Roberta Aguirre
Apple Airport Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking, with three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, offering a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s. This is nearly three times faster than the previous 802.11n standard. While the actual speed experienced may vary, users have reported speeds of 500-600 Mbps on the 5GHz network and approximately 80 Mbps on the 2.4GHz network. The connection speed can be checked in the Wireless Clients section of the AirPort Utility, where it is displayed in megabits per second.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AirPort Extreme |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
| Functions | Router, Network Switch, Wireless Access Point, NAS |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ac (6th Generation) |
| Data Rate | Up to 1.3 Gbit/s |
| Ethernet Port Speed | 100 Mbit |
| Wireless Speed | Up to 500-600 Mbps (802.11ac model) |
| Form Factor | Short, Rounded-Square |
| Environmental Considerations | PVC-free AC power cord (except India and South Korea) |
| Discontinuation | Apple discontinued developing the lineup in 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
Apple discontinued its wireless routers in 2016
Apple Inc. has discontinued its wireless router products, namely the AirPort, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule. The AirPort Extreme is 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 original AirPort Extreme Base Station was released in 2003 and supported the 802.11g standard, allowing it to serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously. Later generations of AirPort Extreme supported newer wireless standards, such as 802.11n and 802.11ac, with the 6th generation released in 2013 featuring a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s.
The decision to discontinue the wireless router products was made in 2016, with Apple shutting down the division responsible for designing these routers and reassigning employees to other product development groups. This move was reportedly an attempt to sharpen the company's focus on consumer products that generate the bulk of its revenue, such as iPhones, Macs, and iPads. The decline in sales of hardware such as routers and monitors also contributed to this decision.
While Apple no longer develops new wireless routers, it continued to provide limited hardware and software support for its existing AirPort products as of 2023. The AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule were the three router devices sold by Apple before the discontinuation of the product line. However, these devices had not been updated since 2013, despite previously receiving near-annual alterations to support the latest wireless networking technologies.
The speed of an Apple AirPort router can be checked by selecting the router on a compatible device and following specific steps depending on the device's operating system. For iOS devices, selecting Wireless Clients and then one's device will display the connection speed in megabits per second. On a Mac, launching the AirPort Utility and accessing the base station allows users to view the connection speed of any wireless client by hovering over them with the mouse pointer.
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The 6th-generation model supports 802.11ac networking
Apple's AirPort Extreme is 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 latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking, in addition to older standards. This model was unveiled on June 10, 2013, and is referred to as AirPort Extreme 802.11ac (6th Generation).
The 6th-generation model 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. This model supports faster speeds than its predecessors, with a maximum throughput of around 95 Mbps, and speeds ranging from 500 to 600 Mbps up and down for the 5GHz network.
The 6th-generation AirPort Extreme offers improved performance and functionality compared to previous generations. With its three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, it provides faster data transfer rates and improved network coverage. This technology allows the router to transmit and receive data on three separate streams simultaneously, increasing the overall bandwidth and improving the wireless performance for connected devices.
In addition to the enhanced speed and performance, the 6th-generation model also introduced support for Time Machine backups using an external USB hard drive connected to the AirPort Extreme base station. This added convenience and flexibility for users who wanted to back up their data wirelessly.
While the 6th-generation AirPort Extreme offered significant improvements, it's important to note that actual speeds experienced by users may vary depending on various factors, including distance from the router, interference, and the number of connected devices. Additionally, as Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016, users seeking the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology may need to explore alternative options or newer products from other manufacturers.
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The 5th-generation model has a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. On June 21, 2011, Apple unveiled an updated AirPort Extreme, referred to as the 5th Generation model. This model boasted a significant improvement in power output, with a 3 dB increase equivalent to a doubling of power output compared to the previous generation.
The 5th-generation AirPort Extreme model stands out for its impressive data rate capabilities. With a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s, it offers a significant upgrade in speed compared to its predecessors. This data rate is nearly three times faster than the 802.11n standard supported by earlier models, showcasing Apple's commitment to enhancing wireless performance.
