Airport 2! Why isn't it faster?
Apple have updated airport hardware and software to version 2. But its still at 11 mbps!
<a href="http://www.apple.com/airport/"; target="_blank">Apple Airport 2</a> <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
<a href="http://www.apple.com/airport/"; target="_blank">Apple Airport 2</a> <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Comments
11 mbps doesn't effect your internet connection at all. So what's the benefit?
If you have Aiport, you most likely have a laptop. If you're trying to connect to a desktop machine to copy large files, then why not just use Firewire for the transferring? Much faster and easier.
Strider
I expect Apple to rollout 802.11a devices in 2002.
They really should have called this AirPort 1.5 though, and had the 802.11a version be AirPort 2.
[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: MacAgent ]</p>
as far as speed, i agree with people above unless you are doing lots of DV file transfer to another DV Storgage server on a network, 11mbs is great and from a laptop.
apple continues to inovate while others imitate. hey, that could be a tagline!
innovate, don't imitate.
<strong>This isn't really version 2 anyway, more like 1.5.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yes, it's definetely not version 2. Why? Because Steve Jobs announced the 50 user AirPort base station two-years ago (or maybe it was last year). Anyways, you can check for yourself by watching either last year's or the year before's Seybold keynote. Steve mentioned that they're coming out with a 50-user base station. I remember bugging an Apple Rep about that during an Apple Seminar.
Yikes.
Can't wait until people start saying: "It's not the G5, it's the G4e++".
Whatever.
802.11b works on the 2.4GHz band, and most of the work is probably done to some degree in the hardware. In any event, it is a standard which only supports 11Mbps. If Apple could speed it up with a software update (which they can't) it would be incompatable with all the other 802.11b equipment out there, like Cisco, Lucent, etc. While we're at it, it's probably worth noting that Airport is simply rebadged Lucent hardware.
I'd agree Airport 2.0 is a misnomer, but none of the improvements you seem to be expecting are possible in the current system.
BTW, AFAIK given the theoretical flaws in WEP 129bit encryption is no better than 40bit, except in buzzword compliance.
Also, given the limits of 802.11a as far as range goes, its complete inoperability with the current 802.11b infrastructure, and so forth, I'd be happy for Apple to stay with the 2.4Ghz products for the time being.
(1) Wireless Internet access requires AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and Internet access (fees may apply). Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort. Range may vary with site conditions.
(2) Compatible with AOL 5.0, U.S. only. Simultaneous sharing of an AOL connection requires multiple AOL accounts.
I thought the whole point of having a hub/router (wireless or otherwise) in most home set-ups was to let your home PC's share one internet connection. Has Apple somehow scuttled this in their airport software. Also, how would an ISP be incompatible with airport???
I know nothing at all about this, but exactly what hardware does one need in order for all his home computers to share one simultaneous connection??? I ain't paying for two broadband connections.
<strong>(2) Compatible with AOL 5.0, U.S. only. Simultaneous sharing of an AOL connection requires multiple AOL accounts.
I thought the whole point of having a hub/router (wireless or otherwise) in most home set-ups was to let your home PC's share one internet connection. Has Apple somehow scuttled this in their airport software. Also, how would an ISP be incompatible with airport???
I know nothing at all about this, but exactly what hardware does one need in order for all his home computers to share one simultaneous connection??? I ain't paying for two broadband connections.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'm guessing AOL demanded this in order to let Apple implement this feature into Airport2.
2) As for the some ISPs disclaimer, it's probably so that Apple won't be held responsible if it doesn't work.
To share your broadband connection, you needs a Cable/DSL router, or Airport Base Station. (Same thing)
Plug Router into Cable modem. Plug computers either into the router or a hub/switch. (Depending on how many ports you have on the router).
Set computers for DHCP. Follow any other instructions the Router comes with.
<strong>I don't know if anyone noticed this but the Apple site has some disheartening info:
(1) Wireless Internet access requires AirPort Card, AirPort Base Station, and Internet access (fees may apply). Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort. Range may vary with site conditions.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
This has always been the case with AirPort, and also applies to people using routers and the like. Some ISPs just don't like them.
[quote](2) Compatible with AOL 5.0, U.S. only. Simultaneous sharing of an AOL connection requires multiple AOL accounts.<hr></blockquote>
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe AOL has always blocked one account from being accessed simultaneously from two computers, presumably to stop several people in different locations using just one account to save money.
Does this mean Apple has blocked the routing functions? Or just that you can't use an account from more than one computer at a time.
<strong>So what does someone need if they are to use 1 connection (from any provider) simultaneously amongst two or more computers?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Easiest way is to get a router. I use an Asante Friendly Net which combines a router and a four port switch.
You program into your router all the information about the ISP (password, login name, etc.) then the router logs into the ISP as if it were you. Then all the computers attached to the router send messages to the router which get forwarded to the appropriate web sites, etc. via your ISP. The router attaches a small identifier to the messages so that when the replies come from the outside the router knows which computer to direct them to.
There is an added benefit in that the router acts as a firewall increasing your security. Plugging your computers into the switch part of the router lets the computers see each other as well. You can turn off all of the computers but the router will stay connected to the ISP. Very convenient.