2020 review Apple Airport Extreme A1521 (6th gen) A1408 (5th). Still good for home / office wifi?

[@scotsmanmike]

This helped me make a decision to go for it, i got a really crazy price on one so Icouldnt resist.(A1521) It needs a bit of tlc & fixing (heat isssue) but that doesnt intimidate me at all. Im quite into bang for buck with older tech, ive started to incorporate some apple hardware into my (home) pc set-up . Ive got a 2009 imac which ive zoomped up as it has Target Display Mode, which is excellent as i always wanted that glorious screen. The speakers were a great bonus too as im half gone in one lug and with spatial audio and Boom 3D I can actually hear properly, so double bonus there. If youd've told me even a few years back that I would've been buying apple gear. id've honestly scoffed at you. Now i'm building up quite a handsome wee collection, ive always been into the design aesthetic & completely into the mac/ white/ black/ silver look. Appreciate the review, i guess ill be onto Time Capsules next, theres some interesting mods going on (6-8tb?!)

[@TechNewOld]

Thanks for sharing! Keep that old tech going. Ultimately these macs can still do lots and certainly look after your photos , be a home server. Most of what we do today is through a browser (so the computing power is on google or amazon servers) which means as longs as that browser is kept up to date you are in business. the time capsules is an easy background function for backing things up. The hack is to use your TC for multiple use : back up, partitioned drive for sharing files across your home network et. Maybe even keep your photos on it. Then you need to figure you need to back up the TC in its state ie with back up disk and whatever else you have put on there ! Makes for an interesting challenge.

[@CampervanCookout]

I still use mine, the 5ghz wifi performs faster than my power lines , amazing and I’ll use it until it dies.

[@resonanceofambition]

I find it insane that these things are still so capable after all these years.

[@TechNewOld]

We agree. Better they are being used rather than going into land fill!

[@el-blake-o4766]

I’ve owned the 5th gen for 10 yrs w/zero problems! I have a small house, 1400 sg ft and literally have coverage through my entire 8000 sq ft property. Just keep it updated when one becomes available. If I remember correctly, paid 175 USD way back then. Better then any Netgear product I ever owned.

[@TechNewOld]

There you go , $175 and 10 years service and still going !

[@flir67man84]

I have a old 5th gen.update bios to latest version. If you have iphone you can extend your hotspot to the apple extreme routers. On the iphone first name your phone as the name of your network you want. Next on extreme router choose extend a network and input your phones name and your iphones wifi password. The network will be invisable on the extreme. When you turn on the iphones hotspot it will connect with a link(blue link) at top of screen to the extreme. I use net analyzer to check all my ip addresses. It works and its cheap old tech.

[@TechNewOld]

very good info ... I did not know that. I may update my commentary with your feedback. There you go life in the units !

[@endryudzhenn4398]

Just bought the a1370 time capsule 😊 Anyway you have a good voice, sir. 😊

[@TechNewOld]

Thank you very much! (replied 1 year later ... sorry)

[@willpea1445]

Thanks for this. I use both of these, in Oct 2022, each with a wired connection and creating a wifi network around it. Have used these and 1st and 2nd Gen Airport Expresses as Airplay clients. Entirely happy with the results. 3 children streaming social media at the same time, and no complaints. Happy to recommend.

[@TechNewOld]

Great feedback , thanks sharing

[@peterwan816]

I am still using 2 6th gen airport to create a roaming network. They still works great, each of them broadcasting 4 SSID (combined both 2.4 and 5Ghz bands). They can reach a maximum speed of 550Mbps on both upload and download and is still blazing fast(with a total of 25 devices connect via Wi-Fi to both APs). I am still happy with them and will continue to use them until there are too much device for them to handle (like the latency spikes suddenly or the speed limitation (QoS) by my router no longer works well.

[@TechNewOld]

Great to hear you are still having success … the device number will be the issue (modern routers/hubs good for 100 devices, and even that number may be too low one day). Shame that Apple does not release a patch to allow more devices , I’m sure it’s feasible .

