Apple has finally released an AirPort Utility for iOS, enabling users to manage their AirPort routers without having to go through a Mac or PC. The AirPort Utility works on both iPhone and iPad, but it won’t give you access to all functions of your AirPort Extreme or Express like the desktop version of the application. However, if you’re looking for quick AirPort management, look no further than this free application.

What You Need:

>> AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or Time Capsule
>> AirPort Utility app for iOS (free)

When you first launch the application, it will search for available AirPort networks. If you have multiple AirPorts, it will find them and map them out in the application.

Tap on the Wireless network you wish to manage. When you do, a sign in dialog will appear, allowing you to type in your password for your wireless base station.

After specifying your password, you will enter the main area of the application, allowing you to perform management tasks.

Tapping the edit button on this screen will allow you to edit the Base Station name, Network settings (Wi-Fi mode, Security, and hide network), internet connection type (DHCP, Static, PPPoE), and change Advanced settings like DHCP and NAT, File Sharing, Access Control, Wi-Fi Settings, and the ability to Restart or Restore your base station. Tap the Done button when you are done changing settings in this section.

Tapping on Network on the main screen will present you with the Security type and Radio Channel currently being used by your AirPort.

Finally, Wireless Clients will display a list of all of the connected devices. Drilling down further will display information such as Name, Connection strength, Data Rate, RSSI, Mode, IP Address, and Hardware (MAC) Address.

From the surface, the AirPort Networks utility app might seem fully featured, but it can take a little digging around to find all of the settings. Unfortunately, we miss the networked printer settings, and the nice graphs for network access that appear in the desktop version. Hopefully Apple will add these features into the mobile app soon.

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