Airport Extreme: Wifi Calling Support And Compatibility

Apple's Airport Extreme is a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The latest 6th-generation model supports 802.11ac networking and older standards. While Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme in 2018, the product has continued to receive limited hardware and software support. However, some users have reported issues with WiFi calling on iOS 14, where the base station crashes when making or receiving calls. This issue appears to be specific to the 5th-generation model (A1408) and has been resolved with the iOS 14.0.1 update.

iOS14 WiFi calling on iPhone XS Max crashing Airport Extreme base station

Users of the iPhone XS Max have reported issues with iOS 14 WiFi calling crashing their Airport Extreme base stations. The issue seems to be triggered by making or receiving calls, with the base station still online but no WiFi connectivity on the 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz bands.

One user reported that turning off Bluetooth on their iPhone XS Max prevented the Airport Extreme from crashing when making a call via WiFi calling. However, the same user later reported that turning off Bluetooth did not consistently prevent the issue.

Some users have found that downgrading to iOS 14.0.1 has resolved the issue. Others have suggested turning off WiFi calling or replacing the Airport Extreme with a newer wireless hardware option.

One user suggested that the issue may be caused by a driver problem with the Broadcom wifi chipset used in the 5th Generation Airport Extreme. This user recommended trying an earlier firmware version or turning off wireless security as a test.

WiFi calling on Apple devices

Enabling WiFi Calling on iPhone:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap on Phone.
• Select Wi-Fi Calling and turn it on.
• Enter or confirm your address for emergency services. This information is crucial for emergency responders.
• You will see Wi-Fi in the status bar when Wi-Fi Calling is available.

Adding Other Apple Devices for WiFi Calling:

You can also add other Apple devices, such as iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, to use Wi-Fi Calling. Here's how:

• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
• Turn on Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices.
• Go back and tap on Calls on Other Devices.
• Turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
• A list of eligible devices will appear under "Allow Calls On". Turn on each device you want to use.
• On your iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime and turn on Calls from iPhone.
• On your Mac, open the FaceTime app and go to FaceTime > Settings or Preferences, then turn on Calls from iPhone.
• For Apple Watch, Wi-Fi Calling is automatically enabled when you turn on "Allow Calls on Other Devices".

Making and Receiving Wi-Fi Calls on Added Devices:

To make a Wi-Fi call from your added devices:

• Open the FaceTime app on the device.
• Enter a contact or phone number, then tap the contact or number.
• Tap the Audio button to initiate the call.
• Alternatively, tap a phone number in Contacts, Mail, Messages, Safari, or other apps.

Troubleshooting:

If Wi-Fi Calling is not working, follow these steps:

• Ensure your carrier offers Wi-Fi Calling and that your devices have the latest software.
• Restart your iPhone and try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.
• Turn Wi-Fi Calling off and then on again.
• If issues persist, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and tap Reset Network Settings.

Note: Not all Wi-Fi networks are compatible with Wi-Fi Calling. Contact your carrier for further assistance if needed.

Apple discontinues AirPort Extreme

Apple has officially announced that it is exiting the Wi-Fi router business and discontinuing its AirPort routers, including the AirPort Extreme. This decision was made as newer alternatives with more features and attractive designs, such as mesh networks from Eero, Google, Huawei, and others, have emerged in the market.

A History of AirPort Extreme

The AirPort line was first introduced by Steve Jobs at Macworld New York in July 1999 when wireless technology was still in its early stages. Apple's routers offered a modern and stylish alternative to the boxy, antenna-protruding designs that were common at the time. Over the years, Apple continued to stay in the market and push forward faster and more robust Wi-Fi standards.

The AirPort Extreme, in particular, was known for its ability to extend a roaming network. Many users successfully used it to expand their Wi-Fi coverage to detached garages, basements, or other areas where the main router's signal couldn't reach.

Reasons for Discontinuation

The decision to discontinue the AirPort Extreme and exit the router business was likely influenced by the emergence of mesh networking technology, which allows for better and more robust coverage in larger and irregularly shaped areas. Rather than release an AirPort Mesh, Apple chose to offer alternative products like the Linksys Velop in its retail stores.

Additionally, the AirPort Base Station line hadn't seen any updates since 2013, and Apple's router offerings were slowly becoming obsolete compared to the rising popularity of mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Support for Existing Users

Even though Apple has discontinued the AirPort Extreme, the company has stated that it will continue to support existing users. They will provide software updates to address security fixes and stability issues as needed. Additionally, Apple and authorized resellers will continue to sell AirPort products while supplies last and help customers obtain service and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next few years.

Alternatives to AirPort Extreme

For those in the market for a new router, there are now more choices for stylish and feature-rich home routers. Mesh networking systems, such as those offered by Eero, Google Wifi, and Linksys, provide whole-home coverage without dead spots. Apple also offers its own cloud-based storage solution, iCloud, which provides convenient access to files from anywhere and on any device.