[@peterwan816]

@@TechNewOld I wish that they allow us to customize more like VLAN and customize each SSID, it’s encryption methods, passwords and frequencies.

[@musicofnote1]

Just spent CHF80.- for 2 Apple Airport Extreme A1521 to replace my 2 2nd generation Airport Expresses. Set-up was a breeze and speed was up to 8times the speeds I was getting with the Expresses - almost at cabled speeds.

[@TechNewOld]

Thank you for sharing, proof that in 2021 good wifi is to be had from end of line Apple airport products.

[@linuxxxunil]

Had my eye on a time capsule but then one has to remove the internal hard drive if need be. With these one can simply add an external usb disk.

[@TechNewOld]

interesting

[@charminbaer2323]

I had older an Time Capsule, the 5Ghz band started failing, so I replaced it with a 6th gen A1521 Airport Extreme and was so impressed with it, I bought a second one, disabled the wifi router portion on my modem. At around ~$20-30 dollars on eBay/Craigslist/etc.., they're a pretty damn good investment. I have 1 Gbps Fiber Optic, and with these routers on the 5Ghz band, I get up/down speeds of 600 Mbps. I just bought a 3rd Airport Extreme to extend my network.

[@PKfanSteph]

Found this while looking for a replacement for my 6th gen Extreme before it breaks. I had the 5th gen before that, and an express before that. Maybe I’ll just try eBay instead because nothing else I’ve looked at seems to stack up in terms of quality.

[@TechNewOld]

Well they still work and value for money. The big question is can they handle all the devices connected IoT

[@boblatzer]

My A1408 still does the job. I just transferred all my files to my new M1 Mini using ‘ Migration Assistant’. No hassles. I did have to erase the backups after that because Big Sur can’t write over old Time Capsule backups made on previous OS versions. After that I started backing up my new Mac Mini files with no issues. Also working great as a Wi Fi router.

[@TechNewOld]

There you go more proof that this old kit is going strong. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@guimazzo10]

I missed a test in your video. For example, if you install your base station in your living room and the airport express (extended wifi) in your office… then you start loading a youtube video from the living room and starts walking towards your office. Do you believe it will change seamlessly to the other AP and keep loading the video?

[@TechNewOld]

The way I had it set up was that the airport base and express had the same name and were in extension mode : does it switch to the closest, I can’t say for sure but I think not. I think if a phone/laptop loses connection (either by chance or by switching WiFi off and on) it will reconnect to the strongest signal. All said the base system on our ground floor could power WiFi in our lift bedroom 2nd floor… but sometimes speed would struggle at that distance .

[@guimazzo10]

​@@TechNewOld I build this extended network using a Time Capsule and an Airport Express in my house. Using the AirPort Utility app, we can see where each device is connected. It really catches the stronger signal from the best AP to each gadget in the network automatically and you can see a youtube video (for example) starting in one point and moving to the another one (roaming feature). It is really amazing. Apple did such a great job in this devices! I am very satisfayed with the result. 10+ years old and still a powerful tech solution!

[@TechNewOld]

@@guimazzo10 I don’t understand why apple decided to drop out of the home WiFi business.

[@rossr6616]

@@TechNewOld Me either! Mine has been Rock Solid for many years but just got the overheat warning and cleaning has not corrected that.

[@bishoyhanna974]

@@guimazzo10 so it doesn't drop if u r moving in the house while doing for ex. a zoom meeting ? I had exactlty the same questions u posted; went through all comments to see if someone tried it out... i tried some tp-link devices and its too bad compared to that old apple golden gadgets !! i have the A1408 and planning to get the new A1521 in order to get latest speed and cover more area without spending a fortune in poor tp-link devices!

[@java0880]

have used Airport Extreme since 2018 without problems - with new faster and more capable wifi routers would you recommend buying an upgrade in 2021?

[@TechNewOld]

If you have the budget I would recommend upgrading to a mesh network. You also get a lot more functionality with accompanying apps : google I can test my network, see what’s connected and so on. However, if you are happy and everything is running well don’t change for the sake of it.

