Replace Airport Extreme

I asked a similar question about replacing my 6th generation AE back in December 2022 with several helpful replies from Tesserax. Still looking for the "perfect" router and think I've narrowed it down to the Amplify Alien now sold at apple.com or Synology WRX560.

Ideally I would like one router instead of mesh if possible because my Airport Extreme does an excellent job of covering my whole house and workshop next door without any extenders. House is approximately 1250 sq. ft x3 1st, 2nd floor and basement. Don't care that much about basement so 2500 sq ft. +.

Does anyone know if the Amplify Alien or Synology WRX560, as single units, would equal the coverage as the AE. The Alien specs say a single unit covers 3000 sq ft, but not sure how accurate that is.

Any input appreciated.

iMac 27" 5K, iMac 27″

Posted on Jan 30, 2023 2:15 PM

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Joe Gramm Author

Level 5

6,448 points

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 2:50 PM

Thought I'd give an update. While waiting for the Synology RT6600ax I ordered the Amplify Alien. I like the Alien so much, I cancelled the Synology. I know in terms of specifications, the Synology router runs circles around the Alien, but my network needs are pretty simple.

I have one router(not mesh) and this is what I like:

Design, build quality, display resolution all excellent.

Incredible coverage considering it's not mesh. I get full WiFi bars in every corner of the house. Three floors 1250 sq ft each. I can play Youtube video outside anywhere in the yard and even across the street with WiFi 5 devices.

I have a Comcast 400 Mbps plan. From my Arris SB8200 cable modem via ethernet to the Alien, the Amplify Alien display/Speed Test shows 480 Mbps down and only 14 Mbps up. Using the Amplify App from my iPhone SE (1st Gen WiFi 5) I get 200-230 Mbps anywhere in the house, and surprisingly, the Amplify App says 51 up. My wife's iPhone 12 Mini gets up to about 340Mbps download speeds. Ten connected devices on the network, all working great. Not bad for a 400 Mbps cable plan.

Good Parental Controls, albeit simple.

What could be improved:

No WPA3 (Synology RT6600ax yes)

It's Tri-Band WiFi 6, but one of the 5Ghz channels is WiFi 5. (Synology RT6600ax all WiFi 6)

No USB. Sort of okay, but not really. (Synology RT6600ax yes)

Sad to see the Airport Extreme go, but the Amplify Alien is fun to look at and a substantial upgrade.

Thank you Tesserax for guiding me to Ubiquiti.

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Replace Airport Extreme

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