AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule Update Details: Dual-Band, Guest Networks, Remote File Access

MacRumors · 03:31 PM

As we noted earlier today, Apple has updated their AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule offerings. A few of the new features are worth highlighting:

Simultaneous dual-band support - Operates simultaneously on both 5 GHz (802.11n) and 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g) frequencies to allow all wireless products to connect on the best available band. On previous models, users wishing to permit 802.11b/g devices such as many older Macs or the iPhone or iPod touch to connect to their access point were required to run in "mixed mode" at 2.4 GHz, negating some of peformance benefits of 802.11n-enabled devices running on 5 GHz networks.

Guest networking - Creates a secondary network to allow family and visitors to connect to the Internet, while keeping the primary network with attached printers, drives, and other devices secured. The secondary network can be configured with a different password from the primary network or can have no password at all.

Guest Network Setup

Access files on a networked drive from anywhere - Allows MobileMe subscribers to register their AirPort Extreme Base Station or Time Capsule with their MobileMe account, providing them access to their files from anywhere via the Internet. Drives will appear in the Finder sidebar like any other attached drive, acting just like a personal file server with remote access.

Article Link: AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule Update Details: Dual-Band, Guest Networks, Remote File Access

colinmack · Mar 3, 2009, 02:17 PM

Anyone have any idea on whether this will be offered as a firmware/software update on existing TCs?

WhySoSerious · Mar 3, 2009, 02:17 PM

guest networking is a very welcom addition!

Grimace · Mar 3, 2009, 02:18 PM

That's actually pretty awesome. I'm loving the guest account, and having the equivalent of a file server from anywhere you can access MobileMe is pretty sweet!

betaboy78 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:18 PM

Man would i like for some of these features to be added to my current AEBS via Firmware (if no new internal hardware is needed, of course).

Any chance?

Grimace · Mar 3, 2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colinmack

Anyone have any idea on whether this will be offered as a firmware/software update on existing TCs?

They probably could not do dual-mode 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz, but the MobileMe option and guest sharing is plausible. But, then there would be no need to spend more money and upgrade!

crees! · Mar 3, 2009, 02:19 PM

So remote Time Machine backups then, eh?

Sky Blue · Mar 3, 2009, 02:20 PM

Very tempted by the new AirPort Extreme.

nomar383 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crees!

So remote Time Machine backups then, eh?

lol have fun with that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimace

They probably could not do dual-mode 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz, but the MobileMe option and guest sharing is plausible. But, then there would be no need to spend more money and upgrade!

Yes, I believe dual-band functionality is hardware-based. Now if the original AirPort Extreme did 5Ghz (don't know), then it may be possible as a FW update.

b1wils1 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:22 PM

so theoretically, you could point your iphone/itouch to your time capsule remotely and stream your video library. think this would require an iphone app? shouldn't be too hard.

Kilamite · Mar 3, 2009, 02:22 PM

Guest sounds very cool indeed.

Remote File Access - this was meant to work in the original Airport Extreme right? I've never got it working/don't think it had an option in Airport Utility.

Virtuality · Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM

I have a question to anyone who understands the WiFI technique etc.

Because on the info page for the Time Capsule, it says this:

"Speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network."
(http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB764)

Is this just an old info text that they forgot to update with the new Time Capsules and AirPort Extremes? Because what else is the point with dual-band networking if it will still be slow as soon as a a/b/g product joins...

stagi · Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM

Pretty cool updates, I might have to get one now

NewIndiana · Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM

I wonder how it'll work with a networked iTunes library.

WPB2 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM

I don't think the AEBS supports remote file sharing through MobileMe. Only the TimeCapsule does. The article is a little bit incorrect

nomar383 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virtuality

I have a question to anyone who understands the WiFI technique etc.

Because on the info page for the Time Capsule, it says this:

"Speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network."
(http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB764)

Is this just an old info text that they forgot to update with the new Time Capsules and AirPort Extremes? Because what else is the point with dual-band networking if it will still be slow as soon as a a/b/g product joins...

May be a mistake. If you have a dual-band router (I do), then the G devices can operate on one band and the N devices on the other. They don't touch each other wirelessly.

ddrueckhammer · Mar 3, 2009, 02:24 PM

Oh well, I was hoping Apple would update the Time Capsules with 2 or 4 hot-swappable raid drives...