While Apple has exited the wireless router business, it is important to note that the company may re-enter the market if it finds a meaningful way to contribute unique and important advances to the space.

AirPort Extreme as a WiFi adapter

The AirPort Extreme can be used as a WiFi adapter, but its functionality depends on the model and other factors. For example, one user reported that their AirPort Extreme A1354 successfully extended their roaming network for three years before experiencing a sudden drop in performance.

Some older AirPort Extreme models may not support WiFi calling, so it is important to check the firmware version and ensure that it is compatible with your desired functionality. For instance, the AirPort Extreme A1408 does not support WiFi calling on Verizon.

Additionally, the AirPort Extreme cannot act as an AirPlay receiver as it lacks audio outputs. However, it may be able to pass AirPlay signals through to an A/V receiver that accepts AirPlay over ethernet.

In terms of setup, the AirPort Extreme cannot be used as a WiFi adapter for a Mac Pro that lacks a WiFi card. Instead, the AirPort Express is recommended for this purpose, although it has slower LAN port speeds.

Overall, while the AirPort Extreme can function as a WiFi adapter in certain scenarios, it may be necessary to use additional equipment or alternative models, like the AirPort Express, to achieve the desired functionality.

AirPort Extreme technical specifications

AirPort Extreme is a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. Apple discontinued its lineup of wireless routers in 2016 but continues to provide limited hardware and software support.

The AirPort Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The earliest models featured a round "flying saucer" shape, while models from 2007 to 2013 took on a flat rounded rectangle form, similar to the Mac mini. The 2013 model adopted a vertical form, taller than it was wide.

AirPort Extreme 802.11ac:

• Dimensions: 3.85 x 3.85 x 6.6 inches
• Weight: 2.08 pounds
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Six-element beamforming antenna array
• Simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Radio output power: 32.5 dBm maximum (varies by country)
• Channels approved for use in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand
• Interoperable with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac-enabled Mac computers, iOS devices, Apple TV, Windows-based PCs, and other Wi-Fi devices
• Supports NAT, DHCP, PPPoE, VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP), DNS Proxy, and IPv6
• Wi‑Fi Protected Access™ (WPA/WPA2)
• WPA/WPA2 Enterprise
• MAC address filtering
• 802.1X, PEAP, LEAP, TTLS, TLS, FAST
• Time-based access control
• AirPort Utility for Mac, iOS, and Windows available for free download
• Simultaneous dual-band 802.11ac wireless
• Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL/cable modem or Ethernet network
• USB 2 port for connecting a USB printer or hard drive
• Three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting a computer, Ethernet hub, or networked printer
• Built-in power supply
• Electrical requirements: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz; input current: 1.5 amp
• Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
• Storage temperature: -13° to 140° F (-25° to 60° C)
• Relative humidity (operating): 20% to 80%, non-condensing
• Operating altitude: tested up to 10,000 feet (3000 m)
• Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet
• Compliant with FCC Part 15 Class B, Canada RSS-210, EN 300-328, and other regulatory standards
• Setup and administration supported on iOS 6 or later/Mac OS X Lion v10.7.5 or later
• Wireless device access supported on any Wi‑Fi-enabled device with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac specification
• Shared printing with a USB printer supported on Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later and Windows XP/Vista/8
• Shared USB hard drive supported on Mac OS X v10.4.8 or later and Windows XP/Vista/8

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Generation):

• Length: 6.5 inches
• Width: 6.5 inches
• Height: 1.3 inches
• Weight: 1.66 pounds
• Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Interoperable with Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n enabled Mac computers, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Windows-based PCs
• Supports NAT, DHCP, PPPoE, VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP), DNS Proxy, SNMP, and IPv6
• Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA/WPA2)
• Wireless security (WEP) configurable for 40-bit and 128-bit encryption
• MAC address filtering
• Support for RADIUS authentication
• 802.1X, PEAP, LEAP, TTLS, TLS, FAST
• Time-based access control
• One Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL or cable modem
• Three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices
• USB 2.0 port for connecting a USB printer or external hard drive
• Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
• Storage temperature: -13° to 140° F (-25° to 60° C)
• Relative humidity (operational): 20% to 80%
• Relative humidity (storage): 10% to 90%
• Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
• Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet
• Compliant with FCC Part 15 Class B, Canada RSS-210, EN 300-328, and other regulatory standards
• Channels approved for use in the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand
• Setup and administration supported on Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later and Windows XP/Vista/7
• Wireless client access supported on Mac with AirPort wireless capability and PC with Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n card
• Shared printing with a USB printer supported on Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later and Windows XP/Vista/7
• AirPort Disk with a USB hard drive supported on Mac OS X v10.4.8 or later and Windows XP/Vista/7

Frequently asked questions