AirPort
Extreme Card
User’s Guide
Includes information about
the AirPort Extreme Card
and AirPort software
1
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
With the AirPort Extreme Card installed in your computer, you can
Access an AirPort or other wireless network at home, school, work, or Internet “hot
•
spots,” and use it to browse the Internet, send and receive email, and more.
•
Set up a Computer-to-Computer network between two or more AirPort-equipped
computers, which you can use to transfer files or play multiplayer games.
Set up a computer to share its Internet connection with computers using AirPort.
•
Set up an AirPort network using an Apple AirPort, AirPort Extreme Base Station, or
•
Airport Express. The Apple AirPort base stations are available from your Appleauthorized dealer or the Apple Store at store.apple.com.
Important:
same time as your AirPort Extreme Card, install the AirPort Extreme Card and then set
up the base station using the instructions provided with it. The AirPort Setup
Assistant described in this booklet is the same one used to set up the AirPort Extreme
Base Station or AirPort Express. To set up the base station and configure your
computer to access the AirPort network it creates, you need to use the AirPort Setup
Assistant only once.
Your AirPort Extreme Card is compatible with all versions of the AirPort base station.
About AirPort
AirPort offers a simple, fast, and affordable way to provide wireless Internet access
anywhere in your home, classroom, or small office. Instead of using traditional cables
to create a network, AirPort uses wireless local area network (LAN) technology to
provide wireless communication between computers.
How AirPort Works
In a traditional network, computers are connected through a series of wires that
transfer information. With AirPort, data is transferred between computers over a
wireless network using radio waves.
If you purchased an AirPort Extreme Base Station or AirPort Express at the
3
There are three ways to create a wireless network:
•
Use an AirPort-equipped computer to create a temporary Computer-to-Computer
network, which other AirPort computers within range can join.
Use the Internet pane of Sharing preferences to set up an AirPort-equipped
•
computer with an Internet connection to share the connection with other
computers using AirPort.
Create a more permanent wireless network using an AirPort base station. In this
•
kind of network, all wireless communication goes through the base station to other
computers on the network or to the Internet.
How AirPort Provides Wireless Internet Access
The following are ways that you can use AirPort to provide Internet access to AirPortequipped computers:
•
Connect an AirPort base station to an existing network that already has Internet
access, such as in a school or small office.
Connect a cable modem or DSL modem to an AirPort base station, or if your base
•
station has an internal modem, connect it to a telephone line. The AirPort base
station establishes an Internet connection and also creates a wireless network
through which multiple computers can access the Internet.
Note:
To use AirPort to access the Internet, you must have an account with an
Internet service provider (fees may apply). Some Internet service providers (ISPs) are
not currently compatible with AirPort.
For more information on using AirPort with your Internet account, contact your ISP or
go to the AppleCare Knowledge Base at kbase.info.apple.com.
Setting Up Your Computer to Use AirPort
Step 1: Do You Need to Install the AirPort Extreme Card?
If you ordered your AirPort Extreme Card with your new computer, the card is already
installed. If the AirPort Extreme Card came in a separate kit, you need to install it
yourself. Instructions for installing the AirPort Extreme Card are in the manual that
came with your computer. You can also find them on the Apple Support website at
www.apple.com/support.
4
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
Warning:
The AirPort Extreme Card has been designed so that you can install it
yourself in some computers. If, after reading the installation instructions that came
with your computer, you feel uncomfortable about installing the card, you can have
an Apple-authorized service provider install it for you. If you follow the instructions,
you should not be concerned about damaging your computer. However, if you do
attempt to install the AirPort Extreme Card yourself, any damage you may cause to
your equipment will not be covered by the limited warranty on your computer. See
an Apple-authorized dealer or service provider for additional information about this
or any other warranty question. Consult the service and support information that
came with your computer for instructions on how to contact an Apple-authorized
service provider or Apple for service.
Do I need to know the MAC address of my AirPort Extreme Card?
If you are going to use your computer on a large wireless network, such as in a school
or office, you may need to provide the MAC (Media Access Control) address
(sometimes known as the AirPort ID) of your AirPort Extreme Card to your network
administrator. Your network administrator can use the MAC address to provide an
extra level of security for the network. The MAC address is 12 characters printed on a
label on the AirPort Extreme Card. You can also find your AirPort ID by opening
Network preferences, choosing AirPort from the Show pop-up menu, and clicking the
AirPort tab.
