Airport replacement

FWIW, over time I had replaced my aging Apple networking hardware with Ubiquiti UniFi equipment. The UniFi feature set far outstrips those of the Apple products, but we're not exactly comparing apples-to-apples (no pun intended) here. UniFi does take a bit of a learning curve, but once on-board, you'll appreciate the amount of control you will have. Like LaPastenague, I've been around a while, and have experienced the vast technology leaps in computing, primarily in the Aerospace engineering side of things ... and, most likely, my draw to UniFi gear. If you have questions about UniFi, I would encourage you to ask away. Better still, Ubiquiti has their own support forums, similar to here at the ASC, where users help other users with questions/issues.

tried expensive Netgear stuff but it failed to link/integrate my CCTV security camera systems.

Difficult to make an assessment if you don't know why the Netgear system.. Model???? failed. Perhaps you can explain a bit more how it failed. What did you expect it to do that did not work.

I'm looking into Linksys 6e mesh.

6e mesh is new standard for wifi using 6ghz band.. but expectations for it are probably far in excess of what it will deliver.

Also very high cost as it is bleeding edge.. so you pay to be on the edge.

https://dongknows.com/linksys-axe8400-atlas-max-6e-mesh-system-review/

He has lots of reviews of wifi5 and wifi6 routers and mesh systems. You will find the same advice there.. i.e.

if possible use ethernet.

Let me highly recommend wiring everything and forget mesh or any other wifi backhaul system.

When you cable everything you do have a big initial cost but from that point for the next 20 years.. it should provide trouble free fast efficient service. You can use more pro level gear like Ubiquiti Unifi or even the bit cheaper TP-Link EAP omada series. These units tie together via a controller and offer simple single point adjustments. Yes.. somewhat more complicated than mesh which is designed for simplicity and hence lacks the detail needed for complicated controls required in many networks.

In fact with a wired network you are able to use cheap APs if you don't want to spend the money.. I use Asus RT-AC88U main router (several years of excellent service) with a bunch of different wifi routers setup in AP mode.. and I have reolink NVR and camera system.. and I am currently setting up a Hikvision for family member.. all of which integrate just fine.

No, I am not saying to stick with Airports..

I am saying use ethernet to all points in the house where you need WiFi or network connections.. all your cameras are likely wired anyway and if you already have ethernet cabling to most of the house just use it better by adding commercial grade AP (wireless access points) I specifically listed two such systems in common use.. Ubiquiti Unifi and TP-Link Omada.

I have used both of those brands and both worked really well. For my personal setup I use somewhat cheaper standard routers but you need to know what you are doing with those.

Change of IP etc is all part of changeover. Apple used 10.0.x.x IP range which is seldom used in home wifi / routers which generally stick to 192.168.x.x range.. and everything will need specific effort to change IP settings. You should get a network specialist in if the setup is beyond you.

There are lots of good youtube vids with explanation of how to setup ubiquiti and omada systems.

Just do searches there.

faster and easier to use

Everything sold today will be faster.. but easier.. sadly is hard to find.

You won't find anything easier to use than the Apple airports.

If you have been in computers since 1955.. (I was 2) then you have some interesting experience. Our Uni Engineering department had an ancient analogue computer using valves.. it drew enough power to heat the floor of the building.

Things have moved so fast that it is hard to stay up to date.

I think it is likely time to think of computer systems in the home as a washing machine.. when it goes bung call the trained qualified repairman.. They will fix it all up and show you how a ubiquiti system works in less time than reading the manual for the first AP.