Manual

AirPort Extreme 
Setup Guide

3
Contents
5Chapter 1:  Getting Started
6
About the AirPort Extreme
8
About the AirPort Software
8
What You Need to Get Started
11
The AirPort Extreme Status Light
13 Chapter 2:  AirPort Extreme Networks
14
Using the AirPort Extreme with a Broadband Internet Service
16
Using the AirPort Extreme to Share a USB Printer
18
Using the AirPort Extreme to Share USB Hard Disks
21 Chapter 3:  Setting Up the AirPort Extreme
21
Using AirPort Utility
23
Creating a New Wireless Network
23
Configuring and Sharing Internet Access
25
Setting Advanced Options
26
Allowing Wireless Clients Access to Your Network
27 Chapter 4:  Tips and Troubleshooting
27
If You Can’t Connect to the Internet

4
Contents
27
If You Forgot Your Network or Base Station Password
28
If Your AirPort Extreme Isn’t Responding
29
If Your AirPort Extreme Status Light Flashes Amber
30
If Your Printer Isn’t Responding
31
Updating AirPort Software
31
AirPort Extreme Placement Considerations
32
Items That Can Cause Interference with AirPort
33 Chapter 5:  Learning More, Service, and Support
35 Appendix:  AirPort Extreme Specifications and Safety Guidelines
38
Regulatory Compliance Information

1
5
1
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing your simultaneous dual-band 
AirPort Extreme Base Station. Read this guide to get started.
The new AirPort Extreme provides simultaneous dual-band wireless 802.11n 
networking. When you set up your AirPort Extreme Base Station, it creates two high-
speed Wi-Fi networks: 
Â
A 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) network for 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n devices, such as 
iPhone, iPod touch, and older computers
Â
A 5 GHz network for 802.11n and 802.11a devices, such as newer computers and 
Apple TV
Wireless devices join the network that provides them the best performance and 
compatibility, and the AirPort Extreme shares your broadband Internet connection with 
computers and devices on your network.
With your AirPort Extreme, you can:
Â
Create a password-protected wireless home network, and then connect to the 
Internet and share the connection with other computers and Wi-Fi devices, such as 
iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV. You can also share files among computers 
connected to the network.

6 Chapter 1   
Getting Started
Â
Create a guest network with or without password protection, to provide Internet-
only access to wireless devices, such as computers, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV.
Â
Connect your AirPort Extreme to your Ethernet network. Wireless-equipped 
Macintosh computers, Windows XP, or Windows Vista computers can then have 
access to an entire network without being connected by a cable.
Â
Connect a supported USB device, such as a printer or a scanner to your 
AirPort Extreme. All of the compatible computers on the AirPort network, both 
wireless and wired, can access the device.
Â
Connect a USB hard disk to your AirPort Extreme. All of the compatible computers on 
the AirPort network, both wireless and wired, can access the information on the hard 
disk.
Â
Connect a USB hub to your AirPort Extreme, and then connect multiple USB devices, 
such as printers or hard disks. All of the computers on the network have access to 
those devices.
Important:  
Install AirPort Utility from the CD that came with your simultaneous dual-
band AirPort Extreme Base Station, or download it using Software Update, and use it to 
set up your base station. Previous versions of AirPort Setup Assistant and AirPort Admin 
Utility are not compatible with this base station.
About the AirPort Extreme
The AirPort Extreme has five ports, located on the back:
Â
One 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Wide Area Network (WAN) port (<
) for 
connecting a DSL or cable modem, or for connecting to an existing Ethernet network 

Chapter 1   
Getting Started
7
Â
Three 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) ports (G
) for 
connecting Ethernet devices, such as printers or computers, or for connecting to an 
existing Ethernet network 
Â
One USB port (d
) for connecting a compatible USB printer, hard disk, or hub for 
connecting several devices
Next to the ports is a reset button, which is used for troubleshooting your 
AirPort Extreme. The status light on the front of the AirPort Extreme shows the 
current status.
Status light Internet WAN port
AC adapter
Power port USB port
Ethernet ports Reset button
Security slot