Do I need to install an AirPort antenna?
No. The antenna used by the AirPort Extreme Card is already built into your computer.
Step 2: Set Up Your Computer to Use AirPort
If you are going to use your computer with a wireless network that is already
established (such as in a school or office), do the following:
1
Make sure the AirPort software is installed on your computer.
If you ordered the AirPort Extreme Card with your new computer,
the AirPort software is
already installed. You may not have a separate AirPort CD.
Note:
To make sure that your computer has the latest version of the AirPort software
installed, open System Preferences and click Software Update or check the Apple
AirPort website at www.apple.com/airport.
2
Choose the network you want to join from the Airport status icon in the menu bar.
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
5
If you are setting up an AirPort Extreme Base Station or an AirPort Express, you can
use the AirPort Setup Assistant.
n
Open the AirPort Setup Assistant (located in Applications/Utilities) and follow the
onscreen instructions.
If an error message says the AirPort Extreme Card is not detected:
Shut down your computer and make sure the AirPort Extreme Card is oriented
•
properly and that it is completely inserted into the AirPort Extreme Card slot. Make
sure the AirPort antenna is securely connected to the card and the connector on
the other end of the card is firmly inserted into the connector in the AirPort
Extreme Card slot.
If you are unable to detect the network you want to connect to:
•
Make sure that you are in range of an AirPort base station. The typical range for an
AirPort network is up to 150 feet (45 meters) in any direction from the base station.
•
Try to move away from possible sources of interference, such as cordless
telephones, microwave ovens, and metal walls, that may be preventing you from
connecting to the network. For a complete list of sources of interference, see the
document “Designing AirPort Extreme Networks” located on the AirPort CD, or at
www.apple.com/airportextreme.
6
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
Step 3: If Necessary, Set Up the AirPort Base Station
If you purchased the AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Base Station at the same time
as your AirPort Extreme Card, do the following:
1
If necessary, install the AirPort Extreme Card in your computer.
2
Skip the rest of the steps in this booklet and set up the AirPort base station using the
instructions provided with it.
Step 4: Join a Wireless Network
To join an AirPort wireless network, choose a network from the AirPort status icon in
the menu bar. Enter the password for the network if necessary. If you are joining a
closed network, choose Other from the list, and then type the name and password of
the network.
Note:
To show AirPort status in the menu bar, open System Preferences and click
Network. Choose AirPort from the Show pop-up menu, then click AirPort. Select the
“Show AirPort status in menu bar” checkbox.
Joining a 128-Bit Encrypted Wireless Network
If you want to join a third-party wireless network that requires 128-bit encryption, you
have two options for entering a password, depending on the password scheme the
network administrator has set up.
If you were given a password that is 13 characters, you may need to use double
quotation marks before and after the password. Thirteen-character passwords are
usually case-sensitive.
Example:
“password12345”
If you were given a password that is 26 characters, you may need to put a dollar sign
($) before the password.
Example:
$12345678901234567890abcdef
If you need additional information on your 128-bit password, contact your network
administrator.
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
7
Joining a network protected by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
If you are joining a network protected by WPA Personal, enter the user name and
password you were given by the network administrator. If you are joining a network
protected by WPA Enterprise, in addition to entering your user name and password,
you may need to enter information about the RADIUS server. See your network
administrator if you are joining a WPA Enterprise network.
Setting Up a Wireless Network With Your Computer
If you create a Computer-to-Computer wireless network or set up your computer to
share its Internet connection with computers using AirPort, by default AirPort uses
40-bit encryption when you use a password to protect your network. Computers with
128-bit cards access the network using 40-bit encryption. If you want to require 128bit encryption on your network, use the 128-bit password scheme of 13 characters in
double quotation marks. Only computers with 128-bit cards can join your network.
To set up your computer to share its Internet connection, open Sharing preferences,
click Internet, and select how you want to share the connection. If you are sharing
your computer’s Internet connection using AirPort, click the AirPort Options button
and give your network a name and password.
A computer set up to share its Internet connection wirelessly is sometimes referred to
as a
software base station.