Basically, I want a Mediasmart Server or Drobo but I was hoping Apple would do something to compete with these..

jholzner · Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM

Would be nice to know how I register my Airport Extreme with MobileMe for remote file access. I've installed the two Airport updates released but no work from Apple on how to register...or even if it will work with the previous extreme.

swajames · Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM

Didn't expect this to be released

And I just bought a Time Capsule from my local Apple Store on Sunday....!!

Specifically to do exactly what the new one does - use the TC as an N only network and use my old AEBS (fast ethernet) to create a second b/g only network!

cibby · Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM

I like the new features too. I wonder if Apple or an App developer will figure out a way to make it work for iPhone streaming. That would be really cool. I'm surprised they didn't bump the storage or lower the price. A 1TB external goes for $100 now, so $500 seems pretty steep for what they're offering. I haven't read enough reviews/comments about using an AEBS with an external for wireless TM backups. That might be the lower cost purchase or get a 500GB + another TB of storage for $400.

WPB2 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virtuality

I have a question to anyone who understands the WiFI technique etc.

Because on the info page for the Time Capsule, it says this:

"Speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network."
(http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB764)

Is this just an old info text that they forgot to update with the new Time Capsules and AirPort Extremes? Because what else is the point with dual-band networking if it will still be slow as soon as a a/b/g product joins...

That is a link to the previous generation AEBS. The new AEBS is http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB763?mco=NDE4Mzg1Nw

asdavis10 · Mar 3, 2009, 02:29 PM

Firmware update for original Time Capsules please Apple!

Sky Blue · 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jholzner

Would be nice to know how I register my Airport Extreme with MobileMe for remote file access. I've installed the two Airport updates released but no work from Apple on how to register...or even if it will work with the previous extreme.

There's an update out.

litopine · Mar 3, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swajames

Didn't expect this to be released

And I just bought a Time Capsule from my local Apple Store on Sunday....!!

Specifically to do exactly what the new one does - use the TC as an N only network and use my old AEBS (fast ethernet) to create a second b/g only network!

Then Just return it to the store that you bought it at....

tri3limited · Mar 3, 2009, 02:30 PM

Im liking the MobileMe features.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:14 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule Update Details: Dual-Band, Guest Networks, Remote File Access As we noted earlier today, Apple has updated their AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule offerings. A few of the new features are worth highlighting: Simultaneous dual-band support - Operates simultaneously on both 5 GHz (802.11n) and 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g) frequencies to allow all wireless products to connect on the best available band. On previous models, users wishing to permit 802.11b/g devices such as many older Macs or the iPhone or iPod touch to connect to their access point were required to run in "mixed mode" at 2.4 GHz, negating some of peformance benefits of 802.11n-enabled devices running on 5 GHz networks. Guest networking - Creates a secondary network to allow family and visitors to connect to the Internet, while keeping the primary network with attached printers, drives, and other devices secured. The secondary network can be configured with a different password from the primary network or can have no password at all. Guest Network Setup Access files on a networked drive from anywhere - Allows MobileMe subscribers to register their AirPort Extreme Base Station or Time Capsule with their MobileMe account, providing them access to their files from anywhere via the Internet. Drives will appear in the Finder sidebar like any other attached drive, acting just like a personal file server with remote access. Article Link: AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule Update Details: Dual-Band, Guest Networks, Remote File Access Last edited by WildCowboy : Mar 3, 2009 at 03:31 PM.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:17 PM	#3
WhySoSerious macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dallas, TX	guest networking is a very welcom addition! __________________ It's all part of the plan... MacBook Pro 17" HighRes Glossy \| Snow Leopard 2.4 GHz Intel C2D \| 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Mar 3, 2009, 02:18 PM	#4
Grimace Contributor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: with Hamburglar.	That's actually pretty awesome. I'm loving the guest account, and having the equivalent of a file server from anywhere you can access MobileMe is pretty sweet! __________________ Canon 1Ds Mk III • Canon 5D MkII 16-35mm f/2.8L II • 24-70mm f/2.8L • 70-200mm f/2.8L IS 50mm f/1.2L • 85mm f/1.2L • 135mm f/2L • 300mm f/2.8L IS

Mar 3, 2009, 02:18 PM	#5
betaboy78 macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA	Man would i like for some of these features to be added to my current AEBS via Firmware (if no new internal hardware is needed, of course). Any chance? __________________ iMac 24", 2.8GHz ~ MacBook Pro 15", 2.53GHz ~ iPhone 3G 16GB ~ Various iPods ~ AEBS ~ TV

Mar 3, 2009, 02:19 PM	#7
crees! macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Springfield, VA	So remote Time Machine backups then, eh? __________________ The only thing that seems to increase over the years is that nonsense multiplies. NOSOCIALISM NOBAMA

Mar 3, 2009, 02:17 PM	#2
colinmack macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2006	Anyone have any idea on whether this will be offered as a firmware/software update on existing TCs?

