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Author Topic: Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division  (Read 5286 times)

Offline gunug

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« on: November 21, 2016, 09:52:53 AM »
QUOTE
Apple Inc. has disbanded its division that develops wireless routers, another move to try to sharpen the company’s focus on consumer products that generate the bulk of its revenue, according to people familiar with the matter.

Apple began shutting down the wireless router team over the past year, dispersing engineers to other product development groups, including the one handling the Apple TV, said the people, who asked not to be named because the decision hasn’t been publicly announced.

Apple hasn’t refreshed its routers since 2013 following years of frequent updates to match new standards from the wireless industry. The decision to disband the team indicates the company isn’t currently pushing forward with new versions of its routers. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on the company’s plans.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/201...outers-ivs0ssec

How many of us were happy with our Apple Wireless Routers?  
« Last Edit: November 21, 2016, 09:53:12 AM by gunug »
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2016, 10:13:10 AM »
As the song says, "What's 'happiness' got to do with it?" dntknw.gif "Happiness" and "corporation" are seldom used in the same sentence. rolleyes.gif It's all about the $. Apple did charge extra for what can often be bought from other Chinese products, but it was the software/hardware interface that made it easy. That concept is now focused almost entirely on the mobile software/hardware.

How long until they announce something similar about the Mac Pro, not to mention the Mac mini? "This is not your Grandfather's Apple!" wallbash.gif If I drank beer, I'd probably be crying in it...
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2016, 09:06:28 AM »
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Offline Bruce_F

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2016, 09:51:45 AM »
I don't know whether to be happy with my AirPort Time Capsule or not. I have nothing to compare it to.

Any time I've had problems with speed or connectivity my ISP tells me it's probably the router. The last time I used another type of router was probably 15 years ago. Since I moved to a new location a few months ago and I haven't experienced a problem yet.


So, what are good routers to consider these days?

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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2016, 10:09:15 AM »
QUOTE
So, what are good routers to consider these days?
Depends on what color you want. wink.gif

Seriously, just about any router will work, assuming it has a web-based interface, assuming your broadband modem does not already have a router built-in. It will probably simply (to use an ironic term) be less intuitive and certainly less automatic than Apple's models. the specifications will be equal to or better (because of being newer) than Apple's. They are pretty much commodities, now. There are literally dozens of web sites explaining what capabilities various brands have and how to set them up, even with a Mac. There may even be direct replacements for Time Capsule models. Time Capsule is mot much more than an Airport and hard drive in one box.

Here's a link to the specs on the <current Airport Extreme>. Copy and compare them with any brand you can find. Then go with the model that has the most 6 out of 5-star ratings!
The biggest differences will be the software interface.

Here's another link that provides suggested settings (and why) <straight from Apple.> Might be worth bookmarking this when you finally need to find an Airport replacement. Thinking.gif
« Last Edit: November 22, 2016, 10:33:49 AM by Xairbusdriver »
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THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
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Offline Bruce_F

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2016, 12:04:53 PM »
Thank you!  biggrin.gif
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2016, 12:34:17 PM »
This might be an opportune time to get the latest Extreme... "while supplies last". wink.gif
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Offline gunug

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2016, 01:10:57 PM »
Awhile back a neighbor gave me his old extreme because it didn't get along with his IP; I messed with it a bit and found it had some serious problems and opened it up and saw electrical damage (burned components and such).  That it was functioning at all was probably a miracle.  I haven't ever bought any Apple WIFI devices myself but those I had to support at our jail classrooms didn't keep up with newer technology; we're using many Ruckus and CISCO products that scale well on our networks.  Maybe happy wasn't the word I was looking for!
« Last Edit: January 07, 2017, 05:39:27 PM by Xairbusdriver »
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Offline eric j

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2016, 10:31:57 AM »
Thanks ABD for the Tidbits link.

In terms of a modern equivalent of someone with vision like Steve Jobs, who can directly impact consumers, I vote for Elon Musk.
(Though I'm not in the league of those who can afford one of his electric autos).

eric j
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2016, 11:36:05 AM »
Welcome back, eric! Haven't 'seen' you for too long!

I suspect Mr. Musk has enough "irons in the fire" right now. Doubt there is anyone at Apple with enough power/control to care much about the iMac or its users. They pretty much did the same thing with User Groups back in the 70's through today. They never wanted to know too much about what users thought, after all, we're just customers. rolleyes.gif "Give us your money, we know what you need/want than you do." laughhard.gif Just like most of life, we need to enjoy the good parts while we can. Things will change, whether we like it or not. salute.gif
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THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
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Offline kimmer

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2016, 01:02:48 PM »
I was a bit disheartened to read the news, until I read this:

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Nov 22 2016, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Seriously, just about any router will work, assuming it has a web-based interface, assuming your broadband modem does not already have a router built-in.


