Understanding "Airport Routers" in Bangladesh

The term "airport router" is often used colloquially in Bangladesh to refer to two different types of devices:

1. Apple's Discontinued "AirPort" Routers: This refers to Apple's line of wireless routers, including the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule, which are no longer in production.
2. Portable "Pocket" or "Mobile" Routers: These are small, battery-powered devices with a SIM card slot, which are also sometimes called "airport routers" due to their use for travel.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of both types of routers and their availability in the Bangladeshi market.

Apple AirPort Routers: A Legacy of Simplicity

Apple's AirPort line of routers was known for its sleek design, user-friendly setup, and robust performance. While Apple discontinued the entire AirPort product line in 2018, these devices were well-regarded for their reliability and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

• AirPort Express: A compact, entry-level router that was also popular for its ability to stream music wirelessly to a stereo system using AirPlay.
• AirPort Extreme: A more powerful router with a higher-performance antenna array, designed to provide fast and reliable Wi-Fi for homes and offices.
• AirPort Time Capsule: An AirPort Extreme router with a built-in hard drive, used for automated wireless backups for Macs using Apple's Time Machine software.

Given their discontinuation, finding a new, sealed Apple AirPort router in Bangladesh is now extremely rare. While some older, used models might be available through unofficial channels, it's not recommended to purchase them due to a lack of official support, firmware updates, and security patches. The price for these older models can vary widely, but they are generally not worth the investment compared to modern alternatives.

Modern "Airport Routers": Portable & Pocket Routers

For travelers, students, and anyone who needs on-the-go internet access, the term "airport router" in Bangladesh now more commonly refers to portable or pocket routers. These devices are small, battery-powered, and accept a SIM card from any mobile network operator in Bangladesh (Grameenphone, Robi, Airtel, Banglalink, Teletalk) to create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot.

Why Portable Routers are Popular in Bangladesh

• Portability: They are compact enough to fit in a pocket, bag, or backpack, making them perfect for traveling, public transport, or working from a café.
• Versatility: They provide a reliable internet connection wherever there is a cellular signal, ensuring you stay connected even in areas without broadband.
• Shareable Connection: A single SIM card can provide internet access for multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops), eliminating the need for each device to have its own data plan.
• Affordability: These routers are relatively inexpensive and offer a cost-effective way to get wireless internet on the go.

Key Features to Look For in a Portable Router

• SIM Card Support: Ensure the router supports all major mobile network operators in Bangladesh (4G LTE).
• Battery Life: Look for a device with a long-lasting battery (e.g., 2000mAh or more) to provide hours of continuous use.
• Connectivity Speed: Most portable routers offer speeds up to 150Mbps, which is sufficient for browsing, streaming, and light work.
• Number of Connections: Check how many devices can connect to the hotspot simultaneously. Most models support 10 or more.

Popular Portable Router Brands in Bangladesh (2025)

• TP-Link: A dominant brand known for its reliable and affordable portable routers. The TP-Link M7000 is a popular model.
• Huawei: A strong player in the mobile router market, offering quality devices with good battery life.
• Mercusys: A budget-friendly brand that provides reliable and simple-to-use portable routers.
• Zyxel: Offers a range of portable routers with solid performance and battery life.

The Best Routers for Modern Home Networking

For those looking for a high-performance router for their home or office, you should consider modern wireless routers that offer better speed, coverage, and security features than the older Apple AirPort models. Key features to look for include:

• Dual-Band Technology: Provides both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz network, reducing interference and offering faster speeds for data-intensive tasks like gaming and streaming.
• Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7: The latest Wi-Fi standards that offer faster speeds, lower latency, and support for a higher number of connected devices.
• Mesh Technology: For larger homes, a mesh Wi-Fi system provides seamless, whole-home coverage.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Crucial for connecting devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs for a stable, high-speed wired connection.

Popular Router Brands for Home Use in Bangladesh: TP-Link (Archer and Deco series), Tenda, Cudy, Asus (especially for gaming routers), Xiaomi, and Mikrotik (for professional and custom configurations).

Where to Buy Routers in Bangladesh

For genuine products with official warranties, it is best to purchase from authorized retailers. Leading tech stores like Star Tech, Ryans Computers, and Shift Tech, as well as online marketplaces like ULA, offer a wide variety of both portable and home routers at competitive prices.