Owais Crawford
Apple's AirPort Extreme routers have been discontinued since 2018, with many users reporting issues and seeking replacements. While some users have opted for the UniFi Dream Router, others have chosen the Amazon Eero Pro 6 or the Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien. Some users have also recommended the Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh system, which offers fantastic speed but has been known to randomly kick devices off the network. When replacing your router, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the number of ports required and the level of control desired. It is also worth noting that some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may provide a new router when you change contracts, which can be a cost-effective option to explore before investing in a new router.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 5-8 |
| Cost | $129 for Eero 6 |
| Wi-Fi | Supports latest version, 802.11ax, commonly called Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wireless security protocol | Supports latest WPA3 |
| Manageability | Through an app |
| Alternatives | Eero Pro 6, UniFi Dream Router, Ubiquiti UniFi gear, ASUS RT-AX55, NetGear Orbi AX6000 mesh, AmpliFi Alien, Zyxel |
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What You'll Learn
- The UniFi Dream Router is a simple option that can be expanded
- The Eero Pro 6 is a reliable and flexible router with good customer service
- The Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh has fantastic speed but is less reliable
- The ASUS RT-AX55 can be used in a bridge configuration or as an access point
- The Ubiquiti UniFi gear has more features than Apple's AirPort Extreme models
The UniFi Dream Router is a simple option that can be expanded
Apple Airport Extreme routers were discontinued in 2018, with the company no longer introducing new AirPort products. This has led many users to seek replacement routers.
The UniFi Dream Router is an excellent choice for those seeking a simple, yet expandable router. It provides a robust feature set, flexibility, and the ability to add access points for mesh networking.
However, it is worth noting that UniFi's ecosystem can be daunting for those unfamiliar with commercially-focused platforms. Setting up and configuring UniFi devices may require time and effort to understand their system. Additionally, less expensive models, such as the TP-Link Archer AX55, offer better speed and range performance.
For those seeking a straightforward replacement for their Apple Airport Extreme router, the UniFi Dream Router offers a compelling combination of simplicity and expandability. It is a powerful option that can grow with the user's networking needs.
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The Eero Pro 6 is a reliable and flexible router with good customer service
Apple Airport Extreme routers have been discontinued since 2018. Although Apple routers are reliable and easy to set up, they are showing their age, and speed drops over distance.
The Eero Pro 6 is a significant upgrade in terms of speed and reliability compared to the Apple Airport Extreme. It supports the latest version of Wi-Fi, 802.11ax, commonly called Wi-Fi 6, and the latest wireless security protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3). It also has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, allowing compatible devices to connect to Alexa for easy control of lights, locks, and plugs.
The Eero Pro 6 is a great choice for anyone looking to replace their Apple Airport Extreme router. It offers improved performance, flexibility, and customer support, ensuring a seamless and strong Wi-Fi connection throughout your home.
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The Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh has fantastic speed but is less reliable
Apple Airport Extreme routers were discontinued in 2018, and the company has not introduced any new AirPort products since. While the Apple Airport system is reliable and easy to set up, it has shown its age, with speed drops over distance.
If you are looking for a replacement, there are several options available, including mesh systems. The Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh router is one of the fastest mesh routers on the market, with impressive performance and speeds. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and can handle multi-gig speeds, making it a good choice for internet plans over 500Mbps. The setup is simple and can be done through the Orbi app on your Android or iOS device.
However, the Netgear Orbi AX6000 is less reliable. While it offers fantastic speed, there are several other mesh alternatives that cost hundreds less and provide similar performance. For example, the Asus ZenWifi Mini, the Motorola MH7603, and Amazon's Eero 6 are all Wi-Fi 6 options that offer a 3-piece mesh system for less than $200. Additionally, Google's Nest Wifi is another excellent option, currently costing $78 for a 2-pack.
Therefore, while the Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh router delivers exceptional speed, its high price tag of $400 for a 2-pack makes it less appealing, especially when compared to other mesh systems that offer comparable performance at a more affordable price.
