Lois Larson
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a wireless router that was first introduced in 1999. It has since been discontinued, with the last generation released in 2012. Despite this, it is still a capable router, with a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band, and can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections. Some users have reported issues with their older AirPort Extremes, such as their devices not being able to connect to the 5GHz band. In such cases, it may be time to switch to a new router or explore other options such as the Eero 6 or Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien. However, for those looking to extend their Wi-Fi coverage, the AirPort Extreme can be used as an access point or repeater to boost the signal from the main router.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use as a router | Yes |
| Use with a regular router | Yes |
| Use as an access point or repeater | Yes |
| Use with a modem | Yes |
| Use with a wireless router | Yes |
| Use with a wired router | Yes |
| Use with a different wifi network | Yes |
| Use with the same wifi network | Yes |
| Use with a different SSID and password | Yes |
| Use with the same SSID and password | Yes |
| Theoretical throughput on 2.4GHz band | 450 Mbps |
| Theoretical throughput on 5GHz band | 1300 Mbps |
| Number of Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports | 3 |
| Number of ethernet ports | 4 |
| Discontinuation date | April 2018 |
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What You'll Learn
Using an old Apple Airport Extreme as an access point or repeater
Yes, you can use an old Apple Airport Extreme as an access point or repeater. This can be done by connecting it to your existing wireless router via an Ethernet cable.
To set up your old Apple Airport Extreme as an access point or repeater, follow these steps:
- Connect your old Apple Airport Extreme to your existing wireless router using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is connected to an open port on your router.
- Open Airport Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
- Click on your Apple Airport Extreme, then click on "Wireless."
- Choose "Network Mode" and select the option to extend your wireless network. You can also choose to create a separate wireless network if you prefer.
- If you want your devices to automatically switch to the stronger network as you move around your house, set up your Apple Airport Extreme in Bridge Mode. This will allow your devices to roam seamlessly between networks.
By following these steps, you can use your old Apple Airport Extreme to boost the wireless signal in your home and improve your Wi-Fi coverage.
It is important to note that some users have reported issues with using non-Apple WiFi range extenders with the Apple Airport Extreme. Apple's proprietary design may limit compatibility with certain third-party devices. Additionally, some older Apple devices may only remember a single Wi-Fi network, so you may need to use the same network name and password for both your router and the Apple Airport Extreme.
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Using Airport Utility to set up an Apple Airport Extreme
To set up an Apple Airport Extreme using Airport Utility, you will need to first download the Airport Utility program. Once downloaded, the program will scan for compatible Airport stations. You will then need to choose your wireless network from the list and enter your Airport's password. It is important to note that the Airport's password is different from your wireless network password and is only used to access the Airport's settings.
After accessing the Airport's settings, you can select the "Wireless" tab to view and edit your Wi-Fi network information, including your network name, channel, and security. If you wish to set up a new network, the Airport Utility Setup Assistant will automatically choose settings based on your network. If no network is found, the setup assistant will create a new network.
If you already have a network set up and wish to extend its range, you can connect your Apple Airport Extreme to your router using an Ethernet cord. You can then set up the Airport Extreme in bridge mode, allowing your devices to connect to the strongest Wi-Fi signal as you move around your house. To do this, use the same network name and password for both your router and the Airport Extreme.
Additionally, you can use Airport Utility to access advanced settings and configure your network according to your preferences. For example, you can set up separate 5G, 2G, and guest networks, as well as enable or disable specific features such as DFS.
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Using an Apple Airport Extreme with a Comcast modem
Understanding the Setup
Firstly, it is important to understand the distinction between a modem and a router. A modem connects your devices to the internet, while a router creates a Wi-Fi network, allowing multiple devices to connect wirelessly. In the context of Apple AirPort Extreme and Comcast, you can use the AirPort Extreme as a router to extend or boost the Wi-Fi signal provided by the Comcast modem.
Using Bridge Mode
One common method of using these two devices together is to set the Comcast modem into bridge mode. Bridge mode essentially turns off the wireless functionality of the modem, allowing the Apple AirPort Extreme to act as the main router and provide the Wi-Fi network. This can be beneficial if you want to take advantage of the features offered by the AirPort Extreme, such as dual-band wireless frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz). However, it is important to note that Comcast may not provide support for this type of setup, as they typically only assist with their own equipment.
