Jazmin Li
Apple Airport Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS, and other functions. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking. To determine the model of your Apple Airport, you can either look at the bottom of the device or use the AirPort Utility. The model number is usually embedded in the foam pad base and starts with an A followed by four numbers. If your Apple Airport is tower-shaped, the model number is A1521.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A1521 (tower-shaped version) or starts with an "A" followed by 4 numbers (older "flat" or "square" versions) |
| Order Number | ME918LL/A (tower-shaped version) |
| Year Released | 2003 (original AirPort Extreme Base Station) |
| Form Factor | Flying saucer form factor (original AirPort Extreme Base Station); short, rounded-square form factor (later generations until 2013); vertical form (2013 model) |
| Features | Router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS, internal 56K dial-up modem, support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), Time Machine support (with external USB hard drive connected to AirPort Extreme 802.11ac model) |
| Discontinuation | Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule products in 2018 and exited the router market |
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What You'll Learn
Check the model number on the bottom of the device
To identify your Apple AirPort model, you can check the model number on the bottom of the device. The model number will help you determine which AirPort generation you own.
The AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, along with other functions. Apple has discontinued the development of its AirPort wireless routers, but it still offers limited hardware and software support as of 2023.
The original AirPort Extreme Base Station was released in 2003 and featured the unique "flying saucer" form factor. It supported the 802.11g standard and could serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously. This generation is unique with its internal 56K dial-up modem, allowing wireless connectivity for homes lacking broadband connections.
Later AirPort generations adopted a short, rounded-square form factor until 2013, when the design became more vertical, taller than it was wide.
To identify your specific AirPort model, examine the bottom of the device. If your AirPort is "tower"-shaped, the model number is A1521. Older "flat" or "square"-shaped AirPorts have the model number embedded in the foam pad base, starting with an "A" followed by four numbers.
By finding the model number on the bottom of your AirPort device, you can easily determine which generation of AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or AirPort Time Capsule you own.
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Identify the shape of the device
To identify the model of your Apple AirPort, you must first identify the shape of the device. Apple AirPort devices have been released in a variety of shapes, including:
Tower
The AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule have been described as having a "tower" shape. The model number for the tower-shaped AirPort Extreme is A1521, while the model number for the tower-shaped AirPort Time Capsule is A1470.
Flat or Square
The AirPort Time Capsule has also been described as having a "flat" or "square" shape, resembling a small white pizza box. The model number for this version is typically found on the bottom of the device, embedded in the foam pad base, and starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.
Flying Saucer
The original AirPort Extreme Base Station, released in 2003, was the only generation to use the "flying saucer" form factor.
Short, Rounded Square
Later generations of the AirPort Extreme, up to 2013, adopted a short, rounded-square form factor. The 2013 model had a more vertical form, being taller than it was wide.
Once you have identified the shape of your Apple AirPort device, you can refer to the model numbers and generation information provided in other answers to determine the specific model of your device.
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Use the AirPort Utility
You can use the AirPort Utility to manage your Wi-Fi network and AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. The AirPort Utility app is available on the App Store for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
With AirPort Utility, you can view and change network and Wi-Fi settings, such as security modes, wireless channels, and IPv6 configuration. You can also restart or restore a base station, or update the firmware on a base station when available. Additionally, you can view or update passwords for your network, base stations, or disks, and easily access network information such as IP address, DNS servers, and router address.
To download AirPort Utility for your device, connect your device to your AirPort base station. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your device. Tap the info button next to your network’s name and then tap "Manage this Network". Tap OK to open the App Store and download AirPort Utility for your device. You can also open the App Store from the Home screen and download AirPort Utility directly.
The AirPort Utility for Mac has many of the same features as the iOS version. For example, you can view and change network and Wi-Fi settings, or restart or restore a base station. After you complete the setup process, you have additional options for configuring your network, such as seeing which cables you can connect to your AirPort base station.
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Check the serial number
To check the serial number of your Apple AirPort, you can try the following methods:
Check the Surface of Your Product
Firstly, you can try checking the surface of your Apple AirPort for a printed serial number. The placement of the serial number will depend on the model of your Apple AirPort. For example, if you have the "tower" shaped version of the AirPort Extreme, the model number is located on the device and starts with an "A" followed by 4 numbers. On the other hand, if you have one of the older "flat" or "square" versions of the AirPort Extreme, the model number is easier to spot as it is embedded in the foam pad base.
Use AirPort Utility
Another way to find the serial number of your Apple AirPort is by using AirPort Utility. On your Mac, open AirPort Utility (Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility) and hold down the option key while you double-click on the picture of the AirPort Extreme.
Check Original Product Packaging or Receipt
If you still have the original packaging for your Apple AirPort, you can check the barcode to find the serial number. Alternatively, you can locate the serial number on your product's original receipt or invoice.
Contact Apple Support
If you are unable to locate the serial number using the methods above, you can try contacting Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to help you identify your Apple AirPort model and provide additional support if needed.
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Compare the output power
The output power of Apple's AirPort Extreme models varies depending on the generation of the device. 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 first AirPort Extreme was announced in 2003 and featured 802.11g wireless technology. At that time, the device had a round "flying saucer" shape. In 2009, Apple introduced the Draft-N standard, dropping the "Base Station" from the name. Several minor upgrades followed, mostly focusing on changing the antenna and wireless output power.
From 2007 to 2013, the AirPort Extreme took on a flat rounded rectangle shape, similar to the Mac mini or early Apple TV models. During this time, the devices supported 802.11n draft-specification.
The 6th generation AirPort Extreme, released in 2013, featured a major upgrade with a vertical form factor and support for 802.11ac networking. This model offered three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s, nearly three times faster than 802.11n.
To determine the specific model and generation of your AirPort Extreme, you can check the label on the bottom of the device for the model number or use the AirPort Utility on your Mac.
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Frequently asked questions
You can identify your Apple AirPort model by looking at the bottom of the device. The model number is usually embedded in the foam pad base. The model number starts with an "A" followed by 4 numbers.
If your Apple AirPort is tower-shaped, the model number is A1521.
AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS, and other functions.
The latest AirPort Extreme model is the 6th generation, which supports 802.11ac networking.
You can find the serial number of your Apple AirPort by looking on the bottom of the device or by using the AirPort Utility.