8 Chapter 1   
Getting Started
About the AirPort Software
The AirPort Extreme works with the AirPort software included on the AirPort Extreme 
CD.
Install the AirPort Utility software that came on the CD and follow the instructions on 
the following pages to set up your AirPort Extreme and your AirPort wireless network.
Note:  
You must use AirPort Utility to set up this base station. The simultaneous 
dual-band AirPort Extreme Base Station is not compatible with previous versions 
of AirPort software. 
What You Need to Get Started
To use the AirPort Extreme you need a wireless-enabled computer that is compliant 
with the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g standards, or with an IEEE 802.11n draft 
specification. To set up the AirPort Extreme, your computer must meet the 
requirements listed below.
AirPort Utility
Use AirPort Utility to set up your AirPort Extreme to create a wireless network, 
connect to the Internet, and share compatible USB printers and hard disks. You can 
also connect your AirPort Extreme to an existing AirPort Extreme wireless network.
AirPort Utility is also an advanced tool for setting up and managing the Time 
Capsule, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express Base Stations. Use it to manually adjust 
network, routing, and security settings and other advanced options.
Z
AirPort status menu in the menu bar
Use the AirPort status menu to switch quickly between AirPort networks, monitor the 
signal quality of the current network, create a computer-to-computer network, and 
turn AirPort on and off. The status menu is available on computers using Mac OS X. 

Chapter 1   
Getting Started
9
To set up your AirPort Extreme using a Macintosh, you need the following:
Â
A Macintosh computer with an AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card installed to set it up 
wirelessly, or a Macintosh computer connected to AirPort Extreme with an Ethernet 
cable to set it up using Ethernet
Â
Mac OS X v10.4 or later
Â
AirPort Utility 5.4 or later
To set up your AirPort Extreme using a Windows PC, you need the following:
Â
A Windows PC with 300 MHz or higher processor speed and a compatible 802.11a, 
802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless card to set it up wirelessly, or a Windows 
computer connected to AirPort Extreme with an Ethernet cable to set it up using 
Ethernet
Â
Windows XP Home or Professional (with Service Pack 2 installed) or Windows Vista
Â
AirPort Utility v5.5 or later
Plugging In AirPort Extreme
Before you plug in your AirPort Extreme, first connect the appropriate cables to the 
ports you want to use:
Â
Connect the Ethernet cable that is connected to your DSL or cable modem (if you will 
connect to the Internet) to the Ethernet (WAN) port (<
).
Â
Connect a USB cable connected from the USB port (d
) on the AirPort Extreme to a 
compatible USB printer (if you will print to a USB printer), a hard disk, or a hub.
Â
Connect an Ethernet cable from any Ethernet device to the Ethernet LAN ports (G
).

10 Chapter 1   
Getting Started
After you have connected the cables for all the devices you plan to use, connect the AC 
adapter to the power port, and plug your AirPort Extreme into a power outlet. There is 
no power switch.
Important:  
Use only the AC adapter that came with your AirPort Extreme.
When you plug the AirPort Extreme AC adapter into a power outlet, the status light 
flashes green for one second, and then glows amber while it starts up. After it has 
started up completely, the status light flashes amber until your AirPort Extreme has 
been updated with the correct settings. The status light glows solid green after your 
AirPort Extreme is properly set up and connected to the Internet or a network.
Power port Ethernet activity light
AC adapter

Chapter 1   
Getting Started
11
When you connect Ethernet cables to the Ethernet ports, the lights above them glow 
solid green.
The AirPort Extreme Status Light
The following table explains the AirPort Extreme light sequences and what they 
indicate.
Light Status/description
Off
AirPort Extreme is unplugged.
Flashing green
AirPort Extreme is starting up. The light flashes for one second.
Solid green
AirPort Extreme is on and working properly. If you choose Flash 
On Activity from the Status Light pop-up menu (on the Base 
Station pane of AirPort settings in AirPort Utility), the status light 
may flash green to indicate normal activity.
Flashing amber
AirPort Extreme cannot establish a connection to the network or 
the Internet, or is encountering a problem. Make sure you have 
installed AirPort Utility and use it to get information about what 
might cause the status light to flash amber. See “If Your 
AirPort Extreme Status Light Flashes Amber” on page 29.
Solid amber
AirPort Extreme is completing its startup sequence.
Flashing amber and green
There may be a problem starting up. AirPort Extreme will restart 
and try again.
Solid blue
The base station is ready to allow a wireless client access to the 
network. See “Allowing Wireless Clients Access to Your Network” 
on page 26.

