AirPort Extreme, Express base station firmware updated

Apple has posted firmware updates for its AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express wireless networking base stations. Separate updates have been published for Mac OS X and Windows hardware for each device; they are all available for download from Apple’s Web site.

The updates will bring AirPort Extreme base station firmware to version 5.7 and AirPort Express base stations to version 6.3, respectively.

The update improves reliability and resolves issues with AirTunes — the software that enables users to stream audio to AirPort Express base stations — AirPort compatibility, and problems that occur with some third party routers.

According to Apple, specific fixes include:

Resolves issue with Audio dropout when playing to AirPort Express with AirTunes

Resolves issue with Wireless Disabled mode for AirPort Express

Resolves issue with AirPort Extreme LAN Performance

Resolves issue when enabling AOL Parental Controls

Resolves issue with vulnerability to Denial of Service Attacks (bonk)

Resolves issue with wireless internet access through AirPort via some PPPoA DSL Routers

Improved reliability when printing through AirPort base stations

Improved support for RADIUS servers

Improved support for Network Time Servers (NTP) for AirPort when using an IP addresses

System requirements call for Mac OS X v10.4.3 or later, Mac OS X v10.3.9, and a wireless connection using an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Base Station.