AirPort Utility Invaluable. Alternative?

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Level 1

25 points

AirPort Utility Invaluable. Alternative?

The AirPort Utility app offered a tremendous benefit to using Apple routers. Anytime I was in an Apple wifi environment, I could help with setup, debugging, etc. if I had any Apple device with me, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

For me, the AirPort Utility more than compensated for whatever shortcomings existed with the Apple routers.

Do any third-party vendors have a software interface that is close to the AirPort Utility? I'd like an app for all of my Apple devices so that I could manage the third-party router. I'm hearing great things about Eero and similar devices, but don't want to replace all the Apple routers until I am comfortable with the app interface and multiplatform support for the app.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Nov 27, 2018 5:46 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,646 points

Nov 27, 2018 6:08 PM in response to Sjfipad

Do any third-party vendors have a software interface that is close to the AirPort Utility?

No, AirPort Utility is unique to Apple, and it works only on Apple routers.

I'd like an app for all of my Apple devices so that I could manage the third-party router.

Most other router products offered by other manufacturers use a web page like interface, which is accessed by using a default IP address for the router. For example, the default IP address of an ATT router is usually 192.168.1.254. So, you would enter this address into your browser and then enter a device password provided by the manufacturer to access the settings for the device.

I'm sure that there are likely some exceptions to this.....like Eero and Ubiquiti....which use iPhone Apps, but offhand I can't think of any other good examples. Even if I could, the interface is not going to look or behave anything like AirPort Utility, so when the time comes, you'll need to be prepared to spend some time on a new learning curve with your new router(s).

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Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,646 points

Nov 27, 2018 6:42 PM in response to Sjfipad

Among the newer products that I've seen, Eero might be your best bet for an iOS or Android app. No Mac or PC applications for Eero, unless something has happened in the last few weeks.

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Answer 3

Sjfipad Author

Level 1

25 points

Nov 27, 2018 6:30 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Reply to Bob Timmons 11-28 response

Thanks for the prompt response. I don't hold any hope for something that looks similar to AirPort Utility, just hoping for something that has an iOS app and a macOS app. My frustration with IP based router interfaces 10 years ago (e.g. Netgear, Linksys) is what drove me to Apple routers. AirPort Utility was such a breath of fresh air.

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AirPort Utility Invaluable. Alternative?

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