12 Chapter 1   
Getting Started
What’s Next
After you plug in your AirPort Extreme, use AirPort Utility to set it up to work with your 
Internet connection, USB printer or hard disk, or an existing network. AirPort Utility 
is located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a computer using 
Mac OS X, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows XP 
or Windows Vista.

2
13
2
AirPort Extreme Networks
In this chapter you’ll find explanations of the different ways 
you can use your AirPort Extreme.
This chapter provides some examples of the different kinds of networks you can set up 
using your AirPort Extreme. It provides diagrams and explanations of what you need to 
do to get your AirPort Extreme network up and running quickly.
See Chapter 3, “Setting Up the AirPort Extreme,” on page 21 to find out more about 
using AirPort Utility to help set up your network.
See the document “Apple AirPort Networks” for detailed information about AirPort 
networks and the AirPort Extreme. The document is located at www.apple.com/
support/manuals/airport.

14 Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
Using the AirPort Extreme with a Broadband Internet Service
When you set up your AirPort Extreme to provide network and Internet access, 
Macintosh computers with AirPort and AirPort Extreme Cards, and 802.11a, 802.11b, 
802.11g, and IEEE 802.11n draft specification wireless-equipped computers, can access 
the wireless AirPort network to share files, play games, and use Internet applications 
like web browsers and email applications.
It looks like this:
DSL or cable modem Internet WAN port
to Internet
<
2.4 GHz
2.4 or 5 GHz

Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
15
To set it up:
1
Connect your DSL or cable modem to your AirPort Extreme Ethernet WAN port (<
).
2
Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
computer using Mac OS X, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using 
Windows), select your base station, and then click Continue.
3
Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new network. (See “Setting Up the 
AirPort Extreme” on page 21.)
Computers using AirPort or other compatible wireless cards or adapters can connect to 
the Internet through your AirPort Extreme. Computers connected to the AirPort 
Extreme Ethernet ports can also access the network and connect to the Internet.
Wireless computers and computers connected to the Ethernet ports can also 
communicate with one another through your AirPort Extreme.

16 Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
Using the AirPort Extreme to Share a USB Printer
When you connect a compatible USB printer to your AirPort Extreme, supported 
computers on the network (wired and wireless) can print to it.
It looks like this:
USB port
Shared printer
d
2.4 or 5 GHz
2.4 or 5 GHz

Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
17
To set it up:
1
Connect the printer to the AirPort Extreme USB port (d
) or to a USB hub, using a USB 
cable.
2
Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
computer using Mac OS X, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using 
Windows), select your base station, and then click Continue.
3
Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new network if you have not already set 
up your network.
To print from a computer using Mac OS X v10.5:
1
Choose Apple > System Preferences, and then click Print & Fax.
2
Click Add (+) and select your printer from the list.
3
Click the Add button.
If your printer isn’t in the list, use the buttons in the toolbar to search for it.
To print from a computer using Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later:
1
Open Printer Setup Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).
2
Select the printer from the list.
If the printer is not in the list, click Add and choose Bonjour from the pop-up menu, 
and then select the printer from the list.
To print from a computer using Windows XP or Windows Vista:
1
Install Bonjour for Windows from the CD that came with your AirPort Extreme.
2
Follow the onscreen instructions to connect your printer.

18 Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
Using the AirPort Extreme to Share USB Hard Disks
When you connect a USB hard disk to your AirPort Extreme, computers on the network 
(wired and wireless) can access the hard disk to access, share, and store files.
It looks like this:
USB port
d
2.4 or 5 GHz
2.4 or 5 GHz
Shared hard disk drive

Chapter 2   
AirPort Extreme Networks
19
To set it up:
1
Connect the hard disk to the AirPort Extreme USB port (d
) using a USB cable.
2
Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
computer using Mac OS X, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using 
Windows), select your base station, and then click Continue.
3
Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new network if you have not already set 
up your network.
Computers can access the hard disk to share or store files using Mac OS X v10.4 or later, 
or Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista.
Note:  
If you are using a Windows computer, make sure you install Bonjour for 
Windows, located on the AirPort CD that came with your base station.

