06/10, 9:45pm
Compatible with 802.11n, does not add 'ac' capabilities
Apple has issued updates for the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, releasing minor upgrades for the firmware (now at version 7.7.1) and AirPort Utility software (now at version 6.3) to add compatibility for the newly-announced, redesigned AirPort hardware that supports the forthcoming 802.11ac standard. The new standard, which uses the 5GHz bandwidth of 802.11n, is backward-compatible with earlier Wi-Fi but supports faster speed and greater range. The new MacBook Air is the first model to feature 802.11ac.
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07/13, 8:21am
WD pushes new QoS tech, 802.11n optimizations
The Western Digital brand typically conjures thoughts of hard drives or other storage devices, however the California-based company has continued to push its way into the home-networking market. The My Net N900 router exemplifies this new focus, bringing dual-band 802.11n connectivity and a slew of high-end features that attempt to balance raw performance with simple setup and superior traffic management. In our full review, we attempt to determine if the device is worth its hefty price.
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11/16, 9:50pm
Routers bring compact design
TP-Link has expanded its 802.11n router lineup with a new pocket router and a portable router for 3G modems. The pocket router enables users create a Wi-Fi network after connecting it to a network or modem via Ethernet. Users can also configure the device to work as a range extender or a wireless bridge to expand the connectivity of existing Wi-Fi networks.
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11/10, 10:25pm
Airport and TC updated to v7.6, MBP to v1.5
Late on Thursday, Apple released firmware updates for the MacBook Pro (all models), as well as the Airport and Time Capsule wireless base stations (802.11n capable models only). The update to the MacBook Pros, which brings the firmware up to version 1.5, resolves an issue where the MBP may shut down under heavy load when the battery charge is very low, even if the unit is actually plugged into power at the time.
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03/03, 11:55pm
DHP-1320 boasts up to 200Mbps throughput
Using PowerLine technology, router and modem maker D-Link unveiled the Hybrid Wireless N PowerLine Router, also known as the DHP-1320, a networking solution for extending wired and wireless home networks using a home's existing electrical wiring. The 802.11n 300 device offers throughput of up to 200Mbps and uses the Atheros Hy-Fi chipset to expand coverage and simplify setup and management.
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02/19, 5:20pm
Connection automatically switched as needed
AirLive has introduced the Air3G, a multifunction router capable of working with USB-attached wireless broadband modems. Users can configure the the router to choose the wired connection for primary use, while the 3G modem is automatically enabled only if the primary connection is disrupted. To help prevent overage charges on a wireless broadband account, the router automatically switches back to the standard connection as soon as service resumes.
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12/03, 5:05pm
Extends 802.11n wireless signals
Rokland Technologies has introduced BearExtender n3, a wireless adapter designed for Apple computers. The device pairs a 700 mW Wi-Fi radio with an external antenna claimed to increase wireless range by up to four times the typical distance experienced with a 32mW AirPort card. It features plug-and-play compatibility, connecting via USB, and supports 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n networks.
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11/06, 4:50pm
Unit expected to replace current 802.11g model
A recent FCC filing indicates that TiVo is readying an 802.11n accessory. The device, listed as the AN0100 Wireless 11n AP, appears to be a successor to the current AG0100 Wireless G USB network adapter the company sells for connecting its DVRs to a home network. The current model supports TiVoToGo, multi-room viewing, music, photos, and online scheduling.
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11/05, 7:30pm
Adapter to replace current 802.11g model
Microsoft's 802.11n adapter for the Xbox 360 has surfaced in Costco's online store for a slightly discounted price of $88. The accessory previously popped up in GameStop's inventory slated for November 3rd, although the listing was later removed. Costco claims the adapter is scheduled for shipment a week later on November 10th.
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08/19, 12:55pm
TRENDnet 300Mbps
TRENDnet has begun shipping its latest network device, the TEW-654TR Wireless N travel router kit. The router supports theoretical transfer speeds of up to 300Mb/s, although typical results will likely be slower. A compact housing measures just 60 x 80 x 18.5mm, while users can power the device from either an included AC adapter or USB cable.
