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TMZNUT
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Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:42 am Post subject: AirPort Extreme base station questions |
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Nice site you guys have here! I'm about to order an AirPort Extreme base station and I have two quick questions.
1. Does anyone know where the actual antennas are located in the base station? Should I be worried about blocking it from the sides?
2. I plan on connecting two of my Macs with Ethernet. Does it really matter if I use Cat 5e or 6 cabling for Gigabit performance? Will there be lesser performance with Cat 5e? |
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hackersmovie
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Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 3080
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:46 am Post subject: Re: AirPort Extreme base station questions |
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| TMZNUT wrote: | | 1. Does anyone know where the actual antennas are located in the base station? Should I be worried about blocking it from the sides? |
I wouldn't "block" any part of it. The antenna's are on top, I believe. For best wireless reception leave it out in the open. It's pretty anyway, let everyone see it! 
| TMZNUT wrote: | | 2. I plan on connecting two of my Macs with Ethernet. Does it really matter if I use Cat 5e or 6 cabling for Gigabit performance? Will there be lesser performance with Cat 5e? |
I don't think it will matter. I could be wrong but, all that is required for gigabit ethernet is Cat5e. . . Good luck! Post some pics if you can.
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TMZNUT
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Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:53 am Post subject: Re: AirPort Extreme base station questions |
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I would love to keep it out in the open, but I'm not sure the setting will allow it with all the wiring. It would be boxed in, but the front and top of the base station would be completely open.
Thanks for addressing the cable question! I just wanted to make sure. |
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Ben Tex
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Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Posts: 1427
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject: |
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| If you already have the Cat5e cables in place, I would stay put. But I would recommend going with Cat6 if you're going with all new cables. This article covers all the differences between the two. It's a pretty good read. There are definitely a few advantages with going with Cat6. They are also priced about the same from someone like Monoprice, so that isn't an issue either. |
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TMZNUT
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Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the link Ben_tex. |
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devo
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Joined: 23 Jan 2005
Posts: 5290
Location: Dunwoody, GA
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| Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: Re: AirPort Extreme base station questions |
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| hackersmovie wrote: | | I wouldn't "block" any part of it. The antenna's are on top, I believe. For best wireless reception leave it out in the open. It's pretty anyway, let everyone see it! |
Actually, there are three antennas. One on each side (near the back), and one on the very front.
Here is a disassembly guide.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/Airport-Extreme-802-11n/Disassembly/200/1/
I really wouldn't worry about blocking them. I have mine underneath a desk and the signal is crazy strong throughout our two-story house. It's the best router that I've ever owned. |
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