AirPort

AirPort Utility 6.0 missing a number of features

Yesterday Apple released AirPort Utility 6.0 along with an update to the older Version 5.x of the same program. The new tool offers an updated and intuitive interface for managing your Wi-Fi network, but it also is missing some key features that, while not necessarily beneficial to most home users, might frustrate IT professionals and network administrators.

After installing the utility and exploring its features, MacFixIt reader Joshua O. wrote in regarding a number of these he found:

I've been surprised that no one has commented on the massive loss of functionality in the new Airport Utility. … Read more

Apple updates AirPort utility and Base Station firmware

Apple has released a couple of updates for its AirPort Utility software for OS X Lion, and also has released new firmware updates for its AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule router devices.

AirPort Utility 6.0 is available to edit and configure both AirPort Base Station, Time Capsule, and AirPort Express networking devices. Apple has updates the prior version to version 5.6 that resolves issues with accessing passwords in the system keychain, but has also released version 6.0 which implements support for configuring iCloud to remotely access mass storage attached to the AirPort and Time Capsule devices. … Read more

Apple AirPort Utility 6.0: No love for Windows or Snow Leopard

Apple today launched version 6.0 of its AirPort Utility that enhances the networking experience for those using its networking products.

These products include the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and Time Capsule.

The new version lets you do all that you can do with the previous version (version 5.5.3), but with a more streamlined interface that resembles that of Apple's apps.… Read more

Fixing AirPort problems in OS X

One of the prominent problems that people have after upgrading their systems or otherwise modifying their systems is when their Wi-Fi connections will not work properly. The Wi-Fi connection may turn off after a brief period of connectivity, or it may just immediately shut down. At other times it may stay on but not receive a proper configuration from the router and be given a self-assigned IP address.

When these problems occur, generally people try various fixes like running general maintenance routines, but while doing this cannot hurt (and may have some secondary benefits), clearing system caches and resetting the … Read more

Checking AirDrop compatibility in OS X Lion

One new welcome feature in OS X Lion is the new AirDrop file-sharing technology. Unlike previous file sharing that required specific permissions setups, protocol enabling, and other configuration, as long as you have an active wireless card, then with AirDrop your system should be able to automatically detect other nearby Lion users and be able to send them files with a simple drag and drop action in the AirDrop window.

AirDrop is a technology that automatically discovers and sets up a quick ad-hoc network among computers over Wi-Fi networks, and provides an interface for file sharing. This is different than … Read more

First Take: Fifth-generation Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station

Apple updated its AirPort Extreme Base Station today after weeks of rumors speculating about a batch of new wireless devices. With the release of today's Time Capsule update, we now know that little has changed from the previous dual-band design.

The new AirPort Extreme maintains the slim design of its predecessor with the same square shape, status lights on the front, and three Gigabit Ethernet Ports on the back. You also get a USB port to add a wireless printer, additional storage, or for use with Apple's Time Machine backup utility.

The price also stays the same at $… Read more

FCC outs new Apple AirPort Extreme

Apple may soon be launching a new AirPort Extreme Base Station.

The Federal Communications Commission today posted its test report on a new version of Apple's wireless hardware. Dubbed model A1408, the device is a 3x3 wireless access point operating on both the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands, according to the FCC filing.

Rumors that Apple is planning to launch new wireless hardware have been cropping up for weeks. Leading up to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, reports surfaced claiming Apple would be updating its AirPort Extreme Base Station, along with its Time Capsule--the company'… Read more

Apple software update hints at new wireless gear

Code from a software update for Apple's AirPort Utility software that went out last night has been found to contain references to unreleased Apple wireless networking hardware.

9to5Mac and MacRumors both independently dug up mentions of a fourth-generation Time Capsule as well as a fifth-generation AirPort Extreme base station in the code that went out as part of the update. Those product iterations have not yet been announced by Apple.

Ahead of last week's Worldwide Developers Conference, rumor had it that Apple was planning to update both these products alongside AirPort Express, Apple's entry-level wireless networking product. … Read more

How to use iChat and AirPort to easily transfer files without Internet or external drives

Occasionally a situation arises where you need to transfer a file to someone but you have forgotten your external hard drive or burnable disc. In these situations, you can set up a private network and use iChat to easily transfer the file. This is particularly useful when no Internet is present.

To transfer a file using iChat with no Internet, click on the AirPort icon and choose "Create Network." Name your network, choose a channel (or leave it on automatic) and decide whether or not you want a password. If you're in a public place, a password … Read more