Hey guys! I was wondering if someone could give me a full introduction to the Airport Express and AirPort Extreme. I wanted to know if I need an Internet provider (FiOS) to make it connect to the Internet and act as my house router, giving me Internet to play games online and surf the web. Also, does the express act as a little Wi-Fi booster? Like I place it in my room (Weak Wi-Fi) and my wifi becomes great? Thanks so much!
OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)
You need an Internet service and a modem. FiOS is OK. Then, use an AirPort Extreme to create a wireless network, but an Express can suffice. Add another Express if you need to extend its range. That's it.
You need an Internet service and a modem. FiOS is OK. Then, use an AirPort Extreme to create a wireless network, but an Express can suffice. Add another Express if you need to extend its range. That's it.
Oh. So the Express basically is the extender in this equation. What does the extreme do then? Like, what is it used for? Thanks!
Same but you can add disks and it supports 50 users.
Regards,
Shawn
By 50 users, that's like 50 devices? Like my iPhone, MBP, and iPad? So it's basically the express, but with a SuperDrive? I saw people having the Extreme at their router, and then the express up in their office. Is that basically the most common set up? Guys, thanks so much for your support and help!
Correct - user=device.
Disks are USB 2.0 hard drives. Various formats supported but for a Time Machine you need it in HFS+.
SuperDrive's are optical devices.
Airports are not routers, you still need one of them but they provide a Wireless infrastructure plus other services.
Regards,
Shawn
Wasn't planning to stop paying for Internet service anytime soon. (Aha, guess nobody got that)
So let me get this, Express-More Range, Extreme-Creates a wireless network off of my FiOS, Time Capsule- (Uhh, I guess basically the Extreme just with backup?) Thanks!
Shawn Grinter 2 wrote:
Airports are not routers,
Huh? All AirPort Base Stations are routers.
Hi,
Yup, that's about it. Both AX, AE & TCs can 'range extend" via roaming network (cable) or WDS - but this will reduce throughput as they have to re-xmit everything.
So summary:
AE:
50 Users
Disks/SAN - add you own
Time Machine (only with "new" 802.11ac one - *not* others) - with disk above
Printer
Extend range
802.11b/g/n/ac
1 GB Wan Port, 3 GB LAN ports.
TC
As with AE but has own disk already
AX
10 Users
Printer
Airplay
Extend range
802.11b/g/n
1 GB WAN port, 1 GB LAN port
Sorry - should have said Modems....
Oops....
I surmised it was a misstatement, but I didn't want the OP to be confused.
Many people don't even know Apple makes routers, which is unfortunate since they are the most highly reviewed and reliable of all consumer grade routers.
You guys are great! (Takes notes) So the setup would be AirPort Extreme next to my FiOS Router. Then AirPort Express on my desk in my office. Would the Express have to connect to ethernet to serve as a Wi-Fi expander? And Time Capsule, basically AirPort Extreme, does all it does, but has the hard disk in it and backs up my devices daily? Thanks again!
I believe Verizon FiOS supplies a combination modem / router. It is preferable to disable its router function, and leave that to your Extreme since it's a better router. An additional base station (usually the more inexpensive Express) can "wirelessly extend" the network created by the Extreme, in addition to providing a way to connect remote speakers for AirPlay audio streaming.
In that configuration the Express does not have to be connected to anything with an Ethernet cable, but doing so conveys advantages over relying upon wireless signals and the phenomena that affects them.
And Time Capsule, basically AirPort Extreme, does all it does, but has the hard disk in it and backs up my devices daily?
Exactly. Time Machine actually backs up every hour, but that's another subject altogether 🙂
John Galt, you have been so helpful with this question! Thank you so much! Now I know what each does. Getting a Time Capsule and an AirPort Express. Dianamic duo right there. Once again, thank you so much!
Airport Express/Extreme
