Airport Extreme - 4th or 5th Generation??

Oct 2009 4th egneration
June 2011 5th generation.
I've been trying to do some research on the differences and can't seem to find any. I'm about to purchase a refurbished model from apple and would like to make the right decision. Both are dual band, both have same number of ports and features, weight and design.
Anyone out there know of any differences? There must have been a reason to update the line in June 2011?

Both the 4th Generationa and 5th Generation models are simultaneous dual band versions. Kappy must have been thinking about Generation 1, not 4 when he mentioned that the previous model could do "one or the other".
The June 2011 model introduced a new 5 GHz radio using different chips and an improved antenna design that seems to provide a bit better performance.
You might want to take a look at the test report below on the Generation 5 to decide if the improvements warrant the extra investment for the new model.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31564-apple-airport-ext reme-gen-5-reviewed

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What's the most recent opinion about Time Machine backups to Hard Drives connected to the USB port on the Airport Extreme Base Station (5th generation)?

I have been searching the Apple communities and Internet for a final answer. I just bought an Airport Extreme Base Station (5th generation) and LaCie d2 quadra 1TB external drive as a replacement for TWO failed Time Capsules, neither of which Apple would replace due to failed power supplies. I formatted the 1TB drive using Disk Utility (Mac OS extended (journaled)) from my MacBook Pro, and then plugged into the Airport Extreme Base Station USB port. The Airport Extreme Base Station see the Hard Drive, and my MacBook Pro sees the Hard Drive in my finder under shared resources. Time Machine, however, does not see the drive. Is there a solution for this problem? If Time Machine will not work, is there another software product out there that will work, like Carbon Copy. Having to plug the backup drive into the USB port of your laptop every evening kind of defeats the purpose of having a laptop. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Keeping in mind that this is not supported by Apple, I have been successful at doing the following:
1) Format the entire drive (1 Partition) as Mac Extended (Journaled). You must click in Options and set it as a GUID Partition Table (first option)
2) Plug drive via USB to AEBS
3) Using Airport Utility, use Manual Setup, then under Disks, select the new Disk and click File Sharing, then Enable File Sharing and Secured Shared Disks (recommended, of course). Other settings are up to you.
4) IMPORTANT: you will NOT see this Disk in Time Machine until you open Finder and double-click on it. You will not need to do this again (hopefully).
5) Now it should appear in Time Machine. Remember to exclude any large files like Virtual Machines, since they will be re-backed-up (is that a word?) every time it changes in any way.
6) Remember that the first backup (over WiFi) is the longest. Leave the computer alone during this period.
Good luck, and let us all know how it went for you!

What are the differences between a 2nd generation Airport Extreme and a 5th generation other than dual band capability?

I have a 2nd generation and want to replace it with a 5th generation. Will it be worth it? Other than the dual band capability of the 5th gen, what is the advantage?

The 2nd Gen AirPort will support wireless speeds up to about 270-300 Mbps. The 5th Gen will go up to 400-450 Mbps.
But, not sure why you are looking at a 5th Gen AirPort when the Gen 6 runs circles around the Gen 5 in terms of speed capability and antenna performance. The 6th Gen antennas are up at the top of the tower for significantly better transmission capability and there are more of them as well.
With an "ac" capable computer the 6th Gen will get up to 900-1,000 Mbps. Otherwise, it will come in at 400-450 Mbps with a fairly up to date Mac.
The 6th Gen would be, and is a "no brainer" for me over the 5th Gen, but you may have your reasons.
Apple tends to introduce new models in June of most years, so if you are not in a rush, you will likely have an even better offering soon.

I am trying to decide to buy Airport extreme 4th generation used for $90 or buy a new 5TH generation for $180. What is the difference in 4th to 5th.generation. Thanks John

I am trying to decide to buy a used 4th generation Airport Extreme or a new 5th generatino for $190. What is th edifference betweeen 4th and 5th generation, thanks John

"New and improved" antenna design on the 5th Generation that may or may not result in any real differences. I can't tell them apart specification or performance wise.
$90 is not bad for the 4th Generation, but you have No Warranty.
Apple sells re-furbished 4th Gneration models that look brand new with all accessories and New Warranty for $129. Check the online Store if you are interested.

