AirPort Express

Last updated
The redesigned AirPort Express released in 2012 Airport Express (2012).jpg
The redesigned AirPort Express released in 2012
1st Generation AirPort Express Apple airport express.jpg
1st Generation AirPort Express
Historical development of some wireless router chipset variants Chipsets.svg
Historical development of some wireless router chipset variants

The AirPort Express is a discontinued Wi-Fi base station product from Apple Inc., part of the AirPort product line. While more compact and in some ways simpler than another Apple Wi-Fi base station, the AirPort Extreme, the Express offers audio output capability the Extreme lacks. The AirPort Express was the first AirPlay device to receive streamed audio from a computer running iTunes on the local network. AirPort Express outperforms the stringent requirements of the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Small Network Equipment (SNE) Version 1.0. [1]

Contents

Apple discontinued developing its wireless routers in 2018, [2] but as of 2021 continues limited support of later models. [3]

In Japan, the AirPort Express is called the AirMac express. [4]

Description

When connected to an Ethernet network, the Express can function as a wireless access point. The latest model allows up to 50 networked users. It can be used as an Ethernet-to-wireless bridge under certain wireless configurations. It can be used to extend the range of a network, including functioning as a printer and audio server. The model introduced in June 2012 includes two Ethernet ports: one WAN and one LAN. [5]

The AirPort Express uses an audio connector that combines a 3.5 mm minijack socket and a mini-TOSLINK optical digital transmitter, allowing connection to an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or amplifier with internal DAC. Standard audio CDs ripped in iTunes into Apple Lossless format streamed to the AirPort Express will output a bit-for-bit identical bitstream when compared to the original CD (provided any sound enhancement settings in iTunes are disabled). DTS-encoded CDs ripped to Apple Lossless audio files - which decode as digital white noise in iTunes - will play back correctly when the AirPort Express is connected via TOSLINK to a DTS-compatible amplifier–decoder. [6] This is limited to 16-bit and 44.1 kHz when streaming from iTunes; any higher quality content, such as high fidelity audio that uses up to 24-bit and/or 192 kHz will be truncated down to 16-bit and 44.1 kHz. [7] [ full citation needed ]

The audio output feature of the AirPort Express on a system running OS X Lion or earlier can only be used to wirelessly stream audio files from within iTunes to an attached stereo system. It cannot be used to output the soundtrack of iTunes video content to an attached stereo. [8] OS X Mountain Lion introduced AirPlay support, a feature to output Mac system-wide audio directly to AirPort Express. [9] This allows output of the audio of protected video content within iTunes, and also correctly maintains the audio sync with the image displayed on-screen. Video is synced with output audio when playing the video through an AirPort Express if the video is in a format supported by QuickTime Player (such as HTML 5 video in Safari etc.).

For Windows and Mac operating systems (before OS X Mountain Lion) there are a few software options available for streaming system-wide audio to the AirPort Express, such as Airfoil and TuneBlade. For the Logitech Media Server (Squeezeserver), the Airplay bridge plugin allows it to behave as a seamless squeezeplayer client

History

2004 model

The first version (M9470LL/A, model A1084) was introduced by Apple on July 7, 2004; [10] [11] [12] it included an analog–optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port for remote printing, and one Ethernet port. The USB port could also be used to charge the first generation iPod Shuffle, although this was not supported by Apple. [13] The main processor of the 802.11g AirPort Express was a Broadcom BCM4712KFB wireless networking chipset, which incorporated a 200 MHz MIPS processor. The audio was handled by a Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM2705 16-bit digital-to-analog converter.

2008 model

An updated version (MB321LL/A, model A1264) supporting the faster 802.11 Draft-N draft specification and operation in either of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with almost all other features identical, was introduced by Apple in March 2008. [14] The revised unit includes an 802.11a/n (5 GHz) mode, which allows adding Draft-N to an existing 802.11b/g network without disrupting existing connections, while preserving the increased throughput that Draft-N can provide. [15] Up to 10 wireless units can connect to this AirPort Express.

2012 model

In 2012 Apple introduced a completely redesigned model with a new square form factor and two ethernet ports.

On August 28, 2018 Apple added AirPlay 2 support to the 2012 AirPort Express, providing the ability to be added to the Apple Home app as an audio destination. [16]

Discontinuation and support

On November 21, 2016, Bloomberg reported that Apple had disbanded its wireless router division, "according to people familiar with the matter." [17]

In an April 2018 statement to 9to5Mac, [2] Apple announced the discontinuation of its AirPort line, effectively leaving the consumer router market. Apple continued supporting the AirPort Express, [3] although an older version of its "AirPort Utility" is required to support the earliest version of the device. [18]