3
21
3
Setting Up the AirPort Extreme
This chapter provides information and instructions for using 
AirPort Utility to set up your AirPort Extreme.
Use the instructions in this chapter to easily configure your AirPort Extreme and set up 
your AirPort network.
This chapter provides an overview for using the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to set 
up your network and other features of your AirPort Extreme. For more detailed wireless 
networking information, and for information about the advanced features of AirPort 
Utility, refer to the “Designing AirPort Networks Using AirPort Utility” document, 
located at www.apple.com/support/airport.
After you install the software that came on the CD with your AirPort Extreme, you can 
do most of your network setup and configuration tasks using the setup assistant in 
AirPort Utility. To set advanced options, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station 
menu of AirPort Utility. See “Setting Advanced Options” on page 25.
Using AirPort Utility
To set up and configure your AirPort Extreme to use AirPort for wireless networking 
and Internet access, use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility. AirPort Utility is installed 
on your computer when you install the software from the AirPort Extreme CD.

22 Chapter 3   Setting Up the AirPort Extreme
On a Macintosh computer using Mac OS X v10.4 or later:
1Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder.
2Select your base station and click Continue.
3Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your AirPort Extreme and your wireless 
network.
On a computer using Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista:
1Open AirPort Utility, located in Start > All Programs > AirPort.
2Select your base station and click Continue.
3Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your AirPort Extreme and your wireless 
network.
The setup assistant in AirPort Utility asks you a series of questions about the type of 
network you want to use and the services you want to set up. The setup assistant helps 
you enter the appropriate settings.
If you are using your AirPort Extreme to connect to the Internet, you need a broadband 
(DSL or cable modem) account with an Internet service provider (ISP), or a connection 
to the Internet using an existing Ethernet network. If you received specific information 
from your ISP (such as a static IP address or a DHCP client ID), you may need to enter it 
in AirPort Utility. Have this information available before you set up your 
AirPort Extreme.

Chapter 3   Setting Up the AirPort Extreme 23
Creating a New Wireless Network
You can use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to create a new wireless network. The 
setup assistant guides you through the steps necessary to name your network, protect 
your network with a password, and set other options.
If you plan to share a USB printer or USB hard disk on your network:
1Connect the printer or hard disk to the AirPort Extreme USB port (d).
2Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
Macintosh, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows XP.
3Select your AirPort Extreme and click Continue.
If you don’t see the base station you want to configure, click Rescan to scan for 
available base stations, and then select the base station you want.
4Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new network.
Configuring and Sharing Internet Access
If you plan to share your Internet connection with wireless-enabled computers on your 
network or computers connected to the Ethernet ports, you need to set up your 
AirPort Extreme as an AirPort Base Station. After it is set up, computers access the 
Internet through the AirPort network. The base station connects to the Internet and 
transmits information to the computers over the AirPort network.
Before you use AirPort Utility to set up your wireless device, connect your DSL or cable 
modem to the AirPort Extreme Ethernet WAN port (<). If you are using an existing 
Ethernet network with Internet access to connect to the Internet, you can connect the 
AirPort Extreme to the Ethernet network instead.

24 Chapter 3   Setting Up the AirPort Extreme
Use the setup assistant in AirPort Utility to enter your ISP settings and configure how 
the AirPort Extreme shares the settings with other computers.
1Choose the wireless network you want to change. On a Macintosh, use the AirPort 
status menu in the menu bar. On a computer using Windows XP, hold the pointer over 
the wireless connection icon until you see your AirPort network name (SSID), and 
choose it from the list if there are multiple networks available.
The default network name for an Apple base station is AirPort Network XXXXXX, where 
XXXXXX is replaced with the last six digits of the AirPort ID, also know as the Media 
Access Control or MAC address. The AirPort ID is printed on the bottom of an 
AirPort Extreme.
2Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
computer using Mac OS X, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using 
Windows XP.
3Select your base station and click Continue.
4Follow the onscreen instructions to configure and share Internet access on your 
AirPort Extreme.
Using AirPort Utility is a quick and easy way to set up your base station and network. If 
you want to set additional options for your network, such as restricting access to your 
network, or setting advanced DHCP options, you can choose Manual Setup from the 
Base Station menu of AirPort Utility. 

