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Apple's New, Improved Airport
timbck2 writes: "Apple has just released a new and greatly improved version of their Airport 802.11b wireless network access point, with better WEP encryption (128-bit now instead of 40-bit), better non-Mac PC integration, and a new LAN connection port. Here are the tech specs." An anonymous reader pointed to Apple's rather bland press release as well. This is a good upgrade to the Airport, with thanks probably due in part to companies like Linksys who are making much less expensive 802.11 base stations (which work great with Airport cards, too), though lacking a modem.
On a related note, anyone have a link to that guy who hacked the airport and attached a Yeag directional antenna to get 11 Miles or something out of it?
Now if only they would make one of these damn 802.11 devices with a stock or optional antenna rig that would actually span the entirety of the eight of a two story house, and the dimensions of your standard lot... That would be nice.
better non-Mac PC integration
Uh, I thought all PCs were "non-Mac". That's why they're a "PC". Did I miss something?
You'd think Apple would change the name of airport... I mean, how do they sell the thing?
Apple: "You REALLY want out great product, Airport!"
Customer: "Uhh, airport? What's that? Wireless networking that examines all my files for contraband, won't work if there's even a plastic knife in the room, comes with free national guard troopers to keep me from using it for illegal purposes, and is the source of disaster and death? NO THANK YOU!"
How about naming it... Spaceport!
is if the National Guard is going to provide security?
Shop smart, Shop S-Mart.
This is excellent new for those looking for an excuse to jump into the wireless networking pool, It will be interesting to see how this will compete with Intel's upcoming 802.11A spec for wireless networking, speeds, security, etc. As we all know, the wireless field has potential, but enormous security holes need to be patched in order for it to gain widespread acceptance, and this is a step in the right direction.
I hate sigs.
Being that Macintoshs are "Personal Computers" saying non-Mac PC, basically means all personal computers except for Macintosh.
Probably because WEP encryption has been completely broken, regardless of key-length. Nothing to see here, move along.
While most people here probably don't use AOL, this is probably the most important change. Sure, they upped the encryption to 128-bit, increased the number of client computers it will support, and added a LAN ethernet port, but what really makes this a big deal is that it is the first time I've heard of a home router product supporting AOL. It's not too shocking to have one that will handle standard PPP connections, but to have it handle AOL's proprietary protocol is very noteworthy.
This was probably done with AOL's support; Apple wouldn't want to risk problems with AOL tweaking its protocol to block AirPorts. So what sort of terms were involved in the deal? Did AOL do it in their own interest (it seems to me that they benefit), or did Apple pay them (they also benefit)?
It's funny they mention Linksys in the blurb here and 'how good they work'. Ever try and upgrade a Linksys device from your Mac? You CAN'T DO IT! Well, there are no instructions for it at linksys. There is no little tftp program on their site for Mac's to do it. They don't support Mac. (note the period). In an email I received this morning from Linksys they flat out told me that.
;)
While linksys is cheap, they won't support anything but windows users. That's all their is to it.
Cheap hardware with no support - take your chances and hope someone on your LAN has a Windows box when you need an upgrade to your linksys (like to make the linksys work with your airport card
j
-- There is no sig line, only Zuul.
They have done more than add 128 bits WEP. 128 bits WEP is still easy to crack.
But Apple has added Radius and a firewall too. See their FAQ at http://www.apple.com/airport/faq/.
I'm still of the school that security should take place higher up on the OSI model.
I don't like the idea of replacing hardware to ensure security.
We need a secure DHCP variant and encrypted IP, not open DHCP and scrambled network frames. The reasons are numerous. Security should be handled in IP, not in hardware.
"Sometimes, I think Trent just needs a cup of hot chocolate and a blankie." -Tori Amos on Nine Inch Nails
This airport isn't going allow French built planes take off are they? Zee engines fall right off!
-
Apple's Airport base station: $299
- Linksys 802.11b base station: about $150
The Airport base station, as mentioned, does have a built-in modem so that you can share a dialup connection, but for most people, you would pretty much want either a modem to share OR an Ethernet connection to share, so having both is kind of overkill.It's psychosomatic. You need a lobotomy. I'll get a saw.
