originally Posted by penum6ra

If you are getting lower signal strength, take a look at the new utility that Apple provides for measuring strength and bandwidth over wireless. Try it before you update, then again after. On my AlBook 15" my menu bar is reporting lower signal strength, but the utility reports almost double the throughput. Just one case though. Browsing does feel a bit 'Snappier.'


Where might I find this utility of which you speak?


Just launch Internet Connect and click the airport tab. the quick launch is in the airport dropdown menu in the menubar. after the update my signal reporting has also lost one bar, but i am hopeing that it is just a recalibration of how airport extreme registers the signal strength.

[skymaXimus]

Originally Posted by penum6ra

If you are getting lower signal strength, take a look at the new utility that Apple provides for measuring strength and bandwidth over wireless. Try it before you update, then again after. On my AlBook 15" my menu bar is reporting lower signal strength, but the utility reports almost double the throughput. Just one case though. Browsing does feel a bit 'Snappier.'


Where might I find this utility of which you speak?


Just launch Internet Connect and click the airport tab. the quick launch is in the airport dropdown menu in the menubar. after the update my signal reporting has also lost one bar, but i am hopeing that it is just a recalibration of how airport extreme registers the signal strength.

I know about Internet Connect, but penum6ra was talking about a util that measured throughput. I don't see this in the Internet Connect app.

[Brian Haworth]

I've noticed increased signal strength, from 3 to 4. In the INternet Connect window I have 13 bars out of 15.
P2P apps still work for me (Acquisition, anyway).

I use a Sawtooth G4.

By the way, I'm a first time poster, but I've been lurking for around 6 months.

[papersushi]

Topic: Uninstalling AirPort 3.4 Tutorial (http://homepage.mac.com/fishsun/articles/uninstall_airport34.htm)

[Bregalad]

Apple base stations are very full featured compared with the cheap wireless routers on the market, but the home market (a huge chunk of Apple sales) doesn't care about wireless bridging, power over Ethernet, external antennas or the ability to phone into their base station. My customers want to have multiple simultaneous internet connections and the ability to share files. Some want wireless printing, but almost all of them get scared off by the high price tag and the fact that Apple's list of supported USB printers is almost two years old.

I consider it truly sad and a terrible lost opportunity for Apple that over 90% of router customers at my store opt for a Linksys or NetGear product instead of an AEBS. I've seen dozens of people who want an all Apple solution change their minds the moment they see the price differential.

[Savage Henry]

Apple base stations are very full featured compared with the cheap wireless routers on the market, but the home market (a huge chunk of Apple sales) doesn't care about wireless bridging, power over Ethernet, external antennas or the ability to phone into their base station. My customers want to have multiple simultaneous internet connections and the ability to share files. Some want wireless printing, but almost all of them get scared off by the high price tag and the fact that Apple's list of supported USB printers is almost two years old.


I purchased AEBS not 4 days ago and everything is just fine. Sure it was expensive and although the cheaper market makes may have met my current needs, I chose AE for the future needs I have yet to encounter (if that makes sense? ... this time last year I had no need for wirelessness, so what will I need this time next?).

[bb0ys]

I installed the update. After rebooting my airport signal strength was down to 3 or 5 bars under the Internet Connect application. This translates to 1 or 2 bars under the airport menu in the top of the menu bar. I have a Linksys WRT54G router. I used to have 7 to 9 bars under Ineternet connect and 3 bars on the airport menu button. The router somtimes disappears and won't come back, but this happened before I updated. However, it happened immediately after rebooting from the update.

[eric_n_dfw]

Yea, but that doesn't make any difference if you are on Cable or something similar. The only good thing about it is if you transfer a lot of files to different machines on your network.
True, but the same can be said about Airport Extreme / 802.11g. I run 802.11b and am fine with it. However, I do occasionally transfer large files between my laptop (not a Mac unfortunately) and my PowerMac. When I do, I usually plug into an ethernet jack I have behind my entertainment center. (100MB / full duplex)

[eric_n_dfw]

Apple base stations are very full featured compared with the cheap wireless routers on the market, but the home market (a huge chunk of Apple sales) doesn't care about wireless bridging, power over Ethernet, external antennas or the ability to phone into their base station. My customers want to have multiple simultaneous internet connections and the ability to share files. Some want wireless printing, but almost all of them get scared off by the high price tag and the fact that Apple's list of supported USB printers is almost two years old.

