Can i transfer settings from one airport extreme to a newer one if I upgrade?

Best Answer

Yes. Actually, the settings for an older AirPort Extreme will be remembered (and be transferred) by AirPort Utility.

It is extremely important that the first step before connecting a new AirPort Extreme (to anything at all) is to install the new AirPort Utility 5.5 software from the included CD. Your computer must meet the minimum System Requirements for setup and administration. Make sure AirPort Utility still discovers your current Extreme. Then move whatever cables are connected over to the new one, replacing the old power supply and cabling with the new. Power on any of the connected equipment first, then power on the Extreme.

Using the automatic setup feature rather than manual setup, AirPort Utility will offer to transfer the previous working connection information.

You can later revisit AirPort Utility and use the manual setup feature to activate all the advanced settings and features, once you've had a chance to learn about how they can best optimize the performance of your Extreme based on your various equipment needs.

For instance, if you setup your Extreme with "n-only" networks, any b/g wireless equipment you had previously connected wirelessly will not even be able to "see" the N-network, much less connect. Depending upon what you wish to accomplish, this can be a help or a hindrance!

• Answered by Andrew H from Carmel
• Mar 8, 2010
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