Recently I've noticed a lot of issues when I'm streaming and trying to use my mini-iPad at the same time; or when both my iMac and iPad are downloading software updates or something at the same time. My iPhone and Kindle both constantly lose wi-fi here at home, even when I'm not streaming on my TV. My system is a modem (which Sneakers insisted we purchase) from our ISP, and there is a wi-fi router plugged into the modem. My really old router was replaced by a tech friend with an AirPort Extreme, and now I’m wondering if these slowdowns are because my older AirPort Express Apple AirPort Extreme is not functioning up to current standards?

I do have the option of replacing the modem from my ISP and going to a rented modem with built-in wi-fi. They keep them up to date and anytime I have a problem they will trouble shoot and replace if need be. Or perhaps I should purchase a new wi-fi router that is more current?
« Last Edit: November 24, 2016, 11:38:04 PM by kimmer »
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Offline eric j

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2016, 05:51:24 PM »
Thanks for the welcome, XABD.

As I remember, we have some common past experience in the aircraft industry - in my case at the beginning of my carrier, in jet engine design and production. So it's  nice to keep in touch.

Yes, Apple has changed and octogenarians like me (88 today) sometimes want to hang on to the past.
Also perhaps I'm spending too much time on Apple-skeptic sites like MacInTouch, though I also enjoy the MacBreak Weekly videocast with Leo Laporte.

Apropos Elon Musk, I had in mind his solar roof shingle-battery combination for home electricity generation.

Peace,

eric j
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #12 on: November 23, 2016, 05:57:11 PM »
QUOTE
Recently I've noticed a lot of issues when I'm streaming and trying to use my mini-iPad at the same time
It's probably just the bears snooping around looking for food. A weak signal can often be disrupted by large bodies. Also, have you moved the oven/refrigerator lately?

There are some free apps that are useful (in a laptop) to indicate the signal strength in various areas in the house )or even outside, near the dens). Not too useful in a desktop, unless you have reeeeeeeeely long extension cords. wallbash.gif I'd check the signal strength and see if the two routers are interfering with each other.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2016, 08:04:19 PM by Xairbusdriver »
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Offline Paddy

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #13 on: November 24, 2016, 02:36:19 PM »
I don't think Kimmer has two routers, Jim - she said the old one was replaced with an Airport Extreme, although she also mentions an "Airport Express" - which is a different animal. Can you clarify that, Kimmer?

Combo router/modems are generally looked down upon as being the best of neither world, but many ISPs no longer provide modems without routers built in. For a long time, we had a combo unit provided by our ISP, turned off the router functions and used various iterations of the Airport Extreme. However, since moving to our new house, we've found the combo unit actually gives us better coverage than the Airport, so we're using that only to provide another network on the main floor (mostly for the Apple TV). I've considered acquiring a newer router, but so far haven't. If I was going to consider it, I'd probably go for the TP-Link Archer C-1900, as it gets very good reviews and isn't too expensive. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16833704287

So, something you should ask your ISP - is your purchased modem up to scratch? It's quite possible that it's outdated too. Next question - what will they charge you to rent a modem/router, and what make and model do they provide? You can then look it up - see what other people think of it. If people think its ok as a modem, but stinks as a router (often the case) then you can explore turning off the router functions and getting your own router. If you want to get your own new modem and separate router (if they recommend that/tell you your current modem is outdated) can you buy the modem and what models do they allow/support? That tends to be key. Some ISPs have a number they allow - others only allow one particular make/model so they aren't supporting multiple models.
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Offline kimmer

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Apple Disbands the Wireless Router Division
« Reply #14 on: November 24, 2016, 11:53:02 PM »
QUOTE(Paddy @ Nov 24 2016, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think Kimmer has two routers, Jim - she said the old one was replaced with an Airport Extreme, although she also mentions an "Airport Express" - which is a different animal. Can you clarify that, Kimmer?


Oops, yes it's an Apple AirPort Extreme.

Per my ISP's web site: "Purchasing or leasing a wireless 4-port modem is required for Internet access. Cost is $6 mthly to lease or $99 to purchase. Purchased modems come with a 1-yr warranty, leased modems are lifetime warranty."

My current modem is 10 years old. So it boils down to cost and what's the fastest/best. I'm going to talk to some of my neighbors and see how they find the speeds with their ISP wireless modem; plus I'll call my ISP on Monday and get more information from them as you've suggested. Thanks, Paddy.
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