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06/24, 12:30am
AirPort BS Firmware 7.4.2
Apple on Tuesday evening release an update to its software for its wireless router devices. The Time Capsule and AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.4.2 (with 802.11n support) fixes five specific problems, according to the company: (1) some problems with extending and maintaining connectivity with extended networks; (2) an issue with clients that enable 802.11 "Power Save;" (3) Fixes connectivity issues with some third-party devices; (4) an issue when the base station is configured for PPPoE; and (5) some Back To My Mac issues with connectivity and support for third-party routers. Apple recommends that AirPort Utility 5.4.2 or later be installed before upgrading to Firmware version 7.4.2 (including the version 5.4.2 for Windows).
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05/18, 12:45pm
Proxim ORiNOCO WiFi USB
Proxim Wireless on Monday announced the ORiNOCO 802.11a/b/g/n USB adapter. The device is claimed to support data transfer rates of up to 150 Mbps when used with the company's AP-8000 and AP-800 access points. Dual internal antennas allow users to seamlessly move between 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks, while Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is supported across the 5GHz bands. Data can be protected with 64- or 128-bit WEP, WPA and WPA2/802.11i security protocols.
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04/22, 5:40pm
Wireless N adapter ships
Rokland has announced its next generation of wireless USB 2.0 adapter, the RokN generation 2, an 802.11n draft 2.0 device geared toward Mac users. The new wireless adapter works with Mac platforms, Windows 2000, XP and Vista, and numerous Linux variations. The Gen2 device brings Wireless N to macs that are otherwise limited to B- and G-series connections, an advantage in a household where one legacy computer could slow an entire N-based network.
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10/06, 3:55pm
Sonnet 802.11n PCI card
Sonnet Technologies recently launched its Aria Extreme N PCI 802.11n wireless PCI card for Power Mac G4 and G5 as well as Windows desktop computers. The new product has three 2TX/3RX antennas, and the card is backwards compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g routers and related equipment. It connects to any Windows PC via a PCI or PCI-X card slot and supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols, while network encryption is handled by AES and TKIP standards.
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10/02, 12:45am
Sonnet Aria Extreme N PCI
Sonnet Technologies on Thursday unveiled the Aria Extreme N PCI, a new 802.11n PCI/PCI-X card that provides high-speed wireless communication for Powe Mac G4 and G5 computers. Sonnet advertises that the adapter offers twice the range and 2.5 times the speed of a conventional 802.11g card, communicating over three antennas. The Aria Extreme N PCI card is selling for $100, and is available from Sonnet directly or certain retailers.
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07/29, 9:05pm
Odd photo found on iPhone
In brief: Apple joins 80's rock band Asia for video contest, the iPhone may be coming to Indonesia, seyDoggy releases RapidWeaver theme, a strange photo found on a brand new ipohone, and MacNN posts reviews of Griffin's new FM adaptors for iPod and and Maxpower's new 802.11g USB stick.
Griffin Technology's two latest accessories, the RoadTrip and iTrip Autopilot with SmartScan bring improved technology to the iPod FM adapter market. The RoadTrip is an iPod cradle with an FM tuner mounted on a small gooseneck that plugs into a car's cigarette lighter. The smaller iTrip AutoPilot -- which works with the iPhone as well as the iPod -- houses the FM adaptor in a small box without an iPod cradle. Both devices come with Griffin's SmartSound technology for cleaner sound. We have also reviewed Newer Technology's MaxPower 802.11 USB wireless adapter intended for Macs with older wireless cards, or no wireless access. The adapter works with 802.11n/b/g, and includes an optional cradle.
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07/03, 12:45am
WRT610N Wi-Fi router
Just days after announcing Mac OS X-specific support, Linksys has announced its WRT610N Wi-Fi router, which offers wireless connectivity for 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n devices on two separate spectrum bands simultaneously -- effectively doubling available wireless bandwidth. Designed so all types of wireless devices can achieve maximum bandwidth, the "Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router" is packaged in Linksys' new, low-profile glossy black housing and offers Draft N performance on both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz spectrums. Users can connect high-bandwidth 802.11n devices (such as video hubs, media extenders, etc.) to the higher-performance, 20-channel 5GHz band, which coincidently also has less interference from devices such as microwaves, other 802.11g networks, etc. The more crowded 2.4GHz band can be used to connect both devices that don't require as much bandwidth and older 802.11b devices.
