Apple has released a firmware update for AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express and Time Capsule.
The update addresses issues with Wi-Fi stability, AirPlay streaming, USB support, particularly for external storage devices, and NAT port mapping settings.
It also disables TKIP security. The Wi-Fi Alliance dropped TKIP from the 802.11n specification after it became clear that it was vulnerable to hacker attacks.
The new firmware only applies to the newest AirPort devices with 802.11n Wi-Fi capability. Older hardware will not require the update.
To run the update, first install the newest version of AirPort Utility (v5.5.2), available via Software Update. The launch AirPort Utility and select ‘Check for Updates…’ from the application’s ‘AirPort Utility’ menu.
The software will identify which firmware updates are applicable and can then be installed.