The high data rate of the 5th-generation AirPort Extreme is made possible by its adoption of three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. This advanced technology enables faster data transfer rates and improved connectivity, ensuring a smoother online experience for users. It is worth noting that the actual connection speed may vary depending on various factors, such as the user's device, distance from the router, and network conditions.
The AirPort Extreme's support for high data rates positions it as a robust option for users demanding faster internet speeds. It is well-suited for households or offices with multiple devices, providing efficient connectivity for simultaneous users. The enhanced speed not only improves everyday internet browsing but also benefits bandwidth-intensive tasks such as streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
Apple's decision to prioritize speed and performance with the 5th-generation AirPort Extreme underscores the company's recognition of the evolving needs of its customers. In today's fast-paced world, reliable and swift internet connectivity is essential, and this model aimed to deliver just that. While Apple discontinued developing its lineup of wireless routers in 2016, the legacy of the AirPort Extreme's speed capabilities continues to influence the expectations and standards of wireless networking.
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The 2.4Ghz network maxes out at 80Mbps
The 2.4GHz network of the Apple Airport Extreme has a maximum speed of 80Mbps. This is significantly slower than the 5GHz network, which can offer speeds of between 500 and 600Mbps. The 2.4GHz network is, therefore, a more suitable option for users who do not require high-speed internet and may be used for basic online activities such as web browsing or streaming music.
The Apple Airport Extreme is a residential gateway device that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The 2.4GHz frequency band is one of the two bands that the Airport Extreme operates on, the other being 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band is known for its longer range and better signal penetration compared to the 5GHz band. This makes it ideal for larger homes or areas with obstacles that may interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.
However, the trade-off is that the 2.4GHz band has a lower maximum speed compared to the 5GHz band. While 80Mbps is sufficient for most everyday internet activities, it may not be suitable for bandwidth-intensive tasks such as online gaming, 4K video streaming, or large file transfers. For users who require higher speeds and have devices capable of utilising faster connections, the 5GHz network would be the preferred choice.
It is worth noting that the maximum speed of 80Mbps is an approximate value and can vary depending on various factors. These factors include the number of connected devices, the distance from the router, and any interference from other wireless networks or devices. Additionally, the speed of the internet connection coming into the home will also play a role in determining the actual speeds experienced on the network.
In conclusion, while the 2.4GHz network of the Apple Airport Extreme may not offer the fastest speeds available, it is still a viable option for users who do not require high-bandwidth activities. By providing a balance between speed and range, the 2.4GHz network allows users to stay connected and enjoy a stable and reliable internet experience within the limitations of the 80Mbps maximum speed.
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The 5GHz network reaches 500-600Mbps
The 5GHz network of the Apple Airport Extreme (6th Gen) router reaches speeds of 500-600Mbps. This is a significant improvement over the 2.4GHz network, which maxes out at approximately 80Mbps. The 5GHz network's higher speed is due to its use of three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, which offers a maximum data rate of 1.3Gbit/s. This technology is almost three times faster than the 802.11n standard used in previous generations of Apple Airport routers.
The 5GHz network's speed can be affected by various factors, including the number of devices connected to the network, the distance from the router, and any obstacles between the device and the router. Additionally, the speed of the internet connection coming into the home or office will also impact the performance of the 5GHz network.
To optimise the speed of the 5GHz network, it is recommended to keep the number of devices connected to the network to a minimum and to ensure that the router is in an open, central location. Additionally, using a mesh network or range extenders can help to improve the speed and coverage of the 5GHz network in larger homes or offices.
While the 5GHz network offers faster speeds than the 2.4GHz network, it is important to note that it has a shorter range. As a result, in larger homes or offices, the 2.4GHz network may provide more consistent coverage. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific needs and requirements of your home or office when deciding which network to use.
Overall, the 5GHz network of the Apple Airport Extreme (6th Gen) router offers impressive speeds of 500-600Mbps, providing a fast and reliable connection for users.
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