Airport express / extreme / Time Capsule Range

Airport express / extreme / Time Capsule Range
Can anyone please tell me what is the approximate range of Apple Airport Products.
While doing sell in Apple store customer always ask us this question and we don't had any answer for it.
So please if anyone has the answer do reply on this.
- - - Akshay k. (ACMT)

The range is about 50 meters or 150 feet.....but this assumes that the AirPort is being used in a very large open space like a aircraft hangar.....with no obstructions in the signal path.
Chances are, your home is laid out a bit differently, so without knowing a number of variable factors like.....
1) How many walls there will be in the signal path between wireless devices
2) The actual construction type of the walls, ceilings, etc
3) Heavy furniture, large mirrors, etc. in the signal path
4 ) Other wireless networks around your home
5) Other wireless devices like cordless phones, BlueTooth devices, etc.
It would be impossible to tell you what the actual range might be in your home.
In general, assuming normal modern home construction, you would not want the wireless signal to pass through more than 2 or 3 walls....since each wall will absorb on average about 15-25% of the wireless signal. A ceiling will absorb even more because of its thickness.

Similar Messages

Airport Express extending Time Capsule Range

I have a fairly old Airport Express. 2-3 years old. Does this mean its not possible to extend the range on my Time Capsule running as main wireless? I just want to extend the range, but tried to join the network my Time Capsule was running (while backing up my Macbook Pro).
I'm wondering, was it unable to join because my Time Capsule was currently backing up files? Or is it unable to do so because of the 802.11n (or lack thereof).
Hope this makes some sense. Thanks

You can extend the wireless range of the Time Capsule (TC) with the older 802.11g AirPort base stations in a configuration known as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). However, note that the new combined network will only operate in the 802.11g radio mode.
Here are the basic steps in configuring a WDS with these two devices:
(Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, place the base stations within near proximity of each other during the set up phase, and then relocate them to their desired locations when complete. Also, jot down the AirPort IDs for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS.)
o Perform a "hard" reset on the Time Capsule (TC) and a "factory default" reset on the 802.11b/g AirPort Express Base Station (AX).
Main Base Station Setup - TC
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the TC.
o Open AirPort Utility.
o Select the TC, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base
Station menu.
o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox if you want client computer to connect to this base station.
o Click the Add "+" button and enter the AirPort ID of the AX.
o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
Remote Base Station Setup - AX
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the AX.
o Open AirPort Utility.
o Select the AX, and then, choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
o Enter the AirPort ID of the main base station in the WDS Main field.
o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
(ref: Pages 42-46 of "Designing AirPort Networks.)

Best way to extend wireless via airport express and time capsule

best way to extend wireless via airport express and time capsule
i live in a two storey house where i use my airport express to create a wireless network in the main floor, and time capsule to extend it in the upper floor, where my room is. i have like 16 mbps in the main floor, and 2-3 mbps in the upper floor after having speediest.
i used time capsule in the upper floor because i use wireless backup daily and don't want to put internet down while i im doin it and consequently my parent can have internet access in the main floor, am i right? or do i have make just the opposite in order to have a good internet speed?
secondly, while checking airport express wireless mode on airport utility, there is like 4 different type of radio mode(802 11n bg comp, 802 11n 2.4, 802 11n a comp, 802 11n 5ghz) which i have no idea what they mean
what do you recommend?
we have like iphone4, iphone 3g, mbookpro, ipad, ipad 2, samsung tv and a sony vaio laptop in the wireless network
thank you

