[ummagumma]

So I'm building a wireless network. Which airport should I get? Express or Extreme?

What's the diff

Are security settings provided? I don't want my neighbour surfing on my account.

Thanks.

[Wickers]

Locking down your wireless network is the job of your access point...

And you should go for what you mac supports... it's either one, the other, or none.

Also, you can get D-Link USB based WiFi adapters that work well with macs...

[Brad]

Have you read Apple's overviews of them? I would suggest you do that and then come back with specific questions.

http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/
AirPort Extreme Tech Overview

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

The short explanation is that the AirPort Extreme has separate ports for WAN, LAN, and modem. The AirPort Express only has one port that you must choose to use for either LAN or WAN use, but the Express also has the 1/8" audio jack for streaming iTunes to a stereo or other device.

IMHO, the Express is intended for people who only have notebook computers (or computers with wireless networking cards) or for people who want to expand their existing network.

[Brad]

Originally Posted by \/\/ickes And you should go for what you mac supports... it's either one, the other, or none.

Huh? All Macs that have shipped with an AirPort card for the past several years will work with both the Extreme and Express.

The only real deciding factor is what you want your network topology to look like.

[ummagumma]

Thanks Brad.

Is PoE support available?

[Brad]

Power over Ethernet?

Read the Tech Overview. Page 17. And the specs page.

Seriously, if you read these links, you'll have most of your answers.