"This is yet another part of Apple's attempt to make computing possible without the expressed requirement of also owning a desktop, and eliminates another interesting edge case in that puzzle."
Of course they could have like the rest of the world used a simple browser to config their stuff which any phone can access, but we know, it's apple.
Ha, this is actually totally true. I guess the clarification I should've made was that at least in the Apple ecosystem, this is a move which is necessary to preclude also having a desktop for initial network configuration.
Of course, the other workflow that would be a challenge on the iPad is managing another router and doing firmware updates. With no file upload picker (or local filesystem) you'd basically be in a difficult position.
If I recall correctly, both my older linksys wireless-g and my newer DIR-655 come pre-configured with wireless disabled and require an ethernet connection to do the initial setup. After this initial setup, I can do many things (like restart the device) from the web interface, but I cannot install new firmware without having local storage (i.e. a computer).
This is just my humble recollection though, and wouldn't mind if Apple created a web interface... maybe using flash to make it look snazzy? (joke)
The DIR-655 has a default WLAN that is enabled out of the box. You can connect to it and do the configuration that way, though it is easier over wired. :)
Although it is possible that got changed in a firmware revision. I don't remember what firmware my two came with, but right now they're both running 1.34.
There's also a DIR-655_RevB which actually looks like it's a pretty major revision, and I can't speak to that either.
My rev was 1.05 when I installed my 655. It has since been flashed, but I needed to use my PC during flashing to export/import my configuration and did not think to check if the default setting had WLAN enabled.
I guess it's a double edged sword... how do you configure your router if you don't use wires at all VS the security of not allowing WLAN connections until someone sets up a password.
The blurb on the App Store mentions that this will work with all Apple 802.11n WiFi base stations. However, when I tried to connect to my older b/g AirPort Express with this utility, it said that it was not supported.
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sprockkets - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
"This is yet another part of Apple's attempt to make computing possible without the expressed requirement of also owning a desktop, and eliminates another interesting edge case in that puzzle."Of course they could have like the rest of the world used a simple browser to config their stuff which any phone can access, but we know, it's apple.
inplainview - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
Are you being forced to use it?zorxd - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
+1Brian Klug - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
Ha, this is actually totally true. I guess the clarification I should've made was that at least in the Apple ecosystem, this is a move which is necessary to preclude also having a desktop for initial network configuration.Of course, the other workflow that would be a challenge on the iPad is managing another router and doing firmware updates. With no file upload picker (or local filesystem) you'd basically be in a difficult position.
-Brian
gseguin - Thursday, October 13, 2011 - link
If I recall correctly, both my older linksys wireless-g and my newer DIR-655 come pre-configured with wireless disabled and require an ethernet connection to do the initial setup.After this initial setup, I can do many things (like restart the device) from the web interface, but I cannot install new firmware without having local storage (i.e. a computer).
This is just my humble recollection though, and wouldn't mind if Apple created a web interface... maybe using flash to make it look snazzy? (joke)
InsaneScientist - Thursday, October 13, 2011 - link
The DIR-655 has a default WLAN that is enabled out of the box. You can connect to it and do the configuration that way, though it is easier over wired. :)Although it is possible that got changed in a firmware revision. I don't remember what firmware my two came with, but right now they're both running 1.34.
There's also a DIR-655_RevB which actually looks like it's a pretty major revision, and I can't speak to that either.
gseguin - Sunday, October 16, 2011 - link
I stand corrected.My rev was 1.05 when I installed my 655. It has since been flashed, but I needed to use my PC during flashing to export/import my configuration and did not think to check if the default setting had WLAN enabled.
I guess it's a double edged sword... how do you configure your router if you don't use wires at all VS the security of not allowing WLAN connections until someone sets up a password.
EnerJi - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
Seriously?repoman27 - Sunday, October 16, 2011 - link
The blurb on the App Store mentions that this will work with all Apple 802.11n WiFi base stations. However, when I tried to connect to my older b/g AirPort Express with this utility, it said that it was not supported.