What you have would appear to be working but I can comment how I would redefine your setup. Note that both Airport Express and Time Capsule can function as wireless base stations so you do have wireless everywhere and at all times — using the Time Capsules for backups doesn’t mean your parents won’t have internet access regardless of the where the base stations are located.
You appear to have devices to connect to your network that use the 2.4 GHz band with 802.11g such as the iPhone 3G and perhaps the 5 GHz band with 802.11n such as likely the Macbook Pro if it’s a recent model. The iPhone 4 can use 5 GHz and 802.11n. Can’t comment on the Sony and Samsung but you can check their specs.
Now the Time Capsule (if it’s a recent version), can simultaneously supply 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band signals, but the Airport Express (if it’s recent) can only use one of those bands at one time. Likely the lowest common denominator for your devices is going to be the 2.4 GHz band since the devices that are capable of using 5 GHZ also support 2.4 GHz. If you don’t use 5 GHz, you won’t lose much in a two-storey home because likely it’s the 2.4 GHz band is better signal anyway because 5 GHz signals drop off quickly with several walls/floors to penetrate.
You also didn’t mention if the Airport Express is used to support a printer and/or AirPlay (using iTunes to play on remote speakers via the Airport Express connection) but that might also be a factor in the best location to place the Airport Express. Although the printer could be switched between the Time Capsule and the Airport Express if needed, only the Airport Express will support your remote speakers.
Recommend you use the Time Capsule as the Base station. When using Airport Utility to define the network, after you name your network, etc., select the Wireless tab, check the box “Allow this network to be extended” and set the Radio Mode to "802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)”.
Using the Airport Utility, click on the Airport Express; after you define the device and network name, select the Wireless tab, define the Wireless Mode as “Extend a Wireless Network” and check the box “Allow wireless clients”.
Hope that helps.

Conflicts with Airport Express and Time Capsule

I am using Airport Express and Time Capsule at the same time. Connection to the web is via a router. Very often I do have conflicts. How shall I connect the gadgets? At the moment I connect the router to Airport Express (network cable).
Time machine back up doesn't work properly.
Is there anybody able to help me?
Regards

What broadband type do you have?
It can be impossible to plug a TC into the existing connection because the virgin media router has special setup or logins which are not revealed to end users.
If it is a fibre connection for instance the TC may simply not work. They have issues with many fibre ISP putting the gateway address outside the subnet of the main public IP.. (don't worry if it is too technical .. it amounts to .. it don't work! )
You may need to wait until Sat.
Get in a big supply of home videos or something and try and starve off your addiction.

Airport express and time capsule config?

I have an airport express for Wi-Fi internet and printing. I have purchased a time capsule as a back -up drive to work with time machine. Should I
set it up seperately from the airport express or
replace airport express with time capsule ?
What's the best config and can I retqin existing netwrok ID and password?
Thanks for pointing me in right direction.

Hi Yoreilly:
i'm not sure just what setup is right for you. and i'm sure the newer Airport Express is way improved over mine (got mine few yrs ago). but my Airport express works as extension from your Time Cap Wi-Fi. Airport does not put out wireless Wi-Fi signal on it's own.
1> if yours can take your phone line & send out Wi-fi signal on it's own, then more power to you/ & you could sell back your Time Cap & just have a WD backup drive, or seagate external drive for less.
2> otherwise, your airport express needs to connect to your Time Cap, to answer you #2.
3> usually the application helps where you have dead spots in your house, or your location of Time Cap can't reach places in your house where U need Wi-Fi signal, or where you can't thread an ethernet cable out to your printer or device.
not sure how you are setup with your wireless printer now. but if your setup allows you to print by only using the Airport Exp, sure you can use the TimeCap separately as it's own Back-up drive. the thing is it has Wi-fi capability that you wouldn't be using with that setup.
hope this helps, & didn't confuse,
m

Printing completely broken on both airport express and time capsule

Printing seems to be broken on both my old time capsul, generation one, and a new airport express. Here's what happens.
1. Connect printer directly to the Mac and everything prints fine.
2. Reconnect printer to the Airport or timecapsule. Delete all the printers. Power cycle everything. Add printer. Print and it keeps trying to connect to the printer forever.
It use to work and it may have been a recient firmware update that broke it. Any help would be appreciated. I've been through all of the support documents and still nothing. The printer is an old Epson Stylus R280. I'm running 10.9 with all the latest drivers and updates.

If you want to run a N speeds, run a cable from Time Capsule to Airport Express, set Time Capsule as your primary router, and turn off DHCP on Airport Express. This will create two networks, your Express will have one SSID, and the Time Capsule another SSID. One G network and one N network. Don't include the express in your network, keep it separate from Time Capsule to avoid it from coming down to G speeds. Make sense?

