The next gen Airport Extreme

The new one is still relatively new, and I don't know of a big breakthrough in network technology around the corner that would precipitate an upgrade. What, exactly, is your problem with the current AEBS, and what are you hoping they'll fix for you in the next generation?

 

I agree; I wouldn't expect a new model for a couple of years.

 

Yeah might as well buy one now if you need it. Current AE has all the latest technology.. there are no major networking protocols that will be released in the near future. and once they announce the new stuff it takes forever for the products to be made.

 

until 10Gb ethernets around and about, theres really no way you can improve AE

 

In addition to the lack of any network technology being right around the corner that will revolutionize wireless as we know it...the form factor of the AEBS matches that of more recently updated/upgraded products. Time Capsule, Apple TV, and of course the old outdated Mac Mini. So no, I doubt a new one will come around any time soon.

 

I added one of these to mine and now its got 4 more ports... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122140

 

Any further modifications to the n spec could probably be done through firmware updates. The lack of ports is a specific issue for you so there is no guarantee that any future revision will see more ports. Given that the old AEBS only had three, it looks like Apple has settled on three so you need to buy a hub to expand.

 

I believe there was agreement from all parties that any device that meets the 2.0 draft N standard will be firmware compatible with final - i.e. no changes that require a hardware upgrade will be made before final N.

 

Honestly, this is still a pretty complicated proposition. Do you have a static IP and/or a dynamic host name? If not, I'd say you're in for a world of pain in the butt.

 

If you're not paying for it, it's probably dynamic.