Lois Larson
Apple's Airport Extreme router is a dual-band wireless router with a striking design. It offers excellent performance, with super-fast WiFi speeds, and is easy to set up. However, it lacks some advanced features, and its routing feature set is considered poor compared to current-generation products. With Apple discontinuing the product line in 2018, it is unclear whether the Airport Extreme will continue receiving security updates, which has led some users to consider switching to alternative routers. Despite this, the Airport Extreme remains a popular choice for many, with its combination of performance and aesthetics making it a sought-after option.
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What You'll Learn
Apple Airport Extreme's performance and speed
Apple's Airport Extreme is a line of residential gateways 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.
The Airport Extreme has been praised for its performance and speed. CNET Labs' performance tests recorded the following speeds:
- 287 Mbps for short-range connections with 802.11ac clients
- 254 Mbps for short-range connections with Time Capsule
- 204 Mbps for long-range connections (100 feet) with 802.11ac clients
- 219 Mbps for long-range connections (100 feet) with Time Capsule
- 202 Mbps for short-range connections with Wireless-N clients on the 5GHz band
- 132 Mbps for long-range connections with Wireless-N clients on the 5GHz band
- 79 Mbps for short-range connections with Wireless-N clients on the 2.4GHz band
- 38 Mbps for long-range connections with Wireless-N clients on the 2.4GHz band
Macworld also recorded the following speeds:
- 706 Mb/s peak speed
- 578 Mb/s average speed at short range
- 540 Mb/s average speed at a longer 10m distance
The Airport Extreme's speed is also reflected in its ability to pass a 24-hour stress test without disconnecting once. However, it has been noted that its performance is slower when coupled with an external hard drive.
The Airport Extreme's performance is also reflected in its ease of use. It automatically detects the router, and its configuration screens load quickly. However, it has been noted that changing some settings requires a full reboot.
The Airport Extreme's performance is also reflected in its design. It has a striking, elegant, and compact design with a built-in internal Power Supply Unit (PSU) and a small status light that glows green when working well and flashes amber when there is a problem.
However, it is important to note that Apple discontinued its Airport line in 2018, and the latest model was released in 2016. This means that the Airport Extreme may not have the latest features and advancements in wireless routing technology.
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Apple Airport Extreme's security and longevity
Apple's Airport Extreme is a consumer-grade router that offers up to WPA2-level wireless security. It features dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac wireless, a Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, a USB2 port, and three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. While it lacks certain advanced features, it excels in performance and design, making it a popular choice for Apple fans.
Regarding security, the Airport Extreme provides WPA and WPA2 encryption, port forwarding, and support for dynamic DNS services. However, it lacks some features such as MAC address cloning, QoS, and VPN support. Despite this, many users have reported that the Airport Extreme has served them well for several years, with some experiencing seamless performance even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
In terms of longevity, the Airport Extreme has shown mixed results. Some users have praised its durability and stability, with one user reporting that their 2013 AC version has been going strong for four years. Others have experienced hardware failures, particularly due to overheating issues under heavy load. Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme in 2018, and while it may still be secure to use, it is important to note that it has reached its end-of-life for firmware support.
To enhance the security and longevity of the Airport Extreme, it is crucial to keep the device updated with the latest firmware and security patches. Additionally, proper ventilation and heat management can help prevent overheating issues and extend the lifespan of the device. While Apple has exited the networking hardware business, the Airport Extreme remains a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for those seeking a simple and functional wireless router.
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Apple Airport Extreme's design and features
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a Wi-Fi base station that was first introduced in 2003. It was initially named the AirPort Extreme Base Station due to its support for the 802.11g standard and its ability to serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously. The original model featured an internal 56K dial-up modem, allowing wireless connectivity for homes without broadband connections.
In 2007, the AirPort Extreme received a redesign, adopting a square shape with rounded corners. This new design was labelled the first generation of the Apple AirPort Extreme, and it improved the wireless standard to 802.11a/b/g/n. The second generation of the AirPort Extreme was released in the same year and introduced Gigabit Ethernet.
