AirPort Extreme info

[Weaselboy]

I had the previous Airport Extreme (the flat one) and I can use Time Machine backup by plugging my external HDD via the USB.

That is not a supported configuration. Lots of people report it works then is often flaky and when they go to retrieve data it does not work properly. I would not trust my backups to an unsupported setup.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202784

From this link:

Time Machine can back up the data on your Mac to these backup disks:

• An external USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire drive connected to your Mac
• An AirPort Time Capsule's built-in drive (any model)
• An external USB drive connected to an AirPort Time Capsule (any model) or AirPort Extreme (802.11ac model only)
• Network volumes connected using Apple File Protocol (AFP)

 

[theSeb]

It's fairly easy to set up. I wouldn't say easier. But, it is the most stable of the routers I've used. Once set up it pretty much just works. My D-Links and Linksys always had to be restarted after a period of time.

Indeed. I cannot remember when I bought my Extreme, but it's the latest one with Ac wireless and I bought it soon after it came out. I have not had to restart it since it's been powered on. My Sky modem/router is a whole different story and requires an occasional power off/on cycle. Setup is pretty easy, but it depends on what you're planning to do. I have my Extreme taking over the wireless duties in the house with another one extending the wireless network upstairs. It was simple to set up, but then again, all home routers are pretty easy to set up.