Airport Extreme: A Necessary Luxury Or An Unnecessary Expense?

The Apple AirPort Extreme is a router that hasn't been updated since 2012 and was discontinued in 2018. Despite this, many people still use the AirPort Extreme and find that it works well for their needs. Some users have reported that the AirPort Extreme is more reliable than newer routers from brands such as Netgear. However, others have found that the AirPort Extreme doesn't provide enough bandwidth for their needs, especially with multiple devices connected.

The AirPort Extreme has some unique features that make it appealing, such as its ability to handle up to 50 simultaneous connections and its dual-band broadcasting. Additionally, the AirPort Extreme is inherently more secure than other routers due to its design. It has no default admin username and password, and you don't use a web browser to configure it, which means standard methods of attacking routers don't work.

If you're considering purchasing an AirPort Extreme, it's important to keep in mind that it may not be as fast as newer routers and it only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. However, if you're looking for a simple and reliable router that integrates well with Apple products, the AirPort Extreme could still be a good option.

Is Airport Extreme outdated?

The AirPort Extreme is a Wi-Fi router that was discontinued by Apple in 2018. It is considered outdated by some users, who have switched to newer routers that support Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, or mesh network systems. However, many users still find the AirPort Extreme to be reliable and sufficient for their needs, especially for smaller homes or apartments. Some users have reported issues with the AirPort Extreme's Wi-Fi range and speed, particularly when connected to multiple devices or when trying to stream video.

The AirPort Extreme has not received a security update from Apple in several years, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, without continued support from Apple, issues with the AirPort Extreme may become more prevalent over time.

Overall, while the AirPort Extreme may still be functional for some users, it is no longer receiving updates and there are newer routers on the market that offer improved performance and features. For users who prioritize having the latest technology and the best possible performance, upgrading to a newer router may be advisable.

Is it easy to configure?

Yes, the Airport Extreme is easy to configure and can be set up in just a few simple steps. First, you need to download the Airport Utility app, which is available for both iOS and macOS. Once you have the app, open it and tap on 'Create a new network'. The app will then ask you to choose a base station, so select your Airport Extreme from the list of available devices.

After selecting your device, you'll be prompted to create a network name and password. This is where you can get creative and choose a unique name for your network, ensuring it's something you'll remember. Once you've entered this information, the app will configure your base station with the appropriate settings. You can also choose to enable features such as guest networking, which allows visitors to access your Wi-Fi without needing your main password.

Another great feature of the Airport Extreme is the ability to create a wireless distributed system. This allows you to connect multiple base stations together to create a more comprehensive and robust network, ideal for large homes or offices. Again, the Airport Utility app makes this process straightforward and user-friendly.

Overall, the Airport Extreme offers a seamless and intuitive configuration process, making it simple to set up and customize your Wi-Fi network. With its powerful features and easy-to-use app, you can quickly get your ideal wireless network up and running, providing fast and reliable internet access for all your devices.

What are the alternatives?

If you're looking for alternatives to the Airport Extreme, there are several options available depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some of the most commonly mentioned alternatives:

• Mesh Network Systems: Many users have suggested switching to a mesh network system, which provides more even coverage and can be a good solution for larger homes or areas with connectivity issues. Some popular mesh network options include Eero, Google Wifi, Ubiquiti Amplifi, and Orbi.
• Netgear Nighthawk: The Netgear Nighthawk is a powerful router that offers high performance and features. However, some users have reported issues with connectivity and stability.
• Ubiquiti: Ubiquiti offers a range of networking products, including the Amplifi and UniFi lines. Their products are known for their performance and stability, but the setup process can be more complex than consumer-grade routers.
• Synology: Synology offers routers such as the RT2600AC and RT6600ax, which are known for their features and performance.
• TP-Link: TP-Link offers a range of routers, such as the AC2300, which can provide improved stability and performance over older Airport Extremes.
• Linksys Velop: The Linksys Velop is a mesh network system that offers good performance and ease of use.

When choosing an alternative to the Airport Extreme, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of your home, the number of connected devices, and any specific features or integrations you require. Additionally, factors such as ease of setup, performance, and stability should be considered to ensure a smooth and reliable networking experience.

What are the pros and cons?

The AirPort Extreme is a router produced by Apple, which was discontinued a few years ago. It is still used by many people, and there are several pros and cons to using it.

Pros:

• The AirPort Extreme is inherently more secure than other routers due to its design. For instance, it has no default admin username and password, and you don't use a web browser to configure it, which means standard methods of attacking most routers don't work on the AirPort Extreme.
• It is capable of handling up to 50 simultaneous connections.
• It supports simultaneous dual-band broadcasting and has a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
• It is a rock-solid router that has always been reliable when used.
• It is easy to set up, especially with Apple devices, and the AirPort app is a breeze to use.
• It is capable of wireless Time Machine backups by plugging in a USB hard drive.

Cons:

• The AirPort Extreme only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, whereas four ports are standard in competitive routers.
• It is an old device with no recent security updates, which may make it vulnerable to attacks.
• It may not be able to handle high-speed internet connections efficiently, and its wifi speeds may be slower than that of newer routers.
• It may have an overheating issue, which can lead to reduced performance.
• It may not be suitable for large houses or offices, as the signal strength can be weak in certain areas.

Should I buy one?

The AirPort Extreme is a router that was previously manufactured and sold by Apple. Apple discontinued the product in 2018, but many people continue to use the AirPort Extreme as their primary router.

The AirPort Extreme has many features that make it a good router. It has a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. It can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections and supports simultaneous dual-band broadcasting. The AirPort Extreme is also more secure than other routers because it has no default admin username and password, and you don’t use a web browser to configure them, which means standard methods of attacking most routers don’t work on them.

However, the AirPort Extreme only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, while four ports are standard in competitive routers. Additionally, the AirPort Extreme is an older model and has not had any updates in several years.

If you are looking for a router that is inherently more secure than others and don't need the latest updates or features, then the AirPort Extreme could be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a router with more ports and the latest features, you may want to consider a different option.

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