How shall i do it ? Complex question about how to use the airport express or time capsule ?

Hello All,
Right now i have an access point:
1/ A mercury router (cheap and old)
2/ Airport Express
Do you advice me to use it to replace my cheap old router (mercury) or to pair it with this main old router ? (however i tried to without any success)
3/ Time Capsule
Can i use it to relay the signal from the Airport Express to extend the range of the wifi?
Can i use it to stream music to my B/W M1 speakers directly ? (I will connect by USB the BW M1 to the time capsule) and would like to be able to play music this way. Is this in anyway possible ?
Many thanks for your reply !

ok, i might be wrong but here goes:
you should attach your modem to your time capsule: your time capsule will act as not only your time machine but also your main wireless transmitter.
you set it up using "Airport Utility" which is inside the "utilites" folder, which is inside your applications folder.
this connects your mac wirelessly to the internet.
to stream music to your speakers you then set up the airport plug to (a) join the existing network (which you set up on the time capsule) and then (b) set it up to stream music to your speakers. again, this is done using "airport utility". do it AFTER you have set up the time capsule.
you will then be able to use itunes to stream music to your speakers. from itunes on your computer you will be able to chose from the bottom right hand side of the window whether you play the music on your computer or wirelessly into your B+W speakers...
some notes:
1. you won't be able to connect the airport plug by USB to your speakers as the airport plug doesn't have a USB output. It has only analogue and optical.
2. although your time capsule has USB you cannot stream music into it or through it. there's some basic guidance here:
http://www.apple.com/wifi/
3. you may find that the sound quality [if you are playing apple lossless files or wav files) isn't as good as if the speakers were connected directly to your mac via USB. this should be especially noticable because your speakers are so good!
if the music you play is only mp3 or the stuff purchased from itunes then it shouldn't make too much of a difference.
4. keep an eye out on the B+W website: there may come a time when you won't even have to use the airport plug, and you will be able to stream music straight to the speakers. i know that B+W have just done that with the new Zepellin speaker that they make.
hope this helps...

Airport Express w/Time Capsule drops connection

I just integrated my new Time Capsule into our all-Mac network here a couple of days ago and its been fine for the most part but I've noticed that the existing airport express flashes amber for a few seconds every so often (usually once per hour or so) and disconnects everyone sharing files and connections. I have Leopard Server 10.5.2 running as well and this didn't seem to be happening before introducing Server to the mix (it was connected about 48 hours AFTER the time capsule) but the problem seems to lie with the Airport Express. Things are connected as follows:
Cable modem --> Airport Extreme
Airport Extreme --> 2 ethernet connections to Macs, 1 ethernet connection to Time Capsule
Time Capsule --> 1 ethernet connection to Mac Mini running Leopard Server
I have bridge mode set up and a couple of portables connected to it as well as an Apple TV, all of these seem to be connecting and staying connected just fine - it's the two Mac's connected directly to the Airport Extreme that get hit - the light on the unit (AE) flashes amber for maybe 2-3 seconds and I lose connection to any other macs I was connected to - I can easily re-connect with no problems at all but its obviously kind of a pain when you're working on files from the server, etc. and everything more or less locks up while OS X loses these connections.
Does anyone have any insight into why this might be happening? I've never had any trouble with this prior to Time Capsule/Leopard Server, both of which I allowed to more or less set their own settings on the Airport Extreme figuring that it isn't too complex a set up or anything, it's not like we're a full on 20 client office here or something, just 5 total macs, no pc's, etc.
any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I'm running into exactly the same problem. Configuration is the same as Jackoschild's. I get about an hour of good connection, then signal drops off and I get a rapid set of connects then disconnects. Very frustrating. I'm considering turning off the Airport on the Time Capsule and going with my 54g wireless built-in to the FIOS router it is attached to. Total of two iMacs running 10.5.2 (one 20" G5, one 24" iMac) and four PCs (Windows XP SP2) demonstrating the problem. I NEVER had a drop issue with the FIOS ActionTek wireless.
Any solutions?

