AirPort Specs Card: What Is It And How It Works?

AirPort cards are Macintosh's answer to wireless networks. The cards were available installed on new computers or as user-installed updates. Mac users can also take their computers to local Mac service centers to have an AirPort card installed. AirPort Standalone cards are no longer popular because modern Macintosh computers come with on-board wireless cards. Enhance Letters remain useful for users who want to upgrade earlier Macintosh computers with a faster Wi-Fi connection. Wireless standard

There are two different versions of the AirPort card, which operate in the 802.11 standards. The original AirPort card released in 1999 uses the 802.11b standard for operating speeds of up to 11 megabits (Mbps) per second. The AirPort Extreme card was launched in 2003. It uses the new 802.11g standard, allowing it to transmit and receive data at up to 54 Mbps. Both cards have a range of about 150 feet indoors and use the 2.4 GHz frequency (GHz).

Hardware

AirPort cards are designed to be as user-installable as PCI and PCMCIA cards in personal computers. Installation processes vary, but typically only require minimal disassembly of the computer. AirPort cards do not have antennas on board. Instead, they use antennas already built into the computer. This allowed Macintosh designers to place the update slot anywhere on the computer without fear of interference. It also means that the airport card can only be installed on computers with antennas on board.

Compatible Systems

The original AirPort card is compatible with many Macintosh computers built between 1999 and 2003. Most iMac computers built during this time support the card. All Emacs and PowerBook G4 most support the original card. Most versions of Power Mac G4 and the Firewire version of Power Mac G3 also include support. All except iBooks G4 also support the original card. The AirPort Extreme card can be used with newer iMac, iBook G4, newer PowerBook G4, newer Mac G4 power, latest Emacs, and Power Mac G5 computers. Usually any of these models released from 2003 with the support of AirPort Extreme.

Software

AirPort cards include AirPort software that can be installed on a computer to allow configuration of the cards. Once installed, the software provides a wizard to help users select a target network and configure encryption keys. The software also allows users to manipulate these settings manually. The cards are specifically designed to connect to Macintosh airport routers, but they can connect to any standard 802.11 networks.

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