I'm pretty much in the same position at the OP was here: reluctantly have to replace my Airport Extreme.
My main criteria are easy setup and totally reliable Ethernet LAN.
Also Wi-fi, of course - but on a par with what the AE has been able to do… so Mesh not important.
I'm tending towards one of the two Synology products:
Would the experts (I'm not one) still suggest that these are good, robust, well-supported replacements, please?
iMac 27″, macOS 10.14
FWIW. Although I replaced my aging Apple networking hardware with Ubiquiti UniFi gear, I have had experience with both the Asus & Synology lines as well, and would definitely recommend either.
Both of the Synology routers you listed are excellent and both provide many more features than Apple provided with their AirPort Extreme models.
If you want to get some unbiased reviews on networking hardware, I suggest you give the SmallNetBuilder site a try. They have reviewed hundreds of routers and should give you a better idea on what's out there to see which ones would best satisfy your networking requirements.
FWIW. Although I replaced my aging Apple networking hardware with Ubiquiti UniFi gear, I have had experience with both the Asus & Synology lines as well, and would definitely recommend either.
Both of the Synology routers you listed are excellent and both provide many more features than Apple provided with their AirPort Extreme models.
If you want to get some unbiased reviews on networking hardware, I suggest you give the SmallNetBuilder site a try. They have reviewed hundreds of routers and should give you a better idea on what's out there to see which ones would best satisfy your networking requirements.
Mr.Hoffman's suggestion about the UniFi Express is a great one, especially if you are looking for a direct replacement for the AirPort Extreme. Interestingly it looks a bit like the 2nd generation AirPort Express base station, but a lot more capable, albeit sans AirPlay.
Thanks very much, Tesserax.
That was kind of what I'd hope you would say… I was trying to re-open this thread, where your advice was pretty much the same.
Mr.Hoffman's suggestion about the UniFi Express is a great one, especially if you are looking for a direct replacement for the AirPort Extreme. Interestingly it looks a bit like the 2nd generation AirPort Express base station, but a lot more capable, albeit sans AirPlay.
You said that the UniFi product(s) had involvement from ex-Apple employees, I believe. Shall look into that again.
Thanks!
FWIW. Although I replaced my aging Apple networking hardware with Ubiquiti UniFi gear, I have had experience with both the Asus & Synology lines as well, and would definitely recommend either.
Both of the Synology routers you listed are excellent and both provide many more features than Apple provided with their AirPort Extreme models.
Good. That's re-assuring. Thanks. I suppose Apple eventually felt it couldn't compete with what appears to be such a good array of products. I shall be sad to see it go.
If you want to get some unbiased reviews on networking hardware, I suggest you give the SmallNetBuilder site a try. They have reviewed hundreds of routers and should give you a better idea on what's out there to see which ones would best satisfy your networking requirements.
I wasn't aware of that site. Thanks very much, Tesserax!
FWIW, here’s another recent thread that touches on this and related topics:
… How can I ensure a single wifi name and a… - Apple Community
The Synology box gets you Time Machine Server, which can be useful with macOS and Time Machine.
In addition to Ubiquiti and Synology, I’ve also had success with Zyxel.
Ubiquiti also has a new entry-level Express box.
Thanks so much, Mr Hoffman!
That thread which you kindly mention - Yes, I have a long-established (Local) Network - will be extremely helpful.
Much appreciated!
Direct replacement for Airport Extreme
