
Apple AirPort Extreme
Price: £169.00
More info: store.apple.com/uk
Price And Design: The AirPort Extreme is a typical Apple product. Its upright, gleaming white design is utterly unlike any other router that is currently available. And, like any good Apple product, it’s very easy to use – as long as you have a Mac. Apple has built the AirPort Utility software right into the Mac operating system, so your Mac can automatically scan for AirPort routers and help you to get online quickly.
However, the Windows version of the AirPort software isn’t very good, which means that the AirPort Extreme really needs to be set up with a Mac rather than a Windows PC. It’s also a little disappointing that a router costing £169.00 doesn’t also include a broadband modem for your Internet connection.
Features And Performance: Like most modern routers, the AirPort Extreme provides simultaneous dual-band support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. However, Apple doesn’t quote speeds for the AirPort Extreme, merely stating that the 802.11ac is ‘up to three times faster’ than 802.11n. The six internal antenna do provide a good, reliable wifi signal, and its ease-of-use makes it a good option for home users who just want to get started quickly. But while the AirPort Extreme is certainly faster than its 802.11n predecessor, it can’t match the speed of the fastest 802.11ac routers, such as the even more expensive WRT1900AC from Linksys.
As we’ve mentioned, the AirPort Extreme doesn’t include a broadband modem, and it’s a little lacking elsewhere too, with just three Ethernet ports and a single USB 2.0 port for connecting a printer or hard drive.
Wifi Support: dual-band 802.11ac/802.11n (speeds not quoted), also supports 802.11a/b/g
Interfaces: 1x WAN (for broadband modem), 3x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 2.0
Pros: attractive tower design, includes six internal antenna for good wifi coverage, easy to set up – if you have a Mac
Cons: expensive, no broadband modem, poor Windows support