Check speed of new 802.11n update

Is there away to Check speed of new 802.11n update
gary

I was a little surprised how much digging around I had to do to confirm that 802.11n was active and then to find the link speed (via Network Utility) -- which was 144 Mbps. However, what I find interesting is the following.
I have mounted a Samba drive from a SnapServer on my MacBook Pro. The SnapServer and the AEBS(n) are connected to the same switch via 100Mbps ethernet. Right now no other computers are using the network.
I then launched Backup and told it to backup my home directory to a folder on the SMB mounted drive. It's several gigabytes of data to be backed up. I then launched Activity Monitor and have been monitoring Network traffic. I wish I could post images of the screen captures but I'll try to summarize what I'm seeing below:
Data received/sec: ~72 KB
Data sent/sec: ~1.8 to ~ 2.6 MB
The graph on the right is showing the red (sent) packets peaking near the top of the display with the green (rcvd) packets along the bottom. The caption above the top is 2.54 MB/sec which I assume is the scale of Y axis.
The CPU utilization is running 82-95% IDLE.
Memory is pushing 60% FREE.
Disk activity is peaking at 2.50 MB/sec.
So, perhaps it's a network disc throughput issue in some sense but given the minimum link speed is 100Mbps between the two devices, I am surprised.
I really expected something faster now that I have a 802.11n link; particularly given the fact that, in the past, if I connected the MacBook Pro to the network via a wired ethernet link (100Mpbs), I observed a noticeably faster throughput than over the 802.11b WiFi link. Unfortunately, I don't have numbers for comparison so it's only anecdotal. Perhaps, after this backup completes, I'll repeat it with a wired link to see if the throughput numbers are any different.
More anecdotal evidence is that web browsing (e.g. to post this message and a visit to yahoo.com) is less speedy than it was before. Somewhere on this computer or on this network there is competition for resources.
I'd like to hear how other people are testing their real link speeds and what kind of numbers they are seeing on the activity monitor.
Chip
iMac G5 and MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.9) .Mac, Plaxo and PocketMac (for BlackBerry)

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Airport Drives Me CRAZY! New 802.11n Network Slower Than Old 802.11g/b

