AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler (#2): AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 required; 802.11n connection issues; more

AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 apparently required Though Apple does not mention it on the purchase page, it appears that the AirPort Extreme 2007-001 update for Intel-based Macs is required before the 802.11n enabler will take.

MacFixIt reader Charles Lindauer writes:

"I just purchased and downloaded the 802.11n enabler for my Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro (15" 2.33) and it would not install. When I tried, I got a message that It would not install on this volume. I realized that I had not yet installed the AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001, out of concern for reported problems. After installing AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001, the 802.11n enabler installed easily."

802.11n connections not being achieved with all third-party wireless routers Although Apple's indication is that enabling 802.11n functionality on applicable Macs will allow 802.11n connections to be achieved with all draft-N spec routers (not just Apple's second-generation AirPort Extreme), some users are reporting no difference in real-world throughput post-update with capable routers.

MacFixIt reader Terry Cotterill reports that while Windows-based PCs connected to his NETGEAR DG834N routinely achieve 802.11n speeds (generally between 50 and 100 mbps depending on distance), appropriate Macs updated with the 802.11n enabler displayed unchanged throughput.

Terry writes:

"I have seen no difference to my connection speeds they remain at 802.11b at best never even achieving 802.11g speeds. [...] The Mac even with this upgrade only hits 11Mbps. Network utility reports: Link speed 54Mb, Model Wireless Network Adaptor (802.11a/b/g/n)"

Meanwhile, as discussed below, some users are indeed achieving 802.11n connections with noticeable speed increases -- but mixed results with purported range.

Speed, range of 802.11n connections -- mixed results Most draft-N spec wireless routers are able to receive stable, fast 802.11n connections from Macs updated with the 802.11n enablers. However, the range increases supposedly brought about by the new spec are not materializing in some cases.

MacFixIt reader Paul reports the following speed increases using a MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo with a Draft-N capable D-Link DIR-635:

"The speed is very very fast on page loads. I did a Speakeasy speed test about a month ago, then again just now with the following results:

• Old stats (before 802.11n enabler:): 5004 dn / 478.7 up
• New stats (after 802.11n enabler): 10285 dn / 282 up

However, Paul also notes no noticeable increase in range using 802.11n:

"I mainly wanted the N ability for the range. Unfortunately I can barely get the signal outside my home. When I enable some of my wireless signal apps (AP Grapher, CoconutWiFi, some widgets) I lose the signal altogether. AirStatz seems to be the only app that works."

Previous coverage:

• AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler released, priced at US$1.99

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