Lois Larson
Apple's AirPort Express is a small device that allows users to set up or extend a wireless network. It was first introduced in 2004 and was discontinued in 2018. The device is simple to set up and use and can be connected to a modem or an Ethernet-based network. It works with all popular flavours of Wi-Fi and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. The AirPort Express can also be used for streaming music and offers audio output capability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch year | 2004 |
| Discontinuation year | 2018 |
| Weight | Less than 7 ounces |
| Range | 150 feet (later doubled to 300 feet) |
| Wireless compatibility | 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Operating system compatibility | Mac and Windows |
| Security options | WPA, WPA2, 40-bit or 128-bit WEP, MAC address filtering |
| Maximum number of wireless connections | 10 (up to 50 in the latest model) |
| Audio output compatibility | Stereo/AV receiver, powered speakers, home theater receiver, soundbar, sound base, stereo/home theater receiver, audio system with analog stereo audio input connections |
| iTunes capabilities | Yes |
| USB port | Yes |
| Ethernet ports | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
Wireless network setup and extension
The Apple AirPort Express is a small device that can be used to set up or extend a wireless network. It is simple to set up and use, and can be used to create an Internet access point for up to 10 wireless devices.
To set up the AirPort Express as a wireless access point, connect the Ethernet cable from your DSL or cable modem to the AirPort, and then plug the AirPort into an electrical socket. The status light should immediately illuminate and will turn green when it is ready to use. The AirPort Express works with all popular flavours of Wi-Fi, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n, and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
The AirPort Express can also be used to extend an existing wireless network. This can be useful for extending the network to a music streaming unit in the garage or a computer in an adjoining office. To do this, connect the AirPort Express to your existing wireless router using an Ethernet cable, and then follow the steps in the Airport Utility on your Mac or PC to add the AirPort Express to your network.
The AirPort Express also has a USB port that can be used to connect a printer, allowing wireless network printing. Additionally, it has a 3.5mm mini-jack port that can be used to connect to powered speakers or, via an RCA connection adapter, to a soundbar, stereo, or home theatre receiver. This allows you to stream music wirelessly from your computer or iPhone, iPad, or iPod using iTunes or AirPlay.
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Compatibility with Wi-Fi flavours and OS
Apple's AirPort Express is compatible with all popular flavours of Wi-Fi, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n. The first version of AirPort Express, released in 2004, shipped with an 802.11g networking chip. In 2008, Apple upgraded the chip to 802.11n, doubling the wireless range and increasing data transfer speeds by nearly five times.
In terms of operating system compatibility, AirPort Express works with both Mac and Windows. For Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), Mac users require OS X v10.3 or later, while Windows users need Windows XP with SP2 or later.
While some sources indicate that AirPort Express devices can be used with the current OS, others suggest that these devices stopped receiving updates years ago. One user mentions that they were able to get their old AirPort Express devices to work with the current OS by using the airport utility for Windows 7 or 10.
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Audio output capabilities
The AirPort Express offers audio output capabilities that allow users to stream music or audio wirelessly to connected speakers or stereo systems. This can be done by plugging the 3.5mm audio mini-jack into speakers or using an RCA connection adapter to connect to audio devices with analog stereo audio input connections, such as soundbars, stereo receivers, or home theatre systems.
The audio output feature of the AirPort Express on a system running OS X Lion or earlier is specifically designed for streaming audio files from within iTunes to an attached stereo system. It cannot be used to output the soundtrack of iTunes video content to the connected stereo. However, with the introduction of OS X Mountain Lion, AirPlay support was added, enabling system-wide audio output directly to AirPort Express. This includes the audio output of protected video content within iTunes, while also maintaining audio sync with the on-screen display.
To use AirPort Express for streaming music, users can connect it to the audio input on their stereo or AV receiver, or to powered speakers. When using a computer, opening iTunes and selecting AirPort Express from the drop-down menu at the bottom right allows music to be streamed to the connected speakers or stereo system. Similarly, on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, users can tap the Airplay icon while playing music or audio and select AirPort Express as the output destination.
In 2012, Apple introduced AirPlay 2 support for the AirPort Express, enabling it to be added to the Apple Home app as an audio destination. This further enhanced the audio output capabilities of the device, allowing it to integrate with other Apple devices and services.
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USB and Ethernet ports
The Apple AirPort Express is a small device that allows users to set up and extend a wireless network. It was first introduced in 2004 and was discontinued in 2018. However, it may still be available as new stock or refurbished through select retailers.
The AirPort Express has both USB and Ethernet ports. The device has two Ethernet/LAN ports. One Ethernet port is used to connect to a DSL or cable modem, or an Ethernet-based network, to provide wireless Internet access for up to 10 users. The other Ethernet port is for connecting to a PC, Ethernet hub, or networked printer.
The USB port on the AirPort Express can be used to connect a non-network printer, enabling wireless network printing on any printer. Additionally, the USB port was also used to charge the first-generation iPod Shuffle, although this was not an Apple-supported feature.
The AirPort Express is simple to set up and use, and it works with both Mac and Windows operating systems. It supports various Wi-Fi flavours, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n.
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Discontinuation and availability
Apple officially discontinued the Apple AirPort Express in April 2018, but it may still be available new from remaining stock, as well as refurbished or used through select online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Apple and authorized resellers continued to sell AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule while supplies lasted.
The first version (M9470LL/A, model A1084) was introduced by Apple on July 7, 2004. It included an analog-optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port for remote printing, and one Ethernet port. In 2008, Apple upgraded the networking chip to 802.11n, doubling its wireless range to around 300 feet and increasing data transfer speeds by nearly five times. The last update to the AirPort Base Station line was in 2013.
AirPort Express is still a relevant product, and they are still being bought and sold on eBay. They can be purchased for $30-50, which is less than other dedicated Airplay 2 boxes on the market.
Apple has committed to providing support and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for five years following the discontinuation. The company has also posted knowledge-base articles to help customers transition away from AirPort products.
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Frequently asked questions
Apple AirPort Express is a small device that allows you to set up or extend a wireless network anywhere. It works with all popular flavours of Wi-Fi and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
The device can be used to extend Wi-Fi from your wireless router and act as an access point. It can also access music or audio streamed from an iPhone, iPad, iPod or iTunes via your computer, and using AirPlay, play it on a connected powered speaker, stereo, or home theatre system. It has a USB port that can connect a non-network printer, allowing wireless network printing.
To set up your AirPort as an Internet access point, start by connecting the Ethernet cable from your DSL or cable modem to the AirPort. Plug the AirPort into an electrical socket. To set up the Airport Express, you'll need to run the Airport Utility on your iPhone, Mac, or PC.
