Can I still use the older Airport Utility 5.5.3 if I install the 6.0 version of Airport Utility?

I have a simple network setup, and have read some initial reviews that say the new Airport Utility 6 for Mac OS X lacks some of the advanced settings that the older utility provides. I depend on those settings for my network to operate properly.

Can I still keep the old utility around and use either tool or should I wait to upgrade until I'm sure all the bells and whistles I might need are added to the 6.0 version?

enter image description here

I am going to need to keep the older Airport Software around since some of my devices are too old for the new software, but I'm mostly interested in knowing that I won't be forced to abandon my current advanced settings if I try the new firmware or the new client software.

Mavericks has made some changes which means that AirPort Utility 5.x will not work. Specifically, /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/A/Apple80211 has been updated and will break the older versions of AirPort Utility.

There are two ways to get around this:

Get an older version of Apple80211 and replace the one in Mavericks with it, then run the AirPort Utility binary through Terminal.
Use a modified version of AirPort Utility which includes the file in the app bundle.

On OS older than 10.9 - you can follow these instructions. You'll want to use another answer for Mavericks and later.

Get the upgrade (to 6.0) via Software Update. If it doesn't do what you want then download the (also new) 5.6 update that has the same UI that you're familiar with in 5.5.3 but adds the new functionality (minus the UI) found in 6.0. One caveat: you probably need Lion for both…though I haven't actually checked.

Airport Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion

here's a link to 6.0 as well:

Airport Utility 6.0 for Mac OS X Lion

This blog post describes the compatibility problem with Mavericks, and includes a solution (in the form of a freely downloadable launcher) that injects a file in the old version of Airport Utility which is required for it to run under Mavericks.

Yes on 10.8 and older, you can use the older AirPort Utility without any extra work. Do be aware that the 6.0 installer deletes the older copy of your software and Time Machine will not let you restore the old version to the same folder as the new version.

enter image description here

I restored the old version from my Time Machine backup to another folder and the old app has no problem seeing and configuring my updated Time Capsule. enter image description here You can save yourself the steps by compressing or copying your old AirPort Utility before running the 6.0 installer and manage which app you run by hand.