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07/01, 12:00am
802.11n wireless firmware
Apple on Monday released an update to its 802.11n wireless AirPort products, including its wireless Time Capsule backup solution: The Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n. The update says that Firmware 7.3.2 updates include bug fixes and that it requires AirPort Utility 5.3.2. AirPort Utility 5.3.2 -- both of which were released in early June and can be obtained via an automatic software update or as a manual download.
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06/23, 10:05pm
D-Link wireless DIR-628
D-Link on Monday unveiled a new dual-band RangeBooster N router that offers 802.11n WiFi on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The DIR-628 features D-Link's Quality of Service management engine to improve performance, while being able to switch to either 2.4GHz signals for low-intensity network throughput, or 5.4GHz for intensive file sharing and media distribution. D-Link is currently selling the DIR-628 through select retailers for $120.
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05/16, 8:10pm
MacWireless PoE kit for AP
MacWireless.com on Friday unveiled a Power Over Ethernet kit for the Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11n version) that allows users to position the router 328 feet from a power outlet. The kit provides power over an Ethernet cable between a pair of adaptors: one that sits on the power outlet in question and one that resides by the Airport. MacWireless.com is selling the pair of adaptors for $60, and are available from the company's website.
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03/19, 3:40pm
Intel WiMAX, 802.11n plans
Intel has announced more details on its plans for wireless in Centrino 2 systems, a Taiwanese publication reports. The centerpiece option is its "Echo Peak" module, which combines 802.11n Wi-Fi with support for WiMAX, the company's cellular-like standard that has greater range. This will however come at a significant cost to end users, as Intel is charging OEMs themselves $43 to $54, depending on specifications.
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03/04, 11:45am
Lexmark wireless inkjets
Lexmark today unveiled a new line of low-cost inkjet printers geared towards home users that feature built-in wireless printing. The lineup consists of three models so far: the Z2420 wireless printer, X3650 multi-function, and X4650 wireless multi-function. The two wireless versions communicate with 802.11b/g, and are compatible with the current 802.11n draft version. Lexmark will ship the three models starting later this month, with additional versions to follow later this year, ranging from $80 to $130.
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01/11, 9:35am
NewerTech offers 802.11n
In addition to its new iPhone accessory line, Newer Technology launched a new line of advanced wireless networking products, featuring support for the latest 802.11n protocols: the NewerTech MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Router and Adapter line includes a router, PC Card adapter for older laptops, PCI card for desktops, and USB 2.0 adapter. The MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Router and Adapters utilize MIMO, a signal processing and smart antenna technology, to transfer multiple data streams through multiple antennas for transfer rates of up to 300Mbps and up to four times greater reception range over 802.11g. The router supports instant setup of protected networks, WPA2 security, Web-based administration, simple firewall, MAC address filtering, and NAT filtering.
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12/11, 10:55am
D-Link Sub-50 Routers
D-Link aims to be the first with a router using the faster 802.11n Wi-Fi standard at or below the $50 mark, say tips from industry sources at its Taiwan manufacturing base. The network equipment producer is said to be instituting price cuts that will drop the cost by as much as 35 percent in a bid to undercut rivals such as Belkin, Linksys, and SMC. D-Link has ypically had some of the lowest-cost wireless routers on the market and has offered wireless routers significantly below the $100 level in the past, but until today has not crossed the $50 barrier. The model is most likely the base DIR-615 (not pictured).
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12/03, 10:10am
ExpressCard wireless n/b/g
QuickerTek Monday introduced a wireless upgrade for MacBook Pro owners. The new ExpressCard wireless adapter adds 802.11b/g/n WiFi access for maximum networking compatibility using triple antennas located outside of the "wireless signal-degrading (but beautiful) 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro case." In addition, the wireless upgrade also works with all Apple AirPort Base Stations including the 802.11n AirPort Extreme from Apple. The company said that the triple antennas provide the highest speed MIMO specification wireless performance and that virtually any wireless network running 802.11b/g/n equipment on 2.4GHz range is available. The MacBook Pro Wireless ExpressCard is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and is available now for $150.
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