Just double-checking - a question re. right configuration

Question

Hi all,
I would like to ask the experts whether my following network setup is configured correctly (or ideally for that matter).
We have a flat with a lot of walls between the rooms, so one router is not enough to ensure wifi reception in every room. Thus my current setup is:
a)
In one room:
Internet -> TC (configured using dual wifi networks with different names / 2,4 + 5Ghz) -> + additional connection via LAN Port to Powerline Adaptor / wall socket
b)
second room:
Wall socket / Powerline Adaptor -> Airport Extreme via WAN Port (The AE is in Bridged Mode, the wifi networks are configured exactly the same way/same names as in room #1, but however using different channels than in room #1).
My questions:
1) Does this setup reflect an ideal setup in a flat that is so large / with a lot of walls that I need a second router to ensure wifi reception everywhere?
2) If yes,
     2a)     Using the WAN port instead of the LAN ports on the bridged AE is correct? Or doesn't it make a difference if I use LAN or WAN on the bridged AE?
     2b)     Using the same wifi network name in both rooms (but on different channels) makes sense, right? I figured my end-devices will always choose the                      better router (either TC or AE) depending on where I move about in my flat...
Thanks a lot

Answer 1

1) Does this setup reflect an ideal setup in a flat that is so large / with a lot of walls that I need a second router to ensure wifi reception everywhere?
An ideal setup would use Ethernet cabling between the routers. Powerline Adaptors have a good deal more signal and speed loss....and can be "iffy" as far as reliabiliy.  After all, you are sending an Ethernet signal over the electrical wiring in your home.
Powerline can work OK in some homes,but not others. You just have to try it out to see how it works in your home. Ethernet cabling always works, and there is no signal loss in a wire.
2a)     Using the WAN port instead of the LAN ports on the bridged AE is correct? Or doesn't it make a difference if I use LAN or WAN on the bridged AE?
When you have an AirPort in Bridge Mode, it makes no difference whether you use the WAN or LAN port(s), since they all behave as LAN ports in Bridge Mode.
2b)     Using the same wifi network name in both rooms (but on different channels) makes sense, right? I figured my end-devices will always choose the                      better router (either TC or AE) depending on where I move about in my flat...
Same Wi-Fi nework name, same wireless security, and same password on channels that are separated at least 4-5 settings on the 2.4 GHz band and another channel on the 5 GHz band.
Most laptops will automatically switch to the AirPort providing the strongest signal as you "walk" them around the house.  But, do not expect iPhones, iPads, etc to do this, as their operating systems are not as sophisticated.
If you want an iPhone or iPad to pick up the "other" AirPort when you move it around, you usually need to turn off the Wi-Fi on the iPhone, move it, and then turn it back on again. Hopefully, it will pick up the signal from the closer AirPort router.