Airport Express and Time Capsule connection issues

I have the following setup:
- Airport Express set up as 'create a wifi network' with the exact same name and password as my main network from my BT router
- Time Capsule setup to 'join existing network' which is the same name - obvioulsy! - as the other two.
Everything worked OK until fairly recently. My MBP which usually is connected to the AE n/w accessed the TC via Time Machine OK, and my iMac backed up via TM to the TC OK as well. Now, however, the TC (which is situated in range of both the AE and the main router) seems to connect sometimes to the (weaker) AE and sometimes to the (almost adjacent) main router.
If it connects to the main router network, my iMac backups are OK, but if it connects to the AE network, then TM just fails with the usual 'backup disk cannot be found' even though it is clearly visible in Finder.
Is there anyway of locking the TC into a particular network?

OK, thanks for the information.
Temporarily, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the AirPort Extreme to the Time Capsule's WAN port.
Close AirPort Utility 6.1 on the Mac if it is open
Start over by holding in the reset button on the back of the Time Capsule for 9-10 seconds, then allow 60 seconds for it to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Connect the Ethernet cable from the AirPort Extreme to the WAN port on the Time Capsule
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and wait a minute for the heading of New Apple Base Station to appear. Under that, click on the Time Capsule.
AirPort Utility will open automatically and take a minute to analyze the connection. After a minute, it will display a message that the network will be configured to "Extend".
Enter a name for the Time Capsule and click Next
AirPort Utility will take another minute to configure everything. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
You should now be able to connect to the Time Capsule wireless signal.

How do I use my airport express or time capsule to increase the signal strength of my comcast router

How do I use my airport express and/ or time capsule to increase the range of my newly installed comcast modem/router.

Neophite50 wrote:
Thanks.
A question. Do I plug the TC into the Comcast modeum Router or the iMac?
Both is good.. but at least one of your routers.. TC or express must be plugged into the router.. the imac can get internet connection by wireless.

Airport express vs. time capsule vs. router

What is best to do?
My airport express is now connected to my router (speedtouch) and works very well.
Do I connect my newly bought time capsule to my router or keep this one wireless? Because with the airport express I can make use of airplay, which I have not connected yet, but would like to do.
I bought time capsule for wireless backup of several devices. This cannot be used a the moment, because I have to make a backup of my MacBookPro first before I update the software so that I can use the wireles backup application with my other devices.
I do not know how to start.
What is the effect on apple tv, none?
How do I get the most benefit from both airport express as well as time capsule.

We always recommend the initial backup by ethernet.. due to the time it takes and the lower reliability of wireless.
You can either do this with the TC disconnected from the network.. and just plugged straight into the computer.. or swap the Express for the TC. I presume you are running the speedtouch in router mode so bridge the TC.. and plug the computer by ethernet directly into a LAN port of the TC.
The above can be a permanent setup.. just tick the wireless can be extended in the TC.. and run the express in wireless bridge.. or you can also wire the express to the TC if you do not need the extra range.
Remember the TC is faster using gigabit and designed for main router role (even if you pass that to the express). The express still only uses 10/100 ethernet.. and is designed to supplement the wireless setup.
But there is nothing wrong with leaving the express as it is now only allow extend and then setup the TC to extend wireless from the express as that will also work well if the required connections are nearby and you can use ethernet to the TC.
I do not know how to start.
Have a go.. it is not like you are going to mess up. and cause something serious.
IMO.. have a try .. do not think there is one ideal. Switch and swap.. the best is what works well for you.
What is the effect on apple tv, none?
It has no affect on the ATV.
How do I get the most benefit from both airport express as well as time capsule.
Use ethernet whereever possible.
Avoid double hop wireless.. ie any use of extend by wireless and then another wireless hop introduces severe speed lags. Wireless cannot handle Tx and Rx at the same time.. it is half-duplex by nature. Also it is shared bandwidth.. Ethernet is superior in both areas.. every device has full bandwidth and full duplex.