I consider it truly sad and a terrible lost opportunity for Apple that over 90% of router customers at my store opt for a Linksys or NetGear product instead of an AEBS. I've seen dozens of people who want an all Apple solution change their minds the moment they see the price differential.Amen! If they cannot lower their price, I wish they would just put their stamp of approval on one of those and write their access point admin software for it.
Power over ethernet is nice, but not for the price they want!

[peterjhill]

Has anyone managed to download the AirPort Management Utility and/or AirPort Client Monitor? I'd really like an OS X-compatible Apple utility to optimize base station placement--you could do this in OS 9, but they took it out for X...

WM

The link does not yet work. Here is the download page:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/airportmanagementtools10.html

Looks great, I wonder what the holdup is...

[Damek]

Amen! If they cannot lower their price, I wish they would just put their stamp of approval on one of those and write their access point admin software for it.
Power over ethernet is nice, but not for the price they want!

Not to mention that the few reviews I can find for the AE base stations all say their range and throughput are pretty bad compared to other offerings. But the reviews all seem to date from back when AE was first introduced, when it was one of the first 802.11g items available. Has AE improved? Is its performance now on par with newer offerings like the Motorola WR850G (http://reviews.cnet.com/Motorola_WR850G_wireless_broadband_router/4505-5_7-30602683.html?tag=topprods) or the Buffalo 802.11g AirStation (http://reviews.cnet.com/Buffalo_AirStation_54Mbps_wireless_broadband_router/4505-3319_7-21089114.html?tag=topprods)? Because I might have paid for the apple solution if there were more recent, more favorable reviews floating around online.

[mactastic]

Wow, I did the update on my 1Ghz TiBook and now it won't find the base station at all. That really sucks. I haven't updated my wife's iBook yet, and it sees the signal just fine. Great, now I get to mess with my TiBook when I get home. :rolleyes:

[wdlove]

The timing of the new AirPort Base Station could be better. Thinking about purchasing one in about a month.

[peterjhill]

The link does not yet work. Here is the download page:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/airportmanagementtools10.html

Looks great, I wonder what the holdup is...

Now the link above has also been removed...

[jch200]

Just for the record. I've installed 3.4 and it's working like a charm. No drop in signal. No problems. I'm using an AEBS. Just streamed a near full quality dvd movie over the network to my ibook. It's very fast.

[arounderbelly]

Many are experiencing reduced 802.11 signal strength across a variety of machines and routers.

My reception has dropped on my 12"PB (1G,10.3,AE) immediately after installing the latest AE updates. Check out this apples airport discussion board prior to even considering loading the latest apple software update.

http://discussions.info.apple.com/WebX?14@247.L4ZVa9ITjIU.0@.3bbe0955

[WM.]

The AirPort Management Tools are available here (http://www.apple.com/support/airport/), on the right, under Resources. Thanks to some dude on Slashdot for the link.

HTH
WM

[peterjhill]

The AirPort Management Tools are available here (http://www.apple.com/support/airport/), on the right, under Resources. Thanks to some dude on Slashdot for the link.

HTH
WM


++WM The link works, downloading now...

[lucab1982]

This has made a MASSIVE difference, before my airport reception was awful, now i never get disconnected.

Well done! Good update, the TiBook likes it!

[Engagebot]

well, the AlBook doesnt like it...

My reception has suffered dramatically from what it was. I cant even stay connected at work, when i used to have half-full signal. i want an un-update.

[Brian Haworth]

AirPort software 3.4.1
Get it in your software update or here (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/airportupdate.html).

[big]

How's it work for everyone?

[Brian Haworth]

The 3.4 update boosted my signal strength from 3-4 bars and about 65-70% to a solid 4 bars and 75-80% at about 50 feet from the base station.
The 3.4.1 update didn't change anything for me. Which is good, I guess.