Apple and 802.11ac "Gigabit WiFi"

By Michael Lavorgna • Posted: Jan 24, 2012

According to AppleInsider, Apple is working on implementing the as yet to be finalized 802.11ac "Gigabit WiFi" standard (about three times as fast as 802.11n) in "new AirPort base stations, Time Capsule, Apple TV, notebooks and potentially its mobile devices" by the 2nd half of this year. Do you think this expanded bandwidth capability will finally usher in 24-bit file streaming over Apple AirPort networks? Did I hear someone say, gulp!

Comments

But would that really be necessary?

Submitted by deckeda on January 24, 2012 - 12:21pm.

Thought I'd read that a standard 802.11n (hell, even "g") network wouldn't be stressed by a 24/96 stereo stream?

For a dedicated network perhaps

Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on January 24, 2012 - 4:25pm.

But I think part of the issue is dealing with providing that load over a network with uncontrollable variables such as other network traffic.

Of course I’m speculating that bandwidth was a main reason for Apple’s decision to restrict Airplay to 16/44 and that the increased throughput offered by "Gigabit WiFi" will open the HD music floodgates. OK, I’m a dreamer.

Not quite right...

Submitted by gmf001 on January 25, 2012 - 5:07am.

Neither .11n nor Apple limit higher resolution audio. While AirPlay limits you to CD quality, features found in newer iOS software with HomeSharing and devices that's support digital out from iDevices support up to at least 24/96 with some reporting 24/192. You could start with something as simple as the camera connection kit (CCK) connected to an iPad to deliver higher resolution audio. For $29 it's a cheap way to try this out. Not all DACs support the USB out from the CCK (I'm not sure if there is a reliable predictor for this),but most seem to. A recent review of the AudioEngine D1 mentioned thatbitndidntnsupportnthe CCK likely due to the fact that it's USB powered.

So bottom line is that we don't need higher bw to support HD audio, but that wont stop technology marching ahead.

I was focusing on Apple's networking products

Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on January 25, 2012 - 11:27am.

But you raise a very good point re: the Apple Camera Connection Kit (btw – the CCK works with USB bus-powered DACs including the Wavelength Proton so this is not the deal breaker).

I should say as plainly as possible that I think Apple is in a rather unique position of influence in the computer audio world. If they decide to support 24-bit file streaming on their Airport Express device, for example, this could lead to more widespread interest. Similarly, if they began to offer higher resolution downloads through iTunes we’d see an upsurge in interest in higher quality playback. Or so I’d like to believe…

So I suppose I’m always on the lookout for (or reading into) signs that they may flip the high rez switch over at Apple Inc.