Pre-Lion OS X 10.6.8 update kills AirPort networks

By Jonny Evans

OS X Lion’s set to ship around mid-July, but Apple's [AAPL] recently-released 10.6.8 software update will upset many users, as it’s messing around with some AirPort wireless networks.

Bad medicine

My own wireless set-up's has been impacted by the problem, which manifested itself shortly after an upgrade to the new OS. One moment my Macs were online, the next they weren't.

I have been unable to verify if Time Machine volumes are affected, though this post suggests it is.

I'm not unique.

A trawl through Apple's support forums shows others are also affected.

Here's a few examples:

-- '10.6.8 killed my Airport.

-- 'Airport extreme connection problem.

-- 'AirPort Express Connection Time Out Issue? Help?'.

iOS devices seem unaffected (though I've not tested the Apple TV). This implies that there's nothing wrong with the network and that the problem affects only the Macs, and only those running the latest OS.

Checking networks using iStumbler confirmed that network congestion on single or adjacent channels was not causing these hassles.

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Suggested repair tactics

At present I’ve managed to get my notebooks online, but the iMac remains disenfranchised.

Some claim restarting your equipment may get things working once again, and in many cases this might be true.

If you have endured problems with your AirPort network since installing the recent OS Software Update, you might try the following methods which may get you back online.

• Restart the modem/AirPort Extreme and Express stations
• Restart the Macs
• Delete Mac System preference files (Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/Move SystemConfiguration foldr into trash, restart Mac).
• Run Disk Utility
• Rebuild the network using AirPort Utility
• Download and install the 'Combo' OS update from here.

Many may want to take a look at the AirPort Troubleshooting Guide. Some suggest creating a new user account and logging in from this. In my case, I’ve also disabled closed browsing and removed the 'slave' Express unit used to extend network range.

The main point has to be that if you have been impacted by this problem, you’re not alone.

Have you been affected by this bug? Is your AirPort network less robust than before? Unusual connection problems, or even figured out a robust fix? Do let us know in comments below. Follow me on Twitter and I'll let you know when new reports get published here first on Computerworld.