Jazmin Li
Apple's AirPort Express is a Wi-Fi base station that was discontinued in 2018. The device can be used to extend Wi-Fi from a wireless router and act as an access point for up to 10 wireless devices. It can also stream music to speakers or a stereo using AirPlay and iTunes. The first version of the AirPort Express was introduced in 2004, with an updated version released in 2008. To determine which version of the AirPort Express you have, you can check the Model Number on the side of the device or enter your serial number on Apple's website to view the device specifications.
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What You'll Learn
Airport Express models
The AirPort Express is a discontinued Wi-Fi base station product from Apple Inc. 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. The USB port could also be used to charge the first-generation iPod Shuffle, although this was not supported by Apple. The original shipped with an 802.11g networking chip and weighed less than 7 ounces, marking the company's entry into the ultra-portable router market.
An updated version (MB321LL/A, model A1264) supporting the faster 802.11 Draft-N draft specification and operation in either of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with almost all other features identical, was introduced by Apple in March 2008. The revised unit includes an 802.11a/n (5 GHz) mode, which allows adding Draft-N to an existing 802.11b/g network without disrupting existing connections, while preserving the increased throughput that Draft-N can provide.
In 2012, Apple introduced a completely redesigned model with a new square form factor and two Ethernet ports: one WAN and one LAN. On August 28, 2018, Apple added AirPlay 2 support to the 2012 AirPort Express, providing the ability to be added to the Apple Home app as an audio destination.
The AirPort Express can be used to extend the range of a network, including functioning as a printer and audio server. It can stream music to speakers or a stereo using AirPlay and iTunes. The AirPort Express can 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.
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How to identify your model
To identify your Airport Express model, you can check the side of the device for the model number. The original Airport Express model, released in 2004, was M9470LL/A, model A1084. This model included an analog-optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port, and one Ethernet port. In 2008, Apple released an updated version, MB321LL/A, model A1264, which supported the faster 802.11 Draft-N specification and operated in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.
Another way to identify your Airport Express model is by checking the connection speed. If you have an 802.11g model, the connection speed will be 54 Mb/s, while the 802.11n model will have a speed of 120-140 Mb/s. You can also identify your Airport Express model by its physical appearance. The original model had a single Ethernet port, while the updated 2012 model has a redesigned square form factor with two Ethernet ports.
If you have the serial number of your Airport Express, you can also look up the specifications on the Apple website to identify your model. Additionally, if you have an iPhone 3G that only supports 802.11b/g over 2.4GHz, you can use this as an indicator that your Airport Express is likely the older 802.11g model.
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Setting up your Airport Express
Once set up, the Airport Express will wirelessly connect to your home network router. The Airport Express can share that wireless connection with up to 10 wireless devices, allowing all of them to connect to your home network.
To set up your Airport Express as an Internet access point, start by connecting the Ethernet cable from your DSL or cable modem to the Airport Express. Keep in mind that this product doesn't ship with an Ethernet cable, so if you don't have one, you will need to purchase one. Then, plug the Airport Express into an electrical socket. There is no power switch, so the status light should immediately illuminate. As the unit starts up, its activity light glows a dark yellow. The light changes to an unblinking green when it's ready to use.
You can also set up the Airport Express with your stereo speakers. To do this, you will need either an analog mini-jack connector or its optical, digital counterpart. You will need to purchase the cord separately as the Airport doesn't include one. Plug one end into the Airport Express and the other into your speakers. With the Airport Setup Assistant software, create a new network. Then, in iTunes, select your speakers from the speakers pop-up window that appears on the bottom right side of iTunes.
You can also use the Airport Express to extend Wi-Fi from your wireless router, and it can also act as a wireless access point.
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Using Airport Express for music
Apple's Airport Express is a portable router that can be used to stream music to speakers or a stereo using AirPlay and iTunes. The device has a built-in power supply and is simple to set up and use.
To set up the Airport Express, you need to run the Airport Utility on your iPhone, Mac, or PC. If you use an Apple router, such as the Airport Extreme, the Airport Utility is already installed on your computer. Once set up, the Airport Express will wirelessly connect to your home network router and can share that wireless connection with up to 10 wireless devices.
To set up the Airport Express with your stereo speakers, you need either an analog mini jack connector or its optical, digital counterpart. You will need to buy the cord separately and plug one end into the Airport Express and the other into your speakers. With the AirPort Setup Assistant software, create a new network. Then, in iTunes, select your speakers from the speakers pop-up window that appears on the bottom right side of iTunes. Click to play a song, and your music will play through your stereo speakers. However, you can only control playback through iTunes.
The Airport Express can access music or audio streamed from an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or iTunes via your computer. Using AirPlay, you can play it on a connected powered speaker, stereo, or home theater system. On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, look 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 device and listen through the speakers or stereo connected to your Airport Express.
Additionally, you can add more than one Airport Express to your home network and simultaneously stream to all of them. You can also stream to an Airport Express and an Apple TV at the same time, allowing you to play the same music in multiple rooms. The Airport Express can also be used in combination with a Sonos multi-room audio system.
It is important to note that Apple discontinued the Airport Express in April 2018. However, it may still be available new from remaining stock or refurbished through select online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
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Discontinuation and support
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 announced the discontinuation of its AirPort line, effectively leaving the consumer router market. However, Apple continued to support the AirPort Express, although an older version of its "AirPort Utility" is required to support the earliest version of the device.
In 2012, Apple introduced a completely redesigned model with a new square form factor and two ethernet ports. On August 28, 2018, Apple added AirPlay 2 support to the 2012 AirPort Express, providing the ability to be added to the Apple Home app as an audio destination. On November 21, 2016, Bloomberg reported that Apple had disbanded its wireless router division.
Existing customers and those looking to pick up one of the final products will receive five years of support from Apple, after which they will need to find an alternative. The price remains unchanged, according to Apple's website. As such, you'll pay $99 for the Express, $199 for the Extreme, and $299 for the AirPort Time Capsule.
Many people thought that discontinuing the AirPort line was a mistake by Apple. Some suggested that Apple could have integrated the AirPort brand and/or technology into other products, such as a HomePod with a built-in AirPort router or a MacMini with router capabilities. Others pointed out that Apple could have used the AirPort to support its messaging about privacy and include privacy features that are easy to activate and use.
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Frequently asked questions
The AirPort Express is a Wi-Fi base station product from Apple Inc. It was discontinued in 2018, but it can be used to extend Wi-Fi from your wireless router and act as an access point.
The first version (model A1084) was introduced in 2004 and included an analog-optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port, and one Ethernet port. An updated version (model A1264) was released in 2008, supporting the 802.11 Draft-N specification and operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
You can check the side of the device for the Model Number in the fine print. The original version has Model Number A1084, while the updated version is A1264.
The AirPort Express can provide wireless Internet access for up to 10 users. It also has audio output capabilities, allowing you to stream music from iTunes or Airplay-enabled apps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to connected speakers or stereo systems. Additionally, the USB port can be used for remote printing.
To set up the AirPort Express, you need to run the AirPort Utility on your iPhone, Mac, or PC. Connect the Ethernet cable from your DSL or cable modem to the AirPort Express, and then plug it into a power socket. The status light should illuminate, and once it turns green, it's ready to use.
