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Apple outlines key features to look for when upgrading from AirPort devices

Now that Apple’s AirPort line is dead, Apple has now published a new support document detailing what customers should be looking for when upgrading from their existing AirPort devices.

While Apple’s AirPort devices never support mesh networking, Apple recommends using such a setup if you have a larger home.

A traditional, single router is suitable for the size and layout of most home environments. For areas that are larger or more difficult to cover, mesh Wi-Fi systems offer flexible coverage, with multiple nodes that make it easy to provide whole-home Wi-Fi. If you’re setting up or extending a mesh network, check the requirements of your mesh router to learn about compatibility with other routers or nodes. Creating or extending a mesh network might require that each router and node be from the same manufacturer.

Apple also recommends getting a router that supports 802.11ac, simultaneous dual-band networks (2.4GHz and 5GHz), WPA2 Personal (AES) encryption, and MIMO or MU-MIMO which allows the router to send and receive multiple streams which improves performance.

If you are holding out on upgrading from AirPort devices, why? Let us know in the comments below!


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