Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (A1521) router released in 2013. It is powered by Broadcom BCM53019A1 @ 1 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash. The AC1750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with AirPort Extreme Base Station is 450 + 1300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 3 x 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The AirPort Extreme Base Station is a cheap router. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for faster wireless speeds. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. Apple has received recognition and awards for their networking products.
Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station specifications
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Name | AirPort Extreme Base Station |
| Type | A1521 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2013 |
Body
| Dimensions | 168 x 98 x 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 943 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM53019A1 @ 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 32 MB |
| OS | Apple |
| Power supply | internal |
The Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station router has a Broadcom BCM53019A1 @ 1 GHz processor. The 512 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Apple often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 3 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.
Wireless
| Antennas | 6 x 3 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1750 |
| Speed | 450 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 32 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
This router has 6 x 3 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The AirPort Extreme Base Station is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. The 5 GHz band is less crowded. This leads to less interference and a clearer wireless signal. The AirPort Extreme Base Station router is 5 GHz capable. The Wi-Fi router offers fast data speeds. They are good for streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file transfers.
The top speed, 450 + 1300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.
Administration
| Default IP | 10.0.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default password | public |
Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Apple one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- generous memory
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station photos
If there’s information about the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station that you would like to see on this site, then write to us.
