Identifying Airport Extreme Generations: A Quick Guide

Apple's AirPort Extreme is a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The first AirPort Extreme was announced in 2003 and has since gone through several iterations, with the latest model being the 6th generation. To identify the generation of an AirPort Extreme, one can look for the model number on the bottom of the device or use the AirPort Utility. Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016 but continues to provide limited hardware and software support as of 2023.

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Check the model number on the bottom of the device

To identify your Airport Extreme generation, you can start by checking the model number on the bottom of the device. Apple products have two kinds of numbers: a part number and a model number. The model number can be found on the bottom of the Airport Extreme Base Station. For example, "A1143" is a model number for an Airport Extreme Base Station.

The part number, on the other hand, can be found on Apple's website. For instance, "MC340LL/A" is a part number for the Airport Extreme Base Station. By checking the model number on the bottom of your device and comparing it to the part number on Apple's website, you can identify the specific generation of your Airport Extreme.

It is important to note that the model number specifies the version of the device. For example, the older Airport Extreme Base Station with 10/100 ethernet had the part number "MA073LL/A". The newer model with 10/100/1000 ethernet has the part number "MB053LL/A".

Additionally, you can use applications like iStumbler or AirRadar to determine potential areas of interference and improve overall bandwidth performance. By changing the radio channel your extended network is operating on, you can also improve performance.

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Identify the form factor

The AirPort Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The earliest models, released in 2003, had a round "flying saucer" shape. These are known as the "Original" or "Round" generation AirPort Extremes.

In 2007, Apple changed the design to a flat rounded rectangle shape, similar in layout and size to the Mac mini or early models of the Apple TV. This design was used until 2013.

The 2013 model had a more vertical form, taller than it was wide. This model is the only one in that form factor.

• Check the bottom of the device for a label with the model number.
• Use the AirPort Utility, which can be found in the Applications folder. The information you need will be displayed at the top of the window that pops up.

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Check the box the base station came in

Checking the box that your base station came in is a simple but effective way to determine the generation of your Airport Extreme. The packaging and presentation of the Airport Extreme base station have evolved over time, and the design of the box can provide visual clues about the generation of the device.

Apple has included generation labels on the boxes for Airport Extreme base stations. While not all generations may have this label, you may be able to find a small sticker or marking on the box that indicates the generation. This could be a quick way to identify the generation without having to refer to other sources.

Additionally, the design and style of the packaging can offer visual cues about the generation. Apple's packaging design has changed over the years, and these changes can be indicative of the generation of the product. For example, older generations may have boxes with different dimensions or a different layout for the product images and text on the box. The colour scheme and overall aesthetic of the packaging can also provide hints about the generation, as Apple has updated its packaging design to reflect its brand identity at different points in time.

Beyond generation labels and design cues, the presence or absence of certain information or features on the box can also be indicative. For instance, some generations may have boxes that highlight specific features or specifications that were introduced in that generation. This could include details about the wireless standard supported (such as 802.11n or 802.11ac), the number of Ethernet ports, or the presence of a USB port for sharing storage or printers. Checking for these details on the box can provide valuable information about the generation of your Airport Extreme base station.

Lastly, the box may also contain additional accessories or components that were included with the base station. The type and number of accessories can vary between generations, so checking for items like Ethernet cables, power adapters, or user manuals can provide additional clues about the generation of your Airport Extreme. These accessories may also have specific generation-related markings or designs that further help in identification.

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Use the Airport Utility

The AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple Inc. that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS, and other functions. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking in addition to older standards.

To identify which generation your AirPort Extreme is, you can use the AirPort Utility. Here's how:

• Download and open the AirPort Utility app on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
• Use the app to manage your Wi-Fi network and AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule.
• See a graphical overview of your Wi-Fi network and connected devices.
• Change base station and network settings, or manage advanced features such as security modes, wireless channels, and IPv6 configuration.
• To see detailed information about your AirPort Extreme, hold down the Option key on your Mac while you double-click on the picture of the device. This will bring up information about the device, including its generation.

Note: Apple has discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers, but as of 2023, it continues to provide limited hardware and software support for AirPort Extreme.

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Check the part number on Apple's website

Apple products have two kinds of numbers: a part number and a model number. The part number on Apple's website for the Airport Extreme Base Station is "MC340LL/A", while the model number on the product itself is "A1143".

The part number "MC340LL/A" corresponds to the simultaneous dual-band version of the Airport Extreme Base Station. This version was unveiled on March 3, 2009, and was an update to the previous, non-dual-band version with improved antenna performance, resulting in speed and range gains.

The model number "A1143" can be used to search for the part number, which is "MB053LL/A". This part number indicates that the product is the non-dual band version, which was the first gigabit version of the Airport Extreme Base Station.

Therefore, by checking the part number on Apple's website and cross-referencing the model number on the product, you can identify which generation of the Airport Extreme Base Station you have.

Frequently asked questions