Bestbuy's Apple Airport Extreme: Availability And Alternatives

Best Buy does sell the Apple AirPort Extreme Wireless-N Wireless Base Station, which is highly rated by customers for its easy setup, speed, and range. The base station allows users to connect up to 50 wireless-enabled computers and other wireless peripherals to their home wireless network. It features dual 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz wireless frequencies, built-in WPA/WPA2 and WEP encryption, and a built-in firewall to protect wireless connections from unauthorized access. While the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station is generally well-received, some customers have noted that the price is a bit high, and they have experienced compatibility and connectivity issues.

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station features

The AirPort Extreme Base Station is a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. Apple discontinued the product line in 2018, but it is still available for purchase from Best Buy.

The AirPort Extreme Base Station has received positive reviews from customers for its easy setup, strong signal, reliable performance, and wide coverage. However, some customers have found the price to be high and have experienced compatibility and connectivity issues.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 3.85 x 3.85 x 6.6 inches (98 x 98 x 168 mm) and weight: 2.08 pounds (945 grams)
• 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 differ by region, with specific channels approved for the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand
• Interoperable with various devices, including Mac computers, iOS devices, Apple TV, and Windows-based PCs
• Supports various network protocols, including NAT, DHCP, PPPoE, VPN Passthrough, DNS Proxy, and IPv6
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and wireless security (WEP) for data encryption
• MAC address filtering and support for RADIUS authentication
• Time-based access control
• One Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting to 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

Environmental Requirements:

• 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%
• Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
• Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet

The AirPort Extreme Base Station offers a range of features and functionalities that make it a versatile and powerful networking solution for homes and small offices.

Apple AirPort Extreme compatibility

The AirPort Extreme Base Station from Apple is a compact internet router with powerful wireless capabilities. It allows you to share your internet connection between several computers via the draft 802.11n wireless protocol. The router also features three standard 10/100/1000Mbps RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports and is fully backwards compatible with legacy 802.11a/b/g devices. A USB port is also present for printer and hard disk sharing.

The AirPort Extreme Base Station delivers on speed and range, offering superfast wireless network access throughout most homes, offices, or classrooms. It operates simultaneously on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensuring that all connected devices perform at the fastest possible wireless speed and the best possible range.

The AirPort Extreme is compatible with Mac computers, PCs, and wireless devices such as iPhones and iPods that use 802.11a, b, or g technologies. It is also compatible with other certified 802.11n products. Up to 50 people can share the same internet connection, making it an excellent option for large households or offices.

In addition to its wireless capabilities, the AirPort Extreme Base Station includes three Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connectivity with desktop computers, network drives, and more. It is also easy to set up, with AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows walking users through the process in plain English.

While the AirPort Extreme has been discontinued by Apple, it remains a reliable and powerful option for those seeking a robust wireless router, especially in the Apple ecosystem.

Apple AirPort Extreme setup

Apple AirPort Extreme is a router that can be set up with relative ease. It is highly rated by customers for its easy setup, speed, and range. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up your Apple AirPort Extreme:

Step 1: Unpack and Connect

Unbox your Apple AirPort Extreme and connect the ethernet cable from your jack to the leftmost ethernet port on the back of the device. This port is the WAN port and is marked with a small circular image. Then, plug in the AC adapter into the power port on the AirPort and plug it into the wall.

Step 2: Initialise and Connect

Once the AirPort Extreme is connected and turned on, wait for the status light on the front to go through a series of coloured flashes and turn solid green. This indicates that your AirPort has been initialised and connected to the network. Ensure that the wireless card on your computer is enabled and turned on, then connect to your AirPort Extreme. It will likely appear as "Apple Network" followed by some letters.

Step 3: Install Software and Launch Utility

Install the AirPort software from the included CD. After installation, launch the AirPort Utility application. On a Mac, it is located in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. On a Windows computer, go to Start > All Programs > AirPort. Please note that the AirPort Utility is updated regularly, so the interface may differ from the screenshots provided in this guide.

Step 4: Select Base Station and Continue

Select your base station in the AirPort Utility and click "Continue."

Step 5: Enter Network Details

Enter a Wireless Network Name, a Base Station Name, your Country, and select the Radio Mode. In most cases, using 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) is the proper choice. Click "Continue" after each entry.

Step 6: Set Security and Password

Select WPA2 Personal security on the next screen for enhanced security. Then, enter a Wireless Network Password and verify it. This password must be between 8 and 63 characters long. Write it down and keep it in a safe place, as you will need it if you forget your password. Click "Continue."

Step 7: Select Network Connection Type

Select the appropriate option on the next screen. If you connect to a local area network (LAN), choose the corresponding option. Otherwise, leave the default settings and click "Continue."

Step 8: Configure USB Peripheral Settings

If you wish to connect USB peripherals to your AirPort, consult your manual for specific instructions. If not, leave the default settings and click "Continue."

Step 9: Set Base Station Password

Enter a Base Station Password and verify it. This password is separate from your Wireless Network Password and is used to modify base station settings. Write it down and keep it near your AirPort Extreme. Click "Continue."

Step 10: Update and Connect

Click "Update" to finalise the configuration. Your AirPort Extreme base station will now restart. Quit the AirPort Utility and connect to your newly configured wireless network.

With these steps, you should be able to successfully set up your Apple AirPort Extreme and enjoy its strong signal and reliable performance.

Apple AirPort Extreme pros and cons

Apple AirPort Extreme is a wireless router that stands out for its sleek and compact design, with no protruding antennas or legs, and a glossy white chassis. It is easy to set up and configure, especially for Mac and iOS users, as the required AirPort utility app is built into their devices. It is highly rated by customers for its ease of setup, speed, and range.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Strong signal
• Reliable performance
• Wide coverage
• Beautiful and compact design
• Simultaneous dual-band broadcasting
• USB 2.0 port for printer or hard drive
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
• VPN pass-through

Cons

• Pricey
• No USB 3.0
• No parental controls
• No Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) or Quality of Service (QoS)
• No support for Time Machine backup or media streaming via USB storage
• Average performance
• Setup and configuration issues in a mixed Windows/Mac environment

Apple AirPort Extreme reviews

Apple AirPort Extreme is a wireless router that stands out for its beautiful and unique design. It has a small footprint, with no legs, antennas, or anything else protruding from its glossy white chassis. All of its ports are hidden away at the rear, and it has only one small indicator light at the front.

The AirPort Extreme is easy to access and configure from any OSX or iOS device, including PCs, Macs, and mobile applications. It is compatible with any Wi-Fi-enabled device, but it is easiest to operate from within the Apple ecosystem, as the required set-up application, the AirPort utility, is built into all Macs and is available from the App Store for iDevices.

The AirPort Extreme 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 features three Gigabit LAN ports rather than the typical four and includes a USB 2.0 port on the back, but no USB 3.0.

According to reviews, the AirPort Extreme is highly rated for its easy setup, strong signal, and reliable performance. It provides wide coverage, allowing users to connect multiple devices effortlessly. However, some customers have found the price to be a bit high and have experienced compatibility and connectivity issues.

Overall, the Apple AirPort Extreme is a serious contender as one of the best wireless routers on the market, offering a combination of attractive design, ease of use, and fast performance.

Frequently asked questions