AirPort even-more-Express on the timetable?

Stephen Withers
Monday, 17 March 2008 02:10

Your IT - Home IT

Apple may be set to release a faster 802.11n version of its AirPort Express router.

Rumours of the update were given additional credence over the weekend when news spread that the description of the AirPort Express at the Swiss Apple Store was (briefly) altered to mention 802.11n rather than the current 802.11g specification.

802.11n delivers faster connections and greater range than 802.11g.

The AirPort Express has been a fairly popular item that combines multiple functions in a conveniently small package. In addition to acting as a base station for modest Wi-Fi networks, it can also serve to extend the range of an existing network, deliver audio from iTunes to speakers or an audio system in another room, and connect a USB printer to the network.

Its small size and plugpack-like design also mean the Express makes a nifty travel router, providing wireless access to those otherwise annoyingly short Ethernet cables in hotel rooms (and allowing you to save a few bucks by sharing one connection with your colleague in the next room).

But that compact design has also been associated by some disgruntled owners with overheating and consequent premature failure.

An 802.11n version of the Express would make a lot of sense. Apple has been supporting this draft standard in its computers for some time now, and the company's other wireless routers - the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule - are both 802.11n.

Some observers predict the revamped AirPort Express will be announced this week, possibly on Tuesday.