Setting up a Wireless Network for dummies

I have been trying to find a good article online that specifically addresses setting up a wireless network using Airport and Macs. So far, the information has been surprisingly lean.
This is all I want to do ... I have a new Mac Pro tower in my office where my cable modem is hooked up. I would like to connect an Airport Extreme router to the modem so that my other two laptops in the house (an any guests on PCs or Macs) can connect wirelessly. (My Mac Pro does not need to be wireless, as it is a tower that always resides in the office). I also have a printer in my office that I want to be accessible to the laptops as well as my Mac Pro.
Because there are many walls throughout the house, and I don't want any connection weaknesses anywhere, including the back yard patio, I will need to extend the range of the Airport in my office. How do I do that? Via more Airport Base Stations, or Airport Expresses, or both? And if I need to add one or two more Airports, how do they connect to the network? Which cables go to which ports, and where does each originate? Then there's the question of naming these Airport zones. I just want this to be the simplest setup possible ... just one network that reaches throughout the house with WPA security and printer access.
Can anyone enlighten me on these details, or direct me to an article that covers this stuff specifically?
Thank you so much for your time.

First off, the following is a good document that you could use as a reference: Designing AirPort Networks 10.5 + Windows. In particular, you want to review the section on "Setting Up a Wireless Distribution System (WDS)."
Basically, you will want to acquire a 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) as your main base station in the WDS, and either additional AEBSns or AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) for relay/remote base stations ... as your budget permits.
For example, you would connect the AEBSn directly to the cable modem, and then, the AXs would be wirelessly connected to the AEBSn. Since the AEBSn has a built-in Ethernet switch, you can connect your Mac Pro directly to it via an Ethernet cable.
So, your network configuration would look something like the following:
Cable modem > (Ethernet cable) > \[WAN port] AEBSn \[LAN port] > (Ethernet cable) > \[Ethernet port] Mac Pro, AND AEBSn > (wireless) > AX(s)
Then there's the question of naming these Airport zones.
In a WDS all of the base stations would use the same Network Name or SSID.

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Dumb question. Do I need to set up a wireless network for Apple TV?

Wireless newbie here. Recently purchased Apple TV... Trying to set it up and I don't see my wireless network available on the list... I have a built in Airport Extreme in my Mac Mini which I've never used before (or anything else wireless for that matter). I turned it on and I can see my MIni listed (and checked) under the computer to computer networks... Do I need to do something else? Thanks!

you have an airport extreme wireless card in your mac mini which lets you join a wireless network but you will need an airport express or airport extreme or other wireless router to actually create your wireless network... i.e. you don't go directly from mini to appleTV.. you need a wireless router between them.
Mac Mini <~~~~> Wireless router <~~~~> AppleTV
or you can also connect them with ethernet again through a router...

Setting up a wireless network in my home

We recently switched our IP service from sbc to Comcast. I am in the process of trying to set a wireless network with all of our computers.
This is the equipment I have: The old modem used from sbc, the new modem from Comcast and a Linksys wireless adapter (not router) the small one with one antenna.
It is impossible for me to figure out how we were set up previously because it was all tied into a separate phone line that my husband used for work, that phone line has been disconnected and since then we have lost all abilities to use all but one computer. The sbc modem was hooked up to the 2nd phone line and my husbands laptop. We also have to desktop computers and 3 laptop computers in the home as well.
Neither of the desktops has built in wireless capabilities, but the lap tops do.
The main desktop computer is connected to the Comcast modem via an ethernet cord. The 2nd desktop computer was set up wirelessly with the linksys adapter. Somehow this was all linked together with the sbc modem (had to use the number from the bottom of the modem to access wirelessly for the laptops.
The only computer that works in the home right now is the main one directly connected to the Comcast modem.
I don't know if I am able to set up the wireless network for all of the computers
with just the Comcast modem and the linksys wireless adapter (not a router).
If so can you assist me, if not what do I need to get this done?
Thanks for your help.
Hope it wasn't too confusing for you.
Nina

As Previously you were having DSL as your ISP. Most of the DSL Provider Modem has the DHCP server configure in it, and i believe the Modem which you must be having its might be a Wireless Modem **bleep** Router.
As you have Switched your ISP from DSL to the Cable (Comcast). So in this case to make your all the computers go online wirelessly and wired, you need to get a Wireless Router.
Message Edited by gandalf on 08-16-2009 06:39 PM

Can Time Capsule be used strictly as a wireless network for ATV and TiVo?

