Owais Crawford
Apple's Airport Extreme is a router that has been discontinued but is still used by many people. While some users have complained about issues with the device, others have found it to be functional even in a modern context. The device is considered basic when compared to mid-tier routers, but it is still well-rated and loved by many for its ease of use. Some users have had to reset their devices to factory settings to get them to work, while others have had to retire their Airport Extremes due to bandwidth limitations. Overall, it seems that the Airport Extreme can still be used, but there may be some configuration and compatibility issues that need to be addressed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Still usable? | Yes, but Apple has discontinued the product and no longer supports it. |
| Alternative options | Synology RT2600AC, Amplifi, UniFi, Netgear Nighthawk |
| Setup | Connect an Ethernet cable to one of the LAN Ethernet ports on the back of the modem/router. |
| Configuration | Reset to factory settings and configure with short names, no spaces, and only alphanumeric characters. |
| Performance | Performs well for modern internet usage in small spaces. |
| Bandwidth | May not be sufficient for multiple Zoom conferences and online schooling. |
| Speed | Can get about 95Gbps. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Apple TV, HomePod, Google Home, Ring doorbell, and Alexa. |
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What You'll Learn
Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme
The decision to discontinue the AirPort line was not a surprise, as Apple had disbanded the team responsible for developing its routers in 2016. Additionally, the AirPort line was growing increasingly dated, especially for its premium price, without a mesh tri-band system available. Apple pointed customers towards third-party mesh Wi-Fi routers, such as those from Linksys, which offered a solution for larger homes.
Despite the discontinuation, customers can still purchase remaining inventory of AirPort products through Apple's website, retail stores, and authorized resellers while supplies last. Apple has also confirmed that these products will continue to be supported for years to come, although new hardware revisions are not expected.
Even after the discontinuation, some users still prefer to use the AirPort Extreme, citing its ease of use and value for smaller offices or homes. However, others have switched to alternative routers, such as Amplifi or UniFi, for improved performance and features.
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Users still find it functional
While Apple has discontinued its AirPort Extreme router, many users still find it functional for their needs. Some users have reported that their Airport Extreme routers are still working well, even in an office setting with multiple devices connected. One user with a small office of around 12 people and an internet speed of up to 500mb found the Extreme to be a great value. Another user with a similar setup, including multiple people working and schooling from home, experienced zero issues with their Airport Extreme router.
Some users have also found that their Airport Extreme routers are still capable of providing adequate internet speeds. One user reported that their Airport Extreme router was able to deliver speeds of up to 95Gbps, while a different router they purchased, the Netgear Nighthawk, only achieved speeds of 116Gbps. This shows that even when compared to newer routers, the Airport Extreme can still hold its own in terms of performance.
Additionally, some users have found that the Airport Extreme can be useful for specific use cases, such as extending the mobile router's coverage. One user with a 2011 Airport Extreme 802.11n 5th Generation model reported that they were able to extend their mobile router's coverage and it worked well with their current gear. This shows that even older models of the Airport Extreme can still be functional in certain scenarios.
The Airport Extreme has also been praised for its ease of use. One user mentioned that they loved their Airport Extreme due to its simplicity, especially when compared to other routers that may require more complex configurations. This ease of use is a significant factor in why some users continue to use the Airport Extreme, even after Apple has discontinued it.
While some users have moved on to other routers or are considering replacements, it is evident that the Airport Extreme still has a dedicated user base that finds it functional and reliable. For these users, the Airport Extreme continues to meet their internet needs, providing adequate speeds, coverage, and ease of use.
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It has limited compatibility with newer devices
The Airport Extreme is a router model by Apple that has been discontinued. While some users still use it, it has limited compatibility with newer devices.
The Airport Extreme router was first released in 2004 and offered mesh capabilities, which allowed for a functional mesh network. However, Apple discontinued the Airport router line in 2018, and newer macOS versions do not support older Airport models. For instance, the 2004 Airport Extreme 802.11g (Snow Dual Ethernet) model is not supported by later macOS Airport Utility software, requiring users to configure it via a hacked app or an old PowerBook G4 running OS X 10.5.8.
