Why doesn't Airport Extreme feature in "best wireless router" lists?

[jljue]

My AirPort Extreme has been very reliable for a router, networked hard drive interface, and as an access point. When I used Comcast, it was my primary router, and even though it has a sparse feature set, it never needed a reboot other than for firmware updates and to relate the power from surge protector to UPS. Video streams and VoIP s were pretty reliable and stable, even though it does not have QoS and I backup online.

I now use AT&T U-Verse, and the AEBS serves as my access point, to prevent a Double-NAT situation. The U-verse router has more advanced features, but it does not do 802.11N. Since I need to move my network infrastructure out of office, which is about to become the baby's room, I am redoing my whole network infrastructure, which will include a 24-port gigabit switch with QoS to handle routing centrally, but my AirPort Extreme will still be my access point for my wireless devices.

 

[bmcgrath]

I have to mention, though, that the Airport Extreme is one of the most stable consumer-grade routers I've ever laid my hands upon. I never had to restart it because it froze up. This alone makes this monster worth every penny for me.

But yes... Configuration options are lacking and it's expensive.

Agreed! It is very very stable. The wifi speeds are very quick. Rarely needs to be restarted but yes the config options are shocking. And any time I want to open a port it needs to be restarted. SIGH

 

[Hermes Monster]

Good thread

I've been considering buying one of these, but find the cost slightly prohibitive. Also I wasn't sure exactly what it was, seems it's just a router?

I have all sorts of issues with my ATV, iDevice wifi connections and home sharing, so hopefully one of these will play nicer than the pos my ISP provided

One thing I wanted to know, as a pretty basic "plug it in and leave it" user, would the 2nd or 3rd generation be adequate? I've found it hard to find the differences but as long as its N rated, I suspect I'll be fine?

 

[Weaselboy]

One thing I wanted to know, as a pretty basic "plug it in and leave it" user, would the 2nd or 3rd generation be adequate? I've found it hard to find the differences but as long as its N rated, I suspect I'll be fine?

There is a very thorough review of the latest gen Extreme here that does a good job explaining the benefits of the new version.

Apple usually has refurbs for $139, so not a bad deal.

 

[bmcgrath]

There is a very thorough review of the latest gen Extreme here that does a good job explaining the benefits of the new version.

Apple usually has refurbs for $139, so not a bad deal.

The new one definitely has major improvements over previous gens so I would recommend you invest in the latest version.

 

[jdechko]

Just wanted to echo a lot of the sentiments here. The AEBS is a great router for most home users. It's easy to set up and it's very stable. However it's pretty expensive and it doesn't have a lot of features found on other routers.

I also dislike the new setup utility as it's geared for novice users. I wish they had an advanced mode.