Chapter 3   Setting Up the AirPort Extreme 25
Setting Advanced Options
To set advanced options, you can use AirPort Utility to set up your AirPort Extreme 
manually. You can configure advanced base station settings, such as advanced security 
options, closed networks, DHCP lease time, access control, power controls, user 
accounts, and more.
To set advanced options:
1Choose the wireless network you want to change. On a Macintosh, use the AirPort 
status menu in the menu bar. On a computer using Windows XP, hold the pointer over 
the wireless connection icon until you see your AirPort network name (SSID), and 
choose it from the list if there are multiple networks available.
The default network name for an Apple base station is AirPort Network XXXXXX, where 
XXXXXX is replaced with the last six digits of the AirPort ID, also known as the Media 
Access Control or MAC address. The AirPort ID is printed on the bottom of an 
AirPort Extreme.
2Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a 
Macintosh, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows XP.
3If there is more than one base station in the list, select the base station you want to 
configure. If you don’t see the base station you want to configure, click Rescan to scan 
for available base stations, and then select the base station you want.
4Choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu. If you are prompted for a password, 
enter it.
For more information and detailed instructions for using the manual setup features in 
AirPort Utility, see the “Designing AirPort Networks Using AirPort Utility” document, 
located on the AirPort CD and at www.apple.com/support/airport.

26 Chapter 3   Setting Up the AirPort Extreme
Allowing Wireless Clients Access to Your Network
If your network is password-protected using WPA Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal, you 
can provide wireless clients access to your network without requiring them to enter the 
network password.
When you allow a client access to your network, the client's name and wireless MAC 
address (or AirPort ID) are stored in the access control list of AirPort Utility until you 
remove them from the list. You can also provide 24 hours of access, after which time 
the client will no longer be able to access your network.
When you provide a client access to your wireless network, the client does not need to 
enter the network password.
To allow client access to your network:
1Open AirPort Utility, select your base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base 
Station menu. Enter the base station password if necessary.
2Choose Add Wireless Clients from the Base Station menu.
3Select how you want the client to access the network:
ÂSelect PIN to enter the eight-digit number provided by the client requesting network 
access.
ÂSelect “First attempt” to allow network access to the first client attempting to join the 
network.
ÂSelect “Limit client's access to 24 hours” if you want to provide only one day of access 
to your network. If you don't select this option, the client will have access to your 
network until you remove the name from the list.

4
27
4Tips and Troubleshooting
You can quickly solve most problems with your 
AirPort Extreme by following the advice in this chapter.
If You Can’t Connect to the Internet
ÂTry connecting to the Internet directly from your computer. If you can’t connect to 
the Internet from your computer, check your network settings. If they appear to be 
correct and you still can’t connect, contact your Internet service provider (ISP).
ÂMake sure you are connecting to the correct wireless network.
If You Forgot Your Network or Base Station Password
You can clear the AirPort network or base station password by resetting 
AirPort Extreme. 
To reset the base station password:
1Use the tip of a ballpoint pen to hold down the reset button for one second. 
Important:  If you hold down the reset button for more than one second, you may lose 
your network settings.
2Select your AirPort network.

28 Chapter 4   Tips and Troubleshooting
ÂOn a Macintosh, use the AirPort status menu in the menu bar to select the network 
created by AirPort Extreme (the network name does not change).
ÂOn a computer using Windows XP, hold the pointer over the wireless connection icon 
until you see your AirPort Network Name (SSID), and choose it from the list if there 
are multiple networks available.
3Open AirPort Utility (in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh, 
and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows XP).
4Select your base station and then choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
5Click AirPort in the toolbar, and then click Base Station.
6Enter a new password for the base station. 
7Click Wireless and choose an encryption method from the Wireless Security pop-up 
menu to turn on encryption and activate password protection for your AirPort network. 
If you turn on encryption, enter a new password for your AirPort network.
8Click Update to restart the base station and load the new settings.
If Your AirPort Extreme Isn’t Responding
Try unplugging it and plugging it back in.
If your AirPort Extreme stops responding completely, you may need to reset it to the 
factory default settings.
Important:  Resetting your AirPort Extreme to factory default settings erases all of your 
base station settings and resets them to the settings that came with your 
AirPort Extreme.

