How To Identify Your Airport Extreme Generation

Apple's AirPort Extreme is a high-performance Wi-Fi base station that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The first AirPort Extreme was announced in 2003, and the latest model, the 6th generation, was released in 2013. Over the years, the AirPort Extreme has gone through several updates and design changes, improving its speed, range, and performance. With the discontinuation of Apple's AirPort products, determining the generation of an AirPort Extreme can be done by checking the model number on the bottom of the device or by using the AirPort Utility.

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How to identify the generation of an Airport Extreme base station

The 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. 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. From 2007 to 2013, the devices took on a flat rounded rectangle shape, similar in layout and size to the Mac mini or early models of the Apple TV. The 2013 model had a more vertical form, taller than it was wide.

• Check the bottom of the AirPort Extreme: There is a label with the Extreme's model number, which can be used to determine the generation of the device. The model number can be used to look up the generation of the AirPort Extreme online or through Apple support.
• Use the AirPort Utility: The AirPort Utility can be used to check the generation of the AirPort Extreme. The utility may display the generation directly, or it may provide information about the device's specifications, which can be used to determine the generation.
• Check the physical characteristics: As mentioned earlier, the AirPort Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The first generation had a round "flying saucer" shape, the second generation had a flat rounded rectangle shape, and the third generation had a more vertical form.
• Check the purchase or manufacturing date: The AirPort Extreme was released in generations, with updates and improvements introduced at different times. Knowing when the AirPort Extreme was purchased or manufactured can help narrow down the possible generations.
• Use a third-party app: There are third-party apps available, such as "MacTracker," that can be used to identify the generation of an AirPort Extreme. These apps can scan the device or use the model number to determine the generation.

It's important to note that Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers, including the AirPort Extreme, in 2016. However, as of 2023, Apple continues to provide limited hardware and software support for the AirPort Extreme.

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The original Airport Extreme

The original model had a plastic housing similar to the original AirPort Base Station, but with a round "flying saucer" shape. This design was later replaced by a flat, rounded-rectangle shape in 2007, similar to the layout and size of the Mac mini and early Apple TV models.

To identify the generation of an AirPort Extreme, you can check the bottom of the device for a label with the model number. Alternatively, you can use the AirPort Utility or an app like MacTracker on iOS devices.

Apple discontinued the development of its AirPort wireless routers in 2016, but as of 2023, it still provides limited hardware and software support for these products.

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Discontinuation of the Airport Extreme

Apple Inc. created the AirPort Extreme, a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. The AirPort Extreme was first introduced in 2003 and went through several iterations before being discontinued in 2018.

The original AirPort Extreme Base Station, introduced in 2003, was named as such due to its support for the 802.11g standard and its ability to serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously. It was the only generation to feature the iconic "flying saucer" form factor.

Over the years, Apple released several updated versions of the AirPort Extreme, adding new features and improving performance. In 2007, the AirPort Extreme began shipping with support for 802.11n draft specification and built-in wireless print and storage server capabilities. In 2009, Apple unveiled an updated AirPort Extreme with simultaneous dual-band 802.11 Draft-N radios, followed by another update in the same year with antenna improvements.

In 2011, Apple unveiled the 5th Generation AirPort Extreme 802.11n, and in 2013, they released the 6th Generation AirPort Extreme 802.11ac, which featured three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with significantly faster speeds.

However, in 2016, Apple disbanded the wireless router team responsible for developing the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule routers. This decision was reportedly made to sharpen the company's focus on consumer products that generated the bulk of its revenue. Finally, in 2018, Apple formally discontinued the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule products, exiting the router market.

Despite the discontinuation, Apple continued to provide limited hardware and software support for the AirPort Extreme as of 2023. The AirPort Extreme's rock-solid performance, seamless roaming capabilities, and affordable price point made it a beloved product among its users, and its discontinuation was seen by some as a missed opportunity for Apple to support a key component of people's home internet setups.

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Features of the 6th generation Airport Extreme

The 6th generation Apple AirPort Extreme was unveiled on June 10, 2013. It features three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s, which is nearly three times faster than 802.11n. Time Machine was now supported using an external USB hard drive connected to AirPort Extreme (802.11ac model only). The 6th generation model also supports IPv6 tunnel mode and 802.11ac draft-specification.

The 6th generation Apple AirPort Extreme has a vertical form factor, which is taller than it is wide. This is a change from the previous generations, which had a flat rounded-square form factor.

The AirPort Extreme 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. The 6th generation model supports 802.11ac networking in addition to older standards.

The 6th generation Apple AirPort Extreme has received positive reviews for its ease of setup, speed, and reliability. It also has several security features, including L2TP Passthrough, IPsec Passthrough, and SPI intrusion protection.

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Comparison between the 4th and 5th generation Airport Extreme

Airport Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple Inc. that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The first Airport Extreme was announced back in 2003 and featured 802.11g wireless technology. Over the years, Apple has released several updated versions of the Airport Extreme, with the latest model being the 6th generation, which supports 802.11ac networking.

On June 21, 2011, Apple unveiled the 5th generation Airport Extreme, referred to as Airport Extreme 802.11n. This model offered a significant improvement in power output compared to its predecessor, the 4th generation model MC340LL/A. The 5th generation model, MD031LL/A, featured a 3 dB increase in power output, resulting in a doubling of power.

The 4th generation Airport Extreme is known for being the only generation to use the iconic "flying saucer" form factor. It had a round, plastic housing that gave it a unique look. In terms of performance, the 4th generation model supported 802.11n draft-specification and included a built-in wireless print and storage server. It also offered simultaneous dual-band 802.11 Draft-N radios, allowing full 2x2 communication in both bands simultaneously.

On the other hand, the 5th generation Airport Extreme adopted a different form factor, moving away from the "flying saucer" design. It featured a flat, rounded rectangle shape, similar to the layout and size of the Mac mini or early models of the Apple TV. This change in design brought the device in line with the aesthetic of other Apple products at the time.

In terms of performance, the 5th generation Airport Extreme offered enhanced wireless capabilities. It continued to support the 802.11n specification while also introducing antenna improvements, resulting in increased speed and range. This model also saw improvements in Time Machine backup performance, with reported time reductions of up to 60%.

While the 4th generation Airport Extreme offers decent functionality, the 5th generation model is considered more powerful and efficient. With improved wireless signal transmission, enhanced antenna design, and faster backup speeds, the 5th generation Airport Extreme provides a notable upgrade over its predecessor. However, it's important to note that Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016, and limited hardware and software support is available as of 2023.

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