Apple Airport: A Reliable Wifi Boosting Solution?

Apple's discontinued line of AirPort Wi-Fi routers, which included the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule, could potentially boost your Wi-Fi. You can extend your existing Wi-Fi network by adding an additional base station using AirPort Utility on your Mac or iOS device. While this will increase coverage, it may also slow down your network speed, especially if you're using a Wi-Fi connection to extend the network. Apple's AirPort routers are designed to work with other Apple routers, and while they can be used with non-Apple extenders, some users have reported issues with this setup.

Apple discontinued its AirPort line in 2018

Apple's AirPort line of Wi-Fi routers included the standard AirPort Express, the higher-end AirPort Extreme, and the AirPort Time Capsule. The AirPort Express allowed users to turn any stereo into an AirPlay speaker and share USB printers across the network, accessed from Macs. The AirPort Time Capsule included a 2TB or 3TB drive for automatically backing up Macs wirelessly with Time Machine. The AirPort Extreme allowed for easy connection of a USB hard drive to the network.

In 2018, Apple discontinued its AirPort line, exiting the wireless router business and selling off its remaining AirPort inventory. This decision was not entirely unexpected, as Bloomberg had reported in 2016 that Apple disbanded the team responsible for developing its routers, and the product line had not seen an update since 2013.

Despite this, Apple commented that it might return to the space in the future if it finds a way to innovate in the router market. Rumors suggest that Apple is developing a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for new Apple TV and HomePod mini models, which could theoretically turn these devices into wireless access points. Apple is also reportedly aiming to expand its presence in the smart home market, with plans for a smart home hub and camera that could connect to form a home security system.

AirPort Utility Setup Assistant automatically chooses settings for extending your network

Apple offered a line of Wi-Fi routers called AirPort base stations, which included the standard AirPort Express, the AirPort Extreme, and the AirPort Time Capsule. While Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018, the AirPort Utility Setup Assistant continues to be a useful feature for extending your network.

The AirPort Utility Setup Assistant is a helpful tool that automatically chooses settings for extending your network. When you open the AirPort Utility app on your Mac, you can access the graphical overview and select the base station you want to configure. This could be your AirPort Extreme, for example. After selecting the base station, click "Edit" and enter the password if prompted. From here, you can adjust wireless settings by clicking on "Wireless" and then the "Wireless Options" button.

The Setup Assistant is designed to simplify the process of extending your Wi-Fi network. It automatically determines the best wireless settings during setup, but you always have the option to manually change these settings if you prefer. If you want to set up your network using different configurations, you can click "Other Options" during the setup process. This option allows you to customise your network setup according to your specific requirements.

It's important to note that Apple's extend a wireless network feature is designed to work with other Apple routers. It is not compatible with third-party routers using only a wireless connection. Therefore, if you are using a non-Apple router as your primary router, you may encounter challenges when trying to extend your network with an Apple AirPort product. In such cases, you might need to explore alternative solutions or consider using Apple routers for a seamless experience with the AirPort Utility Setup Assistant.

Apple's extend a wireless network option is only compatible with other Apple routers

Apple's AirPort base stations, including the AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme, were a line of Wi-Fi routers offered by Apple throughout the 2000s and 2010s. While Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018, its routers can still be used to extend an existing Wi-Fi network.

Apple's "extend a wireless network" option is a proprietary setting designed to work only with other Apple routers. It is not compatible with third-party routers using only a wireless connection. This means that if you want to extend your wireless network, both the main router and the extending router must be Apple products.

For example, if you have an Apple AirPort Extreme and want to extend your existing network, you can add another AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express as an additional base station. This can be set up using AirPort Utility on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. During the setup process, you will need to physically connect the base stations using an Ethernet cable, which provides better throughput than a wireless connection.

It is important to note that while Apple's routers can work with non-Apple routers, such as Netgear, the "extend a wireless network" feature is specifically designed for Apple routers. This means that if you have a non-Apple main router, you will not be able to use the "extend a wireless network" feature with an Apple extending router.

Apple's push towards compatibility only between its own products is a strategy to encourage users to purchase more Apple products. While this may be seen as a limitation, it is not uncommon for technology companies to design products that work best with other products from the same brand.

Using an Ethernet cable to connect base stations provides better throughput than connecting wirelessly

Apple's AirPort Utility allows users to extend their existing Wi-Fi network with an additional base station. While the base stations can be connected wirelessly, using an Ethernet cable to connect them provides better throughput and is thus preferred.

Ethernet cables provide faster and more secure connections than Wi-Fi. They are especially useful for devices that are stationary, such as gaming consoles or televisions, which require fast connectivity. Ethernet connections are also beneficial for online gamers as they provide lower latency and a smoother experience. Additionally, Ethernet connections are safer as they make it harder for hackers to intercept data.

Wi-Fi, on the other hand, offers mobility and convenience. It allows users to access the internet anywhere in their home without the need for physical connections. This is particularly useful for mobile devices like phones or tablets, which can be used anywhere without the restriction of cables.

When deciding between using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, it is important to consider the specific use case and the number of devices that need to be connected. Wi-Fi can support more devices as it allows for wireless connections, whereas Ethernet may require switch boxes to accommodate more devices than the allotted four.

In terms of speed, Ethernet provides consistent speeds across long ranges, making it ideal for streaming. It helps alleviate issues like long load times and fluctuations in signal strength that can occur with Wi-Fi. However, it is important to note that the speed of an Ethernet connection also depends on the type of cable used, with different grades offering varying performance levels.

Apple's chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, whereas the final AirPort models supported Wi-Fi 5

Apple discontinued its AirPort line in 2018, but the company could reintroduce Wi-Fi routers in the future. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models. This chip is said to be “so sophisticated” that it could “theoretically” turn these devices into wireless access points, potentially doubling as AirPort routers for Wi-Fi. Apple has not confirmed if they will follow through with this idea, but it aligns with their rumoured plans to expand their presence in the smart home market.

The chip is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E, a significant upgrade from the Wi-Fi 5 supported by the final AirPort models. This new chip could enhance Apple's position in the smart home market, as it may allow future Apple TV and HomePod models to function as Wi-Fi routers. Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu speculates that the chip might even support Wi-Fi 7, surpassing the current Wi-Fi 6E standard.

While Apple has not provided official confirmation, rumours suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra could be the first iPhone models to support Wi-Fi 6E. This integration would be a strategic move by Apple, ensuring that their products support the latest Wi-Fi standards and providing a seamless user experience within their ecosystem.

In the meantime, Apple users can extend their existing Wi-Fi network using an additional base station with AirPort Utility on their Mac or iOS devices. This feature allows users to expand their network coverage by broadcasting the network to a larger area. However, it is important to note that Apple's “extend a wireless network” option is designed to work only with other Apple routers and may not be compatible with third-party routers.

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