Apple has always been synonymous with innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology with each product release. In 2003, they introduced the AirPort Extreme Base Station, a revolutionary wireless router that set new standards in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Launched in 2003 as part of Apple’s AirPort Base Station series, the AirPort Extreme Base Station was a game-changer in the realm of wireless technology. It marked a significant leap forward with its advanced features and capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessors and competitors alike.
At its core, the AirPort Extreme Base Station was built upon the new ultra-fast 802.11g standard, offering blazing speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This represented a monumental advancement, delivering nearly five times the data rate of previous 802.11b-based products while ensuring full compatibility with existing Wi-Fi devices worldwide.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station ushered in a new era of high-speed wireless connectivity, catering to the growing demands of consumers and businesses alike. With support for up to 50 users per base station, it provided unparalleled performance and reliability, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
One of the standout features of the AirPort Extreme Base Station was its ability to wirelessly bridge multiple base stations, effectively extending the range of a network without the need for additional cables or infrastructure. This innovative solution offered unprecedented flexibility and scalability, empowering users to expand their networks effortlessly.
In addition to its networking capabilities, the AirPort Extreme Base Station also introduced USB printer sharing, allowing multiple users to wirelessly access and print documents from a shared printer connected directly to the base station. This streamlined workflow and enhanced productivity, making it a valuable asset for both home and office environments.
With built-in support for advanced security features such as Firewall and 128-bit encryption, the AirPort Extreme Base Station prioritized the protection of sensitive data and network integrity. Furthermore, it maintained compatibility with a wide range of devices and standards, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure and ecosystems.
Upon its release, the AirPort Extreme Base Station received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking features and exceptional performance. Industry leaders and consumers alike praised its reliability, ease of use, and forward-looking design, cementing its status as a pioneer in the world of wireless networking.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station was made available through various channels, including the Apple Store, retail stores, and authorized resellers. With a starting price of $199, it offered exceptional value for its advanced features and capabilities, making it accessible to a broad audience of users.
In the years following its release, Apple continued to innovate and evolve its wireless networking solutions, introducing subsequent iterations of the AirPort Extreme Base Station with enhanced features and performance. However, despite its enduring popularity and legacy, the AirPort Extreme Base Station was eventually discontinued in 2007, marking the end of an era in wireless technology.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Its pioneering features and contributions to the advancement of Wi-Fi technology have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the way we connect and communicate in the digital age. Though no longer in production, its legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of wireless devices and technologies.
In retrospect, the AirPort Extreme Base Station was more than just a wireless router—it was a symbol of progress and possibility, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines Apple’s ethos. As we celebrate its 21-year anniversary, let us remember and appreciate the impact it had on shaping the world of wireless networking as we know it today.
AirPort Extreme Base Station Details
| Introduced | January 7, 2003 |
| Discontinued | January 9, 2007 |
| Model Number | A1034 |
| Order Number | M8930LL/A |
| Price | $199 |
| Weight | 1.65 Ibs. 748.42 Grams |
| Dimensions | 6.9″ D x 3.2″ H 17.52 cm D x 8.12 cm H |
Wireless Specs
| Wireless Data Range | Up to 54 Mbps |
| Range | 150 ft. / 50 m (11 Mbps) 50 ft. / 15 m (54 Mbps) |
| Compatibility | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Radio Output Power | 15 dBm (nominal) |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WEP (40-bit or 128-bit encryption) |
| Capacity | 50 users |
| Supported Protocols | NAT DHCP FTP PPPoE VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP) QuickTime Streaming DNS Proxy SNMP |
Connections
| Ports | 2 – RJ-45 1 – USB 1 – External antenna connector |
| Storage | None |
| AirPlay | No |
| Power over Ethernet | No |
Further Reading and References
- AirPort Extreme Base Station: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Delivers AirPort Extreme 802.11g Wireless Networking – Apple Newsroom
- AirPort – Wikipedia
- AirPort Extreme – Wikipedia
- Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station 54Mbps – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple Airport Wireless Base Stations – Northern Arizona University
- Apple AirPort Extreme Model A1034 Repair – iFixit
- Apple upgrades AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi security – The Register
- Apple’s AirPort Extreme: What Happened to Apple’s Router? – MakeUseOf
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: February 13, 2024