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The ASUS RT-AX55 can be used in a bridge configuration or as an access point
The ASUS RT-AX55 is a powerful router that offers great flexibility in terms of configuration. One of the key advantages of this model is its ability to be set up as a bridge or an access point, in addition to its traditional router functionality.
When the RT-AX55 is configured in bridge mode, it acts as a pass-through device, seamlessly connecting your devices to your modem without performing any routing functions. This mode is particularly useful when you need to connect two different networks or when you want to use a more powerful router as your primary router. In bridge mode, the RT-AX55 utilises all of its radio antennae to establish a stable and high-bandwidth connection to the main router, enhancing your network performance.
To set up the ASUS RT-AX55 in bridge mode, you will need to follow a series of steps. First, connect your computer to the router using a wired or Wi-Fi connection. Then, access the router's settings by entering its LAN IP or URL. From there, you will be directed to the Quick Internet Setup (QIS) page, where you can select the "Choose operation mode" option and then click on "Media bridge." Finally, you will be able to search for Wi-Fi signals and choose the network name (2.4GHz or 5GHz) of the router connection you wish to connect to.
The RT-AX55 can also function as an access point, which is another useful feature. In this mode, the router acts as a Wi-Fi signal extender, boosting the wireless coverage in your home or office. This is particularly beneficial if you have a large space or areas where the signal from your main router may not reach effectively.
Overall, the ASUS RT-AX55 provides excellent versatility with its ability to be used as a bridge, access point, or traditional router. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor the device to your specific networking needs, whether it's connecting multiple networks or extending your Wi-Fi coverage.
Regarding the replacement of your router with an Airport Extreme, it is important to note that Apple discontinued the AirPort line of products, including the AirPort Extreme, in April 2018. This discontinuation means that you might want to consider alternative options for your networking needs. Many users have opted for other routers, such as the Eero 6, which supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and offers convenient management through an app. Additionally, mesh systems have gained popularity as they provide seamless wireless coverage for larger homes. However, if you are attached to the Apple ecosystem, you can explore options like using a mesh system with your current Airport Express or investing time in learning the Unifi ecosystem to utilise their Dream Router and network switches.
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The Ubiquiti UniFi gear has more features than Apple's AirPort Extreme models
Apple's AirPort Extreme routers have been popular for their reliability and ease of setup. However, some users have reported issues with speed drops over distance and the need for more ethernet ports. With Apple discontinuing the AirPort line in 2018, users have been exploring alternatives, such as mesh systems or other integrated router options.
One such alternative is the Ubiquiti UniFi gear, which offers a range of features that surpass those of Apple's AirPort Extreme models. Firstly, Ubiquiti UniFi provides a high level of visibility and control over your WLAN, allowing for seamless meshing of devices and excellent overall SNR/SIR. The UniFi gear also offers comprehensive logging and reporting, making it a favourite among data-driven administrators.
Additionally, the UniFi gear supports the latest wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and the latest wireless security protocol, WPA3. This ensures that your network remains secure and up-to-date with the evolving standards. Ubiquiti also offers a range of access points, including wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted units, providing flexibility in setup.
The UniFi Dream Machine, released in November 2019, is a standout product that combines a router with a basic management interface and a sophisticated Network Controller. This controller, tied to Ubiquiti's web backend, allows for remote management of devices from anywhere in the world. The setup process is straightforward and can be completed in less than fifteen minutes.
While the UniFi gear may require some time investment to understand its ecosystem and configuration process, it offers a rich management interface that appeals to both avid Apple consumers and IT professionals. The UniFi gear provides a cost-effective solution, delivering enterprise-level performance at prices comparable to consumer networking gear.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can replace your router with Airport Extreme. Apple's foray into wireless technology began in 1999 with the introduction of the AirPort Graphite router, which has since been discontinued.
Some alternatives to Airport Extreme are the Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router, Netgear Orbi AX6000 mesh, and the Amazon Eero Pro 6.
Airport Extreme is reliable and easy to set up, but users have noted that speed drops over distance.
Apple is no longer introducing new AirPort products, and the latest version does not support the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ax, commonly called Wi-Fi 6.
