AirPort Utility 5.6 vs. 6.0

Could someone explain the differences between the 2 different versions of the Airport Utility updates for Lion posted today on Apple's support website? Version 5.6 can be found here and version 6.0 can be found here. The descriptions are quite different and my Software Update app shows only v.6.0. When I first manually installed the dmg for v.5.6 (to keep the versions in incremental order), it installed it besides my previous AirPort Utility (v.5.5.3) and named it 'AirPort Utility 5.6', quite an unusual behaviour for a Mac OS X component. Then, when I updated via Software Update, as expected, the 6.0 updated the 5.5.3 but the 5.6 remains next to it.

Does the 6.0 includes all the bug fixes of the 5.6 and can I put 5.6 in the trash without any problem? I did not update my AirPort Extreme and Express firmwares to v.7.6.1 yet as I am confused with the Airport Utility separate updates.

Posted on Jan 30, 2012 3:58 PM

78 replies

Jan 31, 2012 9:00 AM in response to Globe-trotter

I just downloaded 5.6. This new release is a step back in the dark ages. I can't deal with 6.0 and the content that was deleted from the previous releases. Disappointed in Apple for this.

Jan 31, 2012 10:30 AM in response to jaysmurph

I have not yet, I will later when my iPhone returns.

georgn

Level 1

11 points

Jan 31, 2012 11:47 AM in response to billimek

@billimek An open source thing called mrtg http://oss.oetiker.ch/mrtg/

Jan 31, 2012 11:51 AM in response to billimek

In addition to MRTG, I use a little dashboard widget for a quick view in to what utilization is like. It's called iEyeNet. vlan0 is the WAN interface.

Jan 31, 2012 11:58 AM in response to arrrrrrgh

I have also noticed a speed increase of 10-25% on the 5GHz band. Might be coincidental but it seems to be there for me. My transmit rate is the highest its ever been.

mrt60

Level 1

7 points

Feb 1, 2012 12:34 AM in response to Globe-trotter

mac address filter in AU 6 it's really no more available?

Carlo TD

Level 3

564 points

Feb 1, 2012 9:30 PM in response to Globe-trotter

I have been playing with it for a few moments... and i reset both my routers... and the set up is sooo much easier in airport utility 6.0. I really like it. Good Job Apple. (seriously i do like it.)

Feb 4, 2012 5:11 PM in response to Derek Currie

Please bring back the advanced options :

IPv6 options mainly

MAC address filtering and Enable Guest Network .

6.0 is an absolutely HORRIBLE update

Feb 4, 2012 7:42 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Just trash 5.6 if you do not have any "b/g" devices to administer.

The 6.0 utility is missing quite a bit of functionality - for example, there is no way to configure WDS 😝

Feb 22, 2012 2:09 PM in response to Derek Currie

BTW: I believe Glenn was referring to LION Server being "a small-office add-on."

mrt60

Level 1

7 points

Feb 29, 2012 12:03 AM in response to Globe-trotter

I'll have problems in future if I install 5.6 beside 6.0? For example with automatic update?

Jul 25, 2012 7:40 PM in response to fced

I need Airport Utilities 5.6 or 5.6.1 for Mountain Lion

Please start a new post for this as the previous 4 pages of this post are not relevant to Mountain Lion.

Max Miles

Level 3

631 points

Jul 25, 2012 8:17 PM in response to fced

the short answer is yes, Airport Utility is available for Mountain Lion. At least I have it running on ML.

rvinny

Level 1

15 points

Jul 25, 2012 9:21 PM in response to Bob Timmons

5.6 won't install on Mountain Lion. You'll need a 10.7 machine

Jul 25, 2012 9:28 PM in response to rvinny

Not sure what you mean by "install".

I am running AirPort Utility 5.6 on Mountain Lion at this very moment.

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AirPort Utility 5.6 vs. 6.0