Chapter 4   Tips and Troubleshooting 29
To return your AirPort Extreme to the factory settings:
mUse the tip of a ballpoint pen to press and hold down the reset button until the status 
light flashes quickly (about 5 seconds).
The AirPort Extreme resets with the following settings:
ÂThe AirPort Extreme receives its IP address using DHCP.
ÂThe network name reverts to Apple Network XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is replaced 
with the last six digits of the AirPort ID).
ÂThe base station password returns to public.
If your base station is still not responding, try the following:
1Unplug your AirPort Extreme.
2Use the tip of a ballpoint pen to hold down the reset button while you plug in your 
AirPort Extreme.
If Your AirPort Extreme Status Light Flashes Amber
The Ethernet cable may not be connected properly, your AirPort Extreme may be out of 
range of an AirPort network, or there may be a problem with your Internet service 
provider. If you are connected to the Internet with a DSL or cable modem, the modem 
may have lost its connection to the network or the Internet. Even if the modem seems 
to be working properly, try disconnecting the modem from its power supply, waiting a 
few seconds, and then reconnecting it. Make sure your AirPort Extreme is connected 
directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable before reconnecting power to the 
modem.

30 Chapter 4   Tips and Troubleshooting
For more information about the reason the light flashes, open AirPort Utility, select 
your base station, and then choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu. Click 
Base Station Status to display information about the flashing light.
You can also select the “Monitor base station for problems” checkbox in AirPort 
preferences. If the base station has problems, AirPort Utility opens and walks you 
through solving the problems.
If Your Printer Isn’t Responding
If you connected a printer to the USB port on your AirPort Extreme and the computers 
on the AirPort network can’t print, try doing the following:
1Make sure the printer is plugged in and turned on.
2Make sure the cables are securely connected to the printer and to the AirPort Extreme 
USB port.
3Make sure the printer is selected in the Printer List window on client computers.
On a Macintosh using Mac OS X v10.5 or later:
ÂChoose Apple > System Preferences, and then click Print & Fax.
ÂClick Add (+) and select your printer in the list.
ÂClick the Add button.
On a Macintosh using Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later:
ÂOpen Printer Setup Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
ÂIf the printer is not in the list, click Add.
ÂChoose Bonjour from the pop-up menu.

Chapter 4   Tips and Troubleshooting 31
ÂSelect the printer and click Add.
On a computer using Windows XP:
ÂOpen “Printers and Faxes” from the Start menu.
ÂSelect the printer. If the printer is not in the list, click Add Printer and then follow the 
onscreen instructions.
4Turn off the printer, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Updating AirPort Software
Apple periodically updates AirPort software. It is recommended that you update your 
AirPort Extreme to use the latest software. 
You can select the “Check for updates when opening AirPort Utility” checkbox, or the 
“Check for updates” checkbox in AirPort preferences. If you select “Check for updates,” 
choose an increment of time, such as weekly, from the pop-up menu to automatically 
check for updates.
AirPort Extreme Placement Considerations
The following recommendations can help your AirPort Extreme achieve maximum 
wireless range and optimal network coverage.
ÂPlace your AirPort Extreme in an open area where there are few obstructions, such as 
large pieces of furniture or walls. Try to place it away from metallic surfaces.
ÂIf you place your AirPort Extreme behind furniture, keep at least an inch of space 
between the AirPort Extreme and the edge of the furniture. 

32 Chapter 4   Tips and Troubleshooting
ÂAvoid placing your AirPort Extreme in areas surrounded by metal surfaces on 
three or more sides. 
ÂIf you place your AirPort Extreme in an entertainment center with your stereo 
equipment, avoid completely surrounding the AirPort Extreme with audio, video, or 
power cables. Place your AirPort Extreme so that the cables are to one side. Maintain 
as much space as possible between the AirPort Extreme and the cables.
ÂTry to place your AirPort Extreme at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) from a microwave oven, 
2.4 or 5 gigahertz (GHz) cordless phones, or other sources of interference.
Items That Can Cause Interference with AirPort
The farther away the interference source, the less likely it is to cause a problem. The 
following items can cause interference with AirPort communication:
ÂMicrowave ovens
ÂDirect Satellite Service (DSS) radio frequency leakage
ÂThe original coaxial cable that came with certain types of satellite dishes. Contact the 
device manufacturer and obtain newer cables.
ÂCertain electrical devices such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power 
stations
ÂCordless telephones that operate in the 2.4 or 5 GHz range. If you have problems 
with your phone or AirPort communication, change the channel your base station or 
AirPort Extreme uses, or change the channel your phone uses.
ÂNearby base stations using adjacent channels. For example, if base station A is set to 
channel 1, base station B should be set to channel 6 or 11.

