- The internet connection would be running fine at 300 Mbps when the yellow blinking status light would come on just like that and the connection speed would drop to almost half.
- The Airport Extreme router makes a buzzing noise. It's very likely from a built-in power supply component. You would notice this only in a quiet room. So, don't place the device in your bedroom if you are a light sleeper.
- No QoS option in the GUI.
- A bit lower signal strength than some of the inexpensive wireless routers.
- Unable to connect Windows7 laptop to the router using a wired connection, laptop not recognized. But Apple devices connect fine.
- Doesn't recognize TiVO wireless devices or Wireless network printers.
- WindowsXP PC couldn't connect to Airport Extreme.
- External USB hard drive connected to the router was not accessible by Windows PCs. Apple tech support refused to help with the problem, blaming it on Windows.
- Error message 10057 appears when trying to wirelessly connect Windows XP laptop to Airport Extreme.
- Router completely dead after a year to 18 months (after warranty expired).
- Apple tech support not keen on helping with Microsoft Windows related issues encountered by the router.
- The router doesn't come with a CD, all drivers and software are available online only. Hence you need to download it onto your hard drive and/or burn on a CD in case you are setting it up without internet access nearby, for example, if your modem is in another room.
The takeaway
The router has a few quirks, but mostly related to advanced features. Also, if you are a Windows user, please consider purchasing a different brand of router as you may quite likely face compatibility issues with this Apple router. Otherwise, the Airport Extreme 802.11N (5TH GEN) router is a pretty good purchase and lives up to the quality that we expect from a typical Apple product.
Alternatives for Windows users
To avoid compatibility issues between Windows and the Airport router, you may opt to buy one of these Wireless N routers instead. By the way, we are suggesting only Linksys brand routers below because we know you were already looking for another high quality product and Linksys by Cisco routers are the best in their class.
- Linksys E1200 Wireless-N Router.
- Linksys E2500 Advanced Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router. This router's dual band wireless N performs quite well.
- Linksys E3200 High-Performance Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router. You can get upto 2x 300 Mbps speeds with this router.
