In the ever-evolving world of technology, certain products stand out not just for their functionality, but for the mark they leave on the industry. Apple’s AirPort Extreme, introduced in 2007, was one such product. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the AirPort Extreme made a significant impact on wireless networking with its sleek design, advanced features, and forward-thinking capabilities.
Apple unveiled the AirPort Extreme as part of its series of wireless routers in 2007. Boasting a sleek design and advanced features, it quickly captured the attention of tech-savvy consumers. The router, released on January 9, 2007, with a starting price of $179, promised up to five times the performance and twice the range of its predecessors.
The AirPort Extreme was a game-changer in wireless networking. Utilizing 802.11n technology and MIMO smart antennas, it delivered greater data throughput and extended wireless connectivity to more areas than ever before. With the ability to operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, it minimized interference and offered backward compatibility with previous-generation wireless technologies.
The AirPort Extreme boasted a simple yet elegant design, with a compact form factor and built-in USB port. This port allowed users to connect printers or external hard drives, effectively transforming the router into a shared drive for easy file sharing and backup. Additionally, the router featured three LAN ports, accommodating up to 50 devices simultaneously.
One of the standout features of the AirPort Extreme was the AirPort Disk, which enabled users to turn a connected USB hard drive into a network-attached storage (NAS) device. This functionality, compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows, provided convenient access to files across multiple devices. Moreover, users could also connect a USB hub and printer to expand the router’s capabilities further.
Despite its promising start, the AirPort Extreme was discontinued just seven months after its release on August 7, 2007. However, its impact remains palpable even today. Now 17 years old, the AirPort Extreme continues to be cherished by Apple enthusiasts for its innovative features and stylish design.
AirPort Extreme Details
| Introduced | January 9, 2007 – 17 years ago |
| Discontinued | August 7, 2007 – 16 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 210 days (6 months) |
| Model Number | A1143 |
| Order Number | MA073LL/A |
| Original Price | $179 |
| Weight | 1.66 Ibs. 752 Grams |
| Dimensions | 1.3″ D x 6.5″ H x 6.5″ W 3.3 cm D x 16.51 cm H x 16.51 cm W |
Wireless Specs
| Wireless Data Range | 200 – 540 Mbps |
| Compatibility | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g and draft 802.11n) |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
| Radio Output Power | 20 dBm (nominal) |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WEP (40-bit or 128-bit encryption) |
| Capacity | 50 users |
| MIMO Config | 3×3:2 |
| Supported Protocols | NAT DHCP PPPoE VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP) DNS Proxy SNMP |
Connections
| Ports | 4 – Ethernet (10/100BASE-T) 1 – USB |
| Storage | None |
| AirPlay | No |
| Power over Ethernet | No |
Further Reading and References
- AirPort Extreme 802.11n (1st Generation): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New AirPort Extreme with 802.11n – Apple Newsroom
- AirPort Extreme – Wikipedia
- Apple AirPort Extreme (802.11n) – Review 2007 – PCMag UK
- Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station review – CNET
- Apple Airport Extreme review – Stuff
- Hands-on with Apple’s AirPort Extreme 802.11n Base Station – Engadget
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