14 DAY TRIAL // A brand new version of the Mac OS X AirPort Utility is available from Apple, with a fresh interface reminiscent of the iOS client.
AirPort Utility is used to set up and manage a Wi-Fi network and AirPort base stations. These include AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule.
The software lets you see a graphical overview of your Wi-Fi network and Wi-Fi-capable devices. You can manage base station and network settings, as well as more advanced features, like security modes and wireless channels.
The purpose of the 6.0 update seems to be the revamped interface, but there’s a separate version of AirPort Utility - v. 5.6 - which resolves an issue with using network passwords stored in the Keychain.
Apple specifically notes that this version “works with AirPort Express 802.11g and AirPort Extreme 802.11g base stations.” AirPort Utility 6.0 can't be used to administer base stations that only use the 802.11g standard.
Finally, Apple rolled out AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.6.1.
“This update is for all 802.11n AirPort Express, 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models,” says the Mac maker. “It fixes an issue with wireless performance and provides support for remote access to an AirPort disk or a Time Capsule hard drive with an iCloud account.”
Apple recommends that users install AirPort Utility 5.5.3 (or a newer version) before updating to Firmware version 7.6.1.
“iCloud setup requires AirPort Utility 6.0 and Mac OS X Lion v10.7.2 or later,” the company adds.
To clarify matters for those who may be confused by the bulk release of AirPort updates, Apple outlines that “This firmware update is for all 802.11n capable AirPort base stations and Time Capsules.”
Download AirPort Utility 6.0 for Mac OS X Lion
Download AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion
Download AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.6.1