I am having problems configuring airport express with time capsule

Hi,
I am having problems setting up airport express (old version) with time capsule. It was working perfectly fine with my old router, Airport Extreme (b/g).
I have tried to reset the Airport Express, and now I am having problems finding it in my personal networks. Not too sure what exactly is going on, other than it was working less than a day ago, and now I can't even locate it on the network to configure.
Anyone have any suggestions? I have already tried a hard reset, and no luck so far.

There are 3 types of resets.
1. Soft
2. Hard
3. Factory
Try a factory reset.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044
Joseph Kriz

Airport express vs time capsule

what would you all recommend time capsule vs airport express with external drive like lacie - can't decide

(1) Airport Express doesn't support USB drives - only Airport Extreme does.
(2) Apple doesn't officially support using drives connected to an Airport Extreme for Time Machine backups. It seems to be working for most of us who are doing it right now but if something goes wrong Apple won't help.

Cannot connect Airport Express to Time Capsule?

I had an existing wireless network with an Airport Extreme base that was extended with a first generation Airport Express. I replaced the Airport Extreme with Time Capsule because I needed the backup drive. Now I can't get the Express to integrate. When I try to bring it online, it brings everything down. I've reset it back to its defaults and am installing as if its new. The problem is that it brings everything else down. The two are connected via ethernet. For now I've had to take the Express offline until I can find a solution. Any advice?

Welcome to the discussions!
I don't have a solid answer yet to your issue, but would offer a few comments that might help sort things out.
I'm confused by your statement that you are able to extend the 2.4 GHz network, because the dual band TC does not allow the guest network to be extended. Check AirPort Utility - Manual Setup. Click the Wireless tab. I don't have a dual band TC, but I believe if you click the Options button, you will see more info about extending.
While there is a check box next to "Allow this network to be extended" for the main network, there is not a check box for the "Guest" network. It's not there, or least it's not there in the guide that I'm looking at.
I suspect that your computer was picking up the 2.4 GHz network from the TC, not from your Extreme. To verify this, open AirPort Utility again and click on Manual Setup for the TC. On the summary page, note the MAC address for wireless on the TC. Now, do the same thing for the Extreme.
Use your computer now to check things. Hold down the option key and click on the Airport icon at the top of the screen. The MAC address of the device that you are connected to will be displayed.
Have you tried to move the Extreme to a more remote location? You note that you have the two devices, TC and Extreme very close together. As a test, position the Extreme approximately half way between the TC and the area that you want to extend to and see if you can connect with your computer. Check to see if your computer is connecting to the Extreme or the TC by holding down the option key as above.
You have probably already done this, but check on the setup for the Extreme using AirPort Utility - Manual Setup - Wireless tab. There is a check box either on the Wireless page or the Options page to "Allow wireless clients". This must be checked for wireless clients to be able to connect to the the Extreme.
Post back with your findings and we'll try to figure this out.

Airport Express with Time Capsule

Hi
I am attempting to create the following setup and would like advice as to the best way to go about it:
In my house I have a Time Capsule connected to an incoming internet connection (from a cable modem) creating a WiFi network
I have a 'home office' at the end of the garden and have taken one ethernet output from the back of the TC and extended that to the office using a couple of TP Link Powerline adapters
The intention is to connect an Airport Express in the office connected to the TP Link adapter to create a WiFi network for the office
How should I set up the TC and AE to make this work? I have tried a few things using Airport Utility but no joy yet!
Many thanks in advance
PS Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the TC discussion group so I have copied it there also.

Hi Bob (and everyone else)
Firstly - sorry about the tardy response! I should have known that the winter holiday would interrupt my train of thought on this - but thanks for your suggestions. So:
I have checked the powerline connection - no problem there (using it to connect by cable as I write)
I then tried the following:
I set up AE to extend the wireless connection network as suggested. The AE works fine while in wireless range of the TC. When connected by cable to the powerline adapter in the office it does not, presumably as the office is out of wireless range of the TC??
Alternatively if I am to set up the AE to create a new wireless network, how should I do that so that IP addresses/DHCP etc does not cause conflict?
Many thanks

Airport express / extreme / Time Capsule Range

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