Ruth Haines
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other features. While Apple routers are known for their security, AirPort Extreme is not a modem router. However, it can be used as a base station or a bridge, allowing for a secondary wireless access point.
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What You'll Learn
Apple Airport Extreme is not a modem
The Apple AirPort Extreme is not a modem. It is a wireless router with USB printer-sharing capabilities. It is a line of residential gateways that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point and NAS, as well as other functions. Apple AirPort Extreme cannot be used as a broadband router.
The original AirPort Extreme Base Station, released in 2003, featured an internal 56K dial-up modem, allowing homes without a broadband connection to enjoy wireless connectivity at dial-up speeds. However, this was the only generation of the Apple AirPort Extreme to include a built-in modem.
Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016 but continues to provide limited hardware and software support as of 2023. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking. While Apple AirPort Extreme does not contain a modem, it can be used as a base station by connecting it to a separate modem.
Apple AirPort Extreme is known for its security, ease of use, and ability to handle multiple simultaneous connections. It has a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. However, it only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, while four ports are standard in the competitive field.
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It is a router with USB printer sharing capabilities
The AirPort Extreme is a wireless router that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other features. It is not a modem router, as Apple does not sell any modem routers. However, the original AirPort Extreme Base Station from 2003 did include an internal 56k dial-up modem, allowing wireless connectivity for homes without broadband connections.
The AirPort Extreme has USB printer-sharing capabilities, allowing users to connect and share a USB printer on their network. This can be set up by connecting the printer to the AirPort Extreme's USB port or a USB hub using a USB cable and following the setup instructions on Apple's support website.
To set up USB printer sharing on the AirPort Extreme, users can follow these steps:
- Connect the printer to the AirPort Extreme's USB port or a USB hub using a USB cable.
- Open AirPort Utility on your computer (located in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder on Mac, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on Windows).
- Select your base station and click Continue.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new network if you haven't already set one up.
- Open System Preferences and click on Print & Fax.
- Click Add (+) and select your printer from the list. If your printer isn't listed, use the search function in the toolbar to find it.
It is important to note that while this setup allows for USB printer sharing, it will not make the printer an AirPrint printer for iOS devices. To enable AirPrint functionality, additional steps and software are required, such as running server software on a computer connected to the printer.
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It is more secure than other routers
The Apple AirPort Extreme is a wireless router that offers several security features that provide users with added protection against potential threats such as eavesdroppers and hackers. Firstly, the AirPort Extreme does not come with a built-in WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) switch, which is a feature that is typically found on other routers. The absence of this switch provides an extra layer of security, as WPS has been known to have certain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Additionally, the AirPort Extreme supports WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II) security, which is a robust encryption protocol that secures wireless networks and protects against unauthorized access. WPA2 is widely considered to be a secure method of protecting Wi-Fi networks and is recommended for home users. This protocol ensures that data transmitted over the network remains confidential and integral, protecting sensitive information from potential eavesdroppers.
Furthermore, Apple has implemented additional security measures through firmware updates for the AirPort Extreme. In 2008, a firmware update allowed AirPort Disks to be used with Time Machine, enhancing data backup and recovery capabilities. While Apple has discontinued developing new wireless routers, including the AirPort Extreme, as of 2023, the company continues to provide limited hardware and software support, including security updates.
It is worth noting that while the AirPort Extreme offers robust security features, no wireless router is completely immune to security threats. Users should remain vigilant and follow best practices to secure their networks, such as regularly updating firmware and using strong passwords. Additionally, combining the AirPort Extreme with other security solutions, such as firewalls, can further enhance the overall security of the network.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPort Extreme provides a more secure option compared to other routers on the market due to its lack of a built-in WPS switch, support for robust encryption protocols like WPA2, and Apple's commitment to providing firmware updates that address security concerns. These features collectively contribute to a more robust and reliable wireless networking experience for users concerned about security and privacy.
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$105.07 $129.99
It can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other features. It is not a modem or a modem router. However, it can be used as a base station by connecting it to a separate modem or modem router.
The AirPort Extreme has impressive capabilities as a router. It can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections, making it an excellent choice for homes or offices with multiple devices. This high number of supported connections is a significant advantage, as most routers typically support a more limited number of devices. With the AirPort Extreme, you can connect your iMac, PC laptops, gaming consoles, smartphones, smart home devices, and more, all at the same time without worrying about connection limits.
The ability to handle 50 simultaneous connections is a testament to the AirPort Extreme's performance and reliability. It ensures that all your devices can stay connected seamlessly, providing a smooth and efficient networking experience. This feature is especially beneficial for busy households or workplaces with a high number of users, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch connections between devices.
Additionally, the AirPort Extreme offers dual-band broadcasting, providing both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This feature allows for greater flexibility in managing your connections. You can dedicate the 2.4GHz band for smart home devices, such as lights, switches, cameras, and other similar gadgets, while using the 5GHz band for more demanding tasks, like streaming, gaming, or transferring large files.
The AirPort Extreme's capability to handle 50 simultaneous connections also contributes to its longevity. Even as the number of connected devices in your home or office increases over time, the AirPort Extreme can keep up with your growing needs. This future-proof aspect of the router ensures that you won't need to upgrade your networking equipment frequently, providing a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
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It is not a broadband router
The Apple AirPort Extreme is not a broadband router. It is a wireless router with USB printer-sharing capabilities. It does not contain a modem. Apple does not manufacture any modem routers.
The AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. It is one of Apple's former AirPort products. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking in addition to older standards.
The original AirPort Extreme Base Station, released in 2003, featured an internal 56K dial-up modem, allowing homes without a broadband connection to access the internet at dial-up speeds. However, this was the only generation to include a built-in modem.
Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016 but continues to provide limited hardware and software support as of 2023. While the AirPort Extreme is a capable and secure router, it is several years old and has not received updates in some time.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Apple AirPort Extreme is not a modem. It is a wireless router with USB printer-sharing capabilities.
Yes, you can use the Apple AirPort Extreme as a base station. You can connect it to the modem/router provided by your internet service provider.
The Apple AirPort Extreme is capable of handling up to 50 simultaneous connections. It is also inherently more secure than other routers due to its design. For instance, Apple routers have no default admin username and password, and you don't use a web browser to configure them, which means standard methods of attacking most routers don't work on them.
