- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
- Package Content - AirPort Extreme Base Station, Printed documentation, Power cordFeatures,1-Year Limited Warranty
- Connect your DSL or cable modem to the AirPort Extreme Base Station, then set it up with the AirPort Utility, available as download
- AirPort Extreme works simultaneously on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allows all devices on the network to use band automatically.
- Set up a separate Wi-Fi network with a separate password for your visitors and enable the guest networking feature
- And up to twice the range of 802.11g wireless networks.
- Connect a compatible printer to the USB port on the AirPort Extreme Base Station and printer is instantly available to all the computers (Mac and PC)
- Have several computers in your home or office but only one printer? No problem.
- In minutes, you and up to 50 others can use your Mac computers or PCs to surf the web, stream video, share photos without wires.
- The latest 802.11n wireless technology is up to five times the Wi-Fi performance
- Your guests can use the Internet but can't access other parts of your private network
Setup:
After reading the other reviews, I knew this was going to be quick and easy. I started a pot of coffee thinking I could enjoy a cup while plugging in the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS) and configuring it. Here are the steps:
1. Attached an ethernet cable from the AEBS to my ISP connection. Plugged in the AC adapter and power cord. AEBS powered up. Status light flashed green for a second, glowed amber for several seconds, then flashed amber until the AEBS was configured from a computer.
2. From my MacBook Pro (wireless access works fine for this step), the airport utility app had already launched and was waiting for me (otherwise, go to Applications\Utilities\AirPort Utility.app). Followed instructions that included typing in a router name and two passwords. The default AEBS configuration selects channels and RF bands automatically to optimize speed.
3. Plugged a spare hard drive (in my case: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) formatted 1 TB HD) into AC outlet and the USB port. As soon as the HD had started, it showed up as a MBP network drive device on 'Finder'. I then created a folder, transferred a file, and read it back.
At this point, the coffee machine beeped to let me know my coffee was ready. I was done before the coffee was even ready about three minutes from opening the box to being operational! Gotta luv it.
Basic Performance Testing:
Not about to let the coffee go to waste, I proceeded with some performance testing. I conducted some very basic data throughput tests by transferring files from the MBP through the AEBS to the HD. This test arrangement kept my ISP download and upload data rates out of the equation. For the wired tests, the MBP was connected to one of the three AEBS Gigabit ports.
Test 1 (a control test configuration between MBP and HD via USB on MBP):
Write to HD: 33.8 MBytes/sec
Read from HD: 34.3 MBytes/sec
Test 2 (wired data transfer)
From MBP to AEBS via Gigabit port, then from AEBS to HD via USB): 13.6 MBytes/sec
From HD to AEBS via USB, then from AEBS to MBP via Gigabit port): 18.3 MBytes/sec
Test 3 (wireless data transfer 5 GHz RF band)
From MBP to AEBS, then from AEBS to HD via USB): 7.8 MBytes/sec
From HD to AEBS via USB, then from AEBS to MBP): 12.6 MBytes/sec
Test 4 (range test, 5 GHz RF band between MBP and AEBS with a max capacity of 300 Mbits/sec):
3 ft, devices in close proximity: 300 Mbits/sec
50 ft, indoors, no ext walls in path: 243 Mbits/sec
70 ft, outdoors, one ext wall in path: 144 Mbits/sec
80 ft, outdoors, one ext wall in path: 104 Mbits/sec
Default settings seem to provide high bit-rate connections. Using 'manual setup' in Airport Utility.app, I tested several variations on the configuration without improving the rate/range for the 802.11n wireless provided by the default setting of the APBS. Reading data from the HD back through the AEBS to the MBP was always faster than writing data to the HD. Including ethernet into the data transfer path (Test 2 compared to Test 1) reduced data rates in half. Including WiFi into the data transfer path (Test 3 compared to Test 2) reduced data rates to 2/3. Range test performance was very good for distances within 50 feet.