5
33
5Learning More, 
Service, and Support
You can find more information about using your AirPort 
Extreme on the web and in onscreen help.
Online Resources 
For the latest information about the AirPort Extreme, go to www.apple.com/airport.
To register your AirPort Extreme (if you didn’t register it when you installed the 
software on the AirPort Extreme CD), go to www.apple.com/register.
For AirPort support information, a variety of forums with product-specific information 
and feedback, and the latest Apple software downloads, go to www.apple.com/
support/airport.
For support outside of the United States, go to www.apple.com/support, and then 
choose your country from the pop-up menu.

34 Chapter 5   Learning More, Service, and Support
Onscreen Help
To learn more about using AirPort Utility with your AirPort Extreme, open AirPort Utility 
and choose Help > AirPort Utility Help.
Obtaining Warranty Service
If the product appears to be damaged or does not function properly, please follow the 
advice in this booklet, the onscreen help, and the online resources. 
If the base station still does not function, go to www.apple.com/support for 
instructions about how to obtain warranty service.
Finding the Serial Number of Your AirPort Extreme
The serial number is printed on the bottom of your AirPort Extreme.

35
Appendix
AirPort Extreme Specifications and 
Safety Guidelines
AirPort Extreme Specifications
ÂFrequency Band:  2.4 and 5 GHz
ÂRadio Output Power:  23 dBm (nominal)
ÂStandards:  802.11 DSSS 1 and 2 Mbps standard, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g 
specifications, and a draft 802.11n specification
Interfaces
Â1 RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet WAN (<)
Â3 RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet LAN (G)
ÂUniversal Serial Bus (USB d)
Â802.11 a/b/g/n AirPort Extreme wireless
Environmental Specifications
ÂOperating Temperature:  32° F to 95° F (0° C to 35° C)
ÂStorage Temperature:  –13° F to 140° F (–25° C to 60° C)
ÂRelative Humidity (Operational):  20% to 80% relative humidity
ÂRelative Humidity (Storage):  10% to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing

36 Appendix    AirPort Extreme Specifications and Safety Guidelines
Size and Weight
ÂLength:  6.50 inches (165.0 mm)
ÂWidth:  6.50 inches (165.0 mm)
ÂThickness:  1.34 inches (34.0 mm)
ÂWeight:  1.66 pounds (753 grams)
Hardware Media Access Control (MAC) Addresses
The AirPort Extreme has three hardware addresses printed on the bottom of the case:
ÂAirPort ID:  The addresses used to identify the AirPort Extreme on a wireless network.
ÂEthernet ID:  You may need to provide this address to your ISP to connect the 
AirPort Extreme to the Internet.
Using your AirPort Extreme Safely
ÂThe only way to shut off power completely to your AirPort Extreme is to disconnect it 
from the power source.
ÂWhen connecting or disconnecting your AirPort Extreme, always hold the plug by its 
sides. Keep fingers away from the metal part of the plug.
ÂYour AirPort Extreme should not be opened for any reason, even when it is 
unplugged. If your AirPort Extreme needs service, see “Learning More, 
Service, and Support” on page 33. 
ÂNever force a connector into the ports. If the connector and port do not join with 
reasonable ease, they probably don’t match. Make sure that the connector matches 
the port and that you have positioned the connector correctly in relation to the port.

Appendix    AirPort Extreme Specifications and Safety Guidelines 37
About Operating and Storage Temperatures
ÂWhen you are using your AirPort Extreme, it is normal for the case to get warm. The 
AirPort Extreme case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the 
unit to the cooler air outside.
Avoid Wet Locations
ÂKeep your AirPort Extreme away from sources of liquids, such as drinks, washbasins, 
bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.
ÂProtect AirPort Extreme from direct sunlight and rain or other moisture.
ÂTake care not to spill any food or liquid on your AirPort Extreme. If you do, unplug the 
AirPort Extreme before cleaning up the spill.
ÂDo not use your AirPort Extreme outdoors. The AirPort Extreme is an indoor product.
Do Not Make Repairs Yourself
About Handling
Your AirPort Extreme may be damaged by improper storage or handling. Be careful not 
to drop your AirPort Extreme when transporting the device.
WARNING:  To reduce the chance of shock or injury, do not use your AirPort Extreme 
in or near water or wet locations.
WARNING:  Do not attempt to open your AirPort Extreme or disassemble it. You run 
the risk of electric shock and voiding the limited warranty. No user-serviceable parts 
are inside.

