Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station get dual-band support - offer new guest network feature - Time Capsule now works with MobileMe [updated]

Mar
03

By: switchtoamac at: 1:01 PM on March 3, 2009 | Comments (0)

Apple has released new Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme wireless models that now include a new guest network feature that offers support for simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band networking. Time Capsule now works with MobileMe for instant file access via the Internet.

(Time Capsule shown)

Dual Band support
The new versions of these devices now operate simultaneously on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz modes which enable multi-band devices to automatically connect to and use the best available band.

Note that the higher-speed 5GHz band is used by the latest 802.11n-based Mac computers and Apple TV. Therefore, you devices such as Macs, iPhone, Apple TV, and other other 802.11b/g and 802.11n devices will all be able to connect to Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station via the mode(s) they support to ensure the fastest performance possible and best range.

Note that prior-generation Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme models only run in one mode at a time so there was a trade off between widening compatibility with devices and network performance.

New Guest Networking feature
Now you don't have to share your secure WiFi password with friends and family who want to connect their devices to your network. Simply enable the new guest networking feature via the AirPort Utility application to create a separate Wi-Fi network (with or without a different network password) for these users. They'll get Internet-only access and won't be able to connect or use your printer or other devices such as attached drives. The upside is that your network remains secure.

Other key features
Both devices offers printer sharing, a built-in USB 2.0 port, WPA/WPA2 support, and 128-bit WEP security. Time Capsule includes a built-in server-grade hard disk that is utilized by the automatic backup feature with Mac OS X Time Machine.

Time Capsule now works with MobileMe
The new Time Capsule now offers MobileMe users the ability to access files over the Internet. After you register your Time Capsule with your MobileMe account, the Time Capsule hard drive will appear in the Finder sidebar of your Mac just like any other attached drive. It's a great way to access your files from anywhere.

AirPort Extreme
Update: The MobileMe feature is also available on the Airport Extreme. AirPort Extreme allows up to 50 people to share the same Internet connection. This feature isn't listed for Time Capsule

The dual-band Time Capsule is available in a 500GB capacity for $299 and 1TB for $499 (US prices). The dual-band AirPort Extreme Base Station is priced at $179 (US). Find out more when you