The next great leap in wireless technology delivers on the three most important elements of networking — greater performance, more range, and improved reliability. And now Apple is continuing to lead the wireless revolution by implementing this new technology in most of the latest Mac computers, Apple TV, and AirPort Extreme Base Station.
These new products use AirPort Extreme wireless technology that’s based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Among its key innovations, 802.11n adds technology called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), a signal processing and smart antenna technique for transmitting multiple data streams through multiple antennas. The result? Up to five times the performance and up to twice the range compared to the earlier 802.11g standard.1
Most new Mac computers ship with built-in 802.11n wireless support that can be easily enabled with the installation of enabler software included with new AirPort Extreme wireless base station (see sidebar). Computers using previous-generation 802.11a/b/g wireless technologies can connect seamlessly to 802.11n-based networks.
- Based on a comparison with Apple's 802.11g products. Comparison assumes AirPort Extreme network with 802.11n-enabled computer. Speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network. Accessing the wireless network requires an AirPort- or AirPort Extreme-enabled computer or other Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g-enabled computer. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network, and other factors. Range will vary with site conditions.
