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But I am confused by how a new apple router would not be hindered by the building materials.

You've spent a week debating the issue; why not just buy a new one and test it vs talking about it? If you don't like it, return it to Apple, they will even give you a return label so you're not out any $ at all.
 
You've spent a week debating the issue; why not just buy a new one and test it vs talking about it? If you don't like it, return it to Apple, they will even give you a return label so you're not out any $ at all.

The OP is contemplating his or her options and is looking for the most appropriate equipment for the job. He or she probably doesn't have time to drive to a store, test it, return it, wash, rinse, repeat.

Either way you go, whether it is an ASUS router or an AirPort, the thing you will want is beam forming. It will greatly help in that apartment!
 
My point was too subtle. Buy it ONLINE, return it if unsatisfied, and Apple will both email you the return label and schedule UPS pickup. There's no driving required, what is this 1995?

Routers are hard to predict until you get them in situ so funny that more time has likely been spent discussing it vs the 5 minutes to order it online.

If you don't like it, return it to Apple, they will even give you a return label so you're not out any $ at all.

He or she probably doesn't have time to drive to a store, test it, return it, wash, rinse, repeat.
 

I told you much earlier, quick search here would show you many many people besides me who are reporting increased range on older Apple devices.

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/17462035/

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/17541721/

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/17428047/

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/17436413/

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/17408580/

So is it because beam-forming or plasma vented mega boost 2.0, I care less why more focused on the end result.
 
I like learning about the technology involved. Why can't I do that here?

Absolutely, you can even troll if you want just be honest wrt what you are doing.

You highlighted the ONE post where someone wrote "no" to beam forming but selectively (conveniently?) ignored at least 4 other answers on that same page that all point to yes.

This doesn't seem like someone interested in learning or having a discussion, but I could be wrong. Carry on.

http://store.apple.com/us/question/...-also-apply-to-80211n-bands/QP7FYH9FT4Y9JYT77

http://store.apple.com/us/question/...etwork-be-limited-to-80211n/Q47TUDPC9A27HJXXH

http://store.apple.com/us/question/...-or-just-those-with-80211ac/Q4FJ2PYX92TKH2CYK

http://store.apple.com/us/question/...d-at-all-for-non-ac-devices/Q2JTCAXK7ATU77UFD
 
I like learning about the technology involved. Why can't I do that here?

Beam forming is a new technology that has been around in corporate APs for a couple of years now predominantly and is beginning to venture into commonplace home grade equipment. It will greatly benefit you here, but it needs to have a strong enough antenna to begin with. The Extreme is greatly powerful, and is worth saving for!
 
Buy a mount

If you want to increase wireless range and coverage try mounting it on the ceiling or wall like with this product:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRSDKX6
Usually if you put it in on the ceiling in the middle of your use you'll get better signal.
It optimizes the 11n/ac speed and throughput so that you can get great performance from your Apple Extreme throughout the entire house!
 
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How thick are the walls and what is in them? In an old school that I do AirPort in, I have an AP Express in the ceiling every 50 ft. to cover the rooms.

Most residential walls are 4.5" thick and interior walls seldom have insulation in them.

The 4th gen AEBS was known to have poor antennas but it should definitely work in a small apartment.
I used one in a 6,000'+ office space with metal studs and many walls for a few years before upgrading to the 6th gen AC model.

Also changing the channel your WiFi router uses to broadcast may get you a better overall signal.
I know in my stepsons apartment building you could come across a dozen or so WiFi networks. If most of these networks are all using the same channel to broadcast on, they will interfere with one another. Changing the channel can help quite a bit in some cases.
 
Most residential walls are 4.5" thick and interior walls seldom have insulation in them.

The 4th gen AEBS was known to have poor antennas but it should definitely work in a small apartment.
I used one in a 6,000'+ office space with metal studs and many walls for a few years before upgrading to the 6th gen AC model.

Also changing the channel your WiFi router uses to broadcast may get you a better overall signal.
I know in my stepsons apartment building you could come across a dozen or so WiFi networks. If most of these networks are all using the same channel to broadcast on, they will interfere with one another. Changing the channel can help quite a bit in some cases.

That being said, some older building use solid stone from the late 1800s/early 1900s.
 
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