I apologize in advance for the lengthy narrative but I feel that it will only help in describing my challenge/problem.
I currently own and have been successfully using an iMac and Apple TV and syncing with my iTunes account. I want to transfer the ATV to my fiancee's house since I'm spending most of my time there. Until we move in officially I'll be keeping my Mac at home. She does not have WiFi and has an old laptop that I'm pretty sure doesn't even support a WiFi radio. We eventually plan on replacing her laptop with a new Mac Book but until that time comes all I want to do is set up a wireless network for the ATV and TiVo service that I also brought over.
So, I bought the Time Capsule with the future in mind. My question, can I set up TC to act as a wireless router for ATV and TiVo only but hardwire her laptop to keep connected to the Internet? Will I need to connect ATV to her iTunes service through her laptop? Or can I access my information using ATV if the WiFi is set up correctly?
I know that until I bring my Mac and we eventually replace her laptop, I bought a very expensive wireless router but there is a method to my madness....I think.
Any suggestions on the hookup process will be greatly appreciated.

atlas138, Welcome to the discussion area!
My question, can I set up TC to act as a wireless router for ATV and TiVo only but hardwire her laptop to keep connected to the Internet?
Certainly.
Will I need to connect ATV to her iTunes service through her laptop? Or can I access my information using ATV if the WiFi is set up correctly?
The network would have the same abilities as any other network. I don't know how the AppleTV connects to iTunes but it wouldn't be any different than if the AppleTV were connected to something else.

Setting up a wireless network with windows XP PC

I may be getting a mac computer later this year & would like to know how to set up a wireless network between the mac & a windows XP PC. The PC has a DSL modem attached to it with a yellow line going from modem to PC & another Grey line going from the modem to the back of a phone in our kitchen. Our house is fairly big, it is one story but the rooms are sprawled out with a lot of clutter. I would like to have reliable internet access on my mac, & if it is a macbook pro I would like to be able to get to the internet throughout the house. The most important thing is stable reliable internet access as I am taking online classes. I would probably take the macbook pro into a bedroom or other adjacent room. The bedroom is further away, through 2 or 3 walls. The Adjacent rooms is one wall way.
I know this seems very basic, but I need a lot of help with this as I have never used a mac before (have been a windows user) & have never used more than just the one PC in the house, let alone a wireless network.
my mother along with I are both taking online classes, so sometimes there is competition for the the 1 computer & with my graphic design degree a mac has been recommended to me. So we are finding it would be easier to have more than one computer in the house so we can access our classes anytime.
So anyone, can this be done without breaking the bank?

I'm guessing that Modem was provided by your Internet Service Provider ?
They are the best people to talk to about upgrading that Modem to a Wireless one.
Usually if you're running a modem and phone from the same DSL line there's a small splitter box that plugs into the phone socket and then one wire connects your modem and another your phone. Picture below - if you do have one of these then post back and we can give better advice on a wireless modem to replace your current one.

Problems Setting up my wireless network with an Xb...

Hi, I have had some problems setting up my wireless networking.
I have everything switched on and am able to go online with the laptop and the Xbox with no problems but when I try to share media with the xbox I have problems.
I have opened the ports specified in the setup from xbox on windows firewall and have no problem connection Via Ethernet cable but when using wireless the xbox cannot detect the laptop.
I have checked the network map and both xbox and laptop are connected and have enabled sharing and am running sharing software.
Below is the network map.
I have also been having problems with BT software, the free virus protection will not install, The desktop help will not launch although it shows up on task manager and the installation disk does not launch correctly it doesn't get past the loading screen.
I have had a printer on the wireless network and had no problems printing.
If anyone knows how to resolve this please help.

I have this same Motorola modem and I just verified that my 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn) can get Internet access with this modem without any issues.
When changing ISPs (or networking equipment) it's always a good idea to start from "scratch" in configuring your equipment.
I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:
Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
Power-up the modem; wait at least 10-15 minutes.
Power-up the base station; wait at least 5-10 minutes.
Power-up your computer(s).
In this basic configuration, computers connected to the base station, either by wire or wireless (as appropriate for the base station type), should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options.

How do I set up a wireless network at home??

Hi,
I am new to Mac's. I want to set up a wireless network at home, but I have not got a clue about AirPort, what it is or what it does!?! I am getting a new Mac, but my wife is currently using a Dell Windows laptop and our daughter is using a Windows PC. How do I set up a wireless broadband network at home which works with my Mac and my familys PC's? What do I need to buy and what do I need to do with them? I already have a broadband connection at home. Currently, my wife's PC is connected directly to the broadband modem (via an ethernet cable) that was supplied by the brodband company when I signed up to broadband.
Thanks for all your help with this.