The Airport Base station was long the only good value, as its competitor was Lucent, selling theirs for upwards of $700, so this was the only viable option. Then came Linksys. I really think they have a better product, since it does ethernet-ethernet wireless bridging, something apple has yet to add in. This is formerly something only $1900 Cisco Aironet Bridges could do, but linksys will do it for $200 or so.
Apple does a good job with these though, they have only gotten better with the firmware updates. We own several at work, and throughput, reliability and multi-rate support has just gotten better through the versions.
Trying is the First Step to Failing --Homer Simpson
A scroll wheel on a laptop?
The thing that makes Airport so WONDERFUL is the integration on both their desktops and laptops.
:-)
/C revision of the card was secretly 128-bit. :-)
The built-in antennae make for some excellent reception on the laptops!
On the other hand, the base station, while it looks cool, isn't that impressive. I bought a Linksys wireless station / firewall / router / 4-port 10/100 switch for $159. It was well worth the cash, and the range seems better than on the airport stations.
On the other hand, the fact that it all integrates so perfectly (between Apple's airport, the Linksys, and my neighbor's PC laptop) speaks very highly of the whole thing.
--nbvb
p.s. Also, just a heads up -- Apple's been shipping a 128-bit version of the Airport *CARD* for months. The
Ignore WEP and use real security on your link. There are many options.
A group of AT&T researchers broke WEP security (even the 128 bit version). See paper here. They recommend treating 802.11 connections as open and using things like SSL and SSH to protect sensitive data.
[Insert pithy quote here]
And why did other companies start making less expensive wireless base stations? Because everyone was buying Apple base stations...
Apple has been putting out an affordable wireless product for much longer than Linksys.
The original product may have had its bugs but I have ben using one for over a year now and that was just not possible with a PC (without a lot of moolah).
Apple's press release touts that the new Airport has a built-in firewall; it has, in fact, always had one. They are simply marketing-droid-ing DHCP/NAT.
I've used the AirPort Base station since it's release and it's great at wireless for a mixed PC and Mac environment. Any 802.11b PCMCIA card will work with it, I use Orinoco and LinkSys cards with no problems.
It's the best wireless base station around but it did have the WEP encryption vulnerability that was very publicized. If you crack one open you'll find a straight-off-the-shelf Orinoco Silver 64-bit card. I upgraded one of our base stations with the Gold version, which provides me with 128-bit WEP, but I'm glad that Apple finally decided to do the same.
You can also attach a Lucent Range Extender antenna, which dramatically improves performance. Just pop the cover off, pull the little round tab off the PCMCIA card, attach the antenna lead, drill a hole in the cover to run the wire out and presto!
I am surprised that they did not apply the 802.11a standard that some other base station makers have recently announced for increased bandwidth over the wireless portion of the LAN. Oh well, I'll just have to wait...
Build antennae and you can boost your signal up to 5 or so miles. Apparently these guys did it with Proxim cards.
... that it's better prepared for terrorist attacks?
What a scary combination of words at this time...
I doubt that an airport run by Apple would go over very big, especially with that BOMB icon every time something crashes....
m00.
i was under the impression that 802.11b had no theoretical limit on the number of clients that can be connected simultaneously. the only limits being shared bandwidth and IP addresses.
can anyone clarify?
You CAN flash your Linksys firmware from a Mac. OK, I'll admit that Linksys doesn't explicitely support macs, but AFAIK their products are platform agnostic. All you need to configure your Linksys box is a web browser, and if you can't get that to work it's not really Linksys' problem.
d =2 3
Linksys has a link on their web page to a TFTP client for the Mac to do firmware upgrades (assuming you even need one--I didn't). They also post instructions on how to do it.
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?gri
I think Linksys makes quality, well-priced products. I've used my Linksys cable/DSL router for almost nine months and have been very happy with it... and I own a Mac. Note the period.
jespring
buy a mouse and plug in via the usb port
Apple is going down -- more information
For $300 the new airport base gets you:
-A 50 user wireless node.
-Built-in modem that even supports AOL access.
-Connects to Cable/DSL "modems" to act as a router.
-Built-in firewall for simple security setup.
-Works with loads of different operating systems.