My own storage cloud:
Originally, I envisioned just using the HD (USB port on AEBS) as a network drive for a SVN (i.e., software version control) repository in support of software development on my MBP. But, I realized that this drive is a common storage location for all my devices (MBP, iPad, iPhone, iTouch) that is accessible wirelessly on my local WiFi. And with a VPN connection, from anywhere with WiFi access to the internet. Simply stated, I have my very own cloud! We aren't talking about a skimpy few GB either, but a full TB of dedicated exclusive mine-only cloud. Now, that's cool.
Why buy the 5th generation AEBS:
High performance 802.11n wireless performance
Easy and quick setup
USB port for attaching a hard drive or printer
Capability to create my very own AEBS WiFi storage cloud for all my devices
Guest access to ISP without access to other devices or attached USB device
Sleek clean stylish look
I am so completely pleased with this purchase.
Buy Airport Extreme 802.11N Now
Just to be clear on this, I did try the Cisco E4200, which, according with people who knows about wireless networking, is the best wireless router out there but the range was not as good as the Airport Extreme. I have a town house and the router needs to be in the basement, the E4200 signal did reach the second floor, but with more than two devices connected to the router, the signal dropped so much that was unusable. With the Airport Extreme, no problems at all, the signal is fast enough with two or more devices connected. An additional perk is that with the E4200 you can use the USB port just for storage but not for a printer, but with the Airport Extreme, you can connect an USB Hub and have a printer an a external Hard Drive connected at the same time. This router is a keeper.My setup: 2 iPads, 2 iPhones, 1 PC, 3 Macs.
Read Best Reviews of Airport Extreme 802.11N Here
I live in an apartment building with many routers and my own apt. is narrow, but almost 100 feet long with many thick walls etc. I was using the new dual band Asus and was pleased, but needed more responsiveness from 75ft on. A Netgear range explander provided some signal improvement but the whole system slowed.So, not being an Apple fan at all, I closed my eyes and bought the new Airport Extreme N because I'd read and heard many times about its speed and range and how outstanding they were. I deliberately purchased it so that I could return it without penalty. But I'm not taking it back to the store!
The Asus Black Diamond is a good router but the Airport Extreme provided a much snappier connection at a notably greater distance. Once settling into position and speed, it is quite stable and impressively solidly built.
Four stars are because of the lack of clarity on the Apple site in finding the installation utility for Windows (7) and the fact that even their tech support wasn't very knowledgeable about Windows installation. The software could be better designed for Windows. Tech support should be more knowledgeable they wouldn't discuss my Droid finding the router connection they'd only talk about an iphone!
For Windows two important hints: As of November, 2011, you are looking for the installation file called Airport Utility 5.5.3 for Windows; google was the fastest way to locate it. There also seems to be difficulty getting the setup utility to recognize the router when on 5g. Just move your connection to 2.4 and I've had no problem having the software recognize the router instantly in case you want to make channel changes etc.
So it's 5 stars for the Airport Extreme and I took back one star because of difficulties in dealing with Apple personnel and their site when it came to setting up for windows and/or any phone other than an iphone.
Louise
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I have been experimenting with a variety of wireless N routers over the last year. Each of those routers had their own issues from time to time. Some of my biggest frustrations with other Cisco/Linksys and Netgear routers were periodic hangs or reboots that would interrupt connectivity. I do not like trying to explain to my family over the phone how to reset a hung router while I'm away from home.I do not own a Mac in my house. I was only looking at the Airport Extreme on the merit of its reviews for reliability. I really felt that this Apple wireless router was a bit too high-priced, since you can find competing routers with the same feature sets for less than half the price. Nevertheless, I was desperate to find a router with reliable hardware/firmware performance. On the recommendation from a friend, I purchased the router. I have been very pleased with the range and reliability of this router, and I can recommend it to anyone who is willing to pay the Apple premium for a highly reliable product.
I do miss some of the custom tweaks I could make to the open source routers from Netgear, but at the end of the day I'll happily trade that flexibility for the reliability I'm getting from the Airport Extreme.
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Been using one of those famous blue & black Linksys G router forever and it's been very reliable but 54.0 Mbps ain't gonna cut it these days. There were 3 other routers I had in mind:ASUS Black Diamond RT-N56U. This caught me first because it had a so-called 'Printer Server'. For years I've been on the market for a print server to revive my old USB HP 990cse Professional printer but didn't want to spend the outrageous money for it. Here I am trying to upgrade my router and it comes with the added feature; so I'm actually killing two birds with one stone! Read the reviews, has good specs, good performance but I didn't like how it crapped out on people for no reasons after a few months.
ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band N900. Discovered this better one with a better processor. Read all about it, same thing -router seems to go out for no reason. Though ASUS seems to reply on all the negative comments here on Amazon and offer to help, but according to the reviews it seemed like a merry-go-round process and never ending problems. This is definitely the last thing I needed when it comes to customer support -especially for a near $200 router. For this, ASUS is definitely out of the game.
Linksys EA4500 App-Enabled Dual-Band N900. Up to about now, I realized that most routers have at least one USB port on the back to host either an external Hard Drive or Printer. As I was reading about the EA4500, the Apple Airport Extreme popped up as a recommendation, so actually there's 4 routers to consider instead of 3. After reading and comparing; as a PC guy and a Linksys user for many years the EA4500 seemed to be the best bet, and it was. I bought the unit and it performed as promised...BUT...it ran unbelievably HOT...as in 150F hot, and burns to the touch! I also didn't like how the speed fluctuates from 62.0 144 Mbps (avg. at 75.0 Mbps). Overall, it did good and a little bit of tweaking would of brought out the best in the EA4500. But the heat just killed it, and the idea of further owning the Linksys has quickly banished, so I became a 'traitor' to the PC community and took a peek at the Apple device...
Now, for the Airport Extreme:
I bought the Airport Extreme while I was still using the Linksys EA4500. I wasn't sure about the Airport but just in case. When it arrived, my first impression when holding it in my hands: Quality built! The device is solid, heavy, pretty, and not a bit of flimsiness. It came very well packaged in Apple's trademark slide-out box with clear wraps for all the accessories; in this case it would be the AC Cord and corresponding mini Adapter brick, and some printed documentation. Yup, that's all you get, no extra ethernet cord, no installation disc. I downloaded Airport Utility for W7 setup, hooked the thing up and everything ran smoothly at a stable speed of 144 Mbps, with virtually zero speed fluctuations. The lowest I saw was 72.0 Mbps but it quickly went back up to 144. I then hooked my printer to its USB port, installed Bonjour to all of my PCs and now I'm able to print from any computer (wirelessly) within my network! This is something I haven't seen and been able to do since 2004!
Features:
This is the latest and greatest from Apple, but many features are lacking comparing to the models I mentioned above and in my case, to the Linksys EA4500.
Many complained that QoS is absent, this is essential for VOIP users or for people that does heavy networking/streaming simultaneously. There is also the lack of proper Parental Control (I'm sure you can work something out under Access Control from the Airport utility), number amount of GB Ethernet port (3 instead of 4), and speeds limited to only 300 Mbps instead of 450Mbps. The Linksys has more user controls, better speeds (450+450), can track guest users and port activities, etc.. Now if any of these features are essential then maybe you're better off considering either the Linksys, ASUS or something similar. This is the ultimate trade-off that I'm willing to accept over all the absented features. The Apple Airport Extreme has been able to connect all 4 of my PCs (XP and W7), a Wifi Epson Artisan All-In-One, and the old HP 'USB' printer (I prefer it over the Epson because of its superior print quality) all of which worked properly and flawlessly altogether. So far, I haven't experience a single dropout or delay in speed. I've also upgraded the old WiFi card from one of my laptop to dual-band to take advantage of the 5 Ghz stream and now I'm surfing at speeds of 270-300Mbps (best $8 out of ebay!).
As for strange noises like how some of the reviewers had mentioned regarding buzzing and ticking, I haven't heard anything. The router sits on my pc desk in the bedroom and I can't hear a thing. Besides the lack of features and poor instructions, for example: it didn't mention anywhere about downloading Bonjour to every computer for printer setup. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase -for the reason that it also operates much much cooler than the EA4500. It's a keeper!
The EA4500 has gone back to Amazon in its original condition and Amazon has since refunded me everything (Five Stars to Amazon.com)!
Will I continue to be a PC? Most definitely!
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