I've been using Macs since 1988 and consider myself an advanced user. However, every time I setup a new Airport wireless network or re-configure an existing one, I feel like a helpless newbie trying to figure out how to open a folder on my desktop. No matter how many times I read the manual or the help files or these forums, I can never grasp what seems like it should be a simple path from A to B to C.
Anyway, here's my current situation: I've been successfully (I think) running a 6 year old AP Extreme Base Station [AE] (in my home office addition) and 2 Airport Expresses [AX] (one AX roughly 15 feet from the base station--through sheetrock, and the second AX roughly 30 feet from the first AX--through sheetrock and some wooden stairs. (so roughly 45 feet from AE to 2nd AX). It wasn't the speediest thing going but it did the trick with older Macs.
I recently bought a MacBook Pro which supports 802.11n. I most often use this laptop at the point in the house furthest away from the AE (Base Station) The AE (Base Station) is in my home office connected to my MacPro desktop (see #1 below). In addition, the family iMac is also in that room furthest from the AE. Using the new MacBook Pro with the old 802.11/g/b network turned out to be painfully slow. I was experiencing the same slow network connection my family has complained about for years with their older Macs and 802.11g/b.
I decided it was time to upgrade the whole network, if only to speed up my MacBook Pro connection. Bought new 802.11n Airport Extreme (MC340LL/A) and 2 new 802.11n Airport Expresses (MB321LL/A). Setup did not go smoothly. Again, my normally competent Mac persona was reduced to a babbling three-year-old. Had three different Apple techs on the phone trying to help me through it. Got different, contradictory instructions from the last two. Finally got all three units working, only to find that not only does my MacBook Pro seem even more sluggish than when connected to the old 802.11g/b network, but my wife tells me web pages are taking at least twice as long to load as with the old network.
As concisely as I can lay this out:
*1. Airport Extreme (Base Station)*
Connected via Ethernet from its WAN port to my Comcast cable modem. One Ethernet (LAN) port on that AE is then connected via Ethernet to my Netgear 8-port Ethernet switch. Ethernet from switch to Ethernet port 1 on my MacPro. (MacPro does NOT have an Airport card because I forgot to order one. Also I confirmed that this setup was functional by connecting to the AE wirelessly with my MacBook Pro showing the name I'd given the new network prior to adding the two AX's to the mix).
Some Airport Extreme settings of note (all accessed via "Manual Setup" button):
Airport Tab > Summary
Version 7.5.1
Wireless Mode: Create a wireless network
Channel: 149 (Automatic), 1 (Automatic)
Wireless Clients: 3
Airport Tab > Base Station:
Allow Setup over WAN: Unchecked
Airport Tab > Wireless:
Allow this network to be extended: Checked
Airport Tab > Guest Network:
Nothing checked
Airport Tab > Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled
Internet Tab > Internet Connection:
Connect Using: Ethernet
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Share a public IP address [Think this one is probably wrong]
Internet Tab > TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
Internet Tab > DHCP:
Shows Beginning & Ending Address
Internet Tab > NAT:
Enable default host at: Unchecked and blank field
Enable NAT Port Mapping Protocol: Checked
Internet Tab > Advanced
Didn't touch anything here, so all at defaults
*2. Airport Express #1: Living Room Express (Closest to AE (Base Station)*
Airport Tab > Summary
Version 7.4.2
Wireless Mode: Extend a wireless network
Connect using: Wireless Network
Channel: 1 (Automatic)
Wireless Clients: 1
Airport Tab > Base Station:
Allow Setup over the Internet using Bonjour: Unchecked
Airport Tab > Wireless:
Wireless Mode: Extend a wireless network
Allow wireless clients: checked
Airport Tab > Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled
Internet Tab > Internet Connection:
Connect using: Greyed-out, not selectable
Connection sharing: Greyed-out, not selectable
Internet Tab > TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
Shows IP Address
Internet Tab > Advanced
Didn't touch anything here, so all at defaults
*3. Airport Express #2: Dining Room Express (Furthest from AE (Base Station)*
Airport Tab > Summary
Version 7.4.2
Wireless Mode: Extend a wireless network
Connect using: Wireless Network
Channel: 1 (Automatic)
Wireless Clients: 2
Airport Tab > Base Station:
Allow Setup over the Internet using Bonjour: Unchecked
Airport Tab > Wireless:
Wireless Mode: Extend a wireless network
Allow wireless clients: checked
Airport Tab > Access Control:
MAC Address Access Control: Not Enabled
Internet Tab > Internet Connection:
Connect using: Greyed-out, not selectable
Connection sharing: Greyed-out, not selectable
Internet Tab > TCP/IP:
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
Shows IP Address
Internet Tab > Advanced
Didn't touch anything here, so all at defaults
SETUP/GOALS:
With Airport Extreme (Base Station) as the starting point, have the two Airport Express units with the strongest, fastest signal possible, provide Internet access (and file sharing, iTunes speakers capability) to three Macs (one older iMac, one older PowerBook and my new MacBookPro). Again, I believe my new MacBook Pro is the only one with 802.11n support, so I don't expect the other Macs to take advantage of the speed boost offered by the three new 802.11n devices.
+Any and all help with this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!+