-Looks really, really cool. Definately beats those ugly blue boxes with flashing LEDs and antennae.
Is it just me, or should Apple marketing be pushing these to non-Apple users? This thing is incredible, especially for the cost. Steve Jobs should tell them to send review samples to the editors of all the PC magazines and web sites.
You must be young and have no sense of history.
NoCat.net
Here is a great site with all the info on modifying your base station for extended range.
maybe this will help persuade the guy who asked this question into looking at the ibook.
please me, have no regrets.
Just so everyone knows, Apple gets their wireless LAN stuff from Agere Systems (ORiNOCO). Oh, and here is a little press release too.
Does anyone know if Apple intends to offer firmware updates to current Airport owners (or if this is even possible), or if those who previous shelled out $299 for an Airport will be out in the cold?
I didn't see it mentioned, but according to Apple's web site the 2.0 version of the Airport s/w that's included with the new base station and available for download will upgrade any customers existing Airport card to 128-bits. Even if 128 bit isn't as secure as everybody would like it's nice to see that Apple isn't soaking everybody for a new Airport card to go with the 128-bit base station!
Once you lick the lollipop of mediocrity, you'll suck forever!
Hmm... tough choice really.
Intel's info is here: http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/solution s/wireless.htm
Casual Games/Downloads
"An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." -Mohandas Karamchang Ghandi
Does anyone know if there is an effort to repair WEP? The exploit that was used to break it was a data leak due to the format of packets and their initalizers. It seems like it woud be semi-easy to fix it without starting from scratch protocol-wise. It makes me curious about this, as we watch companies push out higher bit, WEP as if it mattered anymore.
Cool, fifteen seconds as opposed to five. :)
Do you like German cars?
I've heard that the relatively quiet company SMC produces some good 802.11 range products. Any thoughts or experiences -- on any product -- with good range out-of-the-box
Sgifford wrote: "Having both is very cool for portability. I have one of the original Apple Airports, and I use it at home and at work on an Ethernet-based Internet connection, and at my girlfriend's apartment and during presentations with a modem-based Internet connection.
My only complaint is that it's awkward shape makes it hard to fit into my bag."
hear hear! I went with the linksys (the one with the 4-port switch, too) in part because it seemed more stable sitting on the top of a PC case than the Airport does, and in part because I had immediate need of the additional ethernet connections.
If apple would make a nice g4-translucent case but at least vaguely rectangular, with sturdy and stable rubber feet, and all the features of the current (new) AP, I would have bought that instead, and an additional little tiny linksys 10/100 switch in addition.
Oh well -- sometimes Apple makes aesthetically pleasing decisions, and sometimes they make aesthetically pleasing *and* practical decision. The shape of the adapter on my iBook unfortunately falls only under the first of these.
timothy
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
While Apple is cheap/good, they won't support anything but mac users. If you want to configure your airport, you have to have a mac, or grab Configurator or Freebase from SourceForge. That's all their [sic] is to it.
It's Linux, damnit! Pay no attention to renaming attempts by self-aggrandizing blowhards.
this is truly news for nerds. Stuff that doesn't matter.
-Johnathon P. Trolaxxor
Vote true on issue "XOR"!
So what if they are?
Linksys makes very nice routers. My Flowpoint 144 was online for 14 months with just one reset to force the other end to reset the connection. After installation, I some how managed to get the thing out of Bridge mode. Linksys tech support walked me through the fix. In the next two days I got four followup calls makign sure everything was working. That's good customer support (not like Earhlink's interminable holds).
Veteran, Bermuda Triangle Expeditionary Force, 1992-1951
Cool. Worthless information that is 4+ years old. Way to make your point there.
It seems a lot of folks are misunderstanding the new AOL support. You see, the AirPort also has an internal modem for those without broadband. Previously, the modem could only be used to dial into a PPP account. With version 2.0 of the AirPort software, it can dial into an AOL account for Internet access (i.e., it now has a version of AOL's proprietary software in its firmware). This is not a feature that most geeks will notice, as we'll be using the AirPort's ethernet interface with our broadband connections and *maybe* the modem for PPP backup. But for those that get their Internet access via an AOL dialup, and would like to share it with their 802.11 equiped machines via NAT/DHCP, this is godsend.