scooter has provided links to Apple's pages for the AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS).
Both of these devices are IEEE 802.11g wireless routers (also called base stations). If you have an Ethernet connection to the Internet (for example DSL or cable modem), you can connect either of these devices directly to that connection and create a wireless network. Since Ethernet and IEEE 802.11g are worldwide standards you can connect any compatible device (including PCs running Windows).
Every computer needs a unique IP address. You can think of an IP address as a street address for your house. A unique address guarantees that items addressed to you get to you.
Typically ISPs provide users with a single (one) public IP address. A public IP address is visible to anyone on the Internet. A router uses the single IP address provided by the ISP and creates multiple local (non-public) IP addresses for you computers. This allows you to use multiple computers.
If you need to connect both wireless and Ethernet computers you will need the AEBS. The AEBS provides a separate LAN port for Ethernet computers.
BTW, you can accomplish the same thing with any inexpensive wireless router.
The advantage of the AEBS over other routers is (a) built-in 56k modem for connecting to a dial-up ISP and (b) USB port for a single compatible printer.
The advantage of the AirPort Express over other routers is (a) sound output port for streaming music to a stereo and (b) USB port for a single compatible printer.

Frustrated trying to set up a wireless network with Bellsouth Fastaccess's Westell Wirespeed modem.

Today, about 6 hours ago in fact, I came home with a Linksys WRT54G wireless router. It took me a while to get a grasp on how to connect it. I had no network port on the back of my PC, as far as I knew, and I had been connecting my Westell Wirespeed modem to my PC via USB for years. In the end I ended up spending an hour digging up the old Ethernet cable that came with the modem, and finally managed to do everything the Router setup program asked of me.
One hour after restarting multiple times, experimenting with different orders of plugging in things, and countless resettings of the Router AND the modem, it finally set up the network. It ran for an hour.
One of my cats ran behind my computer, jarring one of the cords and causing the PC to turn off. It happens twice or thrice a year when they get rowdy. When I jiggle all the plugs back into place and turn on my computer, the connection was dead! Gone! And there was nothing in my Program Files that said "Start Linksys Network" or anything convenient like that. I suppose that would be too easy, right? And my internet didn't work either! So with no other choice, I opened up the installation program again - there was no trace of any sort of folder or application on my PC linked to the router. In fact, as far as I can see, I still have no way to get into ANY sort of router-related application aside from the install CD.
So I stuck that back in there.
I've spent the last three hours grueling over this thing. I connect it all before turning the PC on. Nothing. I disconnect everything and plug it all back in meticulously step by step according to the program. Nothing. The install program always gets through the PC checking, and lets me fill in the PPOE (or whatever) information. As it tries to update the router configuration, though, it tells me one of two things.
1 ) If I have just done a reset of the router, it gets to 99% in the router configuration progress bar before telling me the 'router configuration failed'.
2 ) If I exit the setup program and reopen it, I get a generic "So and so has caused an error in 4746545x48345675 (or some other random number)," and asks me to either Cancel or Debug.
My hands are sore and I'm stressed to the limits. I bought a laptop a week ago for the sole purpose of alleviating the battles my kids have over the only source of internet in the house, but it's just been sitting there. I'm really at the end of my wits. Between the errors that don't tell you what went wrong and the perfectly-connected router that keeps pretending it's not connected, I'm just about ready to return the laptop.

This happened to me when I was setting up the wireless router for a friend. The issue is with the Westall modem. You need to go in and setup the "bridge" option on the westell modem. The link below gives directions or you can call bellsouth dsl support (this is how I learned about it).
http://help.bellsouth.net/bellsouth/asp/contentview.asp?isbrowse=true&sprt_cid=3f993409%2Ddff7%2D422...
Good luck
Solution:
Method 1 - Hard Reset
Restore the modem to default settings by pressing the Reset button on the back of the modem and holding it for 3 seconds. (Bridged mode is the default setting for the Westell).
After the modem regains sync, it is in Bridged mode. Do not attempt to surf into the modem as surfing into the modem will enable the Easy Login page and convert the modem from bridged mode to a PPP mode.
Method 2 – Bridged Mode
Access the Westell interface using http://192.168.1.254 or http://launchmodem.
Click on the Broadband DSL Line button.
Click on the Protocols button
Select the radio button to the left of Option 2 (Bridge)
Click the save button. Once the modem has restarted it is in bridge mode.
ALL STEPS COMPLETE

I have set up my wireless network and now have moved. How can I set up a new network with a different ip address

I have set up my wireless network on airport express and worked great. I have now moved and have a new internet provider and need to change my ip address. How do I do this

Is your new ISP providing you with a static Public IP address? ... or are they providing you with a dynamic IP address via DHCP (this would be the most common method for consumer-grade Internet service.) Next, which version of the AirPort Utility are you using? Finally, which version of the AirPort Express do you have?

Can you set up a wireless network/router using only the iPad?

