Airport Extreme firmware updated to 802.11n draft 2
Got a shiny new AirPort Extreme base station, speeding those bits around the ether? Today Apple released new firmware for the fast-but-flat access point, version 7.2.1, downloadable directly or via the AirPort Utility. You'll need version 5.1 or better of the AirPort Utility to install the patch (you can get 5.2.1 via the Base Station Update 2007-002).In addition to the usual bug fixes and security updates, this patch is WiFi certified for 802.11n draft 2.0. This certification may help when integrating the AE with third-party devices. Then again, it may not...
via MacFixit
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jonathan said 8:38PM on 8-29-2007
It seems to remember my printer (Canon S800) much better now rather than having to unplug/plug it in every time ...
Way to go, Apple.
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esqyre said 8:43PM on 8-29-2007
Echoing Jonathan
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Rae Whitlock said 8:59PM on 8-29-2007
Maybe this'll solve the printer/HDD issues I've been having with my wife's Windows PC (and the Windows installations I have running via Fusion).
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Banally Flippant said 10:49PM on 8-29-2007
This actually made everything for me stop working. As soon as I updated it wouldn't find my external drive and stopped internet connectivity altogether; I had to revert back to the 7.1.1 firmware.
I've been using 802.11g, not draft-n, wherein may lie the problem...
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kakapo said 11:22PM on 8-29-2007
It's all snappier and my teeth are brighter and I have much better fuel economy and I got the girl next door!!!
Gosh, golly gee willerkers Apple...
Yur da best!
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Andrew Procter said 11:42PM on 8-29-2007
@ #4 Bannaly Flippant,
This update also broke my wireless network (I'm still using the router as we speak, but wired), how did you revert back to the old firmware?
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Andrew Procter said 11:47PM on 8-29-2007
Nevermind, I figured it out, for other users:
Go to airport utility and click on manual set up. After it downloads your settings, click on version, and a pop up will let you select whichever firmware version you wish to upload.
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dan2ktj said 12:05AM on 8-30-2007
Mmmmm.... I think I'll wait for now. I spend enough time re-establishing connections and configurations on my wife's XP pc. The Belkin USB N1 thing is running a 130 but I have to switch between Belkin and windows controlling the connection. Sucks.
I wish someone had a OSX driver for the Belkin N1 PCMCIA card I bought for my Powerbook G4. Sucks again.
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Gino said 1:04AM on 8-30-2007
@ dan2ktj
I ordered this product. It seemed to be the only USB N adapter that works for macs. At least something compact that I can find.
http://www.quickertek.com/products/n_nano.php
I haven't gotten the product yet, so I can't tell you how it work... or how well it works (I hope). I should be getting it this Friday (8/31). Feel free to email me if you're curious to see who it works. I'll give an honest feedback.
Gino
thecolourclear@yahoo.com
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nick said 1:21AM on 8-30-2007
My wireless still "works" but has been reduced to a fraction of it's previous speed. I am using the original (100 Mbps) version of the AEBS as an access point only (I have a separate router, D-Link DGL-4100). I use it with my first generation MacBook Pro which I have upgraded to 802.11n using the 2 antenna Mac Pro card. Anyone else experiencing this issue?
I am hoping new drivers for client systems will follow this update shortly...
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Dude said 12:14PM on 8-30-2007
How long should this update take? Mine has been sitting and showing me the progress bar for 10 minutes now.
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Pierce said 2:56PM on 8-30-2007
I haven't had any problems since updating. My USB hard drives and printers worked before the update, and they continue to work flawlessly afterwards.
The only thing I can't figure out or research is what on earth is a 'MultiCast Rate', and how should it be configured?
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dan2ktj said 6:11PM on 8-30-2007
Gino,
Thanks for the tip. I ordered a PCMCIA card version for my Powerbook G4. $59 from the Quickertek website. That's 1/3 the price it's listed on other sites. Heck of a deal. Let me know how the USB version works.
Dan
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younkint said 2:01PM on 8-31-2007
The 7.2.1 firmware update hosed my NAT/PMP UPnP software, Lighthouse. The developer of Lighthouse has advised users not to upgrade to 7.2.1.
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J. Calhoun said 3:47AM on 9-01-2007
I'm also experiencing similar issues to those mentioned above. Since upgrading, I've found that my Airport won't go more than an hour or two without restarting. Also, wireless connectivity is intermittent, even with my Macbook located less than 12 inches away from the base station.
Specs: Airport Extreme (Fast Ethernet) with 802.11b/g compatibility
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Kreggin said 12:20PM on 9-03-2007
I updated my AE with 7.2.1 - I am using "n" mode with my Macs. Lost internet thru the Linksys router.
I reverted to 7.1.1 and all is well again. Something not right with this firmware load.
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T.McP said 9:56PM on 9-09-2007
Updated to this firmware and I've had nothing but dropped connections...reverted back to 7.1.1 and still have issues... Not sure what is going on now...
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T.McP said 10:02PM on 9-09-2007
Correction....seems that the 7.1.1 is screamin' fast again...urgh... I've checked the cable modem and rebooted it when I had the problems with this new version and it's not the ISP.
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Slawomir Caluch said 11:18AM on 9-12-2007
There are some solutions to the problems mentioned above on this webpage: http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20070831092133631
Fix for slow access/no access
Slow internet connection
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