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Apple Airport Base Station


I have 3 Apple Airport Extreme Base Stations - all set up as extending the 1st one

All 3 are hardwired via Ethernet Cable


Although I am not currently having any problems with any of them, I am considering replacing all 3 of them to get the better security of more current brands


Over the years, I have added a Ring Security System (with cameras) and a Traeger Wood Pellet Grill (with thermometers) to the load without any problems.


Is there a noticeable trend as to what long term users of the Apple Airport Base Stations are updating to?


If not, a knowledgeable nudge in the right direction would be appreciated.

AirPort Extreme

Posted on Dec 31, 2023 1:31 PM

Reply
1 reply

Jan 1, 2024 10:06 AM in response to DonXX

Unless most of your Wi-Fi devices are capable of handling Wi-Fi 6 and WPA 3, and your Internet connection from your provider is 300+ Mbps, it is going to be difficult to improve on the performance of your current network.


Mesh networks are "in" these days, but not all of them will handle Ethernet connections to the extending devices, so you will have to study the features and specifications if you want to look at one of the popular mesh network systems.


It's probably fair to say that a majority of former Apple AirPortrouter users are probably using whatever their current provider is supplying in the way of a "gateway".


More serious users are looking at "prosumer" products from Ubiquiti, which is staffed in part by some former Apple Wi-Fi engineers. There is a definite "learning curve" with these types of products, but the reports that I've seen online are all very positive about the features and performance of the product.


Personally, I will probably be moving over to Ubiquiti within the next year or two as my AirPorts will be approaching 7-8 years of age.


Products from Synology and Asus are also worth a look. These routers all support Time Machine backups to a USB drive attached to the USB port on the routers, if that is a feature that you would like to have.

Apple Airport Base Station

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