I believe you meant to use the words "recently sampled" or are you under the impression that the latency on your 802.11a wireless network is just pretty f-ing severe?
You might also want to check your calculator. Something is severely wrong with it as well.
--- What?
Are there any other cheap alternative to this? I mean, are others like smc and linksys offering radius support for cheap?
Since we can't trust WEP we need to have everyone support as many security mechanism as possible!
(What is the best way to secure this 802.11b protocole?
What can radius do exactly, i m not very familiar with it, can it create a secure link between authentified client and the server while denying all others and leaving them with a stream of encrypted higher level protocol ?)
I would say the #1 blunder in Apple's release of this product is lack of support for configuring it from an x86 PC (running Windows or Linux or your BSD of choice).
This is an excellent product otherwise; it's got all the features anyone (or just about anyone) would want in a wireless access point/router, including a phone jack and even radius! Plus, 802.11 is an open standard, and admittedly PC cards will work with it. So, they're one step away from making it a product that could really compete with those Linksys access points that everyone is buying (which as a few people have pointed out aren't the highest quality out there). There is no reason not to try to go after the broader market with a device like this!
Is it just stubborn pride holding them back? This is a piece of networking equipment, there is NO logical reason for it to be OS specific (especially to an OS so far in the minority).
And a joystick ...
AND FOOT PEDALS!!!
I've installed one with 2 macs and three pc's. It's got a built in serial port to share and external modem and a parallel port to share a printer. You can find it here.
-ted
This sort of post is typical of a stupid slashdotter. Did you leave your sense of humor in the dryer today, hmm? He's making fun of the name in relation to current events, not the company. Are you dense?
When I bought the linksys (same model you did) a few weeks ago, I considered an SMC barricade (same model you did ;)). There were two things which made me choose the Linksys:
;)
1) Not fair, but when I got to the store (and boy, did I need the box that day, couldn't wait for mail order or I would have saved a bunch), they only had the Linksys in stock. OK, saved me 30 seconds of deliberation I suppose
2) When I last looked at the docs that came with a few SMC products (and Yes, it was at least a year ago), they were poorly written and skimpy anyhow. As the world's (or at least Slashdot's) least intuitive user of computers, I like documents that are written with consideration for users.
Despite Linksys (IMO foolish) lack of interest in Mac users' (and I was hooking this up to a friend's Mac), a) their configuration instructions weren't bad anyhow and b) I found a good online tutorial (which I would post the link to if I could find it here, bookmarked about 1000 miles away though) so it was quick work to attach it to the Mac. There were some difficulties, probably all attributable to inexperience, but it didn't take that long to attach.
So how would someone who's seen both compare (current) SMC and Linksys docs?
Cheers,
timothy
p.s. And are claims accurate that while 2 Linksys units can bridge wired networks with a wireless connection, SMC / Airport / others mostly cannot?
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
The AirPort basestation is a x86 single board computer. I've been trying to find out about rolling a Linux distribution to get VPN running on the device. That would solve the 802.11b security problems and make it _much_ more useful. The RADIUS server is nice, though.
Enjoy life, eat out more often.
SE Rykoff
Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.
Since the country we're blaming for 'recent events' is full of goats, you may want to apply your own logic and pick another nickname...something like "danceswithdumbjokes"...
/. ...your logic isn't sticking.
If we start renaming everything in reaction to 'recent events', what happens?
Admit you were reaching, and just trying to troll
"Delivers improvements for many USB and FireWire devices, including support for additional digital cameras, and overall improvements to CD and DVD burning. Enhancements have been made to AFP, SMB, and WebDAV networking, as well as improved support for printing. This update also delivers better application compatibility, including updates to the Finder and Mail application. In addition, hardware accelerated video mirroring has been enabled for the new PowerBook G4."
You can automatically get and install it through the "Software Update" control panel.
You can always count on slashdot to find just the right angle on an Apple-related post - negative. It might have easily been pointed out that Apple was the first to integrate 802.11 into laptops and desktops. But no, the salient issue it seems is that Linksys makes a cheaper access point. Not that it isn't true! I freakin' OWN a Linksys. It's just that slashdot can be positively COUNTED on to knock Apple, no matter what the story is.