The third, fourth, and fifth generations of the AirPort Extreme were released between 2009 and 2011, with the sixth generation unveiled in 2013. This latest generation featured a tall, cubic shape, elevating the antennas to optimize range and signal strength. It supported the three-times-faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi protocol, delivering data rates of up to 1.3 Gbps.
In terms of features, the AirPort Extreme includes three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a USB 2.0 port for disk and printer sharing, and a built-in file server. It is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac specifications. Additionally, it offers AirPlay support and includes a firewall for security.
Apple discontinued its AirPort Extreme routers in 2018, exiting the router market. However, the company continues to provide limited hardware and software support for the product.
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Apple Airport Extreme's price and value
The Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station is a wireless router that supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It has a compact and elegant design, standing at 6.6 inches tall and 3.85 inches wide. It is easy to set up and use, especially for those who have owned an AirPort device before, and offers solid performance in terms of speed and signal strength.
The price of the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station has been listed as $199/AU$249, which is slightly more expensive than its peers. However, it is worth noting that this price is justified for those who care about the look of their devices, as the new AirPort Extreme has been described as beautiful and elegant.
The AirPort Extreme can be purchased new or refurbished. Refurbished options are available at a lower price from sellers like Amazon, where the product is inspected, tested, and refurbished to be fully functional, and comes with a 90-day warranty.
On eBay, the price of the Apple AirPort Extreme varies and is determined by a machine-learned model of the product's sale prices within the last 90 days.
Overall, the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station offers a combination of performance, ease of use, and elegant design, making it a valuable option for those seeking a reliable wireless router, especially for those who own 802.11ac-enabled devices such as the new MacBook Air.
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Apple Airport Extreme's setup and configuration
Apple's Airport Extreme is a wireless router that offers excellent performance and design aesthetics. While it may not have the most advanced features, it is known for its super-fast WiFi speeds and ease of use. The Airport Extreme has a unique and striking design, with a smooth, glossy white plastic exterior that gives it a timeless and attractive look. It is taller than the Apple TV at 168mm and has a built-in internal Power Supply Unit (PSU), requiring only a small figure-8 cable for power. The front features a status light that glows green when functioning properly and flashes amber when there is an issue.
Setting up an Apple Airport Extreme is straightforward and can be done through the AirPort Utility Setup Assistant. Here are the steps to follow:
- On your device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the name of your base station, such as "AirPort Extreme 0affff," listed under "Set up a new AirPort base station."
- Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the setup assistant. It will automatically choose settings based on your network. If no network is found, it will create a new one, and if a network already exists, it will extend the existing network.
- After completing the initial setup, you can configure your network further. For example, you can connect cables to your AirPort base station, keep your base station up to date with the latest firmware, and explore other available options.
It is worth noting that Apple discontinued the AirPort line in early 2018, and as a result, the focus has shifted to alternative systems like Synology and Asus. Additionally, the Airport Extreme might not be the best choice for power users due to its limited port forwarding, lack of triggered forwarding, and absence of port, keyword filtering, and QoS. However, for those seeking a balance between performance and ease of use, the Apple Airport Extreme can still be a viable option.
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Frequently asked questions
The Apple Airport Extreme router is quite expensive at £199/$199, but it offers a great user experience and looks. It has a striking design, is encased in a smooth, glossy white plastic, and has a built-in internal Power Supply Unit (PSU). It also offers super-fast WiFi speeds and simultaneous dual-band wireless networks with support for all wireless bands.
The Apple Airport Extreme (version 6) features simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac wireless, a Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL/cable/Ethernet modem, a USB2 port for connecting a USB printer or hard drive, and three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting a computer, Ethernet hub or networked printer.
The Apple Airport Extreme router was discontinued in 2018 and was supported for 5 years, i.e., up to 2023. While it is not clear if it is still safe to use, there are concerns about its longevity. However, it still provides up to WPA2-level wireless security, which was designed for consumer-grade products.
