![]() ![]() The Windows version of the software installs quite a few services, such as Bonjour and AirPort Base Station Agent, that run whenever the computer starts. The USB port can be used to host either a printer or an external hard drive to share among network users.Īs the Base Station doesn't offer a Web interface, setting up the AirPort Extreme Base Station requires the installation of the AirPort Utility software, which comes in both Mac and Windows versions. There is one Ethernet port fewer than most other USB Wireless-N routers we've reviewed, which means you can connect only three wired clients to the router before necessitating a hub or a switch. On the back are three Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB port. For example, solid green means everything is in order, while flashing amber indicates a possible problem. On the front is a status light that changes color according to the working condition of the device. On the other hand, if you want more networking features and more control over your networking and remote access, check out our list of true dual-band routers. If you are a Mac user or in need of something simple, the new AirPort Extreme Base Station is definitely worth the investment. These make it comparable to other true dual-band Wireless-N routers such as the D-Link Xtreme DIR-825 or the Linksys WRT610N. The router offers two big improvements, including true dual-band Wireless-N and guest networking. This new AirPort Extreme Base Station wireless router is the update to Apple's previous model with the same name and sleek design. It does, however, have high throughput speeds and the ease of use found in most Apple products. Savvy Windows users will find many other alternatives that offer a lot more features for their bucks.Īt $179, the new AirPort Extreme is on the pricey side among high-end routers and unfortunately, it offers a relatively skimpy amount of networking features, especially for Windows users. If you have any comments or questions on Apple ending the AirPort Base Station, let me know.The AirPort Extreme Base Station is a great wireless router for Mac or novice users who need something that's simple, nice-looking, and works well for their homes. iMore, of course, will be doing likewise. Over the next few weeks, Apple will also be posting knowledge-base articles to help customers transitioning away from AirPort products. Apple is also be helping customers obtain service and parts (opens in new tab) for current generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years. What happens nextĪpple and authorized resellers will continue to sell AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule while supplies last. Now, it looks like Apple is starting to make those tough choices - committing to some, like pro displays, and cancel others, like routers. For a while now, Apple has been punting on those choices and leaving some products and their customers in limbo. No company, not even the world's richest and most successful, and especially not its most focused, can do everything. ![]() For some people, especially people who appreciate Apple's design and manufacturing, and its unequivocal stance on security and privacy, the loss of the AirPort line will still be a blow.īut I'm also reminded of a comment Steve Jobs once said to one of his direct reports: Sure, Apple could do that and make some money at it, but was it really a business Apple had to be in? They're behind televisions, underneath desks, and in closets. The display is the face of the computer and if you stop seeing Apple logos there, it makes you wonder how much you really need to see them anywhere. Since then, Apple has said that it will be introducing a new, Pro-level display in 2019. In other words, the opposite of the halo effect. ![]() (Though, I think it's safe to say that if Apple ever felt Wi-Fi routers were languishing and it had unique and important advances to contribute to the space, it would consider re-entering the market.) Making tough choicesĪ while ago, when it seemed like Apple was exiting the display business as well as the Wi-Fi router business, I wrote about the horn effect and my concern that once people started buying non-Apple products, it would be easier to keep buying non-Apple products. And, looking at iMore's list of the best Wi-Fi router alternatives to the AirPort Base Station it's hard to disagree. I take that as a sign that Apple nows sees Wi-Fi routers as a thriving industry all its own, with multiple, highly-motivated vendors that no longer need the platform-maker to push technology and innovation. Rather than release AirPort Mesh, though, Apple chose to offer the Linksys Velop (opens in new tab) at its retail stores instead. Since then, we've seen the advent of mesh networking, which lets larger, more irregular, and more challenging areas enjoy better and more robust coverage. The AirPort Base Station line was last updated in 2013. ![]()
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