Unable to connect mac OS 10.4 with airport extreme 4th generation

I am setting up an old PowerBook G4 for my nephew. Running Mac OS 10.4.11. I am unable to get the PowerBook G4 to speak to my Airport Extreme 4th generation. Is this an incompatibility issue that cannot be fixed?

I guess it's time to go down to Starbucks and buy an overprised Latte
If the coffee place is running an "open" network that does not use wireless security, the G4 should connnect.
If the coffee place uses WEP 40 or WEP 128 encryption, then the G4 will likely connect as well.
My guess at this point would be that the AirPort Extreme is using WPA2 Security and the G4 operating system...or the wireless card in the G4.....will not support this level of security.
So, although the G4 might be able to handle OS X 10.5.7 or higher, the wireless card may still limit what you can do.
Things might be a whole lot easier....and a lot less expensive than a new wireless card.....if you try a USB wireless adapter on the G4.....assuming that the G4 supports a USB connnection.

Airport extreme 4th generation - self-assigned IP address

2 Airport extreme 4th generation with latest firmware. extented network in bridge mode.
After switching providers, I reset both my airports and set them up new accordingto manual.
Only some devices (less than 50!) at times can't get an IP address.
Error msg: Airport has a self-assigned IP address .......... and will not be able to connect to the internet.
My new provider told me it is an internal probem. Quote: This is an internal issue between your devices and your internal routers. we only gives an address to your router and it is your router that gives your devices an address.
My question is, which part of the manual settings in Airport Utility affect the distribution of internal IP addresses?
or how to change my set-up to avoid the problem I'm experiencing?
thanks a lot.

When in brigde mode your provider has to supply at least one IP address for each devices you want to connect.
Alt. turn bridge mode off in Airport Utilities and let your Base station distribute IP addresses. For that you have to enter two DNS addresses.
HTH.

Airport Extreme (4th generation) and "Wireless Client Mode"

Hello All,
I am using an Airport Extreme (4th generation) and I wonder why in "Wireless Client Mode" I am unable to connect my network using the Ethernet connection.
Basically, what I wish to do is a bridge between a Base Station Wireless N <--> Base Station Wireless N (Airport Extreme) distributing the connection via its integrated Ethernet ports.
Thanks,
Sebastian

I wonder why in "Wireless Client Mode" I am unable to connect my network using the Ethernet connection.
The Ethernet ports are not enabled if you configure the AirPort Extreme to "Join a wireless network". Oddly, the USB port is enabled.
If you have another Apple "n" wireless router as your main base station, you could configure the AirPort Extreme to "Extend a wireless network". This would provide more wireless coverage and enable the Ethernet ports on the device.
Ironically, the less expensive AirPort Express 802.11n will do what you want.
When the Express is is manually configured to "Join a wireless network", there is a special feature to "Enable Ethernet clients", which will activate the Ethernet port.

AppleCare Warranty for Airport Extreme (4th Generation - MC340LL/A)

I have a 4th Generation (MC340LL/A) Airport Extreme that comes on, but doesn't seem to want to connect to the internet. I know that AppleCare covers items such as this if it was purchased up to 2 years before the purchase of a device such as MacBook Pro or Mac Pro. I brought my MacBook Pro in March of 2011 (Mid 2010) and the warranty exprires in March of 2012 for the MacBook Pro.
Has anyone been successful getting their Airport Extreme replaced at the store, or did they require you to send it in? Am I wrong in thinking that the Airport Extreme would be covered under these circumstances? The Airport Extreme 4th Generation was released in October 2009, so that is definitely in the time frame of two years before the purchase of my MacBook Pro.
Thanks!

