Owais Crawford
Apple's AirPort Extreme was discontinued in 2018, with the last iteration being the sixth-generation AirPort Extreme, released in 2013. Despite this, many users continue to use the product, with some sources claiming that it is a great router with inherent security. However, others have noted that the AirPort Extreme is outdated, with Apple no longer providing or supporting routers. This has led to users seeking alternatives, with some opting for business-grade upgrades or routers from other manufacturers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discontinuation Year | 2018 |
| Useful Life | 7-8 years |
| Wireless Security | WPA2-level |
| Top Speed | 1.3Gbps |
| Theoretical Throughput | 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band |
| Number of Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme in 2018
The AirPort Extreme had a long history, with the original AirPort Base Station released in 1999, followed by an updated version in 2001 that added a second Ethernet port. The first AirPort Extreme Base Station was introduced in 2003, offering an external antenna connector and a USB port. In 2004, Apple released a version of the AirPort Extreme Base Station that supported Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The sixth and final generation of the AirPort Extreme was released in 2013, featuring a redesign with a rectangular tower shape and additional USB ports.
Despite its capabilities, the AirPort Extreme and other AirPort routers never achieved significant market share. Apple disbanded the hardware division responsible for its routers in 2016, and it took two years for the company to officially discontinue the AirPort Extreme and its related products in 2018.
The decision to discontinue the AirPort Extreme left many users considering alternatives. Some users opted for routers from other manufacturers, such as Synology and Asus, while others expressed a desire to wait for Apple to potentially revive the AirPort line. In the meantime, Apple committed to providing bug fixes and security patches for the AirPort Extreme, with WPA2-level wireless security still considered adequate for most home users even a few years after the product's discontinuation.
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The Airport Extreme has not received security updates in years
The Apple AirPort Extreme router was discontinued in 2018. While it is still a functional router, it has not received security updates in years.
The AirPort Extreme was first released in 2003, with the sixth and final generation of the product released in 2013. Apple disbanded the team that worked on the AirPort Extreme in 2016 and stopped producing the router in 2018. While the AirPort Extreme was never a standout product, it was never a bad one either, offering sufficient speed and connectivity for most households.
The AirPort Extreme has not received a security update in at least three years. While the WPA2 Wi-Fi Security it provides is still adequate for most home users, those who insist on the latest and greatest started switching to other routers years ago. The AirPort Extreme is also inherently more secure than other routers due to its design. For example, 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 the AirPort Extreme.
Despite the lack of security updates, some users have reported using the AirPort Extreme for up to nine years without any issues. However, others have reported issues with the 5GHz band on older models. Ultimately, whether you should continue using the AirPort Extreme depends on your comfort level with networking technology and your specific requirements. If you are looking for a simple "set it and forget it" option, the AirPort Extreme may still be a viable choice. However, if you want the ability to "fine-tune" your network, you may want to consider a replacement.
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The Airport Extreme is incompatible with newer Apple devices
The Apple AirPort Extreme was discontinued in 2018, and while it can still be used, it is incompatible with newer Apple devices. This incompatibility is due to the lack of updates for the AirPort Extreme, which has not received any hardware updates since 2013.
The AirPort Extreme was first introduced in 2003, with the sixth and final generation released in 2013. Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018, and while the routers can still be used, they are no longer supported by Apple. This means that there are no new firmware updates or security patches, which can leave users vulnerable to potential security risks.
While the AirPort Extreme was a capable router, offering simultaneous dual-band broadcasting and a theoretical throughput of up to 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band, it lacked some features that users may now expect as standard. For example, the AirPort Extreme only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, while four ports are now standard on competing routers. Additionally, the AirPort Extreme does not support 802.11n, which may be an issue for some users.
For these reasons, the AirPort Extreme may not be compatible with newer Apple devices and the latest versions of iOS or macOS. Newer Apple devices may require more advanced features and functionality than what the AirPort Extreme can offer, particularly in the areas of security and networking.
If you are considering replacing your AirPort Extreme, it is important to first establish your networking requirements and then research different routers to find one that meets your needs. Some users have suggested Synology and Asus as good alternatives, offering improved security and configurability. However, it is worth noting that setting up a new router can be complex, so it is important to consider your level of comfort with networking technology when making a decision.
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The Airport Extreme has fewer ports than other routers
The Apple AirPort Extreme router has been discontinued since 2018. While it is still usable, there are some signs that it is outdated. Firstly, Apple has disbanded the team that worked on the AirPort Extreme and has not released any hardware updates since 2013. This means that the AirPort Extreme may not have the latest features or improvements that other newer routers have.
One example of this is the number of ports available on the AirPort Extreme. The AirPort Extreme only has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, while the standard in competitive routers is four ports. This may be a limitation for users who require more ports for their devices.
Having fewer ports than other routers can be a significant disadvantage for users who have multiple devices that require a wired connection. While it is possible to simply connect a hub to the AirPort Extreme to increase the number of available ports, this may not be an ideal solution for everyone.
Additionally, the AirPort Extreme may not have the same level of manufacturer support as newer routers. Apple has not released any firmware updates for the AirPort Extreme in several years, and it is unclear if they will continue to do so in the future. This could impact the security and functionality of the router over time.
Overall, while the AirPort Extreme is still a functional router, it may not be as feature-rich or well-supported as other newer options on the market. The lack of ports compared to other routers is just one example of how the AirPort Extreme may be showing its age. For users who require more ports or the latest features, it may be worth considering an alternative router that is still being actively updated and supported by its manufacturer.
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The Airport Extreme is still a good router
The Airport Extreme is capable of handling up to 50 simultaneous connections and supports dual-band broadcasting. It has a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. It has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and more ports can be added by connecting a hub. The router has sufficient speed and connectivity and works well in most households.
The Airport Extreme is a good option for those who want a "plug & play" device that is easy to use and set up. It is a simple, user-friendly device that doesn't require extensive networking knowledge to operate. For those with a higher level of networking expertise, there are options to fine-tune and customise the device to their requirements.
While Apple no longer provides updates for the Airport Extreme, it is still possible to keep the device secure and functioning by installing firmware updates. The device can be reset to factory default settings and set up again if any issues arise, ensuring its longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme in 2018. While it is no longer supported by Apple, the AirPort Extreme is still a functional router for basic home use.
There are many alternative routers available from other manufacturers, such as Synology, Asus, and Netgate.
The AirPort Extreme is a secure and reliable router that can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections. It also has simultaneous dual-band broadcasting, with a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
