Roberta Aguirre
AirPort is a discontinued line of wireless routers and network cards developed by Apple. The AirPort Utility app on Mac allows users to set up and manage their wireless network and AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. AirPort base stations are routers that enable the creation of a network connecting various devices such as Macs, iPhones, iPads, hard drives, and printers. The AirPort Utility app also allows users to monitor their network, change base station and network settings, and manage advanced features such as security modes and wireless channels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set up and manage wireless networks and AirPort base stations |
| Functions | Set up a new base station, extend a Wi-Fi network, share a USB hard disk on your network, set up a guest network, connect using DHCP, connect using a static IP address, connect using PPPoE, modify IPv6 settings, hide your Wi-Fi network’s name, set wireless options, set a default host computer, direct network traffic, reserve a DHCP address, adjust DHCP lease time, control access to your Wi-Fi network, share an internet connection, secure a connected hard disk, add a printer, export and import base station settings, and perform base station maintenance |
| Compatibility | All Macs currently on sale |
| Password | Distinct from the Wi-fi network’s password |
| Related Products | AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule |
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What You'll Learn
AirPort Utility on Mac: Set up and manage your wireless network
AirPort Utility is an app on Mac that allows you to set up and manage your wireless network and AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. With AirPort Utility, you can monitor your network and change base station and network settings.
To access an Apple router's settings via AirPort Utility, you can follow these steps:
- Select the Start button located in the bottom-left corner.
- Navigate to "All Programs" and locate the "AirPort Utility" program.
- Launch the AirPort Utility program and wait for it to scan for compatible AirPort stations.
- Choose your wireless network from the list.
- Enter your AirPort's password. Note that this is different from your Wi-Fi network password and is only used to access the AirPort's settings.
Once you have accessed your AirPort settings, you can make various changes. For example, you can view and change your Wi-Fi network information, such as your network name, channel, and security settings. However, you cannot view your wireless network password on this screen.
AirPort Utility also allows you to manage advanced features, such as security modes, wireless channels, and IPv6 configuration. It enables you to create and manage larger and more complex networks, like a WPA Enterprise network with a Radius server. Additionally, you can use AirPort Utility to extend your Wi-Fi network, share a USB hard disk on your network, or set up a guest network.
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AirPort Base Stations: Routers, not modems
Apple offered a line of Wi-Fi routers referred to as AirPort base stations throughout the 2000s and 2010s. These included the standard AirPort Express, the higher-end AirPort Extreme, and the AirPort Time Capsule, which doubled as an external storage drive for backing up a Mac with Time Machine.
The original AirPort Base Station was released in 1999 and updated in 2001 with the addition of a second Ethernet port. The first AirPort Extreme Base Station was launched in 2003, featuring an external antenna connector and a USB port, leading to the discontinuation of the original AirPort. In 2004, Apple introduced a version of the AirPort Extreme Base Station that supported Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, enabling up to 50 users to connect simultaneously.
The AirPort Extreme underwent a redesign in 2007, transitioning to a square shape with rounded corners and improving the wireless standard. This new design was labelled as the first generation, with subsequent generations released in 2009 and 2011, introducing antenna improvements and Time Machine compatibility.
Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018, but there have been speculations about the company's potential return to the Wi-Fi router market. The AirPort Utility app on Mac allows users to set up, manage, and monitor wireless networks and AirPort base stations. It provides advanced features such as security modes, wireless channels, and IPv6 configuration.
While the AirPort base stations are routers, they should not be confused with modems. A router's function is to connect multiple devices to a network, while a modem establishes the connection to the internet. Therefore, AirPort Base Stations are routers that facilitate wireless network connections but do not serve as modems.
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AirPort Utility App: Monitor your network and change settings
The AirPort Utility app allows you to set up and manage your wireless network and AirPort base stations on your Mac. AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule are all compatible with the AirPort Utility app.
Using the AirPort Utility app, you can monitor your network and adjust base station and network settings. This includes modifying wireless network information such as your network name, channel, and security. You can also manage advanced features like security modes, wireless channels, and IPv6 configuration. For instance, you can use the app to hide your Wi-Fi network's name, set up a guest network, or adjust DHCP lease time.
Additionally, the app enables you to create and manage more extensive and intricate networks, such as a WPA Enterprise network with a Radius server. It also allows you to share a USB hard disk on your network, add a printer, and export and import base station settings.
To access your Apple router's settings via the AirPort Utility app, you need to launch the program and select your wireless network from the list. You will then be prompted to enter your AirPort's password, which is different from your Wi-Fi network password. Once you've accessed your AirPort settings, you can make the desired changes or monitor your network's performance.
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AirPort Express: Stream music from iTunes on Mac
Apple's AirPort Express is a device that can stream music to speakers or a stereo using AirPlay and iTunes. It is a small, self-contained unit that you plug into your wall. It can access music or audio streamed from an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or iTunes via your computer.
To stream music from iTunes on your Mac, open iTunes. At the bottom right of your iTunes window, you will see a drop-down menu that lists the available AirPlay devices in your setup. Choose AirPort Express from the list, and the music you play in iTunes will play over the home theatre receiver or powered speakers connected to your AirPort Express.
You can also stream music from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod by looking for the arrow-in-a-box Airplay icon when playing music or audio. Tap on the Airplay icon to bring up a list of Airplay sources. Choose the AirPort Express, and you can stream music from compatible Airplay-enabled apps from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
Alternatively, you can send all system audio to the AirPort Express or simply send iTunes audio to the AirPort Express. To do this, option-click the volume icon on the toolbar, and you can send all system sounds to the AirPort Express.
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AirPort Extreme: A more powerful router with additional ports
AirPort Extreme is a powerful residential gateway from Apple Inc. that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, along with other features. It is one of Apple's former AirPort products, with the latest model being the 6th generation, which supports 802.11ac networking.
The AirPort Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The original models featured a plastic housing in a round "flying saucer" shape, while later generations from 2007 to 2013 took on a flat, rounded rectangle shape. The 2013 model introduced a more vertical form, taller than it was wide.
The AirPort Extreme offers several advantages and unique features. Firstly, it is designed with environmental considerations in mind, including a PVC-free AC power cord in most regions. Secondly, it supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and can work with wireless-enabled devices, base stations, and access points. Additionally, it has three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and this can be expanded simply by connecting a hub.
The AirPort Extreme is inherently more secure than other routers due to its design. Apple routers have no default admin username and password, and they are not configured using a web browser, making them less susceptible to standard attack methods. Furthermore, the AirPort Extreme can handle up to 50 simultaneous connections and supports simultaneous dual-band broadcasting. It offers a theoretical throughput of 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
While Apple discontinued developing the AirPort Extreme in 2016, it continues to provide limited hardware and software support as of 2023.
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Frequently asked questions
The Airport tab on Mac refers to the AirPort Utility, which allows you to set up and manage your wireless network and AirPort base stations.
AirPort is a discontinued line of wireless routers and network cards developed by Apple. It was introduced in 1999 and allowed Apple products to connect to Wi-Fi networks, printers and other Apple devices.
AirPort Extreme is a more powerful router with additional ports and features. It was introduced in 2003 and offers higher data transfer rates compared to the original AirPort.
Yes, you can use AirPort Express to connect to a printer. Simply plug the printer into the USB port on the AirPort Express device to turn it into a wireless printer.
AirPort Base Stations are routers, not modems, so they can be used to connect multiple devices together but not to connect to the internet directly. You will need a separate modem or a combination modem/router provided by your Internet Service Provider.