{quote}With the AirPort Extreme, in the AirPort panel, Wireless tab, click on the button for "Wireless Network Options", check the box for "5 GHz Network Name", and enter a different network name. (That can be trivially different, such as the name of the main network suffixed with an underscore and the digit 5.) Once configured that way, connect your "N" gear to each network in turn to see if one is any better than the other. (If you're wondering what effect this would have, it allows segregating your "N" gear from the older gear to prevent the older gear from slowing down your network. However, distance and interference from things like walls may negate any advantage.){quote}
William: I was gone most of yesterday, but had a chance to implement your recommendations today. I added the 5 GHz network as you suggested, but in order to connect to that at all with my 802.n11 MacBokk Pro, I need to be within a few feet of the AE (base station). If I try to access that network even from the next room (well within reach of both the AE and the livingroom AX, I get one bar and "failure to connect" messages just trying to logon to that network.
However, I did some experimenting that (as of right now, anyway) resulted in much faster network access, not only from my MacBook, but also from the older iMac which is the furthest Mac from the AE. According to my wife, that iMac is "loading web pages faster than I've ever seen them!"
Here's what I did:
1. Moved all three units to places where it seemed they would have the least amount of interference with the clearest path from unit to unit, also raising the height of both AXs from about 2-3 feet from the floor to about 5-6 feet from the floor.
2. Changed one setting on the AE (base station): Wireless Tab > Wireless Network Options > Multicast Rate ---> Changed this from Low to High.
I have a feeling the location shifts made the real difference, but I will try changing the multicast rate back to "Low" just to see what happens.
Paul

Where can I buy the 802.11n updater?

I want to buy the 802.11n updater. I'm at work on my PC and can't find a URL on Apple's website for it. I just want to put it on my usbkey disk and take it home to my mac.
How can I buy this update? Surely it directs you to a webpage.

I found it by searching in the store for the 802.11n enabler.
Try this url for your self - http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6064003/wo/jw5Cg OTRI0pz2wMO2GGMPxSaNqD/2.0.21.1.0.8.25.7.11.0.3

Unplugging the old extreme and plugging in the new 802.11n

I had trouble getting the new exteme to work like the old one. I got WPA2 security to work but not the old extreme. I spoke with an apple tech. We reset both stations, established the new network, then joined the extreme to that and everything works fine now.
Two caveats:
The new 802.11n will not support extending the range and joining a wireless network (as in using the extreme for Itunes) at the same time. It is either one or the other and not both as before. This might be fixed in the future.
The 2. is this- is the old airport extreme base station just a paperweight now or is there a some useful thing it can do in the new setup (maybe extend the range of the network?)
I definitely notice faster internet connections with the new extreme base station.

You could set up a Dual Band network.
It means that there is one big network but with two base stations;
I have one supporting 802.11g 2.4Ghz clients and another running as 802.11n only on 5ghz.
You actually get more network bandwidth. It is backwards compatible too. So Airtunes and WDS are supported.
There's a thread on it.

802.11n update for the iMac

I have a 20" 2 GHz Intel Core Duo iMac w/2 GB RAM 667 MHz.
I bought and am trying to install the 802.11n upgrade to run and it tells me "your computer doesn't meet the hardware requirements".
I have the latest firmware.
Apple's website states "If you have a Mac with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (except the 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac) or a Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme, you can enable it to access an 802.11n wireless network using the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler software."
So it should work.
Is there anyone that can give me a clue?

Contact Apple by phone, using the number on the online Apple Store web page. If you explain nicely, they will probably credit the $2 back. I believe the only reason they are charging that $2 is because there is some accounting rule that says if a significant new feature is added to a product that was previously not advertised, the business must charge a fee for it (or something to that effect - I'm not an accountant). Apple is not trying make a profit from this updater.

HT4600 Just bought a new Airport Express trying to get the other airport clients to recognize new 802.11n Wifi?

Just purchased a new Airport Express 802.11N instal with new hi speed Xfinity moden in same location. Cant get a green light on the 2 remote client airports located in other spaces in home. Help?

What is the exact model of the Xfinity modem that you have? Is the new AirPort Express connected directly to this modem by Ethernet?
By "remote client airports" do you mean additional AirPort base stations or Apple computers?

So where are the final 802.11n updates ???

