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Airport Extreme Refresh?

S

serendip

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 19, 2008
41
14
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum. :eek:

I've searched and can't find anything about any sort of refresh info for the AEBS. I'm looking at the refurb in the Apple (online) Store, and I'm wondering if there are any guesses (I know... they are guesses, not facts) about timelines for new model being released? Should I buy, or wait?

Thank you! :)
 
The latest update was about a year ago, so it could be next year or next April. The update cycle for Airport devices is very staggered, so it's hard to determine.
 
They updated it twice last year. Before that it went a few years without an update. So who knows.

2007 − updated 2x (added 802.11n in January, added Gigabit ethernet in August)
2008 - software updates only
2009 - updated 2x (simultaneous dual band in March, improved antenna/speed/range in August)
2010 - software update
 
miles01110 said:
What would they even update it to? The things they could add are 5+ years overdue at this point... don't hold your breath for QoS.
Click to expand...

The only thing I can think of is support the final 802.11n-2009 specification... since its currently still labelled as "Draft N"...

Or maybe do something crazy like add WiMAX... whatever that is (i havent really been following wireless stuff :p)
 
Intell said:
I thought the current Airport Extremes could already do three streams?
Click to expand...
Hardware is capable but for some reason they are missing one of the antennas. Only 2 g antennas and 2 n. It will be easy for Apple to "refresh" this product. ;)

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...ng-new-apple-airport-extreme-briefly-reviewed

...only four antennas, which makes two per radio. And since three-stream routers require three transmit and receive chains, the new Extreme won't be getting a three-stream (software) upgrade sometime in the future.
Click to expand...
 
Intell said:
You sure about that? I remember some big test to see if it was 2x3 or 3x3 streams. http://wifinetnews.com/archives/2009/10/apple_slipstreams_3x3_into_wi-fi_base_stations.html I also think it has four antennas with 1 for G, 2 for N, and 1 for both.
Click to expand...
From the comment section os your link:

Actually, most enterprise APs are 3x3, however, NONE of the AP Wi-Fi chipsets support 3 streams, and I don't expect Apple to be an exception. The existing 3x3 chipsets support only 2 streams, or in other words, 300Mbps. The 3x3 only provides better rate over range and better reception. The only chipset to offer 3 streams is Intel 5300, but it's available only for clients - and has been shipping for a while. Some vendors plan on having 3x3 AP chipsets late 2010, but this is just a plan for now.
Click to expand...

So I guess the hardware is not even capable. Maybe not such an easy upgrade for Apple. I'm pretty sure if it was capable we would have heard about it by now.
 
flopticalcube said:
From the comment section os your link:



So I guess the hardware is not even capable. Maybe not such an easy upgrade for Apple. I'm pretty sure if it was capable we would have heard about it by now.
Click to expand...

Umm, the Marvell chipset in the AEBS is 3x3:3; my Intel 5300 card can link to it at 450mbit.
 
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