Hands-On--AirPort v4.1 Provides WPA Security for Multiple AirPort Base Station Networks

and other improvements. It is available via the Software Update preference pane or as a stand-alone updater from this Apple web page. We are running two AirPort Extreme and one Express base stations to cover our global headquarters but have not enabled WDS because WDS has only supported 128-bit WEP security and not the latest and best, WPA. We also look forward to using the Keyspan Express Remote with our AirPort Express Base Station when it ships.

According to the Software Update preference pane:

This software update provides improved AirPort wireless networking software, and is recommended for all users with an AirPort Extreme and AirPort enabled computer or an AirPort Extreme or an AirPort Express base station.

According to Apple's software uppdate web page:

The AirPort 4.1 for Mac OS X 10.3 software supports all models of Apple AirPort base stations including the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express models.

What's new in AirPort 4.1:

• Supports Keyspan Express Remote for use with AirTunes (AirPort Express only)
• Support for WPA security on WDS networks
• Ability to rename a USB printer connected to a base station

To update the base stations, after running the AirPort 4.1 updater the AirPort Administration Utility must be launched and the "Configure" button clicked to bring up the firmware update dialog box. Our Extremes were updated to v5.5 and our Express was updated to v6.1.

We updated several Macs: desktops, Powerbooks and iBooks, and several base stations, Express and Extreme. So far we have noticed no issues with the new software. We wonder if it fixes the problem we have had with our Express unit that occasionally dropped our internet connection after awakening from sleep--time will tell. Look for a "long-term" use report next Monday or so.