I have an Airport Extreme and how can I configure it with a Mac running macOS Sonoma, it is said that I should rely on the built-in Airport Utility to make it, but I don’t know about this tool, what is it, and how to use it to set up a new base station?
The Airport Utility app on macOS is a built-in tool that allows users to manage and configure Apple’s wireless routers, known as AirPort devices. Even though Apple discontinued its AirPort hardware lineup, many users still rely on their AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and AirPort Time Capsule devices.
The Airport Utility app is designed to help you set up, manage, and monitor your AirPort base stations and wireless networks. With its intuitive interface, you can quickly see an overview of your network and connected devices, configure advanced settings, and troubleshoot issues.
Who Needs It:
AirPort Device Users: Anyone who owns an Apple AirPort router or Time Capsule may need the app to set up, monitor, and adjust their network settings.
Network Managers: Those who maintain home or small office networks using AirPort devices can use the app for configuration tasks like setting up SSIDs, managing guest networks, and updating device firmware.
Backup Users: People who use AirPort Time Capsule for wireless backups through Time Machine can use Airport Utility to manage the backup device and storage.
Even though Apple no longer produces new AirPort devices, the AirPort Utility app remains an essential tool for those who still use these reliable routers. With its easy-to-navigate interface and powerful features, the app makes it simple to manage your wireless network, update firmware, and troubleshoot issues. If you are an AirPort user, make sure to take full advantage of this built-in macOS utility.
The Airport Utility app on macOS is a network management tool specifically designed for configuring and managing Apple AirPort devices, including the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. These devices were primarily used for creating Wi-Fi networks, extending existing networks, or managing network storage and backups through Time Capsule.
Key Features of the AirPort Utility App:
Network Overview: The app displays a graphical map of your entire network, including base stations and connected devices. This gives you a quick overview of the status of your network and its components.
Easy Setup: When setting up a new AirPort device, the app guides you through the process. Whether you’re creating a new network or extending an existing one, the app makes configuration simple.
Wireless Network Management: You can manage your wireless network, change SSID (network name), set up guest networks, and configure security options like WPA3.
Firmware Updates: Airport Utility helps you keep your AirPort devices up to date with the latest firmware for security patches and performance improvements.
Parental Controls: The app offers parental controls, enabling you to restrict internet access on specific devices at certain times of the day.
Monitor Network Activity: You can monitor your network activity, seeing which devices are connected and how much bandwidth they are using.
Apple allows you to set up a new base station using AirPort Utility on your Mac or AirPort Utility for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Here’s how to set up a new base station with Airport Utility on your MacBook Air/Pro/iMac:
To set up a new base station on your Mac using AirPort Utility, follow these steps:
- Plug in your AirPort Base Station: Connect your base station to a power source and ensure it is plugged into your modem if you plan to share an internet connection.
- On your Mac, click on the Launchpad in the Dock, and search for AirPort Utility. Open the app.
- Find Your Base Station: AirPort Utility will automatically scan for available base stations. You should see the new base station appear in the app as an icon.
- Click on the base station icon that appears, then click the Edit button. If this is a new base station, you may be guided through an initial setup process.
- In the AirPort Utility interface, follow the prompts to set up your base station.
- Name your base station and create a password.
- If you’re setting it up to extend an existing Wi-Fi network, choose the option to extend it.
- If it’s creating a new network, select the option to create a new wireless network and configure the network settings (SSID, password, etc.).
- Once you’ve configured your settings, click Update to save. The base station will reboot with your new configuration.
- After the base station reboots, connect your devices to the new wireless network using the SSID and password you set during configuration.
That’s it! Your new base station should be set up and ready to use.
Thanks for your explanation and detailed steps! I have successfully configured the Airport Extrem on my Mac by following the procedure above! It’s so helpful!