Filip Novotny Apple is currently preparing to launch new Macs with support for the ultra-fast Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac. This is proven by the contents of the upcoming OS X update number 10.8.4. So we should see gigabit wireless connections in our computers soon.
Direct evidence of support for the new standard appeared in the folder with Wi-Fi frameworks. While the operating system version 10.8.3 in these files counts on the 802.11n standard, in the upcoming version 10.8.4 we already find a mention of 802.11ac.
There has been speculation on the Internet about Wi-Fi acceleration in Mac computers in the past. For example, a server 9to5mac in January of this year informed, that Apple is working directly with Broadcom, which is extensively involved in the development of 802.11ac, to implement the new technology. It will reportedly make new wireless chips for the new Macs.
The 802.11ac standard, which is also referred to as the fifth generation of Wi-Fi, offers several advantages over previous versions. Improves both signal range and transmission speed. Broadcom's press release talks about other benefits:
Broadcom fifth-generation Wi-Fi fundamentally improves the range of wireless networks in the home, allowing customers to watch HD video simultaneously from multiple devices and in multiple locations. The increased speed allows mobile devices to download web content faster and sync large files, such as videos, in a fraction of the time compared to today's 802.11n devices. Since 5G Wi-Fi transmits the same amount of data at a much higher speed, devices can enter low-power mode faster, resulting in significant energy savings.
There was no doubt that the current 802.11n standard would eventually be replaced by a better technology. However, it is surprising that Apple resorted to implementing 802.11ac at such an early stage. There are still very few devices capable of working with the new Wi-Fi standard. The recently introduced HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 phones are definitely worth mentioning. Apparently, their lines should soon expand to include Mac computers and, of course, accessories in the form of AirPort stations or Time Capsule backup devices.
