The Apple Airport Extreme 2016: A High-Performance Wi-Fi Base Station with Significant Updates

In June 2013, Apple gave its AirPort Extreme a radical redesign and significant update, introducing the sixth-generation model. This new version not only supports three-times-faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi protocol but also takes on a tall, cubic shape that is more compact than its predecessor.

With a height of 6.6 inches and a base of 3.85 inches, the Apple Airport Extreme 2016 may be taller than before, but it has a smaller overall footprint. Its ability to reach data rates of up to 1.3 Gbps and offer 80MHz-wide channels for double the channel bandwidth makes it an excellent choice for homes with multiple devices.

As Apple's fully-featured high-performance Wi-Fi base station, the Airport Extreme offers all the features one would expect from a premium product, including a built-in Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall, password encryption, and closed network options. It also supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, allowing users to enjoy wireless music playback and printing.

Compared to other Apple AirPorts, the Airport Extreme is positioned as a mid-level base station, offering higher-speed 802.11ac Wi-Fi, printer and hard drive sharing, and a stronger signal due to its high-rise design and six antennas. This makes it an ideal choice for users who require fast and reliable connectivity for their devices.

In addition to the Airport Extreme, Apple also offers other AirPorts, including the AirPort Time Capsule, which is essentially an Airport Extreme with a built-in hard drive that facilitates automatic wireless backups using Apple's Time Machine software.

Apple has announced that it will no longer manufacture additional AirPort Express, Extreme, and Time Capsule products, but existing inventory was available until it sold out in November 2018. The company will continue to provide service and parts for the current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years.

For those transitioning away from Apple's AirPort products, the company has shared several support documents to assist with the process. As Apple discontinues its AirPort line of products, users can explore alternative options such as third-party router products available at Apple retail stores and authorized resellers while supplies last.

In conclusion, the Apple Airport Extreme 2016 is a high-performance Wi-Fi base station that offers fast and reliable connectivity for homes with multiple devices. Although it has been discontinued by Apple, existing inventory is still available, making it an excellent option for those seeking a premium wireless networking solution.

Apple airport extreme 2016