Models

AirPort Express Base Station models
U.S. model numberProduct family numberDateWi-Fi standardFeaturesConsumer NicknameAirPort Utility Versions
M9470LL/A A1084 / A1088July 2004 - March 2008 [5] [19] 802.11b/g
  • 10/100 Ethernet WAN or LAN port
  • Analog/digital audio output jack
  • USB Printer Port
AirPort Express 802.11g (1st Generation)Mac: 5.x
iOS: none
Windows 5.5.3, 5.6.1
MB321LL/A A1264March 2008 – June 2012 [14] [20] 802.11a/b/g/Draft N
  • Wireless-to-Ethernet bridge
  • 10/100 Base-T Ethernet WAN or LAN port
  • Analog/digital audio output jack (AirTunes, AirPlay v1, v2 since 7.8 [21] )
  • USB Printer Port
AirPort Express 802.11n (1st Generation)Mac: ? - 6.x
iOS: 1.0 - 1.3
Windows 5.6.1
MC414LL/A A1392June 2012 – April 2018 [22] 802.11a/b/g/n simultaneous dual-band
  • Wireless-to-Ethernet bridge
  • 2 10/100 Ethernet ports: WAN or LAN, LAN only
  • Analog/digital audio output jack
  • USB Printer Port
  • AirPlay 2
AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation)Mac: 5.6 - 6.x
iOS: 1.0 - 1.3
Windows 5.6.1

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IEEE 802.11</span> Wireless network standard

IEEE 802.11 is part of the IEEE 802 set of local area network (LAN) technical standards, and specifies the set of medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication. The standard and amendments provide the basis for wireless network products using the Wi-Fi brand and are the world's most widely used wireless computer networking standards. IEEE 802.11 is used in most home and office networks to allow laptops, printers, smartphones, and other devices to communicate with each other and access the Internet without connecting wires. IEEE 802.11 is also a basis for vehicle-based communication networks with IEEE 802.11p.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPort</span> Discontinued line of products by Apple Inc.

AirPort is a discontinued line of wireless routers and network cards developed by Apple Inc. using Wi-Fi protocols. In Japan, the line of products was marketed under the brand AirMac due to previous registration by I-O Data.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wi-Fi</span> Wireless local area network

Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for local area networking of devices and Internet access, allowing nearby digital devices to exchange data by radio waves. These are the most widely used computer networks, used globally in home and small office networks to link devices and to provide Internet access with wireless routers and wireless access points in public places such as coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPort Extreme</span> Residential gateway

AirPort Extreme is a line of residential gateways made by Apple Inc. that combine the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point and NAS as well as varied other functions. It is one of Apple's former AirPort products. The latest model, the 6th generation, supports 802.11ac networking in addition to older standards. Versions of the same system with a built-in network-accessible hard drive are known as the AirPort Time Capsule.

IEEE 802.11n-2009, or 802.11n, is a wireless-networking standard that uses multiple antennas to increase data rates. The Wi-Fi Alliance has also retroactively labelled the technology for the standard as Wi-Fi 4. It standardized support for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), frame aggregation, and security improvements, among other features, and can be used in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squeezebox (network music player)</span> Family of network music players

Squeezebox is a family of network music players. The original device was the SliMP3, introduced in 2001 by Slim Devices. It had an Ethernet interface and played MP3 music files from a media server. The first Squeezebox was released two years later and was followed by several more models. Slim Devices was acquired by Logitech in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Pro</span> Series of computers by Apple Inc.

Mac Pro is a series of workstations and servers for professionals made by Apple Inc. since 2006. The Mac Pro, by some performance benchmarks, is the most powerful computer that Apple offers. It is one of four desktop computers in the current Mac lineup, sitting above the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fritz!Box</span> Brand of residential gateway devices

Fritz!Box, stylised as FRITZ!Box, is a series of residential gateway devices produced by the German company AVM GmbH. In 2010 it was estimated the series had a market share of 68% of the digital subscriber line (DSL) consumer equipment in Germany.

Operating system Wi-Fi support is defined as the facilities an operating system may include for Wi-Fi networking. It usually consists of two pieces of software: device drivers, and applications for configuration and management.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Netgear Digital Entertainer</span>

Netgear's Digital Entertainer line of products are digital media players that can pull multimedia content from home computers to the typical audio/video entertainment center. There are three products in the line, the EVA700, the HD EVA8000 and the current EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite. All support high definition video, the EVA700 via component output up to 1080i and the EVA8000/EVA9000 up to 1080p with both component and HDMI connectors. All models support audio, video, image and streaming audio and video formats and can be networked via wired and wireless Ethernet. The EVA700 is Intel Viiv certified.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wireless repeater</span> Wireless computer networking device

A wireless repeater is a device that takes an existing signal from a wireless router or wireless access point and rebroadcasts it to create a second network. When two or more hosts have to be connected with one another over the IEEE 802.11 protocol and the distance is too long for a direct connection to be established, a wireless repeater is used to bridge the gap. It can be a specialized stand-alone computer networking device. Also, some wireless network interface controllers (WNIC)s optionally support operating in such a mode. Those outside of the primary network will be able to connect through the new "repeated" network. However, as far as the original router or access point is concerned, only the repeater MAC is connected, making it necessary to enable safety features on the wireless repeater. Wireless repeaters are commonly used to improve signal range and strength within homes and small offices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Air</span> Line of ultraportable notebook computers by Apple