The 802.11n protocol (802.11n FINAL, NOT 802.11n DRAFT) has been official almost a month now... So when will the firmware updates incorporating the ratified 802.11n protocol be released for our Wireless-N enabled devices ???

What is the model no of the Router?Based on the model no.you can check on the Linksys Website www.linksys.com/download
for the available firmware.

802.11n update

i tried to update my 13 inch macbook to 802.11n and am getting error message "Your computer does not meet the hardware requirements for this update." any idea why?

One could argue that you are not actually upgrading the Dell but merely adding a device to give it more capability. Similar to connecting a printer.
...something you apparently can't do with this iMac (unless I'm missing something obvious here).
So you are discussing a machine sold to consumers which openly advertises that it has extremely limited upgrade options?
Hey, I'm not the one who bought it. I don't know about Apple "openly advertising" about limited upgrade options, since I don't shop for Apple products. Just trying to work with the hand I've been dealt.
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Configuring Airptort Extreme for Optimum Speed and security 802.11n

Hello,
I am running a Airport Extreme 802.11n with a Macbook Pro Core 2Duo, I would like to configure the Airport Extreme to run in the fastest and most secure mode.
Since I plan on only running .N devices I do not need backwards compatibility with other wireless device.
What advanced settings can I make to the Airport in order to achieve the best wireless transfer rates and security (including firewall security)
Thank you so much in advance!
-Noah

Thanks so much for the response.
In terms of the firewall test I was running it from
my Macbook Pro core duo 2 via Wireless 5ghz 802.11N
Airport Extreme connection, I ran the firewall test
from the grc.com Guards up firewall test (Test all
ports) it showed that my system was not fully
stealthed and responded to pings. I am trying to
figure out how to best secure my network, I currently
have WPA2 with 25character letters and numbers set on
the router, as well as having my MacbookPro firewall
set to on.
Any suggestions for this setup?
Thanks again!
Get an even better 63-character WPA "strong" passcode (Maximum WPA Security is 63 characters/504 bits)). See these sites for generating one:
http://www.yellowpipe.com/yis/tools/WPA_key/generator.php
http://www.speedguide.net/wlan_key.php

Updating PowerBook to new 802.11n AirportExtreme

I would like to get the new AirportExtreme to take advantage of the increased range and speed of the 11n. My other option is to do some wiring and set up another 11g access point, but that does not really help the speed any.
Anyway, I have read that all the airport chips that have been going into the newer MacBooks and iMacs will support the new 11n with a software/firmware update. So my question is: can I just get a new airport card for my PowerBook that will have the new chipset in it? I assume it is not that easy (yet).
If not, will any third party PCMCIA cards work? I know all pre-n devices are not necessarily compatible.

Not so...all is not lost
If you go to AE part of forum you will see someone has posted a link to Belkin that announces a new card (N) that you will be able to insert into card slot.
This item was shown in San Fran and should be on sale soon, here in UK.
(This info was gathered from posts from other members of this forum)
Just found the link...
http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/010807N1expressCard.html
Message was edited by: Michael Wayne to add more info

Will my airport express 802.11d interface with the new 802.11n for music streaming?

I am about tho purchase the new airport express and have the old one running in the house already. The reason for the purchase is to stream music to speakers in the house. The older one is dedicated to the modem and provides wifi, the new ones will be plugged in elsewhere. Should I replace the old one or keep it?

Welcome back!
If by "older" AirPort Express, you mean it is a "b/g" version, you'll have to use the WDS setup options on both the new AirPort Extreme"n" and the AirPort Express.
Unfortunately, two negative things will occur when you setup WDS:
1) Because WDS is a "g" technology thing, the entire wireless network will drop down to "g" wireless levels. So, you lose any advantages of "n" speeds with your new router.
2) The bandwidth on the entire wireless network will be cut 50%.
Bottom line, you will have a "g" wireless network operating at half of it's capability. That's a tremendous loss of performance for a bit more wireless coverage, but you may disagree.
WDS is difficult for most users to set up because it is very easy to make a mistake. Look over this post to get an idea of what is involved with this. There is also a link to Apple's instructions in this post, but the step by step by expert user Tesserax is easier to follow.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2287950&tstart=0
I do not recommend WDS, but it's your call.

