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new airport

I have the older airport express and now i see a new version is available. Mine works fine - is it of any benefit buying new one - is it faster? Is airport extreme better again?

Mac

Posted on Nov 8, 2012 11:36 AM

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21 replies

Nov 8, 2012 11:39 AM in response to Booberoi

It depends on how old your earlier AirPort Express is. There were two earlier versions prior to the current one.


The newest Express is a simultaneous dual band model and has an additional Ethernet port. This makes it nearly as capable as a full featured AirPort Extreme. Whether it will be faster is impossible to predict due to the variables involved in any wireless environment.

Nov 8, 2012 1:09 PM in response to Booberoi

The Express is not a modem and does not contain one - you will still need a cable or DSL modem assuming that is how you connect to the Internet.


An Ethernet connection is ideal. No wireless connection will exceed the speed of the wired connection, so if you have the option to use Ethernet (such as with a desktop computer not far from the Express) then use it.

Nov 8, 2012 1:21 PM in response to Booberoi

Connecting your Mac directly to the Express's LAN port with an Ethernet cable will not affect its ability to use AirPlay or stream iTunes music. Just connect it and it works.


Connect the Express's WAN port to the cable modem. Connect its LAN port to your Mac.


Picture: from AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation): Guide to ports and connectors


AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) has a number of ports and connectors with various functions.

User uploaded fileUser uploaded file

Name Description
1 Status LED Shows the status of your AirPort Express. Click here to learn more about the status LED.
2 Link light Lights up when it detects connectivity with another device.
3 Power For connecting AirPort Express to an AC power source.
4 WAN For connecting a DSL or cable modem, or for connecting to an existing Ethernet network.
5 LAN For connecting Ethernet devices such as printers, switches, and computers.
6 USB For connecting a USB printer.
7 Analog and optical digital audio Out For connecting AirPort Express to a stereo or powered speakers.
8 Reset button

For resetting AirPort Express. Click here to learn more about resetting.

Nov 9, 2012 2:17 AM in response to Booberoi

John - I have just upgraded my Optus account (Australia) and have been supplied a new Cisco DPQ3925 wi-fi modem. I was goint to purchase a new airport express and connect my mac directly to it via LAN and WAN and have the benefit of a direct connection and still be wifi for airplay etc. Now I am told this Cisco is a router and modem - do I just use it and plug my mac to it and hopefully it allows wi fi for airplay - or do I use it purely as a modem replacing the old one and purchase the new airport express? Which is method is more efficient?

Nov 9, 2012 2:04 PM in response to Booberoi

You can do that if you wish. Just decide which device will function as a router. The other device should be configured as a bridge. The AirPort can function as a wireless access point in either configuration, or you can elect to disable its wireless. AirPlay will also work either way.


I do not think it makes much difference in your case. I would prefer my router to be the AirPort because I find them easier to use and more reliable than anything else I have tried. If you choose to configure the Cisco DPQ3925 combination modem / router as a bridge you would need to consult its documentation to determine how to accomplish that.

new airport

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