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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

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

169,676 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2012 4:04 PM

5.6 is for Macs running Lion to administer older 'b/g" AirPort devices. If you don't have any older "b/g" AirPorts, no need to install this software.

6.0 is for Macs running Lion to administer newer "n" devices.

7.6.1 is for "n" devices.

If you have both "b/g" and "n" Apple routers, you will have to keep both versions on your Mac and choose the one that you need at the time.

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78 replies

Jul 27, 2012 6:06 PM in response to Globe-trotter

On a similar note, I am ruuning Snow Leopard 10.6.8 with Airport Utility 5.6.1 and two Ariport Express modules, one an older "b/g", one 1st generation "n". the N is used as the interface to a cable modem and the b/g is used to extend the network. All has worked fine until recently when the b/g locked up in error mode.

When brought within 10 feet of the iMac, the b/g only appears on the available airport list if reinitialized to factory settings. attemptimg to reconfigure to the previous network extender mode (i.e. without it's own cable connection) causes it to fail to restart and not ever appear on the list -- nothing but blinker amber. HOWEVER, if factory reset and then reconfigured for direct internet access with cable connected, it works fine. But then the N router, which has now entered error mode due to cable being disconnected, has disappeared from the Airport list and reappears only when the internet cable is reconnected. And yes, the b/g disappears from view with the amber light flashing when the cable is disconnected.

What am I missing here? Is Apple no longer supporting these configurations? what about an Airport Express used only for AirTunes? Appreciate any suggestions or ideas / Thanks,

Tom

Sep 13, 2012 1:39 PM in response to Globe-trotter

I had the same problem, until I downloaded Pacifist app for Mac and pulled the 5.6 app out and extracted it to my desktop, then moved it into my Applications folder. It works fine on my Mountain Lion MacBook Pro, and it took me a total of 5 minutes.

JazJon

Level 1

0 points

Feb 25, 2013 7:25 PM in response to Shiba Dog

When is Airport Utilily 6.x coming out for Windows?

I'm unable to take advantage of the new 7.6.3 firmware that came out that allows the Express to extend/transmit the same Guest Wireless SSID of my Airport Extreme while in bridged mode.

more details:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4787934?answerId=21358885022#21358885022

(you'll see a youtube video I recorded)

AirPort Utility 5.6 vs. 6.0