Will Apple release standalone 802.11n enablers for applicable Core 2 Duo/Xeon based Macs?
Earlier this week, Apple quietly rolled out a new version of the AirPort Extreme Base station that includes support for the yet-to-be-ratified 802.11n wireless standard, which purports data transfer rates of up to 540 Mbps per second (vs. 54 Mbps for 802.11g).
Alongside the announcement, Apple also indicated that enablers would be made available for Macs with built-in 802.11n-capable chipsets, including:- iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo (except 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac)
- MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo
- MacBook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
- Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme card option
The question is whether this enabler will be made available as a standalone download or be available exclusively with the second-generation AirPort Extreme Base Station.
We've received word from a reliable source that at this point, there are only plans to offer the enabler as bundled with the new Base station. These plans are likely tentative, however.
It also remains to be seen whether or not Apple will include the 802.11n enabler pre-installed on newly shipping Macs.
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However, as soon as the APEs are shipped the software update would be released out via file sharing services anyway. At least in this case they can say "we didn't give it to you".
I agree - if Apple releases standalone drivers, they suddenly have to support every connecting to every 802.11n router, which are pre-spec right now, and which are known for having cross-manufacturer problems (a card from one manufacturer joining a network running on another manufacturer's router).
If they only release it with the Airport Extreme base station, they can simply support joining that n-network.
Great point! I agree. Apple likes HW control, and this logic explains why they are only bundling the N update with the new Airport Extreme. I purchased the AP Extreme, the day it was released, since I have been meaning to update to N, and was waiting for Apple to unlock this in my MBP C2D. Life will be nice around the house when streaming from my 24" iMac iTunes library in my basement, to my MBP.
I would bet someone will release a torrent of the enabler when the AirPort Extreme ships, and people start installing it. I would just make sure you had a way to go back to the shipping firmware version, before messing around.
I have a Netgear 834PN which I think I can configure to N which I imagine would be better?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG834PN-RangeMax-MIMO-G-Wireless/dp/B000BRYOQ8
am I right in thinking this?
Be careful when buying routers, MIMO doesn't necessarily mean it also supports N. MIMO was designed to work with G, so unless the router specifically mentions N or draft N, I'd stay away from it. The one you linked to does not mention N, so I'd say it'd be a no go. If you want to stick with Netgear and Amazon, take a look at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG834N-RangeMax-Wireless-Router/dp/B000G3JTV2/sr=1-1/qid=1168626679/ref=sr_1_1/203-5712038-9460732?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
Until Apple advertises its computers as coming with N or draft N capability, you should not have the expectation the computer will work with N or draft N.
My prediction is once draft N is finalized, Apple will enable the N capability via Mac OS X 10.5 in its computers with the appropriate wireless hardware. The other route is already available - buy the new Apple base station and install the included draft N enabler to work with the base station. A draft N enabled Mac might then be compatible with a third-party base station's draft N, but this is not guaranteed (nor do I believe supported).
Apple TV can use 802.11n draft, so they would either need to provide it as a separate update, or include it with the Apple TV - which they haven't specifically addressed.
- by Avalon_75 January 13, 2007 5:32 PM PST
- According to Apple, the Enabler will be available in 2 ways:
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(8 Comments)- included with the new Airport Express Basestation
- sold separately for $4.99 (no explanation why it's not for free!)