Mar 3, 2009, 02:20 PM	#8
Sky Blue macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2005	Very tempted by the new AirPort Extreme. __________________ "The case is so square that it easily stands at attention as if begging for treats."

Mar 3, 2009, 02:22 PM	#10
b1wils1 macrumors member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: chicago	access by iphone?! so theoretically, you could point your iphone/itouch to your time capsule remotely and stream your video library. think this would require an iphone app? shouldn't be too hard.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:22 PM	#11
Kilamite macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland	Guest sounds very cool indeed. Remote File Access - this was meant to work in the original Airport Extreme right? I've never got it working/don't think it had an option in Airport Utility. __________________ - MacBook Pro Unibody 15" 2.8GHz 'anti-glare' - Apple TV 1TB (work in progress) - iPhone 3G 8GB - MobileMe // OS X 10.6.2

Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM	#12
Virtuality macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2007	I have a question to anyone who understands the WiFI technique etc. Because on the info page for the Time Capsule, it says this: "Speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network." (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB764) Is this just an old info text that they forgot to update with the new Time Capsules and AirPort Extremes? Because what else is the point with dual-band networking if it will still be slow as soon as a a/b/g product joins...

Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM	#13
stagi macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2006	Pretty cool updates, I might have to get one now __________________ -- Mark Check out our photography blog \| http://digitalphotobuzz.com Fine Art Wedding Photography Follow me on Twitter

Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM	#14
NewIndiana macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2009	iTunes library from anywhere? I wonder how it'll work with a networked iTunes library.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:23 PM	#15
WPB2 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southeast, LA	I don't think the AEBS supports remote file sharing through MobileMe. Only the TimeCapsule does. The article is a little bit incorrect __________________ http://web.me.com/williambuquoi Yeah I got a computer and some other shît.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:24 PM	#17
ddrueckhammer macrumors 65816 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: America's Wang	Oh well, I was hoping Apple would update the Time Capsules with 2 or 4 hot-swappable raid drives... Basically, I want a Mediasmart Server or Drobo but I was hoping Apple would do something to compete with these.. __________________ 20" iMac C2D Nintendo Wii and DS Lite

Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM	#18
jholzner macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL	Would be nice to know how I register my Airport Extreme with MobileMe for remote file access. I've installed the two Airport updates released but no work from Apple on how to register...or even if it will work with the previous extreme. __________________ "Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." -Terry Pratchett. http://homepage.mac.com/jholzner

Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM	#19
swajames macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2003	Didn't expect this to be released And I just bought a Time Capsule from my local Apple Store on Sunday....!! Specifically to do exactly what the new one does - use the TC as an N only network and use my old AEBS (fast ethernet) to create a second b/g only network!

Mar 3, 2009, 02:25 PM	#20
cibby macrumors newbie Join Date: May 2005	I like the new features too. I wonder if Apple or an App developer will figure out a way to make it work for iPhone streaming. That would be really cool. I'm surprised they didn't bump the storage or lower the price. A 1TB external goes for $100 now, so $500 seems pretty steep for what they're offering. I haven't read enough reviews/comments about using an AEBS with an external for wireless TM backups. That might be the lower cost purchase or get a 500GB + another TB of storage for $400.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:29 PM	#22
asdavis10 macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bowie, MD	Firmware update for original Time Capsules please Apple! __________________ Mac Pro 3.2GHz 8 core/8GB/500HD x 4; MacBook Pro 15"/2.5GHz/4GB/120HD; MacBook Air 1.8GHz/2GB/64SSD; Mac mini 1.83GHz/2GB/80HD (10.5 Server)

Mar 3, 2009, 02:30 PM	#25
tri3limited macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London	Im liking the MobileMe features. __________________ Jack Jones  Certified Pro - Final Cut Pro 6 & Motion 3

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