APPLE'S AIRPORT EXTREME (802.11n) UPDATE SUUUUCCCCCKKKKKKSSSSSSSS!!!!!

This update is absolutely unacceptable! My base station was working just fine until I updated it...now it works for about 5 minutes and then it completely drops the signal. I am writing this via a neighbors wireless connection...this suuuckkkssss so bad. And now I can't get any help from apple because my 30 days is up...so frustrating!!! I am a big Mac advocate and when I download upgrades for my hardware and software I always expect the best...but this is crazy! My business relies on being connected to the internet...
Message was edited by: Scubonics

By the way I know I'm not the only one that's having problems...I have read the other posts...and I've tried removing the update and replaced it with the 7.3.1...why should I have to go through this trouble. After I did this it made it worst!!!! I can't stand this...
And please feel free to add to this complaint! And if you have had any success...please let me know what I should do...
Message was edited by: Scubonics

Major Problems with 802.11n Upgrade:-(

Since I installed the new 802.11n update, my upload speed is virtually unusable: it stays at or below 10-11k.
I am connecting a Mac Book C2D to a D-Link 655, and everything worked great until I applied the update.
I've reinstalled several times, to no avail. Any ideas?
How do I uninstall the 802.11n Update?

this is why they call the N specification a "draft."
it's beta. uncompleted. devices from different manufacturers cannot be guaranteed to work at all until everyone's using the final spec.
i would NOT RECOMMEND following the advice on macfixit.com to replace parts of your airport driver with older versions. instability will result in a system with mixed software versions when apple's software updates are installed.
at the very least... when 10.4.9 is released, USE THE COMBO UPDATER, not the delta. it will write over the version discrepancy you created, allowing you to "re-apply" your hack if you're still experiencing trouble.

NEW Airport Extreme 802.11N & iMac G5

Pulled this from the Airport Extreme webpage and don't see the iMac G5 listed as compatible.
Does my Mac support 802.11n?
These Mac computers support 802.11n in the new AirPort Extreme Base Station using the included enabler software:
* iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo (except 17-inch, 1.83GHz iMac)
* MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo
* MacBook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo
* Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme card option
So can I use it with my iMac G5?
iMac G5 20" 2.1 w/ iSight Mac OS X (10.4.8)

What that list meant is only those listed computers support the new 802.11n wireless 'standard' (it is not technically a standard yet, still in draft form but it should be ratified as such soon). Nonethesless, your iMac G5 (given it has some sort of WiFi like 802.11a/b/g) will work with the new router because the new Airport Extreme supports all the older specs (802.11a/b/g) as well as the new 'n' (which again, is not completely a standard yet).
So it will work fine but you will only get the same speed as your current WiFi adapter in the iMac, which is standard g I believe. So even though you buy the new router with n, it does not mean you older g WiFi card will suddenly work faster, you would need n cards on both sides for that to be the case...
-TM

802.11n networking via new airport extreme to airport express/ airtunes

Have been trying to include an airport express in my new 802.11n/ new airport extreme network, using new airport utility. Does not seem to work yet manuals/ the support site do not seem to rule this out. I would just like to stream itunes to remote powered speakers via airport express. Can I do this or do I have to wait for a "new" 802.11n airport express to be produced?
Thanks!
macbook (black) Mac OS X (10.4.9)

I don't have much experience in this area, but I can assure it's supposed to be able to work together seamlessly. So no you should have to wait.
Have you tried basic troubleshooting? (repair permissions, reinstall software, reboot, etc.)

Check speed of new 802.11n update

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