According to PCWorld.com, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has posted test results for what looks to be a possible refresh of Apple’s AirPort Extreme base station. However, it is difficult to know what changes have been made to the wireless hardware because Apple has requested the federal agency to keep all proprietary details confidential.
Nevertheless, results published by PCWorld.com indicate that the tests were done in both the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Plus, there is speculation that the revamped dual-band AirPort Extreme could be supporting the new three-stream standard for 450Mbps over both the bands.
AppleInsider reports that the new filing with FCC was first uncovered by Engadget. The filing made by Apple on June 16th shows a 3 x 3 802.11n access point model labeled A1408.
As described in the PCWorld.com report, the FCC package includes a mock-up of where Apple would place its compliance label on the 3-by-3 unit, model A1408. Concurrently, Apple has also updated Time Capsule models with wireless 2 TB and 3 TB hard drives designed to work with Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard or later. The last refresh for these devices came in 2009.
Past experience suggests that with the FCC posting, the company officially releases the product within hours of the posting.
Furthermore, media reports indicate that Apple may adopt iOS operating system to run its base stations. This transition could offer more robust features like print and media streaming services, integration with iCloud, and cached wireless software updates, according to AppleInsider.
Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
