What Is An AirPort Card For Mac Computers?

An AirPort card is a proprietary wireless device that is built into Apple's notebook models. It has the same basic features as the wireless cards included with other portable systems, but also has some features that give Apple machines unique connectivity features. AirPort cards do not work with non-Apple laptops.

Characteristics

Like other built-in wireless cards, an AirPort card allows a computer to connect to wireless hotspots near the Internet or LAN access. Airport cards can also broadcast the network connection of an Apple laptop to extend the reach of an existing wireless bubble or share a wired connection with other wireless devices.

Management

You can disable the AirPort access feature or disable and connect to available wireless networks by clicking the wireless icon at the top right of the status bar. To set the airport sharing settings, click the ‘Apple’ button and select "System Preferences." Click on "Internet Sharing" in the Sharing section to see the available options.

Devices

All current Apple laptops come with an AirPort card built-in. This includes the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air product lines. Older versions of these devices also include AirPort cards, similar to many previous notebook models, such as the PowerBook and iBook. Most Apple desktop systems also have AirPort cards as optional components. The Apple iPad and other portable iOS devices do not come with AirPort cards, though they retain the ability to connect via Wi-Fi.

Other uses

Apple also uses the airport brand on standalone Wi-Fi devices such as AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme. These wireless broadcasters can connect nearby peripherals, including Apple laptops equipped with AirPort cards, computers with other wireless cards, and wireless mobile devices, transforming any wired router into wireless dots and wireless access. Airport stations can also stream multimedia content to non-computer devices that have AirPlay compatibility.

Now that you know what AirPort card is, you should definitely get it for your Mac computer. If you are trying to install this card on your Mac computer, but not able to do so, then you can get in touch with Apple AirPort help and support providers to install the AirPort card in the right way. They will be able to assist you on this particular matter and other issues that you are dealing with AirPort routers.

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