38
Regulatory Compliance Information
Wireless Radio Use
This device is restricted to indoor use due to its 
operation in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range to 
reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-
channel Mobile Satellite systems.
Cet appareil doit être utilisé à l’intérieur.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy
The radiated output power of this device is well below 
the FCC and EU radio frequency exposure limits. 
However, this device should be operated with a 
minimum distance of at least 20 cm between its 
antennas and a person's body and the antennas used 
with this transmitter must not be collocated or operated 
in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter 
subject to the conditions of the FCC Grant.
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. 
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 
(2) this device must accept any interference received, 
including interference that may cause undesired 
operation. See instructions if interference to radio or 
television reception is suspected.
Radio and Television Interference
This computer equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed and 
used properly—that is, in strict accordance with Apple’s 
instructions—it may cause interference with radio and 
television reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply 
with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance 
with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These 
specifications are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against such interference in a residential 
installation. However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
You can determine whether your computer system is 
causing interference by turning it off. If the interference 
stops, it was probably caused by the computer or one of 
the peripheral devices.
If your computer system does cause interference to 
radio or television reception, try to correct the 
interference by using one or more of the following 
measures:
ÂTurn the television or radio antenna until the 
interference stops.
ÂMove the computer to one side or the other of the 
television or radio.
ÂMove the computer farther away from the television or 
radio.
ÂPlug the computer into an outlet that is on a different 
circuit from the television or radio. (That is, make 
certain the computer and the television or radio are on 
circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or 
fuses.)
If necessary, consult an Apple Authorized Service 
Provider or Apple. See the service and support 
information that came with your Apple product. Or, 
consult an experienced radio/television technician for 
additional suggestions.

39
Important:  Changes or modifications to this product 
not authorized by Apple Inc. could void the EMC 
compliance and negate your authority to operate the 
product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance under 
conditions that included the use of Apple peripheral 
devices and Apple shielded cables and connectors 
between system components. It is important that you 
use Apple peripheral devices and shielded cables and 
connectors between system components to reduce the 
possibility of causing interference to radios, television 
sets, and other electronic devices. You can obtain Apple 
peripheral devices and the proper shielded cables and 
connectors through an Apple-authorized dealer. For 
non-Apple peripheral devices, contact the manufacturer 
or dealer for assistance. 
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only):  
Apple Inc., Corporate Compliance, 
1 Infinite Loop M/S 26-A, Cupertino, CA 95014-2084, 
408-974-2000.
Industry Canada Statement
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B 
specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of 
Industry Canada.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la 
norme NMB-003 du Canada.
VCCI Class B Statement
Europe—EU Declaration of Conformity
For more information, see www.apple.com/euro/
compliance.
Disposal and Recycling Information
AirPort Extreme has an internal battery. Please dispose 
of it according to your local environmental laws and 
guidelines. For information about Apple's recycling 
program, go to www.apple.com/environment.
California:  The coin cell battery in your product 
contains perchlorates. Special handling and disposal 
may apply. Refer to www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

40
European Union—Disposal Information:  
This symbol means that according to local laws and 
regulations your product should be disposed of 
separately from household waste. When this product 
reaches its end of life, take it to a collection point 
designated by local authorities. Some collection points 
accept products for free. The separate collection and 
recycling of your product at the time of disposal will 
help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is 
recycled in a manner that protects human health and 
the environment.
Deutschland:  Dieses Gerät enthält Batterien. Bitte nicht 
in den Hausmüll werfen. Entsorgen Sie dieses Gerätes 
am Ende seines Lebenszyklus entsprechend der 
maßgeblichen gesetzlichen Regelungen.
Nederlands:  Gebruikte batterijen kunnen worden 
ingeleverd bij de chemokar of in een speciale 
batterijcontainer voor klein chemisch afval (kca) worden 
gedeponeerd.
Taiwan:  
Singapore Wireless Certification

41
Taiwan Warning Statements Korea Warning Statements
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Apple, the Apple logo, AirPort, AirPort Express, 
AirPort Extreme, Apple TV, Bonjour, iPod, Macintosh, 
and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in 
the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of 
Apple Inc.
Other product and company names mentioned herein 
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
www.apple.com/airport
www.apple.com/support/airport
034-4964-A
Printed in XXXX