Apple's tweaked AirPort Extreme serves stronger Wi-Fi with 2.8X power boost

OneMoreThing... · Jun 23, 2011

Apple's tweaked AirPort Extreme serves stronger Wi-Fi with 2.8X power boost

The new AirPort Extreme was quietly released by Apple this week with no mention of new features, but it actually has increased power output for increased Wi-Fi signal strength and range.

cptkrf · Jun 24, 2011

Increased range? I would say that the current power level is more than adequate.

I had to move my current APE to the bottom of the basement (10 or so feet below ground) to prevent it from broadcasting over half the county. Since I live in a very rural area, I assumed that I didn't have the worry of piggybackers on my network, then realized that it was fully accessible by my Ipad at least a thousand feet in any direction - and through dense woods.

So, below ground it went with WPA set up. Maybe the extra power is for dense buildings with, say, foil insulation? Or maybe more power just equals better in purchaser's eyes.

BrianLachoreVPI · Jun 24, 2011

Living in a rural area - you don't have to deal with the competing networks or other RF as we in more populated areas do. Believe me, I'll take that extra power. Have one poised in my cart even now - just need to do a model #confirmation before buying.

TattooedMac · Jun 24, 2011

Getting About Blank page in FF and Chrome and Server Not found Page with Safari ?? On both links , Anyone else ??

schweb · Jun 24, 2011

Works fine for me with both Safari and Chrome.

Postoak · Jun 24, 2011

Same here, both Safari & FF work fine. I got rid of Chrome about a month ago.

schweb · Jun 24, 2011

Here's a good site to check things like that:
Down For Everyone Or Just Me -> Check if your website is down or up?

TattooedMac · Jun 24, 2011

schweb said:
Here's a good site to check things like that:
Down For Everyone Or Just Me -> Check if your website is down or up?

Thanks schweb. It seems its just me.

Cheers

class77 · Jun 24, 2011

This report coincides with my experience today with my new Airport Extreme 5. Range is certainly improved, but I have no actual measurements to show proof.

Silverado · Jun 25, 2011

cptkrf said:
Increased range? I would say that the current power level is more than adequate.

I had to move my current APE to the bottom of the basement (10 or so feet below ground) to prevent it from broadcasting over half the county. Since I live in a very rural area, I assumed that I didn't have the worry of piggybackers on my network, then realized that it was fully accessible by my Ipad at least a thousand feet in any direction - and through dense woods.

So, below ground it went with WPA set up. Maybe the extra power is for dense buildings with, say, foil insulation? Or maybe more power just equals better in purchaser's eyes.

If you have WPA set up, what concern would you have whether other wifi users could 'see' your network? Only those with whom you've shared access (or those with the skills and a lot of time on their hands) would be able to piggyback on your connection anyway.

cptkrf · Jun 26, 2011

Silverado said:
If you have WPA set up, what concern would you have whether other wifi users could 'see' your network? Only those with whom you've shared access (or those with the skills and a lot of time on their hands) would be able to piggyback on your connection anyway.

Sorry. I wasn't clear in my post. I am so rural, and my few neighbors are so technically ignorant, I was running with an open wifi. I just assumed that a quarter mile radius was sufficient distance to prevent drive by connections. Recently, I just happened to notice a nephew happily surfing on his IPad while sitting on the dock at the far end of our property. And with a good signal.

My previous G router would barely cover the house. This N powered box caught me by surprise.

Chris H. · Jun 26, 2011

Makes one wonder if Apple uses APX in its stores. (Of course they would, wouldn't they?)