Configuring Network Names and Passwords
When using an Apple AirPort Extreme with a Comcast modem, you can choose to give them the same or different network names (SSIDs) and passwords. If you use the same name and password, your devices will automatically connect to the strongest Wi-Fi signal as you move around your house. This can be beneficial for a seamless experience, but it requires some manual configuration. On the other hand, using different network names and passwords can be useful if you want specific devices to connect to a particular access point, such as older IoT devices that can only remember one Wi-Fi network.
Using AirPort Extreme as an Access Point or Repeater
If you have an existing Comcast Wi-Fi network and want to extend its range, you can use the AirPort Extreme as a wireless access point or repeater. This can be done by connecting the AirPort Extreme to the Comcast modem using an Ethernet cable and configuring it using the Airport Utility app. This allows you to boost the Wi-Fi signal in areas of your home that may have weak coverage.
Backup and Storage Considerations
When using an Apple AirPort Extreme for network backups, keep in mind that Apple expects you to use the AirPort Wi-Fi for backups. They do not officially support backups over a third-party Wi-Fi network, although they may still work. Additionally, consider the performance and specifications of your Comcast modem or gateway. If it offers better speeds and features than the AirPort Extreme, you may want to use it as your primary router and keep the AirPort Extreme for storage and backup purposes.
In summary, using an Apple AirPort Extreme with a Comcast modem provides flexibility and strong performance. You can configure the setup to suit your specific needs, whether it's extending your Wi-Fi range, boosting signal strength, or utilising the unique features offered by Apple's AirPort Extreme.
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Using an Apple Airport Extreme with a modem from another provider
Apple's AirPort Extreme routers were discontinued in 2018, but they can still be purchased second-hand and are highly regarded for their security and performance.
AirPort Extreme routers can be used with modems from other providers, such as Comcast, Virgin, and BT Whole Home Mesh. To do this, you would need to connect the AirPort Extreme router to the modem provided by your internet service provider (ISP) using an Ethernet cable. The AirPort Extreme can then act as a wireless access point, extending the range of your network.
When setting up your AirPort Extreme with a modem from another provider, you may need to configure the network settings. One option is to use bridge mode, which allows your devices to connect to the strongest Wi-Fi signal as you move around your house. To do this, give your Comcast router network and your AirPort Extreme network the same name and password. This will enable your devices to switch between the two networks seamlessly.
Alternatively, you can give them a unique name and password. This option is useful if you want to connect dumb devices (those that cannot remember multiple Wi-Fi connections) to a specific access point. Devices such as Macs, PCs, and iOS devices can remember multiple networks and will automatically switch to the strongest signal.
If you are using an older AirPort Extreme, you may encounter some issues. For example, some users have reported problems connecting to the 5GHz band on older models. Resetting your AirPort Extreme may help resolve these issues, but if it doesn't, you may need to consider upgrading to a newer model or a different router.
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Replacing an Apple Airport Extreme with a newer model
When replacing an older Apple Airport Extreme with a newer model, it is possible to transfer the settings from the old device to the new one. This process requires both the old and new Airport Extremes to be connected simultaneously. To begin the replacement process, plug the new Airport Extreme into the old one. Start the Airport Utility and launch the setup wizard, which will guide you through the steps to replace the existing router. Remember to rename the old router to trigger the "auto router replacement" feature in the Airport Utility.
During the setup, you will have the option to replace the existing router. You can choose to clone the settings from your current Airport Extreme by exporting the configuration and then importing it into the new device. This can be done through the Airport Utility, where both the export and import options are available in the top menu. By following these steps, you can seamlessly transfer your network settings, including the wireless network name (SSID) and password, to the new Airport Extreme.
If you encounter any issues with the replacement process, it may be necessary to perform a fresh setup of the new Airport Extreme. In some cases, restarting the device or re-enabling the wireless connection may be enough to resolve any connectivity problems. Additionally, consider consulting official Apple support resources or community forums for further guidance and troubleshooting steps if needed.
Overall, replacing an older Apple Airport Extreme with a newer model can be a simple process, allowing you to benefit from improved performance, the latest wireless standards, and seamless integration with your existing network configuration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use Airport Extreme as a router. It is capable of handling up to 50 simultaneous connections and supports dual-band broadcasting.
To set up Airport Extreme as a router, you can connect it to your modem/router using an Ethernet cable. You can then use Airport Utility to configure the network settings.
Yes, you can use Airport Extreme and a regular router as the same Wi-Fi network by using bridge mode and creating a network on the Wi-Fi settings. This will create a roaming Wi-Fi network where your devices will automatically connect to the strongest signal.
Airport Extreme is a great option for a router as it is more secure than other options due to its design. It has no default admin username and password, and you don't configure it using a web browser, making it harder to attack.