You like your Macintosh better than me, don't you Dave? Dave? Can you hear me Dave?
Is it just me, or should Apple marketing be pushing these to non-Apple users?
The question is, do you think they would stand to gain more or less money/marketshare by doing such a thing? I suspect the answer is less. It also means less differentiation between Mac and wintel.
I know the instinct is "I want this on my PC," but Apple has more to consider than that -- like do they really want to make a business out of selling cross-platform gadgets, possibly at the partial expense of their computer business?
- Scott
Scott Stevenson
Tree House Ideas
Does anyone know if it will support PPPoE without having to use an additional gateway/router? I know this was a limitation with the original version of the airport hub software.
Does anyone know anything about the potential health issues with this kind of wireless gear?
As an owner of an iBook, Airport interests me a lot, but I'm afraid I'm going be fried cell-phone style any time I use my machine!
Are my fears unfounded?
I think that is an EXCELLENT feature - RADIUS authentication via the LEAP protocol. Yay! But, does the software upgrade for the existing base stations add the LEAP/RADIUS support? I would really LOVE to find out that this is the case, so that we could improve wireless security on my employers' network. Does anyone know? Pleeeeeease tell me that I get my wish...
Sam: "That was needlessly cryptic."
Max: "I'd be peeing my pants if I wore any!"
perhaps I'm responding to a troll, but --
:) I may have certain objections to Apple, but I also have a lot of praise for them. Apple has a remarkably good user interface (less bad than most alternatives in most aspects), good industrial design for their hardware (the G3/G4 case is genius, better by far than the pricey Antec cases on my PCs), and intelligent focus on the user experience in general.
:) They'll either add features (like they've just done), drop prices (like the not-bad pricing on current Apple laptops), or otherwise try to make people find it worthwhile to buy their version. Or maybe they won't, and that aspect of their business will falter. OK -- no problem, at least long term.
I'm not knocking Apple -- I've liked Apple's hardware for a long time. I own and use an Apple computer, and have had a string of 'em before the current iBook (IIfx, SE/30,* Classic II, Performa 636*, powerbook 140, powerbook 240 duo, and maybe a few others in there, too). For the past several years, I've been a lot more interested in software-with-source-code-available, a category that Mac OS (excepting the Darwin part of OS X) does not fall into. OK; that doesn't mean that Apple become a bad company making bad computers, it just means that people have different preferences and interests. OK, no problem. (Several of the Slashdot authors and coders use / enjoy Macs, btw.)
For reasons outlined in some other comments, I actually prefer the Linksys AP+4-port switch to the Apple Airport, but lighten up, alright?
Apple has done more to open up home wireless networking than most of the other companies involved in it combined. The airport is functionally brilliant (wish my Linksys had a modem, I do) and for a while was the best deal in home wireless by a long shot. Right now though, Linksys and SMC (and others) are making products which for many people can bring the benefits they'd get from an Airport for much less money. So? Apple isn't dumb
If you still think my post was hard on Apple, or negative, I don't know what else to tell you. I generally like Apple, though like a lot of other armchair critics, there are a lot of things I wish they did differently. No crime in that, eh?
Cheers,
timothy
*The only real dog of the bunch, but still a useful machine.
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
That's comparing apples (pun not intended) to oranges. You should either say 128 instead of 64, or 114 instead of 40.
So, make your point, and let the world know what name would be better...show off those marketing skills, Howie!
..umm, no good...
..umm, no, might offend someone....and we hear that MS is considering an entire line of 'Dances Without...' devices.
a wireless protocal...works thru the 'air'...
a device that connects to a computer..umm...via a... 'port'...hum... "PortAir!"
'AirConnect'! nope, taken by Nike...
'Dances Without Wires'
gee...airport...let's see if anyone's locked that up in the copyright office yet...
Yep, it's easy...anyone with a keyboard and a gluegun for brains can work it out. Go ahead...show everyone you know better...don't let that high school education go to a complete waste.
Does anybody know why it's possible to upgrade your airport card but not the base station to 128bit WEP (which AFAIK contains an identical wireless card) using the AirPort 2.0 upgrade?
