AirPort
From Mac Guides
AirPort is Apple's trademarked name for wireless networking, based on IEEE 802.11 standards.
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AirPort (original version)
AirPort is a device that can be installed in many different model Macintosh systems for adding Wi-Fi networking according to the 802.11b standard, providing up to 11Mbps of bandwidth.
This device was discontinued in June, 2004. Original AirPort cards have become quite expensive to aquire and can go as high as $90(US) on online stores such as eBay.
AirPort Extreme
AirPort Extreme is Apple's trademarked name for Wi-Fi networking according to the 802.11g standard, which provides up to 54Mbps of bandwidth. AirPort Extreme was updated in January 2007 and features a new design, 802.11n support, USB support for hard disks and more.
AirPort Hardware
Nearly all Macintoshes sold after the introduction of AirPort include either a built-in interface, or a slot where a user can add an interface. Earlier Macs include an AirPort slot, while later models include an AirPort Extreme slot.
Macs equipped with AirPort and AirPort Extreme slots have a built-in antenna, which attaches to the interface card.
AirPort interface
The original AirPort interface card resembles a PC Card device and has a very similar form factor.
The card can physically fit in an actual PCMCIA slot, and PC Cards can fit in an AirPort slot, but the electrical interface is not idenetical. AirPort cards do not work in PCMCIA slots, and third-party PC cards usually do not work in a Mac's AirPort slot.
AirPort Extreme interface
The AirPort Extreme card has a different form factor from the original AirPort card. It is a Mini PCI card, rather than PCMCIA. As a result, you can not put an AirPort Extreme interface in a Mac that has an AirPort slot.
Base stations
Along with interface cards, Apple has released several different base stations. These attach to an Ethernet network and allow computers with 802.11b/g networking capability (not just those with AirPort interfaces) to access the network.
In addition to basic Wi-Fi LAN access, several models also include a 56k modem, to accommodate users of dial-up internet access. Some models include a USB port, to allow printer sharing without dedicating a computer to act as server.
In January 2007, Apple released a new Airport Extreme with Wireless n support, it has a USB port to allow printer sharing or network file access, it also supports parental controls. In August 2007[1] the Airport Extreme was updated to add Gigabit Ethernet Support.
AirPort Express
AirPort Express is a small-scale portable AirPort Extreme base station. It can be used to either provide wireless access to an Ethernet LAN, or to extend a LAN via a Wi-Fi segment. It includes a USB port for printer sharing and an audio-out port, allowing computers running iTunes to stream audio over the LAN via AirTunes. Unlike the full-sized AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Express only supports 10 clients at a time.
Some features, like WDS and bridging (mentioned above) will only work in conjunction with other Apple Extreme/Express Base stations. AirPort Express can operate in "client mode" on any 802.11b/g network, however. In this mode, the base station can join a third-party access point and just provide wireless audio and print serving features. More on client mode can be found here.
While the USB port cannot be used for any data connections besides printers, it has been reported that an iPod with a USB 2.0 cable can charge through the AirPort Express's USB port.
See Also
Keeping your Wireless Network Secure
