MacBook Air: Optimizing AirPort performance while using Bluetooth

  • Last Modified: November 04, 2008
  • Article: TS1809
  • Old Article: 307289

Symptoms

When connected to a wireless network using AirPort and using multiple Bluetooth devices, your AirPort may have a slightly slower transfer rate.

Products Affected

MacBook Air

Resolution

To improve MacBook Air's Airport connectivity and signal performance when using multiple Bluetooth devices, try the following:

  1. Connect to a 5 GHz 802.11 wireless network instead of a 2.4 GHz 802.11 wireless network.
  2. If using an AirPort base station, use the AirPort Admin Utility to select a different channel. If using a third-party wireless network, consult the documentation that came with the router device to determine how to change the channel.
  3. If using an AirPort base station, try optimizing the reception.
  4. Check for potential sources of AirPort and wireless network interference.
  5. If connecting to a third-party wireless network, check to see if it's using a proprietary speed-enhancement option.
  6. Temporarily power off secondary (or multiple) connected Bluetooth devices.
  7. In very crowded 2.4 GHz 802.11 wireless areas, or areas that exhibit very weak signal strength, turning Bluetooth off temporarily (using the menu bar icon) may improve wireless performance.
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