Take Control of Your Apple Wi-Fi Network

Learn Wireless Basics

Let’s quickly run through some basics to set the stage for what follows.

Adapters and Access Points

Wi-Fi networks need two connected parts: a wireless adapter and an access point. The wireless adapter is part of a computing device (such as a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone), while the access point connects both to wireless adapters and to a broader network, such as the Internet via a broadband modem. An access point that’s coupled with a router is called a wireless gateway; Apple calls its wireless gateway a base station.

Apple’s lineup of base stations includes the AirPort Extreme, the AirPort Express, and the Time Capsule. When I talk about “AirPort equipment,” I mean all Apple base stations, including Time Capsules. ...