Apple AirPort goes 802.11n

NOT ONLY did Apple launch the iPhone and Apple TV yesterday, the company also made announcements regarding the support of 802.11n and a new AirPort wireless access point.

The new AirPort Extreme, pictured below, uses MIMO (Multiple In Multiple Out) smart antennas and draft 802.11n technology to produce transfer speeds up-to five times that of previous AirPort product.

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The device can operate via the 2.4GHz or 5GHz spectrum, allowing the support of 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, and even 802.11a.

It contains three Ethernet LAN ports, one WAN port, and supports WPA, WPA-2, and 128-bit WEP encryption, along with a built-in NAT firewall, typical of most routers.

The device also features a useful USB port to allow the connection of USB-based HDD storage for network sharing, or wireless access to a shared USB printer, something that should set it apart from the majority of current routers.

It stands at just 6.5 inches square and 1.3 inches tall.

The new AirPort Extreme Base Station will be available in February with a retail price of around $179.

The most interesting information coming from Apple concerns currently shipping Macs.

Most already support 802.11n, as previously reported in various press articles, and when updated with the '802.11n enabler software' (which comes with the AirPort Extreme) they will be able to fully support the 802.11n speeds provided by the new AirPort Extreme.

Apple said all Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Xeon Macs, except the entry 17-inch iMac with 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, support 802.11n.

Expect more updates and views on the new Apple product announcements as the weeks drag on. µ

See Also
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Apple iPhone finally makes debut
Apple TV sneaks in the back-door