The airport extreme and the airport expresses are the devices or routers for internet access wirelessly that the Apple company creates for gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, or desktops with Wi-Fi functions.
These routers have ports that even allow printers or any other USB devices to get connected to the network.
The routers designed and provided by Apple have different features that make them useful in different ways.
Key Takeaways
- Airport Extreme provides faster wireless speeds, while Airport Express offers a lower-cost, compact design.
- Airport Extreme supports more simultaneous connections, whereas Airport Express is designed for smaller networks.
- Airport Express includes AirPlay and a 3.5mm audio jack for music streaming, while Airport Extreme does not.
Airport Extreme Router vs Airport Express Router
The difference between the Airport Extreme router and the Airport Express router is that the Airport Extreme router is faster and taller which, can connect up to 50 people at the same time, and has 3 extra or additional LAN ports, whereas the Airport Express router is compact and portable in size which can connect up to 10 users at the same time and has only 1 additional LAN port.
The Airport Extreme router was released in 1999 by Apple and is taller in size, which makes it 3X faster. It has 3 extra or additional LAN ports and can connect up to 50 users simultaneously.
The Airport Extreme router separates the WAN (Wireless Area Network) and the LAN (Local Area Network).
The airport express router was distributed in June 2004 by Apple and is smaller in size, which makes it slower than the Airport Extreme router. It has only 1 additional LAN port and can connect up to 10 users at a time.
The WAN (Wireless Area Network) and the LAN (Local Area Network) are merged in the Airport Express router. It has a portable size which makes it ideal for travellers.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | AirPort Extreme Router | AirPort Express Router |
|---|---|---|
| Size | The Airport Extreme router is taller in size. | The airport express router is smaller in size. |
| Faster | The Airport Extreme router is 3X faster. | The airport express router is slower than the Airport Extreme router. |
| USB port | The Airport Extreme router has a USB port. | The airport express router does not have a USB port. |
| LAN port | The Airport Extreme router has 3 extra or additional LAN ports. | The airport express router has only 1 additional LAN port. |
| Users | The Airport Extreme router can connect up to 50 users at a time. | The Airport express router can connect up to 10 users at a time. |
What is AirPort Extreme Router?
The Airport Extreme router was the first wireless network router released in 1999 by Apple with three ports and 1 USB port. The router is a switch router.
These routers allow 50 users. These routers are recommended for larger networks because they have antennas that keep the network stable.
The Airport Extreme router is taller in size. The AirPort Extreme has a USB port, making it easy for a printer to connect.
It has a central airport that is an integral part of the device. This feature can be used for devices that are non-wireless.
This router has three LAN (Local Area Network) ports that are for faster access. It also has a feature called Airport Disk.
These routers also have a feature called Airport Disk which can operate any external drive into a split drive. These routers can transfer data five times faster and can broadcast at two spectrums, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
What is Airport Express Router?
The Airport Express router was distributed in June 2004 by Apple.
The Airport Express router is smaller in size and is lighter than the Airport Extreme router, which makes it perfect for an apartment. It can broadcast the signal from the dual-band 802 with a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency.
The router has one additional LAN port. It can add any airplay device or printer wirelessly. It allows 10 people to connect at the same time.
As it is small and portable, which makes it as a good option for travellers.
Some people use the router as an extender of the Airport Extreme router. It has no built-in modem and only has one ethernet port, thus, the wired equipment cannot connect to it.
It has a feature called AirTunes which allows music from iTunes or any computer device. It can store five profiles in its memory.
Main Differences Between Airport Extreme Router and Airport Express Router
- The Airport Extreme router is taller in size than the Airport Express router.
- The Airport Express router is slower than the Airport Extreme router.
- The Airport Extreme router has a USB port, whereas the Airport Express router does not have a USB port.
- The Airport Extreme router has 3 extra or additional LAN ports, whereas the Airport Express router has only 1 additional LAN port.
- The Airport Extreme router can connect upto 50 users at a time, whereas the Airport Express router can connect upto 10 users at a time.
- The Airport Extreme router can accept any external drives, whereas the Airport Express router can only connect printers.
- The WAN (Wireless Area Network) and the LAN (Local Area Network) are separated in the Airport Extreme router whereas The WAN (Wireless Area Network) and the LAN (Local Area Network) are merged in the Airport Express router.
- The Airport Extreme router has a built-in feature for non-wireless equipment or devices, whereas the Airport Express router does not have this feature.
- The Airport Extreme router has many Ethernet ports, whereas the Airport Express router has only one Ethernet port.
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4302-2731-1_12
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Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The comparison table is fantastic. Really useful information, thank you!
This is a great and informative article! It’s important to know the differences between the Airport Extreme and Airport Express to choose the right one to fit our needs.
I completely agree, it’s crucial to be well-informed before making such a decision.
These details are very helpful, especially when considering which one to purchase!
This post lacks a bit of real-world application and context, making it hard to relate to the information presented.
I understand where you’re coming from, but the technical comparison between the two routers is the primary focus here.
The post offers excellent insight into the specifications and differences between these routers, which is essential for making an educated choice.
I found this post to be too technical and a bit tedious to read. It could use some simplification for the average reader.
I disagree, I think the technical details are what make this post strong.
It’s crucial to understand the technical aspects of these routers to make an informed decision.
The comparison between the two routers is quite compelling and encourages thoughtful consideration prior to purchasing.