Save $$$. Deals on Lenovo Ideapad
November 17, 2006 4:00 AM PST
AirPort Express dropouts: Downgrading firmware to stop
We previously noted that downgrading AirPort Extreme firmware can result in a reduction of dropouts (lapses in connectivity). It appears that the same is true for some AirPort Express Base stations -- downgrading to firmware revision 6.1.1 from the current release (6.3) can result in a reduction of dropouts.
In order to install firmware version 6.1.1, simply download the package, launch the updater application and follow the on-screen instructions, selecting your afflicted Base station.
To check which firmware revision you currently have installed, use the following process:
- Launch AirPort Admin Utility (located in Applications/Utilities)
- Select the appropriate Base station in the left-hand pane
- The firmware will appear on the right side, as follows: "Apple Base Station... "
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Resources
Like magic all returned to normal. I now have my music back again.
GlennG
MBP 2.33, 2Gis, 160 gig HD, OsX 10.4.8
I'm begining to think this has to do more with Mac OS 10.4.8, than anything else. I have a Netgear Router, and my internet signal drops 3 to 4 times a day. I have 4 bars in my window, but for brief periods of 1 to 2 minutes, I can't surf the web. Never had any problems before 10.4.8.
Aaron
I wouldn't go along with that. I recently installed an Airport Extreme card and an Airport Express base station for a friend in Canada while there on holiday. All went well for a few weeks, but she now suffers from the intermittent dropout symptoms described in this topic. With her, she can only maintain a connection for twenty minutes at a time, and the only way to resume connectivity is to unplug/replug the Express unit.
The point is, she is still on 10.3.8, so I don't think 10.4.8 is the culprit.
I'd go along with that. I upgraded to 10.4.8 on my MacBook. After a few days I realized I was having connectivity issues, then read 10.4.8 might be the problem. This theory was further supported by the fact that wife's MacBook Pro wasn't having these problems (and she's on 10.4.7). Downgraded my system to 10.4.7 and all seemed fine. But....now we're both having continuous connectivity problems with constant dropouts. It's not 10.4.8 that's the problem for us. Will try firmware downgrade and report back. This really sucks...
Thanks for any advice,
GF
I have seen this happen before...the first obvious thing which you've probably already done is to restart the router (hey, some people miss this!).
Otherwise you can probably go through the procedure stated on MacFixIt before which involves removing all trace of the Wireless Router from your settings (eg. delete it from "Preferred Networks" in the Network preferences, delete the keychain entries and even delete com.apple.airport preferences from your ~/Library/Preferences).
Please: Anyone know for sure how to fix the "downgrade" problem? or what it is?
I used the downgrade software. And for a good two hours could not get my airport to recognize me. I could not connect. I currently have my instal disk 1 in, I don't know if that's making it work, or if it will still work later or not. This is nasty. Please email me direct if anyone knows a solution or how to uninstall it. I tried repeatedly to do it by turning off, and even disconnecting the airport.
All of you know we can't exist without our connection HELP please: tnm2@cox.net .... as long as I can connect anyway. Tiffany
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro with 10.4.8 and I could not connect through a Wireless Netgear router. All other Macs and PCs on the Network could. I upgraded he firmware of the router and then could connect.
- by ptw November 20, 2006 4:21 AM PST
- Downgrading my AE had no effect on my drop-outs. I did recently upgrade to a MacBook Pro 'Fall Edition', which has the pre-N WiFi chip. Perhaps a hint?
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(9 Comments)