[psiklops69]

Hello
Here's the situation:
I have had my Airport express since 2005. It suited me fine but have a suspicion it's nearing it's end. Up until now, I've lived in relatively small apartments. I moved into a much larger apartment recently and have been having weaker signals. Unfortunately, I can't move the express much farther from where it is (on the other side of the apt). I also noticed that there are many other networks in the building which may or may not be adding to the problem. I'm considering upgrading to the Extreme.

Here are my questions:

1.) How much different is the signal in the Extreme from the Express? (is it the same, broader?) Keep in mind I have a first generation express.
2.) Could my issue be compounded by the fact that I'm in a much larger building with many more wireless networks?
3.) What is the difference between Airport 2009 vs. 2005?

[Andy8]

3. - 802.11n, but it does not mean much if you Mac is around the same vintage also.

The new Extreme is dual band, so you can run two wireless network signals at the same time, so you could run mixed b/g on one network and just 5GHz n on the other.

[Simon]

The Express has a substantially weaker signal than the Extreme. Hence the limited range. Also, the Extreme is dual-band and now offers 3x3 MIMO. The result is that the Extreme offers higher data rates to more users at farther distance and with more obstacles /interference in between.

I have an Express from 2005 too as well as two Extremes. No way I'd use an Express in lieu of my main Extreme. Entirely different league.

Oh and regarding 2), absolutely. No doubt. However, there is no guarantee a new Extreme will solve all your issues if your Express suffers from interference close to its new location. That's what you should check first. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, large conductive materials (metal panels, radiators, appliances, etc.) close to the Express, etc. are things you don't want close to your wifi base station.