Apple releases AirPort software updates
Apple Computer today released AirPort Express Firmware Update 6.1.1 and AirPort Extreme Firmware 5.5.1.
AirPort Express Firmware Update 6.1.1 features improvements to the AirPort's hard reset behavior, the reliability of WDS networks when using WPA security, and passive FTP. The update also fixes an issue with certain printers which were no longer recognized by the base station after the 6.1 firmware update was installed.
AirPort Extreme Firmware Update 5.1.1 resolves a potential problem with PPPoE configurations when updating from 5.4 or earlier. Additionally, the update features all of the improvements available from the (above) AirPort Extreme Firmware updater.
AirPort Express Firmware Update 6.1.1 features improvements to the AirPort's hard reset behavior, the reliability of WDS networks when using WPA security, and passive FTP. The update also fixes an issue with certain printers which were no longer recognized by the base station after the 6.1 firmware update was installed.
AirPort Extreme Firmware Update 5.1.1 resolves a potential problem with PPPoE configurations when updating from 5.4 or earlier. Additionally, the update features all of the improvements available from the (above) AirPort Extreme Firmware updater.
Comments
:-/
I wish they'd 'fix' one thing though. Currently, Airport Express disables the ethernet port if you're using it in client mode - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108040
If it acted as a wireless-ethernet bridge I could plug it in to an existing wired network and bridge to my wireless router in the other room and still stream music/print. I can't see why they do this, other than to further sales of Airport base stations or AE cards.
I would say wait before install.
Originally posted by aegisdesign
Not appeared in Software Update for me either yet.
I wish they'd 'fix' one thing though. Currently, Airport Express disables the ethernet port if you're using it in client mode - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108040
If it acted as a wireless-ethernet bridge I could plug it in to an existing wired network and bridge to my wireless router in the other room and still stream music/print. I can't see why they do this, other than to further sales of Airport base stations or AE cards.
It can act as a bridge... client mode is the mode you use if you just want the printer and music sharing features. There's another mode it can run in which'll let you bridge your existing network.
Amorya
My router is a Draytek Vigor 2600We, which doesn't support WDS at all. What I'd have to do is add a second Airport Express wired in to the 2600We over ethernet in WDS mode.
If Client Mode worked as a wireless to ethernet bridge, I'd not get WDS's ability to just add on another Airport Express to extend the network, but it'd bridge the one hop from my 2600We to my wired network in the other room. I'd much rather have everything running on a wired network than wireless, and only using the wireless network for ADSL.
Originally posted by aegisdesign
If Client Mode worked as a wireless to ethernet bridge, I'd not get WDS's ability to just add on another Airport Express to extend the network, but it'd bridge the one hop from my 2600We to my wired network in the other room. I'd much rather have everything running on a wired network than wireless, and only using the wireless network for ADSL.
The bridge mode isnt really a bridge, its a wireless extender. Getting bridging out of it is just a bonus. Apple are using the WDS standard for wireless extension, I dont think you can complain about that.
If you want bridge why dont you go out and get one of the ones intended for use with consoles and printers. They are pretty cheap, and do exactly what you want ( well, at least you wouldnt have to buy a whole base station ).
Originally posted by mmmpie
The bridge mode isnt really a bridge, its a wireless extender. Getting bridging out of it is just a bonus. Apple are using the WDS standard for wireless extension, I dont think you can complain about that.
I'm not complaining particularly. I'm aware it does what it says it does. I just think it would be cool if it just went that little bit further and allowed bridging in client mode as well as in WDS mode. It's obviously capable of it because that's what it does do in WDS mode.
Originally posted by mmmpie
[BIf you want bridge why dont you go out and get one of the ones intended for use with consoles and printers. They are pretty cheap, and do exactly what you want ( well, at least you wouldnt have to buy a whole base station ). [/B]
Yep. One of those would do but then I've an Airport Express that's doing little more than replacing a cheap bit of stereo cable. I know it's pretty to look at and everything but I'm not that much of an apple fanboy. Then again, the prospect of buying two of them and using WDS mode does appeal.
I can almost buy an ethernet adsl modem and Buffalo 54g router for the price of an Airport Express though.