Airport Extreme AirPlay: A Brief History and Features Overview

In 2018, Apple made the surprising decision to discontinue its range of wireless routers, including the Airport Extreme and Time Capsule. This move marked a significant shift in the company's product strategy, as Bloomberg News noted that 'Apple rarely discontinues product categories.' The departure from the router market has been a boon for other wireless router makers.

The Airport Extreme router has undergone significant design changes over the years, with three distinct physical forms. The first models, launched in 2003, featured a round 'flying saucer' shape and were known as the AirPort Base Station. These early devices supported the then-new 802.11g Wi-Fi standard, differentiating them from earlier products that ran slower standards.

In 2013, Apple introduced a major upgrade to the Airport Extreme, which changed its physical structure, added 802.11ac support, and increased the number of antennas. Minor updates followed, focusing on improving antenna design and wireless output power.

Throughout its history, the Airport Extreme has been designed as a residential gateway that combines the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS (Network-Attached Storage). The device supports various wireless standards, including 802.11ac, 802.11n, and earlier protocols.

Apple discontinued developing its wireless router lineup in 2016 but continues to provide limited hardware and software support for existing products. As of 2023, the latest model, the sixth generation Airport Extreme, still supports 802.11ac networking and older standards.

In conclusion, the Airport Extreme AirPlay has played an important role in Apple's product portfolio, offering a range of features and functionalities that cater to home users and small businesses alike. While its development may have come to an end, the legacy of this product remains an integral part of Apple's history.

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