AirPort: new hardware, software, and firmware released

Apple has released a new version of its $299 AirPort Base Station hardware, and AirPort 2.0 software is now available via the respective Software Update mechanisms in Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. The Mac OS X version does not include a Software Base Station. [See Apple press releases one and two.]

Hardware changes Here is a brief look at some of the new hardware features:

• 128-bit encryption (Note that the longer key does not necessarily mean greater security. The algorithm's weaknesses have already been publicized, regardless of the key length.)
• Compatible with America Online in the US
• Two 10/100BASE-T Ethernet ports (one for a WAN connection such as a DSL or cable modem, and one to connect another Mac, or several Macs via an Ethernet hub.)
• Support for up to 50 users

New firmware for existing users - the AirPort 2.0 AirPort Admin Utility contains a firmware update for the hardware Base Station that will enable it to use AOL. The new firmware will not enable 128-bit encryption.

A reader also reports that an Apple Store employee told him that the new Base Station supports PPPoE and DHCP Client Identifier on the broadband port. We have yet to confirm if this is accurate.

Software changes AirPort 2.0 supports the following new features:

• AOL support
• 128-bit encryption
• Cisco LEAP client support

Firmware update included - from the Read Me: "Upon launching AirPort 2.0, customers using earlier, 40-bit versions of the AirPort Card, will be automatically upgraded to a new version of the card firmware. New client-side features include: 128-bit encryption and Cisco LEAP support, allowing you to join a wide< variety of secure networks."

Margin note: These updates are welcome, and they appear to put Apple's AirPort offerings on a near-par with many third-party options, but they leave room for further improvement. When Apple first released AirPort, it was an elegant and groundbreaking implementation that ignited a wireless revolution and brought substantial benefits to Mac users. We know. We could not survive without our AirPort-equipped PowerBook. However, this update may be elicit a huge yawn from a large number of users. In the last year, several vendors have surpassed Apple's equipment in both price and features, and AirPort is no longer the superior product it was upon introduction. (Had this update come even 6 months ago, we would have been much more excited, especially if existing hardware could be upgraded beyond just adding AOL compatibility.) The continued lack of a software base station for Mac OS X also hinders the adoption rate of Mac OS X among many users.