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Intel Mac mini Q&A - Updated November 4, 2009
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What is AirPort? What is AirPort Extreme?
AirPort (802.11) provides a maximum wireless data rate of 11 megabits per second, and AirPort Extreme (802.11g) provides a maximum wireless data rate of 54 megabits per second, which is five times faster. AirPort Extreme is backwards-compatible with AirPort, and works in much the same way. However, it is worth noting that at 54 megabits per second, the "Base Station range" is only 50 feet, whereas the range is 150 feet at 11 megabits per second.
All Intel Mac mini systems released prior to the "Early 2009" models on March 3, 2009 have AirPort Extreme (802.11g) pre-installed and the "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" Mac mini lines have 802.11n pre-installed. Confusingly, Apple refers to both 802.11g and 802.11n as AirPort Extreme.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
Does the Intel Mac mini support 802.11a? 802.11n?
Apple's technical specifications for the Intel Mac mini models released prior to the introduction of the "Early 2009" line on March 3, 2009 simply state that it provides "built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking (based on 802.11g standard)".
However, like other Intel-based Macs that don't specifically mention compatibility, page 88 of the Mac mini User's Guide states that it has a "802.11a/b/g Mini-PCIe card" and although no more "official" information is available, several readers have confirmed that these systems work with an 802.11a network.
The "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" Mac mini models support 802.11n, but earlier models do not.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
What is the difference between 802.11a and 802.11g (AirPort Extreme)?
SearchNetworking.com notes that 802.11a "operate[s] at radio frequencies between 5.725 GHz and 5.850 GHz. . . [and] data speeds as high as 54 Mbps are possible. There is less interference with 802.11a than with 802.11b, because 802.11a provides more available channels, and because the frequency spectrum employed by 802.11b (2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) is shared with various household appliances and medical devices."
It is also worth noting that 802.11g (AirPort Extreme) also offers data speeds as high as 54 Mbps and is backwards compatible with 802.11b (AirPort). However, data speeds on 802.11g (AirPort Extreme) networks are reduced by the same interference that plagues 802.11b (AirPort) networks as well as the presence of devices using the older 802.11b standard. As a result, deploying 802.11a may make sense in environments where speed is more important than backwards compatibility.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
Does the Intel Mac mini come with a modem?
No. None of the Intel-based Macs, including the Mac mini, come with a modem. Apple offers the compact external "Apple USB Modem" for US$49 for those who need a modem either for daily use or for a backup option while travelling.
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