We began testing by unplugging all the Ethernet-connected devices from the Linksys router, turning it off and reconnecting everything, including the cable modem, to the AirPort Extreme. The Apple tech support representative we spoke to had no explanation for this unusual behavior, other than suggesting that different manufacturers implemented the draft standard differently. usage: 2 years worldwide unlimited usage except advertisingphotographer: Doug Rosa As soon as we did implement WPA on the Linksys router, the MacBook was able to connect to it. This turned out to be the clue to resolving the issue. The Apple OS networking utility also mistakenly reported that the Linksys network had WPA security implemented and insisted on a password. In the case of the WRT600N network, with no encryption security in place (only Mac address filtering), the MacBook would not connect at all. We had noticed problems in the past with the MacBook not being able to easily reconnect to Wi-Fi networks after waking up from sleep mode. In preparation for testing, we wanted to connect the MacBook to an existing 11n, Revision 2.0 network based on Linksys’s top-of-the-line Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WRT600N). The other components are all Windows-based or network-only devices–wireless laptop and desktop, wired desktop PC (all Windows XP), Vonage (VoIP) gateway, network hard drive, and USB hard drive. The test bed included a MacBook Pro, Apple’s high-end 17-inch-monitor laptop, a beautiful machine that comes equipped with a Draft 11n adapter. In fact, the problems began before we even plugged in the AirPort, and continued. But in our mixed Windows/Mac test facility, the process was far from bump-free. Setting up and running a basic wireless network using the AirPort Extreme should be–is certainly designed to be–very simple, and many users may find it so. The AirPort Extreme, a low, flat, book-sized device with integrated antennas, is reminiscent of both Mac and iPod.But if you live in the Windows world or in a mixed environment? Does the AirPort Extreme perform any better than other Draft N routers? Does it play nicely with Windows devices? If nothing else, you get elegant Apple industrial design to match your other gear. If you’re a Mac-ite, opting for an Apple-branded Wi-Fi network is probably a no-brainer. We had a chance recently to test its latest router product, the AirPort Extreme ($180), a Draft 11n, Revision 2.0 unit with four 10/100 Ethernet ports and a USB port for connecting a hard drive or printer. After all, HP, Lenovo et al are content to leave Wi-Fi to networking specialists, such as Linksys.īut Apple is in the Wi-Fi business and has been for a while. Unless it was because the Mac needed special treatment in a wireless network environment. We never understood why Apple, a computer manufacturer, wanted to get into the Wi-Fi business in the first place. Pros: Elegantly simple configuration wizard, superb Apple industrial designĬons: Irritating, but resolvable, set-up and configuration issues in mixed Windows/Mac environment, average performance Average performance coupled with set-up and configuration issues in a Win/Mac environment mar the otherwise elegantly simple AirPort Extreme experience.
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