Owais Crawford
If you're considering purchasing an Apple AirPort Extreme, you may be wondering if it's worth the investment. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the AirPort Extreme for its ease of setup, stability, and ability to speed up Wi-Fi, while others note that Apple's offerings in this space have not been updated in years and may not be the best option for those who enjoy tinkering with their network settings. Some users have reported issues with random dropouts and slow speeds on the newer 802.11ac unit, while others have found it to be a reliable and stable solution for their home or office network. Ultimately, the decision to buy an AirPort Extreme now depends on your specific needs and whether you prioritize reliability over performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of setup | Easy to set up |
| Reliability | Reliable |
| Speed | Speeds up Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Compatible with non-Apple routers |
| Wired or wireless | Wired |
| Cost | $199 |
| Alternatives | Netgear, Ubiquiti, Nighthawk, TP-Link |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of the Airport Extreme
The Airport Extreme is a wireless router produced by Apple. While it has been praised for its ease of use and setup, as well as its performance, some have criticised its lack of support for certain features and its price. Here is a list of pros and cons:
Pros
- The Airport Extreme is easy to set up and use, even for those who are not knowledgeable about Wi-Fi types.
- It offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and a stronger, clearer signal than other routers, operating over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
- It has a USB port, which can be used to attach several USB drives and/or USB printers.
- It has a unique, elegant design that is taller and tower-like, which is better for broadcasting wireless signals.
- It is a solid, well-crafted piece of hardware that is reliable and stable.
- It works with wired connections and handles Wi-Fi noise better than other routers.
- It is a good choice for Apple fans with 802.11ac-enabled devices, as it is designed to work seamlessly with Apple products.
Cons
- The Airport Extreme is more expensive than other routers with similar features, with some models costing around $200.
- It lacks support for certain features such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and iTunes server for streaming content.
- It may not be the best choice for advanced users who enjoy tinkering or configuring their network to specific needs.
- Apple's offerings have not been updated in years and were never class-leading, so it may be worth waiting for newer models with improved features.
- It may not be worth the investment for those who already have a hub (modem and router in one).
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Alternative routers
If you're looking for alternatives to the Apple AirPort Extreme, there are several options available that can cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Netgear Nighthawk AC1750
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 is a great alternative to the AirPort Extreme, offering similar features and performance. It has a range of up to 120 feet, which is twice that of traditional routers, and can provide up to 5 times the connection speed at the same distances. It comes with a companion app that allows you to monitor your internet speeds and even set up usage schedules for other household members. The Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 is also quite affordable, with a single unit priced at around $190.
OnHub Router
The OnHub router is a good choice for those who want a simple and aesthetically pleasing device. It has a cylindrical design with customizable shells to match your decor. While it lacks advanced features and management options, the OnHub provides a maximum throughput of up to 1.9 Gbps across both bands. It has a range of up to 2,500 square feet, making it suitable for modest-sized or larger homes.
Synology RT2600AC
The Synology RT2600AC is an excellent option for those seeking a Wi-Fi router for their home or apartment. It is a dual-band 802.11ac router that can handle Time Machine backups from a Mac and allows for printer or hard drive sharing across a network. With two USB ports and an SD card reader, it can easily become a multimedia hub, and you can stream files to smart TVs and stereo systems. The Synology RT2600AC also offers robust security features, including regular updates, intrusion protection, denial-of-service protection, and firewall management.
Asus RT-AC5300
The Asus RT-AC5300 is a powerful router that delivers theoretical throughput speeds of up to 3.1 Gbps across both bands. It is particularly suitable for larger homes or offices with multiple devices that require high-speed internet, such as gaming or media streaming. This router offers game-enhancement options like Multi-User Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), as well as a wealth of management settings. However, it is quite large due to its bulky antennas, and its price tag may be a deterrent for some.