8
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
What’s Next?
Additional AirPort Software
In addition to the AirPort Setup Assistant, you can use the following software to work
with AirPort.
AirPort Admin Utility
AirPort Admin Utility is an advanced tool for setting up and managing the AirPort
Extreme Base Station. Use AirPort Admin Utility to adjust network, routing, and
security settings and other advanced options. AirPort Admin Utility is located in
Applications/Utilities.
AirPort status menu in the menu bar
Use the AirPort status menu to switch quickly between AirPort networks, monitor
the signal quality of the current network, create a Computer-to-Computer network,
and turn AirPort on and off.
For more information on AirPort, see AirPort Help. Open AirPort Admin Utility and
choose Help > AirPort Help. There you will find information on setting up an AirPort
network using an AirPort base station, editing base station settings, avoiding sources
of interference, locating additional information on the Internet, and more.
For in-depth information on configuring AirPort networks, see the “Designing AirPort
Extreme Networks” document located on the AirPort CD. The document is also
available at www.apple.com/airportextreme.
In addition to AirPort Help and “Designing AirPort Extreme Networks,” you can find
more information at the following Apple websites:
Apple AirPort website at www.apple.com/airportextreme
•
•
Apple Support website at www.apple.com/support
Be sure to register your AirPort Extreme Card at www.apple.com/register.
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
9
AirPort Extreme Card Specifications
•
Wireless Data Rate:
•
Range:
Up to 150 feet (45 meters) from the base station in typical indoor use
(varies with building)
Frequency Band:
•
Radio Output Power:
•
•
Standards:
11 Mbps standard, 802.11 DSSS 1 and 2 Mbps standard, and 802.11g specification
Up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps)
2.4 gigahertz (GHz)
15 dBm (nominal)
Compliant with 802.11 HR Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
10
About Your AirPort Extreme Card
Communications Regulation Information
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation. See instructions if interference to
radio or television reception is suspected.
Radio and Television Interference
The equipment described in this manual
generates, uses, and can radiate radiofrequency energy. If it is not installed and used
properly—that is, in strict accordance with
Apple’s instructions—it may cause interference
with radio and television reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device in accordance with the specifications in
Part 15 of FCC rules. These specifications are
designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential
installation. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
You can determine whether your computer
system is causing interference by turning it off.
If the interference stops, it was probably
caused by the computer or one of the
peripheral devices.
If your computer system does cause
interference to radio or television reception, try
to correct the interference by using one or
more of the following measures:
• Turn the television or radio antenna until the
interference stops.
• Move the computer to one side or the other
of the television or radio.
• Move the computer farther away from the
• Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a
If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized
service provider or Apple. See the service and
support information that came with your Apple
product. Or, consult an experienced radio/
television technician for additional suggestions.
Important:
product not authorized by Apple Computer,
Inc., could void the FCC Certification and
negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance
under conditions that included the use of
Apple peripheral devices and Apple shielded
cables and connectors between system
components. It is important that you use Apple
peripheral devices and shielded cables and
connectors between system components to
reduce the possibility of causing interference
to radios, television sets, and other electronic
devices. You can obtain Apple peripheral
devices and the proper shielded cables and
connectors through an Apple-authorized
dealer. For non-Apple peripheral devices,
contact the manufacturer or dealer for
assistance.
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only):
Apple Computer, Inc.
Product Compliance
1 Infinite Loop M/S 26-A
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
408-974-2000
television or radio.
different circuit from the television or radio.
(That is, make certain the computer and the
television or radio are on circuits controlled
by different circuit breakers or fuses.)
Changes or modifications to this
11
FCC Wireless Compliance
The antenna used with this transmitter must
not be collocated or operated in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter subject
to the conditions of the FCC Grant.
Industry Canada Statement
This Class B device meets all requirements of
the Canadian interference-causing equipment
regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte
toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
VCCI Class B Statement
Europe–EU Declaration of Conformity
Complies with European Directive 1999/5/EC
See www.apple.com/euro/compliance/.
©
2004 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, and Macintosh are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries. AirPor t Express is a trademark
of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleCare is a service mark
of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
www.apple.com/airport
www.apple.com/support/airport
034-2869-A
Printed in XXXX
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