Additionally, the Airport Extreme does not support 802.11n, which may limit its compatibility with newer devices that require this standard. The router also lacks built-in modems, requiring users to purchase an outboard modem or a modem/router for internet access.
Some users have reported issues with the device, such as dropped connections and difficulty in switching between access points. These issues may be more prevalent with newer devices that have different networking requirements and configurations.
Furthermore, the Airport Extreme may not offer sufficient bandwidth for multiple devices, especially with high-demand applications like Zoom conferences and online schooling. Users have reported that the router struggles to handle even 1 Gbps streams, which may be a limitation for modern devices that require higher speeds.
In conclusion, while the Airport Extreme can still be used with some newer devices, its limited compatibility, lack of support for newer standards, and potential performance issues may make it less suitable for modern networking needs. Users with newer devices may need to consider alternative routers or networking solutions to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
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Alternatives are available
As Apple no longer offers its Wi-Fi router, you may be looking for an alternative to the AirPort Extreme. There are several options available that will allow you to supercharge your home network.
One alternative is to use a wireless mesh network, which has become a popular choice for those seeking a strong and consistent internet connection. Mesh networks bring the connection to multiple locations in your home, rather than just broadcasting from a single router. The AmpliFi HD, for example, has been praised for its design, ease of setup and use, and its range of features.
If you're looking for a similar product to the AirPort Extreme, the Amazon Eero Pro 6 has been described as close to the AirPort Extreme in terms of ease of use, simplicity, and reliability. It also has good customer service.
Other routers that have been recommended include the ASUS RT-AX55, which can be used in a bridge configuration or as an access point, and the unofficial AirPort Extreme alternative, Synology RT2600AC, which features dual WAN ports.
For those with older Apple devices, it may be worth considering the NetGear Orbi AX6000 mesh system, which offers fantastic speed with Wifi 6, although it is not as reliable as the AirPort Extreme.
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It may require a reset if unused for years
If your Airport Extreme has been unused for years, it may require a reset to get it up and running again. Here are some steps you can take to reset your device and get it working properly:
Firstly, locate the reset button on your Airport Extreme. This is typically a small, recessed button on the back or bottom of the device. You may need a paper clip or similar object to depress the button.
Once you've located the reset button, press and hold it for at least five seconds. The lights on the device should begin to flash, indicating that the reset process has started. If the lights do not flash, you may need to press and hold the reset button for longer or try using a different object to depress it.
After releasing the reset button, wait for the device to reboot. This may take several minutes. During this time, the lights on the device will flash in a specific sequence, indicating that it is resetting and restarting. Once the lights return to their normal pattern, your Airport Extreme has been successfully reset.
Now, you'll need to set up your Airport Extreme again as if it were a new device. This involves connecting it to your computer or mobile device using a wired or wireless connection and following the setup instructions provided by Apple. Be sure to download the latest version of the Airport Utility software to facilitate an efficient setup process.
Finally, once your Airport Extreme is reset and set up, you can reconnect your devices and start using your wireless network. Ensure you secure your network by setting a strong password and enabling encryption to protect your online privacy and security.
By following these steps, you can get your unused Airport Extreme router working again and enjoy seamless wireless connectivity in your home or office environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The short answer is maybe. If you haven't used your Airport Extreme in several years, you will need to reset it to default settings using a Hard Reset or Factory Default Reset. If you are having issues with your Airport Extreme, it might be a configuration or conflict issue that can be fixed in settings.
To reset your Airport Extreme, you will need to provide the make and model number of your modem or router. If you are using an iPad for setup, you can connect an Ethernet cable to one of the four LAN Ethernet ports on the back of the modem/router.
Apple discontinued the AirPort router line in 2018 and there are no plans for future hardware. However, Apple is still supporting the product.
Some alternatives to Airport Extreme include the Netgear Nighthawk router, Amplifi, UniFi, and Synology RT2600AC.