The MacBook Air is a line of laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple since 2008. It features a thin, light structure in a machined aluminum case and currently either a 13-inch or 15-inch screen. The MacBook Air's lower prices relative to the larger, higher performance MacBook Pro have made it Apple's entry-level notebook since the discontinuation of the original MacBook line in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPort Time Capsule</span> Wireless router by Apple

The AirPort Time Capsule is a wireless router which was sold by Apple Inc., featuring network-attached storage (NAS) and a residential gateway router, and is one of Apple's AirPort products. It is essentially a version of the AirPort Extreme with an internal hard drive. Apple describes it as a "Backup Appliance", designed to work in tandem with the Time Machine backup software utility introduced in Mac OS X 10.5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HP Pavilion dv9000 series</span> Laptop model series by HP

The HP Pavilion dv9000 was a model series of laptops manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Company that featured 16:10 17.0" diagonal displays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Mini</span> Desktop computer by Apple Inc.

Mac Mini is a small form factor desktop computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. As of 2022, it is positioned between the consumer all-in-one iMac and the professional Mac Studio and Mac Pro as one of four current Mac desktop computers. Since launch, it has shipped without a display, keyboard, and mouse. The machine was initially branded as "BYODKM" as a strategic pitch to encourage users to switch from Windows and Linux computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WiGig</span> Type of wireless local area network based on IEEE 802.11

WiGig, alternatively known as 60 GHz Wi-Fi, refers to a set of 60 GHz wireless network protocols. It includes the current IEEE 802.11ad standard and also the IEEE 802.11ay standard.

Linksys manufactures a series of network routers. Many models are shipped with Linux-based firmware and can run third-party firmware. The first model to support third-party firmware was the very popular Linksys WRT54G series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPlay</span> Proprietary wireless streaming protocol developed by Apple Inc.

AirPlay is a proprietary wireless communication protocol stack/suite developed by Apple Inc. that allows the streaming of multimedia and device screens, together with related metadata, between compatible devices. Originally implemented only in Apple's own software and hardware, the company has since licensed the AirPlay protocol stack to third-party manufacturers and it has been implemented on devices such as television sets and home audio systems. AirPlay works through either a direct peer-to-peer connection between devices or through an infrastructure local network.

IEEE 802.11ac-2013 or 802.11ac is a wireless networking standard in the IEEE 802.11 set of protocols, providing high-throughput wireless local area networks (WLANs) on the 5 GHz band. The standard has been retroactively labelled as Wi-Fi 5 by Wi-Fi Alliance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wi-Fi 7</span> Wireless networking standard in development

IEEE 802.11be, dubbed Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is a wireless networking standard in the IEEE 802.11 set of protocols which is designated Wi-Fi 7 by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It has built upon 802.11ax, focusing on WLAN indoor and outdoor operation with stationary and pedestrian speeds in the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz frequency bands.

References

  1. ↑ "AirPort Express Environmental Report" (PDF). Apple and the Environment. Apple Inc. June 2012. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  2. 1 2 Hall, Zac (2018-04-26). "Apple officially discontinues AirPort router line, no plans for future hardware". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  3. 1 2 "Vintage and obsolete products". Apple Inc.
  4. ↑ "アップル - AirMac Express - パワフルでコンパクトなWi-Fiベースステーション。". Archived from the original on 2013-01-04.
  5. 1 2 "Apple Unveils AirPort Express for Mac & PC Users". Apple. June 7, 2004.
  6. ↑ Lanxon, Nate (July 28, 2009). "Using Apple's AirPort Express with a DAC: A how-to guide". CNET.
  7. ↑ Apple forum
  8. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for purchased movies". Apple Inc. April 16, 2012. Archived from the original on 2014-07-21.
  9. ↑ "Apple – OS X Mountain Lion – Use your Mac in so many new ways". Apple, Inc. September 6, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Apple Unveils AirPort Express for Mac & PC Users". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  11. ↑ "Apple unveils wireless device for PCs, Macs". NBC News. 2004-06-08. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  12. ↑ "Apple unveils AirPort Express". CNET. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  13. ↑ "IPod shuffle: Using AirPort Express to charge". Archived from the original on 2007-08-18.
  14. 1 2 "Apple Introduces New AirPort Express with 802.11n". Apple. March 17, 2008.
  15. ↑ "Designing AirPort Networks (PDF)" (PDF). Apple, Inc. March 17, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 18, 2008., p. 21
  16. ↑ Hollister, Sean (August 28, 2018). "Apple just turned your ancient AirPort Express router into an AirPlay 2 wireless speaker dongle". CNET.
  17. ↑ Gurman, Mark (November 23, 2016). "Apple Said to Abandon Development of Wireless Routers". Bloomberg.
  18. ↑ "Update the firmware on your AirPort base station". Apple Support. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  19. ↑ "AirPort Express - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. April 6, 2016.
  20. ↑ "AirPort Express 802.11n (1st Generation) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. April 6, 2016.
  21. ↑ "About AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.8 Information". support.apple.com. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  22. ↑ "AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. May 10, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.