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MacBook Pro Q&A - Revised March 17, 2008
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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 (802.11g) 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.
Please note that all MacBook Pro systems have a version of AirPort Extreme pre-installed and that Apple confusingly also refers to 802.11n as "AirPort Extreme".
Also see: What is is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
Does the MacBook Pro support 802.11a?
Apple's website simply states that the MacBook Pro has a "built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (802.11g standard)" with no mention of whether or not the systems support the 802.11a wireless protocol.
However, page 62 of the original MacBook Pro User's Guide confirms that the MacBook Pro is capable of connecting to "any 802.11a-, 802.11b-, or 802.11g-compliant product."
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.
Does the MacBook Pro support 802.11n?
The MacBook Pro "Core Duo" models do not support 802.11n. All subsequent MacBook models support 802.11n, but the original "Core 2 Duo" models require a firmware update before it is available for use. For the wireless capabilities of all "recent" -- G3 and later -- Macs, please refer to the AirPort Capability listing.
Also see: What is is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
What kind of modem comes with the MacBook Pro?
None of the Intel-based Macs, including the MacBook Pro, 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 traveling.
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