For now, the nearest available information may not be fully suggestive of
the possible largest or unofficially supported external HDD it may use...
Since a similar-spec Time Capsule has the option for either a 2TB or 3TB
internal HDD as part of that configuration, the safe bet suggests 3TB.
There may be an issue with larger drives and multiple computers using
one large drive, since I'd seen some mention of a few user problems when
two or more Macs were sharing Time Machine storage on one larger HDD.
And someone may know of the information about a software utility that may
be able to help keep track of the files or organize them, in such a situation.
In passing, some weeks ago, I'd read about such a utility to help alleviate an
issue that may result from two or more Macs with Time Machine files on the
same backup hard disk drive. But did not keep the link nor retain those details.
If you did get a larger external hard disk drive of sufficient spin rate RPM
and cache size, then it may be a simple matter to format it with partitions
so extra space may be in reserve or any capacity unable to work with
the total configuration could be used for general storage, apart from TM.
Hopefully there is a good drive available for that application.
I'd inquire of OWC as they have some examples of hardware.
Good luck & happy computing!

HT4145 Does this article apply to OS X Lion and Airport Utility 6.0? Reason: Airport Utility cannot find my Airport Extreme (4th generation) wirelessly on my Time Capsule configured network even although the firmware in both units is up to date.

Does this article apply to OS X Lion and Airport Utility 6.0?
Reason: Airport Utility cannot find my Airport Extreme (4th generation) wirelessly on my Time Capsule configured network even although the firmware in both units is up to date.

I thought you were trying to Extend the network with an Express as the article mentions you pointed to...
You can't find the Airport Extreme then...
I woudl suggest doing a Factory reset....
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3728
Then you should be able to set it up just as you did when it was new....
Factory default reset (using reset button)
If the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule isn't accessible from AirPort Utility, the Factory Default reset can be accomplished by using the reset button.
Unplug the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule from power.
Press and hold the reset button with a pen or pencil, then plug the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule back in while continuing to hold the button until you see the light (LED) flash rapidly. This should happen after a few seconds.
Release the button. This will factory default reset the AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule.

Airport Extreme 4th Generation Freezes/Crashes - dropped connection

Hi
I have an Airport Extreme (4th Gen) Base Station which has started to freeze/crash. It will work fine for a while and then it will dissapear as an available network to connect to, this is via both Wireless and a LAN connection (MacBook Pro and iPhones and iPad connect wireless and Mac Mini is connected via LAN) The Green light is still on but airport utility reports that there is no available basestation unless I pull the plug on the base station and let it reset.
I had been running firmware 7.6 and had tried downgrading to 7.5.2 but that made no difference and I am still getting the problem.
I have also reset the base station to default settings and set up again which has also not helped.
Has anyone else experienced this problem or have any ideas on how I can resolve this as loosing my network every 30 mins - 1 hour is a little annoying
Thanks
Justin

I am having the same probably. Just starting to do this 2 days ago. Not sure if that is related to the new airport utility or the new firmware.
I am curious if you are having any luck fixing it? If so, please share some hints.
Thanks
--Kevin

Ipod Nano 4th or 5th generation won't recognize Itunes and shows loading constantly when I am on Nike plus

My Ipod Nano all of a sudden won't show up on my Imac computer nor will it show up in Itunes. I use it for running and I use the Nike + software, at the same time the recognition problem occurred when I click on the Nike + on my Ipod Nano it shows the circle and says "Loading".
Also when I plug it in to the computer it says Connected do not unplug unless you eject, however there is no icon on my Imac to eject.
Even when I reboot the Ipod Nano, the same thing happens...the Nike + just says loading and it doesn't get recognized by my Imac.
Help what do I do????? I have tried rebooting several times, as well as using another mac and no luck. I even sent an email to Apple but so far no answer. Any clue how to fix this?
I think it has something to do with the Nike+ application, but don't know what to do.
Thanks!

