802.11n AirPort drivers offering reduced processor usage?

[Posted February 20th]

We previously reported on an issue where the AirPort process (responsible for wireless connectivity routines on Macs with built-in AirPort hardware) can spike in processor usage, dramatically slowing down system operation and causing other problems. The issue is primarily associated with VPN connections, but can also present itself in other situations.

This issue can be monitored via the Activity Monitor (located in Applications/Utilities).

It now appears that for some users this issue is largely resolved after applying the 802.11n enabler (which includes new wireless drivers) for most Core 2 Duo and Xeon-based Macs. As such, users experiencing this issue might consider purchasing (at US$1.99) and installing the enabler even if they do not own an 802.11n-capable Base station or third-party router.

MacFixIt reader Jerry Gallindo writes:

"I too found that the CPU utilization on my MacBook 2.0GHZ would spike as soon as I enabled the AirPort.  Going to the Activity Monitor and killing the Airport Process immediately returned things to normal.  I recently, however, purchased the new Airport Extreme 802.11n device and since installing it and unlocking the 802.11n abilities of my MacBook I no longer have the issue with the Airport Process.  While viewing the Activity Monitor the process does, indeed, start but it quickly disappears from the tasks list."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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