Can you say 'Comdex' effect?
In case no one has noticed, this is that time of year when the press release machines are on full load...high output. Not much else can break thru until Comdex folds it's tent. Best to turn off the monitor and wait another week or so if you want your 'routine' news.
and... the phrase 'news for shills' is redundant.
Timothy...
This is a great reply/response/statement. It's more along the lines of what some of us wish you'd have posted originally, thanks.
Next time, try to say whay you feel, and not don't filter it so much with worry about someone hanging a label around your neck. Honesty wins in the long run...really.
I really don't care how much the Big Apple has improved it's Airports. I'm still not flyin there.
Two Towers-Two Worlds.One seeks triumphs and freedom for man.The other deems man unworthy and wrecks them.
no jokes on Airport security?
Gee.. that's great that apple has included WEP 128 now that that it's been cracked. Great security guys... These things are over priced, they appeal to stupid people who buy a Mac cause it 'looks pretty', not because it's technically better. The modem is pretty much useless, if you are buying wireless equipment it's cause you have DSL/cable (or a fast backbone) and want high speed wirelessly.. no one buys wireless so they can surf at 56K. I think you can buy any other 802.11b device cheaper, hell, you can get the same thing and a card for that price.
.. that's right lots of these PC kits have SNMP tools to configure and monitor the link. Granted the one on Linksys is garbage but it still has functionallity like a remote reboot. Most of them have been doing 128bit WEP for a long time, and are moving to support RADIUS and 802.1x authentication. Oh.. and major players are staring to build units with PoE (Power over Ethernet) so that you don't need to have your unit near a power outlet too, you just run power over the ethernet connection. Apple might have come out with the first affordable 802.11b unit but they sit on their ass too long thinking everyone will buy one. Oh.. most companies are now starting to roll out their 802.11a units which will do anywhere from 54mbps up to 72mbps.
Here's my responses to everyone's comments :
1. The airport looks better - Really? your opinion, I don't care what it looks like as long as it works, i don't sit and look at my router all day saying "isn't that pretty". Anyways, for some reason I think they look like ashtrays.. but that's just me.
2. It so easy to use - Ya.. if you have a mac, try configuring one with use for a pc, that was a bitch of a time to figure out. Oh.. you can only configure it with a mac, how great is that??
3. It supports Mac's and PC's - Ya, dumbass it's 802.11b complient, so does every other 802.11b device. Go read the RFC.
4. It has a built in modem - great you can agnoize your self with 56k over wireless.. talk about high-tech. I would rather do something else or shoot myself before being subjected to 56K. My laptop and pc both have modems, i would rather direct dial out and avoid any overhead with TCP that the wireless gives.
5. It has build in routing/bridging - Has anyone gotten it to work well? I don't see a big rush on airports to run wireless bridges. what good is it without external antennae??
6. No ugly antenna sticking out of it.. ya. and you can't easily upgrade that part now can you? this is basically an end user product, for Joe StupidUser. Other brands you can slap on external antenna for increased power or range. If you want to do this with an airport you have to drill a hole in the case, take it apart and void the warrenty. Well i guess they want you to buy a new one once it breaks.
7. It's wonderful, Apple makes it - ya.. i beleive they also produced something called the Lisa and non-upgradeable computers. Their track record for reusable parts isn't stellar.
Where's the SNMP tools?? - Ya
where is Apple's 802.11a unit??
Does the printing feature work with Macs or is it Windows only?
--- What?
I still think it falls short in comparison to other WAPs on the market because of the lack of a web-based configuration tool, if nothing else.
While it's true that you don't put your wireless card up to your head, lets not forget that many laptops sit on the laps of their owners.
"OW! My sperm! Funny, it didn't hurt the second time."
The makers of access points won't leave existing customers out in the cold. Here's an example:
"Intel also offers an optional, dual-mode expansion kit enabling the new access point to support networks using products based on 802.11a and the IEEE 802.11b standard."
Wow, I didn't know they handed out mod points for grammer. When I said "apply the standard" I implied a redesign but it's good to have anal-types like you to point out my mistake.
Windows only...atleast that's all i've figured out.
-ted