New AirPort is AOL-Friendly

By
iApplianceWeb
(11/14/01, 09:12:10 AM EDT)

AOL users can rejoice at the new Apple AirPort wireless network package, which now supports AOL. The 802.11b-based AirPort Base Station also offers a built-in firewall for greater protection, 128-bit encryption for added wireless security, and a base station that can handle up to 50 users.

The AirPort wireless networking package consists of the AirPort Base Station, AirPort Card, and AirPort software. The new AirPort 2.0 software, available as an online download from Apple's Website in both native Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 versions, provides compatibility with AOL. The new software can also be used to add AOL support to existing AirPort Base Stations, as well as 128-bit encryption to existing AirPort Cards.

AirPort's new connectivity and security features include:

• Compatibility with AOL
  
• Two Ethernet ports, one 10BASE-T for wide area connections such as DSL or cable modem, and a new 10/100BASE-T port for LAN
  
• Firewall protection, providing added security from unauthorized access via the Internet
  
• Support for up to 128-bit password and data encryption
  
• RADIUS support enabling schools and businesses to centrally manage user access control
  
• AirPort Card compatibility with Cisco's LEAP security method.

AirPort offers a data rate of up to 11 megabits per second, enabling simultaneous sharing of a single Internet connection by up to 50 users and has a typical range of a 150-foot radius from the base station. All Apple notebooks and desktops are AirPort-ready with integrated antennas and card slots; some have the AirPort card preinstalled.

These devices are available immediately for a suggested retail price of $99 for the AirPort Card and $299 for the AirPort Base Station. The AirPort 2.0 software is available for free as an online download from www.apple.com. AirPort 2.0 is compatible with AOL 5.0, U.S. only.

Link:
Apple