AirPort Express and Extreme Wi-Fi strength comparison

Alright, this is an easy catch here.

If you compare AirPort Express which has 2 built-in antennas , the AirPort Extreme has 6 built-in antennas. You should be able to do the math here and jump to the conclusion that the Extreme would have a better range and signal because of this fact.

To see the source, please click the back url below the Airport Extreme picture here.

Please check this comparison model provided by Apple. The difference for you

• Express max 300Mbps
• Extreme max 1.3Gbps

According to this article on about.com:

_{Definition: 802.11n is an IEEE industry standard for Wi-Fi wireless local network communications, ratified in 2009. 802.11n is designed to replace the older 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi technologies. Key Wireless Technologies in 802.11n. 802.11n utilizes multiple wireless antennas in tandem to transmit and receive data. The associated term MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) refers to the ability of 802.11n and similar technologies to coordinate multiple simultaneous radio signals. MIMO increases both the range and throughput of a wireless network.}

In short, the 802... protocols have not much to do with the Antenna (there are no individual Antenas for each protocol), but the frequency does. The 5Gig does not have wide range then the 2.5Gig, it only allows faster data transfer.

• Now to the numbers:

To make it simple. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sets your MAX internet speed, but your internal network(computers/tvs/and whatever else you network) has its own speed.

For Internal traffic faster is almost always better. If you have lots of Internal traffic using the router (gigabytes of data transferring) from one point to another in your home them using the faster router is suggested.

• So if you do not need the extra features then the Airport Express will serve your need.

• For the price of Airport Exterme ($199) you can get 2 Airport Express and use the second one as Range extender as ultimate solution.