More on wireless router dropouts (AirPort Base stations included): Try toggling firmware

Yesterday we reported on repeated lapses in network connectivity (dropouts) exhibited by various third-party wireless routers when used in conjunction with AirPort-equipped Macs.

It should be noted that dropouts are far from exclusive to third-party wireless hardware: Apple's Base stations have long shown similar behavior, though perhaps less frequently. Our AirPort tutorial addresses the issue as it relates specifically to Apple router hardware, noting a number of potential fixes. The most consistently successful fix has been either upgrading or downgrading of firmware -- generally reversion to firmware version 6.1 for the AirPort Express or version 5.5.1 for the AirPort Extreme.

The fact that firmware is so instrumental in reducing dropouts for Apple's hardware, along with reader notes stating that different firmware revisions have produced varied success with third-party wireless routers, indicate that toggling firmware (trying different versions available from the appropriate manufacturer) can often be of benefit in reducing dropouts. Check your router manufacturer's Web site for available firmware version installers, then try each, checking for persistence of dropouts after each switch.

If you've experienced success with switching firmware revisions, please let us know.

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