HT204631: AirPort: Cross reference of 802.11n-capable AirPort Base Station names

Learn about AirPort: Cross reference of 802.11n-capable AirPort Base Station names
Kwajmeck
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: Extreme 3rd and 4th gen. data rates for 802.11n

I am interested in the current model tower Airport Extreme, and all of my devices use 802.11n only.  I cannot find out the data rates for either of these models in Apple's technical specifications.  Apple has an elaborate webpage shouting the current tower's capabilities for 802.11ac as compared to the other 802.11 channels.  I would like to compare their data rates against the current tower to see if I need to make a purchase.

Posted on Sep 7, 2015 3:15 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,368 points)
Wireless
A:

The current model AirPort Extreme can produce a wireless signal with data rates up to 1,300 Mbps, at least in theory. Actual data rates will depend on the quality of the connection between the AirPort Extreme and connecting device.

 

Realistically, with a laptop 10-15 feet from the AirPort Extreme with clear line of sight between the devices, you might see something in the 800-850 Mbps range. Once the laptop moves to the next room, so that there is a normal wall in the signal path between the devices, you might see something in the 500-600 Mbps range.  Two rooms away, you will be lucky to get 350-400 Mbps.

 

However......since you say that your other wireless devices use 802.11n only,  these devices will not be able to connect to an "ac" wireless signal at anywhere close to "ac" speeds. The wireless devices will continue to connect at the same speeds at which they are now capable.

 

So, if you want to connect at higher speeds with your laptop, for example, you will need a new laptop that has "ac" wireless capability.

 

The top data rates for the 3rd and 4th Gen AirPort Extremes would be in theory about 450 Mbps for each product.

Posted on Sep 7, 2015 3:40 PM

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Kwajmeck

Q: Extreme 3rd and 4th gen. data rates for 802.11n

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  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 7, 2015 3:34 PM in response to Kwajmeck
    Level 9 (52,977 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 7, 2015 3:34 PM in response to Kwajmeck

    Gen3 Extreme.

    150Mbit 2.4ghz and 300Mbit 5ghz (this is the first model with 5ghz simultaneous)

     

    Gen4 Extreme

    Same.. although it maybe possible to get 450Mbit on 5ghz.. this depends on if Apple put the wires on the right terminals.. which they didn't manage to do in various tests. (There was improvement for both bands from 2stream to 3stream.. using dual band antenna.. but apple managed to plug it into the wrong slot, at least in some examples that were tested).

     

    See the wiki. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort_Extreme

     

    Tower model with AC wireless will make almost no difference on older clients.. you actually only get improvement in speed on new devices with AC wireless cards.. and only when in close range of the airport.. since 5ghz has poor range.. if it is forced to use 2.4ghz nothing will change).

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 7, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Kwajmeck
    Level 10 (105,368 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 7, 2015 3:40 PM in response to Kwajmeck

    The current model AirPort Extreme can produce a wireless signal with data rates up to 1,300 Mbps, at least in theory. Actual data rates will depend on the quality of the connection between the AirPort Extreme and connecting device.

     

    Realistically, with a laptop 10-15 feet from the AirPort Extreme with clear line of sight between the devices, you might see something in the 800-850 Mbps range. Once the laptop moves to the next room, so that there is a normal wall in the signal path between the devices, you might see something in the 500-600 Mbps range.  Two rooms away, you will be lucky to get 350-400 Mbps.

     

    However......since you say that your other wireless devices use 802.11n only,  these devices will not be able to connect to an "ac" wireless signal at anywhere close to "ac" speeds. The wireless devices will continue to connect at the same speeds at which they are now capable.

     

    So, if you want to connect at higher speeds with your laptop, for example, you will need a new laptop that has "ac" wireless capability.

     

    The top data rates for the 3rd and 4th Gen AirPort Extremes would be in theory about 450 Mbps for each product.

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 7, 2015 3:39 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 9 (52,977 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 7, 2015 3:39 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    The top data rates for the 3rd and 4th Gen AirPort Extremes would be in theory about 450 Mbps for each product.

    Only on the Gen4 I think.. as the 3rd generation is 2x2 (dual antennas and two streams) whereas the 4th Gen is 3x3 (3 antennas and three streams) IFF apple did manage to plug the antennas in the right way round.. When I test I seldom get 450Mbps on the 4th Gen AE whereas it is almost always connected on the 5th Gen AE.

     

    So right now. AE Gen5.

     

    Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 8.38.05 AM.png

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Sep 7, 2015 3:45 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 10 (105,368 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 7, 2015 3:45 PM in response to LaPastenague

    For what it is worth, MacTracker says 540 Mbps.....not 450.... for both the 3rd and 4th Gen.  I'm sure there are other conflicting specs on other sites as well.