Jazmin Li
Apple's AirPort Extreme is a residential gateway device that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS. The first AirPort Extreme was released in 2003, and the product line was discontinued in 2018. Over the years, Apple released several generations of the AirPort Extreme, with improvements in wireless technology, data rates, and physical design. To identify which AirPort Extreme you have, you can check the model number on the bottom of the device or use the AirPort Utility software.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | AirPort Extreme |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
| Type | Residential gateways |
| Functions | Router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS |
| First Announced | 7 January 2003 |
| Original Name | AirPort Extreme Base Station |
| Original Feature | Support for the 802.11g standard |
| Latest Model | 6th Generation |
| Latest Model Features | 802.11ac networking, three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s |
| Operating System | VxWorks by WindRiver or a customized version of NetBSD |
| AirPort Disk Feature | Allows users to plug a USB hard drive into the AirPort Extreme for use as a network-attached storage (NAS) device for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows clients |
| AirPort Utility | Allows users to see a graphical overview of their Wi-Fi network and any connected base stations and devices |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Airport Extreme Base Station model numbers
The AirPort Extreme Base Station is a residential gateway device that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, among other functions. Apple Inc. created the AirPort Extreme line of goods, which debuted in 2003. The first AirPort Extreme Base Station was released in 2003 and was renamed AirPort Extreme in 2009. The model number "A1143" is printed on the bottom of the original AirPort Extreme Base Station. The part number "MC340LL/A" is displayed on the Apple website.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station has gone through three distinct physical forms. The first models had a "flying saucer" shape, while the second generation had a flat, rounded rectangle shape from 2007 to 2013. The third generation, released in 2013, had a vertical form, taller than it was wide.
Apple discontinued its wireless router development in 2016 and exited the router market in 2018. However, as of 2023, it continues to provide limited hardware and software support for the AirPort Extreme.
The latest model of the AirPort Extreme is the 6th generation, which supports 802.11ac networking. It was released on June 10, 2013, and featured three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s. The 5th generation model, released in 2011, was known as the AirPort Extreme 802.11n.
Understanding 'On Ground' Airport Operations and Their Significance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport Extreme generation
The AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other functions. The AirPort Extreme was first announced at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco on January 7, 2003.
The original AirPort Extreme Base Station was named as such because of its support for the 802.11g standard, as well as its ability to serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously. This generation was the only one to use the "flying saucer" form factor, with later generations adopting a short, rounded-square form factor until 2013.
In 2007, Apple released an updated AirPort Extreme with support for the 802.11n protocol, adding two LAN ports for a total of three. This version more closely resembled the square-shaped 1st-generation Apple TV and Mac Mini.
On June 21, 2011, Apple unveiled the 5th generation AirPort Extreme 802.11n, which offered a doubling of power output compared to the 4th generation.
On June 10, 2013, Apple released the 6th generation AirPort Extreme 802.11ac, featuring three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbit/s, nearly three times faster than 802.11n. This generation also introduced support for Time Machine when used with an external USB hard drive.
Apple discontinued its lineup of wireless routers in 2016, exiting the router market in 2018, but continues to provide limited hardware and software support for the AirPort Extreme.
Montreal Airport: Free, Fast, and Reliable WiFi
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport Extreme wireless range
The wireless range of an Airport Extreme depends on several factors, including the model, the placement of the device, and the number of walls and ceilings between the Airport Extreme and the device connecting to it.
The 6th generation Airport Extreme, released in 2013, has a maximum range of about 50 meters or 150 feet. However, this range may vary depending on the environment and any potential obstacles or interference. Each wall in a typical home can absorb 10-20% of the wireless signal, and a ceiling will absorb even more due to its thickness. Heavy furniture, large mirrors, and other objects can also reduce signal strength. Other wireless networks and cordless phones can also impact the range.
The 5th generation Airport Extreme, released in 2011, offered a similar range to the previous model and the Time Capsule, which was around 270 feet. However, the effective range was shorter, at about 150 feet, beyond which the data speed slows down and is only suitable for light internet surfing.
The original Airport Extreme Base Station, released in 2003, had a different form factor and supported the 802.11g standard. It offered the ability to serve up to 50 Macs or PCs simultaneously and included an internal 56K dial-up modem.
To determine the generation of an Airport Extreme, you can check the label on the bottom of the device for the model number or use the Airport Utility.
Seattle Airport: Sniffing Out Drugs with Canine Teams
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport Extreme vs Airport Express
The Airport Extreme and Airport Express are both wireless routers produced by Apple. The Airport Extreme is a more powerful router, capable of supporting up to 50 devices, whereas the Express can support around 10-12 devices. The Extreme also offers better wireless speeds and range, making it more suitable for larger spaces or areas with a lot of electronic signalling, such as cities.
The Airport Express, on the other hand, is designed for Airplay and has a slower wireless speed. It is better suited for smaller spaces like apartments or dorms. The Express uses an audio connector that allows connection to an external digital-to-analog converter or amplifier, making it useful for streaming audio files from iTunes to an attached stereo system.
In terms of technical specifications, the Airport Extreme boasts 802.11 ac, while the Express has an n band. The Extreme also has more LAN and USB ports, allowing for more direct connections to the network and more connected devices.
When it comes to price, the Airport Extreme is more expensive at $199, whereas for the same price, you can get two Airport Express units and use one as a range extender.
Both devices offer DoS protection and support for VPN protocols like L2TP and IPsec.
In summary, if you need a powerful router with a large number of connected devices and good wireless speed and range, the Airport Extreme is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a smaller range and Airplay capabilities, the Airport Express might be more suitable.
Lexington Airport: Size, Scale, and Scope Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport Extreme wired connections
Airport Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple Inc. that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, NAS, and other functions. The first Airport Extreme was announced at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco on January 7, 2003. It featured 802.11g wireless technology for the first time in an Airport base station.
The Airport Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms. The earliest models had a plastic housing in a round "flying saucer" shape. From 2007 to 2013, the devices took on a flat, rounded-rectangle shape, similar to the Mac mini or early models of the Apple TV. The 2013 model had a more vertical form, taller than it was wide.
On June 21, 2011, Apple unveiled an updated Airport Extreme, referred to as Airport Extreme 802.11n (5th Generation). On June 10, 2013, Apple unveiled another updated Airport Extreme, referred to as Airport Extreme 802.11ac (6th Generation). This 6th generation model featured 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.
To determine which Airport Extreme you have, you can check the bottom of the device for a label with the model number. You can then use this model number to look up the generation and specifications of your device.
In terms of wired connections, the Airport Utility application can be used to see a list of connected wireless clients, but it does not show wired/Ethernet clients. To see wired clients, you can try using a third-party application such as Fing, iNet, or MacTracker. These applications can scan your network and display all connected devices, including those connected via Ethernet.
Air Suvidha: Mumbai Airport's Contactless Arrival Process
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can identify which Airport Extreme you have by checking the label on the bottom of the device for the model number.
The Airport Extreme has gone through several generations since its launch in 2003. The first generation supported the 802.11g standard and had a flying saucer form factor. The second generation, released in 2007, supported 802.11n draft specification and had a rounded-square form factor. The third generation, released in 2013, added support for 802.11ac and featured a more vertical form factor.
You can use the Airport Utility to see all the wireless devices connected to your Airport Extreme. However, it may be difficult to see wired/ethernet clients. You can use third-party applications such as iNet or iStumbler to scan your network and see all connected devices.
No, Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme in 2018 and exited the router market. However, as of 2023, the company continues to provide limited hardware and software support for the product.