[@java0880]

@@TechNewOld thanks appreciate the feedback

[@gardeneyes1]

We upgraded our AirPort Extreme to mesh this week. Our AirPort Extreme couldn’t keep up with all the devices we have connected to our network. We are happy with the upgrade. But we did love the AirPort Extreme.

[@TechNewOld]

@@gardeneyes1 thanks for the feedback of your experience ... that is the reality of the way things are going ... all these connected devices are causing load strain on the older devices which were never designed for it.

[@guimazzo10]

@@TechNewOld How many devices you guys believe it should connect (Airport) and maintain at the same time and keep running?

[@hakanyucel1639]

The question is can I put 4 TB SSD in to this ? 🤔

[@TechNewOld]

Hi, if it is USB driven SSD yes : support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/aputility/aprt2703/mac

[@TechNewOld]

If you mean can you upgrade / change the disk? I think it is very difficult: discussions.apple.com/thread/251298197

[@JG-oc9gc]

they should make a router with a bunch of storage slots that go in the back so you can back things up to the router and then take the drives out and use them with Macs or iPads etc

[@TechNewOld]

Agreed. Most routers you get from provider should have USB . It’s then whether drive comparability/NAS , can be seen on network. The newer nests I find tend to be more limited . Maybe there is a software fix?

[@TheDeanza7]

Most important thing here : it is not designed by some chinese vendor. It's safer to use than any currently available routers that are all designed & made in china.

[@TechNewOld]

interesting ... I dont believe the chinese are spying on us, but I understand some people may have concerns. Now this was probably built in China! But I get your valid point.

[@bradleyclark5936]

Pains like no access to usb device in Nas type systems. No vlans/tagging. No security customizations. Love all my airport devices. Just wish I could tweak for modern uses 😊

[@TechNewOld]

I think these u it’s are best considered for a backup network / private network at home or even just for guests. You should be able to attach a USB drive ?

[@josuefrancois24]

The "6th gen model number" is me918ll/a

[@TechNewOld]

maybe, I could not find that reference . I did a search with me918ll/a and 6th gen comes up, but just could not find. A1521 probably the more common name

[@bobboitt3126]

I have a 6th gen airport extreme. I use it daily and it works great even have the 5G .

[@TechNewOld]

Thanks for the update ! Confirmation that this kit is still good in 2021!

[@davidgreer4790]

I just found one at a consignment store for $20! Snatched it right up.

[@TechNewOld]

Let us know how it goes and if you are happy with it. $20 is a bargain.

[@mele2259]

Hello . I just switched over to an orbi mesh system after using time capsule for years as a router . How do I reset the time capsule to use as only a time machine back up for my macs and not as a router ? Thanks v much

[@TechNewOld]

I don’t have the airport anymore. But if you connect your Mac to the airport pretty sure if you open airport utility you can change the setting. All said, you can just leave the network, just don’t use it.

[@TechNewOld]

Leave the network and tell your devices to forget it .

[@Jrome4life]

I saw on on eBay for dirt cheap i plan one getting can these be used as regular drives to backup Mac but pc stuff?

[@TechNewOld]

So these units are not Apple TIMECAPSULES, thats another product. These are AIRPORTS so are basically internet routers. You can plug a USB drive into the airport and it will show up as a network drive but I don't think you will be able to run TIMEMACHINE over it, will only work with certain drives . See this thread: support.apple.com/en-gb/HT202784

[@TechNewOld]

So make sure you understand difference between TIMECAPSULE and AIRPORT EXTREME

[@html_pix5374]

I just saw your vid man I have two apple base station extremes. Can I use them to extend my wifi as well??

[@TechNewOld]

You should be able to. Remember if you are using the Apple extreme and plug into your router, at first you will have two networks the old router network and the new apple network. What I would do is hide the old router network (you would have to log in via a browser), if you don't do not worry just leave it. Once you set up your base station that is attached to your router and set your network up. When you plug in your other base station somewhere else in the house, open airport utility and it should guide you through, ask if you want to extend existing network ... you may need a few trial an errors. Good luck

[@dekynpeters5774]

I can get one for $80 right now and I’m building a game room is it worth it? Does it work as a wifi extender?