RT-AC3200
The RT-AC3200 is a high-end router that utilizes state-of-the-art security software called AiProtection. It detects and protects infected devices, blocks malicious websites, and provides constant security check-ups. This router also allows for up to nine simultaneous guest Wi-Fi networks, ensuring that visitors can access the internet without compromising your personal files and printers. However, it is quite expensive, and the lack of an app for network management may be a drawback for some users.
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Apple's Airport Extreme updates
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a router that promises faster Wi-Fi speeds and is easy to set up. However, Apple's AirPort lineup has been discontinued, with the company now selling the Linksys Velop mesh routers as an alternative.
Despite this, Apple continues to support the AirPort Extreme with software updates. In May 2019, Apple released the AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.9.1 for AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations with 802.11ac support. This update addressed several security issues on the affected models, specifically the last generations of the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule. Prior to this, in June 2019, Apple released a firmware security update for the AirPort Express, Extreme, and Time Capsule Base Stations. Firmware update 7.8.1 improved the security of Apple 802.11n Wi-Fi base stations.
Users can set up the AirPort Utility app to automatically check for updates and notify them when they are available. This can be done by selecting "Check for updates when opening AirPort Utility" or "Check for updates automatically" and choosing a time interval for the latter.
While some users have praised the AirPort Extreme for its ease of use and stability, others have criticized Apple for not keeping up with the latest technology, such as VPN support. Some have also experienced problems with the newest 802.11ac unit, including random dropouts and slow speeds.
Given that the AirPort Extreme has been discontinued, it may be worth considering alternative routers such as the Netgear Nighthawk or the Ubiquiti Unifi access points. However, if you are committed to staying within the Apple ecosystem, you may want to wait and see what Apple comes out with next.
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Wired vs wireless routers
In the digital age, routers have become indispensable, be it in our homes or offices. Routers are available in two categories: wired and wireless. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand the difference between the two to make an informed decision about which one best fits your needs.
A wired router establishes a direct connection between a computer and itself using a cable, typically an Ethernet cable. It has two ports, one to connect to a modem and the other to connect to a computer to distribute the internet. Wired routers offer faster and more stable connections and are more secure since they do not transmit data through radio waves. They are also not affected by environmental factors like distance from the access point or obstacles such as walls. However, they have limitations on the number of devices that can be connected, and the setup can be inconvenient due to the multiple cables required.
On the other hand, wireless routers are more convenient and versatile. They allow multiple devices to connect to the internet via an antenna instead of a wire, making them ideal for households with many users and devices. They are also portable and compatible with Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices. However, wireless routers have lower bandwidths than wired routers, and their performance can be affected by distance and the number of devices connected. Additionally, wireless transmissions can be intercepted, potentially raising security concerns.
In conclusion, wired routers offer superior speed, stability, and security, while wireless routers provide convenience, versatility, and portability. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and requirements.
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Cost of the Airport Extreme
The cost of the Airport Extreme base station varies depending on whether it is new or refurbished, and the retailer. Apple sold the Airport Extreme for $199, but as the product has been discontinued, it is now only available from third-party vendors. On Amazon, the Airport Extreme Base Station ME918LL/A (Renewed) is available for $24.95 (plus $11.70 shipping) or $38.50 (with free shipping). On eBay, prices range from $10 (used) to $367.97 (new).
The Airport Extreme is more expensive than its peers, with a new unit selling for around $180, and a refurbished model from Apple for $130. However, customers have found the base station to be worth the price, citing its functionality, ease of setup, signal strength, and speed.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your needs. If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-set-up router with good performance and stability, the Airport Extreme is a good option. However, it may not be the best choice if you enjoy tinkering with your network settings. Additionally, Apple has not updated the Airport Extreme in years, so you may want to wait and see if they release a new version.
The Airport Extreme offers fast and stable Wi-Fi connections, easy setup, and flexible network drive setup options. It is also known for its reliability, with some users reporting that it has never frozen or become unresponsive.
The Airport Extreme may not be the best choice for power users who want more advanced networking features and configurations. Additionally, Apple has not kept up with the latest VPN standards, which may cause issues for some users.
