Apple - Products

Q. How can AirPort work through walls?
A. AirPort uses radio frequencies for communication. Unlike infrared signals, which require an unobstructed line of sight between the remote unit and the base station, radio frequencies can pass through solid objects such as walls.

Q. What is the AirPort data rate?
A. The data rate is 11 megabits per second—up to 10 times faster than the most popular home networking products. With speeds equivalent to an Ethernet network, AirPort can easily handle demanding file-sharing needs as well as multiplayer gaming.

Q. Can I use more than one computer in my house with AirPort?
A. Yes. You can share Internet access, exchange files, and play games among all the AirPort-enabled computers in your home. This includes iBook systems as well as Macintosh PowerBook computers with compatible third-party wireless cards. The computers can communicate directly with each other or log on to the Internet from any room in the house.

Q. Will my modem connection slow down if I’m using AirPort?
A. No. If you use a V.90 connection you’ll still have up to 56 kilobits per second to share among all the computers using your AirPort Base Station.*

Q. Can I create an AirPort network in a classroom?
A. Yes. With AirPort-enabled iBook computers and an AirPort Base Station, you can create a wireless network in your classroom. You can also add more access points to provide coverage for your entire school.

Q. What kind of security does AirPort provide?
A. AirPort offers password access control and encryption to deliver security equivalent to that of a physical network cable. Users are required to enter a password to log on to the AirPort network—and, optionally, an additional password for access to any other computer on the network. When transmitting information, AirPort uses 40-bit encryption to scramble data, rendering it useless to eavesdroppers.

Q. What effect does AirPort have on the iBook battery life?
A. Because AirPort requires battery power, it draws some power. However, because the computer itself draws much more power than AirPort does, there is minimal impact during normal use. If you want to maximize battery life, you can turn off power to the AirPort Card (through its Control Strip module) when you aren’t using it.

Q. What’s the difference between DSSS and FHSS?
A. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) are two different technologies in the IEEE 802.11 specification. They are incompatible with each other. Frequency Hopping technology is older and is limited by government regulation to 2 megabits per second. Direct Sequence technology is becoming more widespread and supports data rates of up to 11 megabits per second. Apple uses DSSS technology because it is equivalent to Ethernet data rates.

Q. Can I turn AirPort off in my computer?
A. Yes. The AirPort Control Strip module allows you to turn off the AirPort Card. You may want to do this if you are on an airplane or don’t need to use AirPort capabilities.

Q. What version of the Mac OS do I need to use AirPort?
A. You’ll need Mac OS 8.6 or later.

Q. Who should install the AirPort Card?
A. You can install an AirPort Card yourself and have it operating in minutes. Following the instructions that come with the card, simply plug the card into the appropriate slot in your computer and run the installation software, which walks you through setup. You may feel more comfortable having an authorized Apple service provider install it for you.

*Data speeds up to 56 Kbps. Download speeds vary with line conditions and your ISP’s modem capabilities. FCC regulations limit ISP transmission speeds to 53 Kbps in the U.S.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

This device is not, and may not be,offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until Director of Compliance authorization is obtained.