[@TechNewOld]

$80 in my view is too much for this old tech. It may still work well but you should be looking for very low prices on these units.

[@amoore2165]

I have a Time Capsule that still works fine. I’ve been tempted to get a Netgear Nighthawk WiFi 6 mesh system mainly because I have one dead spot in my house where my exercise bike is and to future proof with WiFi 6. And it’s not too expensive right now ($200). One thing I was wondering is if I can still use the Time Capsule to JOIN the new mesh network (it’s like it’s just another device like a phone or computer that way) and still use the Time Capsule functionality for Time Machine. Anybody happen to know if that’s doable?

[@TechNewOld]

That’s great that your time capsule still working. They can get very hot and noisy sometimes but it is doing to jobs in on (backup / WiFi). If you get the mesh (which is probably recommended) you can still use your time capsule for backup (useful , with time machine). Could also provide an additional WiFi address if that’s needed like office WiFi .

[@TechNewOld]

Ha! Just seen the rest of your post (only read first part and answered) , absolutely YES your time capsule will have full time machine functionality on your new mesh network. Lots of life left in it yet.

[@amoore2165]

@@TechNewOld Great! Thanks a lot for the reply and the answer.

[@amoore2165]

So I picked up the Nighthawk Mesh. Wow so good! 500+MB down in every corner of the house all the time. Stable and consistent. Great purchase. I'm impressed. I got it for only $198 for the router and one satellite I did have some problems trying to add the Time Capsule. It doesn't have a Join option like the Airport Express does which I didn't expect...the only option was to Extend and it wanted to Extend from my Airport Express. I use the Express to add a wireless subwoofer to my HomePods for my television sound. When I attempted the extend (wondering if I could then go in to the settings and change it to Join before I knew that was never going to be an option), it gave me a configuration error and took out the Express with it and then the Express wouldn't rejoin the mesh network either even after a reset. So I wound up needing to turn off the mesh and to re-setup the Time Capsule again to like it was before I got the mesh. And then Joined the Express back to that. Then turned it off and turned the mesh back on and then I got my wirelsss subwoofer back. I think the configuration error was caused because by them both having the same network name and password. I had disconnected the mesh but hadn't actually unplugged it. Using the same network name and password did allow all my devices to automatically reconnect to the new network. So I got it back up and running but still no Time Capsule. So then I created a New Network on the Time Capsule with a different name...which then allowed me to go in to the settings where I chose "Off" for the Network. Then I ran an Ethernet cable from the Express WAN port to a normal Ethernet port on the Time Capsule and Voila! The computers could see and use the Time Capsule hard drive for Time Machine wirelessly! Thanks for the help and the Nighthawk push.

[@shannonminton906]

@@amoore2165 @NobleD TechNewOld would there be a way to use the time capsule solely for backup and/or network storage if I do not have an express? I have the Airport Time Capsule (a1470) device and a nighthawk tri-band r8500 router for my home network. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

[@jasperjoppegeers3583]

Question: What Mac did you use in this set up?

[@TechNewOld]

Macmini , running Catalina

[@jasperjoppegeers3583]

@@TechNewOld ok thanks!

[@matthewsaunders1632]

Can you setup an airport using Windows?

[@TechNewOld]

Thats a good (interesting) questions. Here is a step by step guide: www.laptopmag.com/uk/articles/install-use-airport-utility-windows Here is the download from apple: support.apple.com/kb/dl1547?locale=en_GB The Airport Utility 5.6.1 is from 2012, and says windows 7. I think the minimum you will possibly need today is an Apple iPhone or iPad to set up your device. Of course your Windows 10 PC will be able to connect to the network and should be able to use the printers that are on that network. If you do attempt this do let us know how you get along! Sorry I don't have first hand experience of this myself.