Ipod Nano 4th or 5th generation
Identifying iPod models
iPod Manuals
My Ipod Nano all of a sudden won't show up on my Imac computer nor will it show up in Itunes.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1410 iPod not recognized in iTunes and Mac desktop
I even sent an email to Apple but so far no answer.
U.S. iPod and Mac technical support: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)

Why can't I connect to my airport extreme(4th gen.) after reseting the password

i was changing the password on my airport extreme(4th gen.) and it said that i changed it succesfully but it had a error when it was restarting and i can't connect back to the internet what should it do

Please perform a Factory Default Reset to clear the old, and possibly corrupted settings on the AirPort Extreme to get it back to original settings. Then, reconfigure the device again using the passwords of your choice.
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

Best setup for new airport with wired connection to old airport extreme (4th gen)

I have an AirPort Extreme (4th gen) in my basement (of a three story house) connected directly to the Fios box (I am not using the Verizon g router). The new AirPort (ac) is connected to the old one by in-wall Cat 6e to an upstairs bedroom. Can/should I turn off wifi on the n router for best wireless performance? What would the optimal setup be?
On the airport utility I selected "replace existing Airport" and the new ac router is up and running and working fine. I wonder whether the fact that wifi on the old Airport is still on may be good for coverage around the house, but compromising the wireless bandwidth/speed? I haven't noticed any speed issues yet, but I do a lot of video streaming so I want to ensure I have the best setup. Range doesn't seem to be a major issue in my house. It is more important to me to have strong wifi signal upstairs.
Thanks in advance for advice.

If the AirPorts are connected using Ethernet, then no bandwidth is being lost on the network. Keep the wireless functions "on" at both AirPorts for additional wireless coverage and speed.

Hebrew iPod nano (4th and 5th generation)

How can I have Hebrew titles song in iPod nano (4th and 5th generation) ?

The tech specs say Hebrew is supported
http://support.apple.com/kb/sp569
The ID3 tags have to be in Unicode, however, otherwise you will probably just see junk latin.

Airport Extreme 802.11N (5th Gen) frequent crash

I had bought an Airport Extreme 802.11N (5th Gen) that died a few months after purchasing it. I had the unit replaced via Applecare in May 2013.
The new unit's firs recorded crash was in August 2013. After that, it crashed sporadically, these instances were not recorded. In May 2014 it crashed twice in one day. Every time of a crash, I've had to effect a hard reset to factory presets and upload a saved configuration. This last time I reconfigured from scratch and saved the new config. Now it crashes regularly, every month since September. I have no idea what to make of it.
Considering that I had one of the original Silver units running for years (and upgraded with a more capable Orinoco card—if you know what I'm talking about, you know that's old!). I expected to get reliable service from this more advanced unit. So far, It's a bit of a dud.
Any ideas? Any diagnostic tools I can use to see what's happening? Does this run of Airport Extremes have "issues"? Should I bother getting one of the new tallboy unit?
Thanks.

I have found the Gen5 AE to be very reliable.
I would have blamed a dud unit.. except that you have had two of them.. So I would be tracing where the problem is apart from the AE.
What modem do you run? How is the AE setup in the network?
The older utility is of far more use than the one in Yosemite. So do you have available an older OSX version or even windows.. you can see the logs from the unit.. just like you could in the original B and G versions.
(and upgraded with a more capable Orinoco card—if you know what I'm talking about, you know that's old!
Know exactly what you are talking about.. Orinoco were most desired for their use with wifi scanners.
How is your power?? Apple stuff does seem to use stuff that is highly susceptible to spiking. I keep my network stuff on UPS. (or battery direct feed).
I also do not like 7.6.4 firmware.. I know others here might find it ok but I can clearly demonstrate worse performance with it. Direct A-B testing.
Take the firmware back to 7.6.1 and factory reset and see if you get any improvement.
To actually need to restore firmware settings is not normal.. so something major is wrong and in unusual way.. I think power is one key part of it.

Airport Extreme - 4th or 5th Generation??

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