Sachin Walls
AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple Inc. that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. The AirPort Extreme Base Station was first introduced in 2003 and has since gone through several upgrades and changes in physical form. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking and was released in 2013. Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme in 2018, exiting the router market. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic 'What Airport Extreme do I have' by providing an overview of the AirPort Extreme's history, features, and discontinuation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
| Functions | Router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS |
| Discontinuation | 2018 |
| Number of Generations | 6 |
| Latest Generation | 6th Generation |
| Latest Generation Features | 802.11ac networking, three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s |
| Model Numbers | A1143, MB053LL/A, MB763LL/A, MC340LL/A, MD031LL/A |
| Part Numbers | MC340LL/A, MB053LL/A |
| Shape | "Flying saucer", flat rounded rectangle, vertical rectangle |
| Operating System | VxWorks Operating System by WindRiver, NetBSD |
| Additional Features | AirPort Disk, AirPort Utility, AirPort Time Capsule |
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What You'll Learn
Check the model number on the bottom of the device
To identify which model of Airport Extreme you own, the simplest method is to check the label on the bottom of the device. This will display the model number, which you can then use to look up the generation of your Airport Extreme.
The model number will be displayed on a label on the bottom of the device. This number is different from the part number, which is also associated with Apple products. The part number can be found on the Apple website, but the model number is usually not listed. For example, the part number MC340LL/A corresponds to the model number A1143.
The model number can be used to determine the generation of your Airport Extreme. For example, the 4th generation model number is MC340LL/A, and the 5th generation model number is MD031LL/A. The 6th generation Airport Extreme was released in 2013 and featured a vertical form factor, being taller than it was wide.
It is important to note that the physical appearance of the Airport Extreme can also provide some indication of its generation. The earliest models featured a round "flying saucer" shape, while later generations from 2007 to 2013 adopted a flat, rounded rectangle shape similar to the Mac mini.
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Use the MacTracker app for detailed Apple model information
The MacTracker app provides detailed information on every Apple product ever made, including items such as processor speed, memory, graphic cards, supported OS versions, price, storage, and expansion options. The app also includes information on early Apple systems, Apple TV, Apple accessories, audio, displays, printers, scanners, storage, Wi-Fi products, and operating systems.
One of the key features of MacTracker is the ability to look up RAM, the OS X or iOS a system was shipped with, and the latest iOS or OS X a device can run. The app also provides the Apple classification of "Supported, Vintage or Obsolete". MacTracker supports searching by 11 or 12-digit Apple serial numbers from Power Macintosh G3 to iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021).
The app is well-designed and contains informative references for Apple products. It is available for free on the Mac App Store and requires iOS 13.0 or later.
MacTracker also includes the base specifications along with any CTO (Configure to Order) options available from Apple. It is important to note that it does not include all possible upgrade options that may have been installed.
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Identify the Airport Extreme by its physical form
The Airport Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The earliest models had a similar plastic housing to the original Airport Base Station, in a round "flying saucer" shape. Later models had the same form factor as the Time Capsule, but without a hard drive inside. The latest models have a different physical structure, with more antennas.
If you have one of the earlier "flying saucer" Airport Extremes, you can identify it by its round, plastic shape. These models were released in 2003 and implemented the 802.11g Wi-Fi standard.
If you have one of the later models that is similar in form to the Time Capsule, your Airport Extreme will be flatter and lack a hard drive. These models were released after 2009.
If you have the most recent model of Airport Extreme, released in 2013, your device will have a different physical structure to the earlier models, with more antennas. This model also added support for 802.11ac.
You can also identify your Airport Extreme by looking at the label on the bottom of the device, which will have the model number. Alternatively, you can use the Airport Utility on your Mac to see which version you have.
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Check the box the device came in for the part number
If you have the box that your device came in, you can check the part number to identify which version of the Airport Extreme you have. The part number can be found on the bottom of the box.
The original version of the Airport Extreme Base Station with 10/100 ethernet LAN ports has the part number MA073LL/A. The newer version, which has 10/100/1000 (gigabit) ethernet LAN ports, has the part number MB053LL/A. Both models share the same model number, A1143, which can be found on the bottom of the Airport Base.
If you have the newer model, the Airport Extreme Base Station with simultaneous dual-band capability, the part number is MC340LL/A. This can be confirmed by checking the part number on the Apple website.
It is worth noting that the part number is different from the model number. The model number for the original version of the Airport Extreme Base Station is MA073LL/A, while the model number for the newer version is MB053LL/A.
In addition to checking the box, you can also use the Airport Utility to identify your Airport Extreme version.
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Use the Airport Utility to identify the model
To identify the model of your Airport Extreme, you can use the Airport Utility. Here's how:
First, open the Airport Utility on your device. When you first open the utility, it will show a graphical overview of your Wi-Fi network, including any base stations and devices connected to it. You can identify the base station's status by the colour of the dot next to it. A solid green dot indicates that the base station is connected to the network and functioning properly, while a flashing amber dot indicates that the base station cannot establish a connection.
To get more information about your base station, hover your mouse over it. A pop-up menu will appear, providing details about the base station, including its name and status. This information can help you identify the model of your Airport Extreme.
In addition to using the Airport Utility, you can also identify your Airport Extreme model by its physical appearance. The earliest models had a distinct "'flying saucer'" shape, while later generations from 2007 to 2013 featured a flat, rounded rectangle design similar to the Mac mini. The 2013 model introduced a taller, more vertical form factor.
Another way to determine the model is by checking the label on the bottom of the Airport Extreme. This label includes the Extreme's model and part numbers, which can help identify the specific generation of your device. For example, the model number "A1143" and part number "MB053LL/A" indicate a non-dual band version, while "MC340LL/A" represents the dual-band model.
By combining the information from the Airport Utility, the physical appearance, and the model and part numbers, you can accurately identify the specific model and generation of your Airport Extreme.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to identify which Airport Extreme you have:
- Check the bottom of the device for a label with the model number.
- Use the AirPort Utility on your Mac. Hold down the option key while double-clicking on the picture of the AirPort Extreme to display device information.
- Check the box the base station came in for the part number.
The first version of the Airport Extreme base station had 10/100 ethernet LAN ports, while the newer version has 10/100/1000 (gigabit) ethernet LAN ports.
The Time Capsule has a hard drive built-in for time machine backups, while the Airport Extreme is just a router and is flatter.
