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best alternative for airport extreme

I am looking to update my aging Airport Extreme. My Airport Express just bit the dust and I would like to update a whole house system. I am looking for an easy set-up like the old Airport Extreme if possible. As I was using the Airport Utility I was blown away by how many devices are being used by just two people!!

So my set-up would need to cover approximately 2000 sq. foot. A basement and ground level floor.

Was looking at Mesh Wi-Fi system but am clueless about them


So my main question: Is there anything out there that will be as easy as the Aiport Extreme was to set-up?

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 5:21 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 5:50 PM

Most mesh systems are super easy.. although they do require registration with the manufacturer and use of phone app.. unacceptable IMHO.. very few offer local setup.. Netgear Orbi is one.. so worth a look.


No problem covering that area.. RBK50 is older model AC wireless.. but still good.. they have AX models now that are shall we say still in beta.


My recommend is pick a model in your price range and then research that particular one..

There are simply too many models on the market.


There are several websites with review of mesh systems.

One I have used is Dong..


https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-5-mesh-systems/


He also has wifi 6 systems.

https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-6-mesh-systems/


Just to comment.. if you own the house.. get it wired with ethernet. Even a single run between floors will give you super improvement in using AP models or mesh with wired backhaul. WiFi cannot beat wired connections.. no matter what is claimed. Best thing ever done is wire ethernet throughout the house.

Expensive one time cost that will last my lifetime if not yours!! (say 20 years).

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 22, 2020 5:50 PM in response to R0dan54

Most mesh systems are super easy.. although they do require registration with the manufacturer and use of phone app.. unacceptable IMHO.. very few offer local setup.. Netgear Orbi is one.. so worth a look.


No problem covering that area.. RBK50 is older model AC wireless.. but still good.. they have AX models now that are shall we say still in beta.


My recommend is pick a model in your price range and then research that particular one..

There are simply too many models on the market.


There are several websites with review of mesh systems.

One I have used is Dong..


https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-5-mesh-systems/


He also has wifi 6 systems.

https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-6-mesh-systems/


Just to comment.. if you own the house.. get it wired with ethernet. Even a single run between floors will give you super improvement in using AP models or mesh with wired backhaul. WiFi cannot beat wired connections.. no matter what is claimed. Best thing ever done is wire ethernet throughout the house.

Expensive one time cost that will last my lifetime if not yours!! (say 20 years).

best alternative for airport extreme

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