Is Airport and Time Capsule still a viable option for Networking and NAS for Apple Computers? Im looking at setting up a Mac based network at my home and was wondering if Airport and Time Capsule are still viable options and if they are what security and firewall options if any do they offer?????
The "latest" version of the AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme were designed in the 2012-2013 timeframe using technologies that were available at the time. Apple never updated the products from the time that they were introduced to the time they were discontinued.
Security wise, the AirPorts are not capable of using up to date WPA3 settings, so they are frankly out of date with current standards.
However, the AirPorts will "work" if you want to set them up in a simple network that is significantly behind the times in terms of performance and security.
The Time Capsule was never designed as a NAS and it will not work very well if you try to make it act like one. Basically, the Time Capsule is a simple AirPort router with a built in hard drive that was designed to handle Time Machine backups from Mac computers.
Not sure what you are looking for as far as firewall options. The AirPort are very simple bare bones routers with a minimum of features.
The "latest" version of the AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme were designed in the 2012-2013 timeframe using technologies that were available at the time. Apple never updated the products from the time that they were introduced to the time they were discontinued.
Security wise, the AirPorts are not capable of using up to date WPA3 settings, so they are frankly out of date with current standards.
However, the AirPorts will "work" if you want to set them up in a simple network that is significantly behind the times in terms of performance and security.
The Time Capsule was never designed as a NAS and it will not work very well if you try to make it act like one. Basically, the Time Capsule is a simple AirPort router with a built in hard drive that was designed to handle Time Machine backups from Mac computers.
Not sure what you are looking for as far as firewall options. The AirPort are very simple bare bones routers with a minimum of features.
Just to add to Bob's comment.. nothing wrong with using Airport routers if you already have them.
Since Apple ceased production >3 years ago don't buy second hand ones (or overpriced new) as they are not worth it. The exception is the Express for Airplay duties only.
Apple sells Mesh wifi from Linksys.. the Velop product line.. and previously sold a few others although it seems Velop only now in some stores as being compatible with Apple home kit
Just search for
linksys-velop-ax4200-wifi-6-mesh-system-3-pack in apple store
So this is only relevant to using or reusing Airport routers you have or obtain for pennies.
The limitations are clear and obvious but for most people of little consequence. i.e. WPA3 wifi security is only relevant to protecting your network from neighbours in wireless range. If you live in Apartment building then that can add up to lots of people and some you may not know or who change over rentals at frequent intervals. On the other hand for most people in free standing house in suburbs then you only have 3 or 4 houses in wireless range usually. Hopefully also people you know well and have some idea of their honesty quotient.
Security of the Airports from internet attack is still good assuming you use long complex passwords and good housekeeping on the network. Many of us still use Airport routers behind another brand main router for airplay or Time Machine backups which is not a problem. Using anything other than Time Machine is not recommended e.g. windows computers would need to run SMB1 which is deprecated on all OS now.
Is Airport and Time Capsule still a viable option for Networking and NAS for Apple Computers?
