AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler (#3): Reminder of supported models; Ad-hoc networks still stuck at 802.11g speeds; more

Reminder of supported models Many readers were apparently confused by Apple's stated requirements for the 802.11n enabler. The Apple Store Web site asks "Do you need the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler?" then instructs the user to open Network Utility (located in Applications/Utilities), and look under the Info Tab and choose Network Interface (en1). Apple states "If it says (802.11a/b/g), you do not have the 802.11n enabler installed."

This does not mean that any systems displaying this string can accept the update. It only means that supported systems will display this string (802.11a/b/g) in Network Utility if they did not ship from the factory with the 802.11n enabler already applied.

Again, the only systems that can receive this update are as follows:

• MacBook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
• MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo
• Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme option
• iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo (except the 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac)

Ad-hoc networks still stuck at 802.11g speeds Users are reporting that ad hoc (computer-to-computer) networks between two systems with the 802.11n enabler applied on each still achieve only 802.11g (54 Mbit) speeds.

In order to establish a computer-to-computer network, select "Create Network" from the AirPort menubar item on one Mac and follow the instructions, then select the network under "Computer-to-Computer Networks" in the AirPort menubar on the second (third, or fourth, etc.) Mac.

• AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler (#2): AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 apparently required; 802.11n connections not always achieved; more
• Apple changes planned pricing of 802.11n enablers
• Apple to make 802.11n enablers available for a fee

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