Is the coverage of the old Airport Extreme as good as the new version. What is the best way to increase the signal strength with 7 wireless devices using the Extreme. Should I get a new Airport Extreme or add an Express to the network somehow? I want to use the wifi signal out on our patio. Thanks.
Hello Mindy,
Yes, the wi fi signal strength would be the same. The newer version of Extreme uses a somewhat faster protocall, as well as additional radio channels. If you are satisfied with the speed you are getting with your current Airport Extreme, keep it. Your need is to expand your coverage to the patio -- so all you must do is purchase an Airport Express, about $100. You will set up the Airport Express to the "extend wireless network" function, and set it up about halfway between the Extreme and your patio. The extreme and Express will need to be in radio range of each other.
Wuz
It will really depend on which model of your current AirPort Extreme you have versus the latest generation (currently, the 5th) of the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). Apple has made a number of improvements with each generation, including redesign of the base station's antennae. You can read all the "gory" details from an excellent independant source here. What all this translates to is the the range has not necessarily increased, but the ability to provide a quality bandwidth for that range has.
You may find that by just replacing your current AirPort with a new one may be all you will need to reach the patio. However, if it doesn't then adding a 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn), and then, reconfiguring both for an extended network should do the trick.
airport express coverage