Can you set up a wireless network/modem/router using only an iPad - if you don't have a computer?

You actually can as most routers come with a web interface that lets you tinker with all things with regard to set up and connection.
You have to choose though as there are other routers that would require you to plug-it in to a computer first, as they have a desktop application to make way for easier set-up.
But for everything else, it is done through a web client which is just like accessing any web site.

How do I set up a wireless network with an AirPort Extreme base station and two airport extreme but between apple devices either by ethernet

How do I set up a wireless network with an AirPort Extreme base station and two airport extreme but between apple devices either by ethernet

This Apple support document provides good general information on configuring different types of neworks using multiple AirPort routers.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
In particular, you would want to focus on the information regarding a "Roaming Network"

How can I set up a wireless network between two Mac Mini's (media centres)?

I've just received my second mac mini (core duo, 1.83, 1 Gb ram)and want to set up a wireless network to link this with my original mac mini (PPC 1.42, 512MB) and my Belkin wireless router (g std).
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I've got the wireless network working no problems with both mini's connected to the internet over the network but I'm stuck at how I get the two mini's to see each other. I've tried "the Missing Manual" and these forums but no success so far.
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Jona11-
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Is there any way to use a MacBook Pro as a router to set up a wireless connection for XBOX live.

Is there any way to use a MacBook Pro as a router to set up a wireless connection for XBOX live.

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Time Capsule can't set up as wireless network, but Airport Extreme works

I just bought a Time Capsule to use as a back-up hard drive and a wireless network. I currently have a Airport Extreme for my wireless network and it works fine. When I try to plug in the ethernet cable into the Time Capsule to set up a new wireless network - all I get is a blinking amber light on Time Capsule and Airport Utility can not find Time Capsule. When I plug the ethernet cable back into the Airport Extreme to see if my DSL is working - the Airport Extreme light is back on and I can connect to the internet. I updated the Time Capsule with the latest firmware so that's no it. Any ideas?

OK, thanks for the clarification.
First, make a note of the configuration settings in the Airport Extreme as you will likely set up the TC the same way. Open AirPort Utility, click on Manual Setup at the bottom of the pane and then click on the Airport icon at the top of the next page, which is a summary of your settings. Would be a good idea to write these down and keep them handy.
Then do a hard reset on the Time Capsule to get it back to factory defaults. You would do this by first pulling the power cable for a few minutes. Then using an unfolded paper clip or something small, hold in the reset button on the back while you plug the power cable back in and continue to hold the reset button for at least 10-12 seconds before you release it.
Power off your computer, then restart. When it's back up, connect an ethernet cable from the computer to the WAN port on the back of the Time Capsule. This should help Airport Utility "see" the Time Capsule so you use Airport Utility to configure it.
If you have set up the Extreme, the TC set up is basically the same unless you have changed the modem or some other things in your network.
Post back on your progress.

How do I know "Roaming Network" is working with Airport Express and Airport Extreme and should I use extended wireless network for third Express?

Attempting to eliminate a dead spot in Wifi coverage [and implement AirPlay] have one Airport Extreme 802.11n and two Airport Express 802.11n's.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
The Airport Extreme is of course connected to cable modem and Ethernet switch, and one Airport Express is connected to the Ethernet network. As per instructions for creating a "Roaming Network", Airport Express is set to same SSID, security type, and Password.
Questions:
1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to? In other words, will it switch to the closer WiFi transmitter automatically? The WiFi reception problem is intermittent in the fringe areas so what I do not want it for it to stick with the more distant Airport Extreme in the basement when the Airport Express which is closer will work better.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
The third Airport Express will be in a third location - I was planning on using it also for expanding coverage but after reading the warnings about performance suffering when purely using WiFi for the expansion in this location ("Wireless Extended Network" without an ethernet connection) I have figured that the single wired Airport Express will be adequate and will use the third Express to do Airplay only.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Question: Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
Mitch

1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to?
The Mac computer will automatically connect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal...which is probably the closest AirPort. An iPhone or iPad may not do this and will tend to stay connected to one AirPort.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
On a Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility. Click on one of AirPorts. In the area to the right, locate the AirPort ID and jot that down. Then do the same for your other AirPort.
Move your Mac near one of the AirPorts and log on to the wireless. Hold down the option key on the Mac while you click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected.
If you are close to the "remote" AirPort, and you see the AIrPort ID of the "main" router when you are testing, then you know that the network is not configured correctly.
Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
There will be a modest 10-15% bandwidth loss with the "extend" setup, assuming that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort to which it is associated. You can avoid the bandwidth loss if the Express is also connected via Ethernet as part of the roaming configuration.

Setting up a Wireless Network for dummies

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