Airport Extreme buzzing

[ActionableMango]

My Airport Extreme emits a loud buzzing noise, but only when actually transmitting over wireless. For example, when using wired computers, there is no noticeable sound. When using a wireless computer with say Netflix streaming, there is a BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ. When downloading a large file such as security and OS updates, I get BUUUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ... during the entire download. The buzz is loud and noticeable even across the room. Guests immediately say, "what's that noise?"

1) Anyone else have this problem?
2) Any ideas to fix it or get around it?

It is a dual band model, a little over 1 year old. I only recently starting using the wireless part of it, so I don't know if this would have been a problem from day 1 or not.

 

[psxguru]

Yep mine does it too.

 

[baddj]

Yes mine also does it.

 

[Compile 'em all]

Yep, there is some noise.

 

[drambuie]

It sounds like the power supply is being loaded down when the WiFi transmits data. The video streaming is in chunks producing short repeating buzzes, but files are in a continuous stream, with a continuous buzz.

 

[Paulywauly]

Yeah mine does it too, only when passing data over wifi though and only after its been doing it for a while. It could possibly be a problem with the capacitors getting too hot inside or something? As mine gets louder and warmer and eventually the wireless starts cutting out if you keep it up for a while e.g. if streaming 1080p movie to a ps3. To test it i took a bag of frozen vegetables out of the freezer and put it on top and it did help alot, but its obviosuly not a long term solution

If you have any warranty on it might be worth calling Apple. Ill do it over the next few days and report back with what they say

 

[ActionableMango]

Warranty is long gone for me. I do seem able to stream for long periods of time without interruption, but then again it is winter.

 

[ActionableMango]

If you have any warranty on it might be worth calling Apple. Ill do it over the next few days and report back with what they say

Any word on that?

 

[Paulywauly]

yeah, sorry for the late response on this one. I just called Apple and they said it does sound like a hardware issue which should be covered by warranty, downside being i need to take it to an Apple store, nearest one is 25 miles away and i dont drive

In short, at least Apple says it sounds like it needs repair so you can get it sorted out!

 

[pcfarrar]

I just got an Airport Extreme and it emits a very loud buzz from the centre of the unit during wireless activity. It is particularly bad if you are doing something bandwidth intensive like streaming a video. Do all Airport Extremes do this or is my particular unit likely to be faulty?

 

[Redfanix]

Same here.. i purchase AEBS today and have the "buzzing"... it comes not only from the centre of AEBS, but from external power adapter too... same buzzing noise - same frequency..

so my question is the same... Have all the AirPorts the buzzing noise??

 

[mstrze]

Mine does not buzz. I have had it for 3.5 years.

 

[macswitcha2]

Mines starts yodeling.