Is my Macbook Pro N - Wireless enabled.

Shark Trager · Jul 14, 2009

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out if my Macbook Pro 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo bought in 2006 is N Wireless enabled or just G.

This site:

Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 15" Specs (Late 2006 - MA609LL) @ EveryMac.com

tells me that it is. Case closed....however...

The Apple Store checked my serial number and told me that it wasn't N Wireless enabled.

Strange!

Can anyone shed any light. Who should I believe?

Thanks

Shark Trager · Jul 14, 2009

Ok sorry.

I've just found out how to search my Mac to see for myself on the Network Utility. The Apple Store was wrong. But they look so honest.

iPod Nano · Jul 14, 2009

No need to be sorry!

bobtomay · Jul 14, 2009

Well, both places are sort of technically correct.

Those late 2006 models, had the capability built in but it was not enabled from the factory. We had to pay $1.99 to download and apply the 'n' firmware. Once that's done, it's good to go from then on.

Shark Trager · Jul 14, 2009

Hi Bobtomay - interesting. So does that mean I have to download the firmware too. I only know that I have N capability.

bobtomay · Jul 14, 2009

I would think that if your system is indicating 'n' already, then someone has already paid for and applied that firmware to your machine. You should be good to go.

You'll find out though as soon as you set up a 'n' only network. You'll either be able to connect or you won't.

Kash · Jul 14, 2009

I believe the 1.99 was for when we had Tiger. When Leopard came out N was enabled by default in the OS. However, I am not 100% sure because I don't know if the patch was a firmware update that physically switched on N within the chipset (which would explain why it was still working when I did a fresh install of Leopard) or whether it was an OS update (which would limit it to only Tiger)

bobtomay · Jul 14, 2009

Kash said:
I believe the 1.99 was for when we had Tiger. When Leopard came out N was enabled by default in the OS. However, I am not 100% sure because I don't know if the patch was a firmware update that physically switched on N within the chipset (which would explain why it was still working when I did a fresh install of Leopard) or whether it was an OS update (which would limit it to only Tiger)

I'm not sure either. Just always "assumed" it was a firmware update since it continued to work when I fresh installed Leopard.

Shark Trager · Jul 21, 2009

Hi again. Just to revisit this thread. I'm successfully using an N router but it also handles G. I have no idea if my laptop is connecting to it via N or G. Is there a way of testing it or making sure that it is N configured. It does seem quite slow so I think it might only be using G at the moment.

Shark Trager · Jul 21, 2009

Ok I've established that my laptop is not on the N network as I configured my router to only be N and it didn't work. I do have the N capability on my laptop so does anyone know how I activate it?

bobtomay · Jul 21, 2009

Are you running Tiger or Leopard?

Shark Trager · Jul 24, 2009

I'm running Leopard Bobtomay.

dtravis7 · Jul 24, 2009

How to tell if 802.11n-enabling software is installed

According to this it's available at the Apple Store.

Shark Trager · Jul 24, 2009

Hi Travis,

It's definitely installed. But is it ACTIVE? Doesn't seem to be.

dtravis7 · Jul 24, 2009

Since I do not have an MBP here to check, If there is any toggle it would be in System Preferences, Network and Airport.

I am going to post this just in case.

AirPort Extreme 802.11n* Enabler for Mac - Apple Store (U.S.)

That is the updater. My understanding is it should work if that updater is installed.

If the Network Utility is showing N then it should be working.

bobtomay · Jul 24, 2009

According to both the links Travis provided, if it is listing 'n' under your adapter in Network Utility, then it is enabled on your machine.

If it is not listed, then you would need to purchase the $1.99 'n' enabler.