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Apple's New, Improved Airport

Posted by timothy on from the a-bump-in-specs-beats-a-bump-on-the-head dept.

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.

6 of 259 comments (clear)

  1. AOL support by crow · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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)?

    1. Re:AOL support by ZoneGray · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, "AOL Support" could mean that the setup program installs AOL software, creates a desktop icon, makes aol.com your home page, and offers to sign you up for an account.

      Gotta learn to read through the marketing-speak.

  2. More security improvements by musicmaster · · Score: 5, Informative

    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/.

  3. Airport is great technology, but... by nbvb · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The thing that makes Airport so WONDERFUL is the integration on both their desktops and laptops.

    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 /C revision of the card was secretly 128-bit. :-)

  4. WEP Security by rlp · · Score: 5, Informative

    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]
  5. Incredible bargain... by supabeast! · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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.