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January 4, 2006 8:26 AM PST

Apple releases AirPort Extreme Firmware 5.7; Express Firmware 6.3 -- First Intel-compatible releases

by CNET staff

Apple has released AirPort Extreme Firmware Updater 5.7, and AirPort Express 6.3 Firmware Updater. As detailed by the "Get Info" pane in Mac OS X, these are the first releases of AirPort software to be built as universal binaries -- compatible with both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.

AirPort Extreme Firmware Updater 5.7 addresses reliability and resolves issues with AirTunes, AirPort compatibility, and issues with some third party Routers.

Fixes include:

  • Resolves issue with Audio dropout when playing to AirPort Express with AirTunes
  • Resolves issue with Wireless Disabled mode for AirPort Express
  • Resolves issue with AirPort Extreme LAN Performance
  • Resolves issue when enabling AOL Parental Controls
  • Resolves issue with vulnerability to Denial of Service Attacks (bonk)
  • Resolves issue with wireless internet access through AirPort via some PPPoA DSL Routers
  • Improved reliability when printing through AirPort base stations
  • Improved support for RADIUS servers
  • Improved support for Network Time Servers (NTP) for AirPort when using an IP addresses

AirPort Extreme Firmware Updater 5.7 is available through Software Update or as a 2.5 MB standalone download.

----

AirPort Express Firmware Updater 6.3 for Mac OS X also addresses reliability and resolves issues with AirTunes, AirPort compatibility, and issues with some third party Routers.

Fixes include:

  • Resolves issue with Audio dropout when playing to AirPort Express with AirTunes
  • Resolves issue with Wireless Disabled mode for AirPort Express
  • Resolves issue with AirPort Extreme LAN Performance
  • Resolves issue when enabling AOL Parental Controls
  • Resolves issue with vulnerability to Denial of Service Attacks (bonk)
  • Resolves issue with wireless internet access through AirPort via some PPPoA DSL Routers
  • Improved reliability when printing through AirPort base stations
  • Improved support for RADIUS servers
  • Improved support for Network Time Servers (NTP) for AirPort when using an IP addresses

AirPort Express Firmware Updater 6.3 is available through Software Update, or as a 2.5 MB standalone download.

If you are having problems with either new release, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

  • 2.5 MB standalone download
  • 2.5 MB standalone download
  • late-breakers@macfixit.com
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    Add a Comment (Log in or register) (8 Comments)
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    by Control-Alt-Escape January 4, 2006 10:20 AM PST
    After weeks and weeks of head scratching as to why my Airport Express had
    stopped streaming audio this update has fixed it....but only from my PowerBook.
    I still have a streaming problem from my G4 Quicksilver via a Netgear DG834g
    router. Back to scratching the head........
    Reply to this comment
    by Ron Roszkiewicz January 4, 2006 10:21 AM PST
    I used the Software Update automatic install and hosed my G4 Powerbook running 10.4.3. It now says that I do not have Airport hardware installed. Does that mean I have to now downgrade? Airport Assistant does not recognize the installed card or see the Airport Extreme.
    Reply to this comment
    by rameeti January 4, 2006 10:21 AM PST
    <class="merchant"><span>&#62;</span><div class="datestamp"><i>This is a reply to a previous comment by Ron Roszkiewicz</i></div></class><br />
    Not quite sure of how the Powerbook could be affected by this Extreme/Express
    firmware update. I used both updates and each update only recognized the
    AirPort devices that pertained to each. There was no opportunity to do anything
    to my Powerbook.
    Reply to this comment
    by Ron Roszkiewicz January 4, 2006 10:21 AM PST
    <class="merchant"><span>&#62;</span><div class="datestamp"><i>This is a reply to a previous comment by Ron Roszkiewicz</i></div></class><br />
    I tried rebooting again after the reboot from Software Installer and everything is working fine.
    Reply to this comment
    by pgwphoto January 4, 2006 12:10 PM PST
    I ran the newest firmware update for my Airport Extreme now I can't get
    an internet connection. In the menu bar atop the screen where the
    Airport icon resides "Looking for PPPoE Host...." keeps scrolling by. I
    remember the same thing happening one other time when running a
    firmware update. I had to reset the base station and create a new
    network connection with the Airport Setup Assisitant. Is this normal
    procedure everytime you update the firmware? On a quick check of
    Airport Admin all the pertinent info seems to be there.

    PW
    Reply to this comment
    by Hawaiian Starman January 4, 2006 3:12 PM PST
    Upgraded AE with no problem. Toshiba router for RoadRunner cable and my
    Canon i960 printer are connected into AE. Did not require a restart or log-in.
    Reply to this comment
    by gctwnl2 January 5, 2006 12:02 AM PST
    Does not show up in Software Update. I am running 10.4.3 on an iBook with
    Airport Extreme card and linked via an Airport Express modem.
    Reply to this comment
    by MacFixItUser January 6, 2006 2:55 PM PST
    I applied the 6.3 update to my Express and it broke it. After restarting, the Express does not show up at all on the wireless network (including the Admin / Setup utilities) or the Ethernet network. I am therefore unable to downgrade the firmware.

    Resets (including the "factory reset") have no effect. I have posted a more detailed description of my problems to the Apple Discussion forum under the "Express 6.3 firmware released" topic, and at least one other person seems to have the same problem.
    Reply to this comment
    (8 Comments)
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