[@gustavotozzo]

A question: is there any way in which I can use the 5th gen AirMac Extreme Base Station (A1408) as part of my IODAT Mesh WiFi setup? as an extender I mean... do you think it's possible? Any help would be greatly welcomed.

[@TechNewOld]

Hi, other than using your A1408 to connect to your primary router and creating an independent network, I cannot see many options joining/extending your existing mesh. I found this article that discusses joining an Apple Airport to Google Mesh Wifi and it seems you have to hard wire it with an ethernet, so similar to connecting to your main router and you would still be creating a separate network: discussions.apple.com/thread/8240807

[@gustavotozzo]

@@TechNewOld Thank you for taking the time. Much appreciated ! Yes, I figured that out after I left you the message... there is a way, but it has to be wired either to the router or one of the hubs... there's no wireless option with this... Thank you anyway. You're a star! :)

[@TechNewOld]

@@gustavotozzo my pleasure , please if you don’t mind give a thumbs up to reply and video (that helps me)

[@BreakTime10101]

Can you use this as a backup hard drive? Is Apple still updating the software?

[@TechNewOld]

This is Airport only. I believe if you connect at a USB drive to it it will be seen on your network and if Apple will ask if you want to use as a back up. Otherwise you can use an old Timecapsule which will both act as your back up drive and can do network/wifi.

[@abrantesfontenelle]

The best of them is the dual band thing

[@TechNewOld]

thank you for the info

[@landondavid5773]

That bead head is killin me 😅 great video though!

[@TechNewOld]

People still using these !

[@januszkujawka5909]

I had both and got rid of them while still in demand. Personally, I found wifi strength weak if you have multiple devices in the wifi network. Eero wifi is the way to go, easy setup and works well. I am an Apple guy but those 2 units are not worth buying unless it's really well priced.

[@TechNewOld]

Interesting. I think you hit the point: don’t go out of your way and spend a lot of money on these units. Sure they will do the job, but as you shared can they cope with so many devices attached, everything’s WiFi. However, the units would make a very good secondary WiFi network that sits alongside your more modem hone network (if you need that). Thanks for your comment.

[@davidjames666]

i paid $30 USA dollars for mine today. us that a good price?

[@TechNewOld]

@@davidjames666 $30 is a good price and you will have pretty decent WiFi and easy set up from your phone or MacBook airport utility. $30 bargain.

[@gregdoerr1028]

Excellent video, thank you, very informative and very straightforward explanations.

[@TechNewOld]

I am pleased it has been useful. I explained it the best way I could (simple). I probably missed loads, and hopefully smarter people out there will contribute. Good luck with the old equipment.

[@randomtech787]

Great video 👍. It just irritates me how he calls them by model numbers and not for example 5. Gen...

[@TechNewOld]

Good point .... I think it would have been it easier for myself also ! lol

[@GUNZRUZ]

Great vide! just got 4 of the 6th gens and will definitely be setting them up now!

[@RoryWestfield]

great video

[@TechNewOld]

Thank you ... badly filmed ... my equipment is rubbish, not as polised as the pros

[@sanjay4real]

Great video...fyi the one you are referring to as the "5th generation A1408" is actually either the 3rd generation model A1301 OR it could be a A1354 4th generation (released after the A1301)...fyi both of the ones I mention were released in 2009... the real fifth generation A1408 (released June 2011) actually has the same form factor as the A1521...I have both of the same ones..the sixth generation A1521 one you have and I have the A1354 which is the fourth generation (last of the square flat ones) cheers from Canada! :)

[@TechNewOld]

NobleD TechNewOld Thanks for all the info ... I’m pretty sure I got the right products , the info was in the back. However, have I messed the versions up? I will need to take a look again (when at computer ). Thanks for the like!

[@DanP001]

As a layperson, I wanted to learn more from you. The opposite was the case. I already knew a lot more. I am always amazed how unprofessional some KZbinrs are online. No wonder that you currently in 5 years only have 409 subscribers!

[@TechNewOld]

Wow … hahaha. What a nice fella you are.