Advice required - and much appreciated....

Question

Hi,
..firstly thanks to all who respond - you guys are a great help.
I have an Extreme (n / Version 7.3.2) running perfectly and it seamlessly links in an Express (Version 6.3) - and all a 'participate in a wireless network' - b/g compatible mode). The Extreme is the main with the broadband access. Remote speaks work a dream through the Express...
I have added a wireless printer onto the network that connects and works OK ( Canon MP620). The printer is located a distance from the Extreme and when I plug the connected Express near it - the signal strength from the printer doesn't change. (I am presuming this is because the overall system is set up as a 'join a wireless network' and not 'extend'...
I have read that changing the setting on the system to 'Create a WDS' for the Extreme and then using the Express to 'participate in a WDS' may extend the range.
My issue is that when I try to change the config on the Extreme to i) participate in a WDS and then ii) make it the main, the Airport Utility looses the ability to 'see' the previously 'viewable' Express and it indicates that it need to have 'others'.
If I then try to config the Express, it is just not 'scannable' by the Utility to make the changes to 'participate in an WDS'
If I try do it the other way around (do the Express first after 'reverting the Extreme back to its original settings so that he Utility can 'see' the Express) it won't allow the changes because it needs to be set as a 'remote' but needs a 'main' to be found BEFORE it allows the new setting to be updated.
I am only running one network (the Expresses were hard reset prior to adding to the new Extreme). When in "create" and participate' modes all is perfect...
Any thoughts or guidance form you guys? Would appreciate it. Thanks in advance
paul

Answer 1

If your goal is to create a stronger signal near your printer, then yes, you'll want to create a WDS. I'm not aware of any wireless printers that use the more desirable 802.11n that would enable you to use the Express to wirelessly extend your network in the manner you seek, so you'll be limited to operating your devices in b/g mode as you have been already.
As you've already discovered changing your network to create a WDS can get terribly confusing. I recommend you place both the Extreme and the Express in one room, where you can read their MAC addresses conveniently. Reset both so that Airport Utility can see them wirelessly. Then, configure them one at a time. I don't think it makes a difference which you do first. I recommend you use "Manual Setup" since I've never been able to use the Continue button and have AU do what I want.
Some things to remember about a WDS: Both Airports will use the same wireless channel, the same SSID, and the same encryption. GIve each Airport its own name, but use the same password for simplicity.
Other than that the basic setup is as follows:
The Extreme connect via Ethernet. It will participate in a WDS network. You'll find this choice in the AIrport > Wireless tab. Once you select that a new tab will appear called WDS. There you'll designate it the "WDS Main", and you'll type in the MAC address of the Express. When everything looks right hit Update. It should reappear in Airport Utility but you're done with it.
The Express will connect via Airport. It will also participate in a WDS network. It will be the "WDS Remote" and you'll type in the MAC address of the Extreme. Check the box "allow wireless clients". Again, when all is done hit Update.
I think I've hit the salient points. If you're like me you'll forget a thing or two and have to hit the reset button to undo whatever dumb thing you did. That's why you put them in the same room You'll figure it out.
When you're all done relocate the AIrports to their permanent posts and give yourself a pat on the back for your brilliance.