kernel_task / airport - wasting CPU

[nyc863]

OSX 10.6.3 all updates applied.
connected to airport
3ghz core 2 duo, 4gb ram

the problem I have is that kernel_task takes 15 to 20% (system) CPU all the time, when Airport is "on" (but no network traffic) and 0% when airport is switched off.

I find this unreasonable. It also makes the Mac soggy when the browser is also choked up, as 25% is basically 100% of one core on a 4 core machine.

Any ideas?

 

[celticpride678]

The "kernel" is Mac OS X. It will take up a lot of CPU at times, and not that much at other times. Nothing you can do about it.

 

[nyc863]

I know it is the kernel.

What I can observe is simply deactivating the Airport removes the load on the CPU. Activating the airport re-instates it. The load is very high. Up to 25% of this 3ghz multi-core processor!!

So it isn't just "kernel work" it is a bug. I'm just trying to get ideas as to what.

If you google "kernel_task airport" you get this problem reported on and off for several years. Usually people on macbooks notice it because it heats up their laptop.

 

[nyc863]

nobody has any ideas why enabled (but no network activity) airport wifi uses so much CPU?