AirPort router review

The new 802.11n AirPort Extreme base station stands to uphold Apple's promises as faster router with enhanced features, according to a new review of the device. "After four weeks with the stylish new base station, I can say that it delivers," wrote Ken Mingis of Computerworld. "The wireless storage feature, which I consider the best thing about the hardware, works flawlessly. Transfer speeds are indeed faster when moving files around." Simple setup and integrated security make the router an easy pick for non-technical users, according to the reviewer, and Apple will likely ensure that its Time Machine software -- which will ship with the company's forthcoming Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system -- integrates with storage devices attached to the base station.

"As for the speed and range offered by 802.11n, I found that copying files was generally faster using the 'n' specification instead of the older 'g' wireless standard," Computerworld said. "The speed difference was more apparent as the size of the data being copied grew. And speeds were more consistent when copying single large files rather than a collection of files of various sizes."

Speed tests included copying three sets of files to an AirPort-connected hard drive, with sizes ranging from 26.5MB to 1.41GB. Tests also revealed that range using the 802.11n standard -- even in the less crowded 5GHz band -- did not improve range as much as Apple boasts.

"It is, indeed, faster. But about that range -- let's just say your mileage may vary. In fact, given the vagaries of wireless connections, signal strength, outside interference, base-station placement and other variables, it's entirely likely your mileage will vary. So if you're expecting a big jump over, say, an 802.11g network, you might have to check those hopes at the door."

The reviewer suggests users who don't care about easily-accessible extra storage for notebooks or backing up files hold off on purchasing a new AirPort Extreme 802.11n base station. Conversely, users who seek the latest cutting-edge wireless technology with maximum range and transfer speeds may wish to wait until the 802.11n specification is finalized before purchasing a new router.

by MacNN Staff