AirPort Extreme automatic channel select setting question

Hello, all -
Just got an AirPort Express that I'm using in bridge mode through a rented Actiontec PK5000 DSL modem/router combo through Qwest. (Broadcast antenna is truned off now on the Actiontec and I'm just using it as a modem.) I have a question about the automatic channel setting on the AirPort. I assumed when you leave it on automatic, the AirPort will scan the area to find the best channel to use (1-11 on 2.4 GHz) and then switch your connection to that on the fly, checking it throughout the day. But it's defaulted to channel 1 on automatic and hasn't changed since I got it. My PK5000 used to switch channels (6 or 11) if there was a better one available. Somehow I get the feeling the AirPort isn't doing that on the fly.
The cool thing about the Actiontec was that it defaulted to the strongest channel, and even mentioned what channel was 2nd strongest. The AirPort seems content to just stay on channel 1 all the time. Can someone tell me if this is normal on the AirPort Extreme. Thanks!

The cool thing about the Actiontec was that it defaulted to the strongest channel, and even mentioned what channel was 2nd strongest. The AirPort seems content to just stay on channel 1 all the time. Can someone tell me if this is normal on the AirPort Extreme.
From my experience, I have yet to verify that the AirPort's "Automatic" option periodically scans the local area, and then, resets the channel when it finds too much interference. Instead, it attempts to find a clear channel when first configured and sticks with it ... as you have already ascertained.

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AirPort Extreme Auto Channel Selection

I monitor my wifi environment and noticed that when I turn on my AirPort Extreme it chose a channel (11) that was also being used by multiple near by networks. These networks indicated the highest signal value of all the other nearby networks indicated, a value between 45 and 49. I am not experiencing any concerns and my AirPort seems to perform much better than the Verizon WiFi which I turned off. I left the AirPort on for a few hours and noticed that a couple other networks joined the same channel 11. I cycled my router and the new channel it chose was 6 and no other network nearby was on 6. The popular channels nearby seem to be 1, 6, 11. Would I be better off selecting say channel 8 or 9 or some channel other that the three popular ones and setting channel control to manual??? As I said I have no issues and my Apple TV seems to like the AirPort Extreme because I have not experienced the connection to the Apple store problems that I was having where I had to retry several times plus authorization and loading time has gone down. I shut down my AirPort and Verizon devices at night or when they will not be used for a few hours. By doing so at least the Airport picks a new channel. Thanks for any advice.

Would I be better off selecting say channel 8 or 9 or some channel other that the three popular ones and setting channel control to manual
I don't know who first said that wireless was half science and half voodoo, but they pretty much nailed it.
There really are only 3 wireless channels that do not overlap....1, 6 and 11.....so it is not hard to figure out why they are the most popular. If you choose channel 8 or 9 for example, then it will overlap both 6 and 11, so you actually increase your chances of picking up interference. Same for channel 3 or 4 for example, which will overlap both 1 and 6.
If you have the time to experiment, it won't hurt to try different channels to see if you can find the magic setting. But, since other routers around you are constantly changing as well, what might appear to be a good channel now, might not be a few hours from now.

My airport extreme (generation 5) was set up using wifi and has worked flawlessly (on macbook pro 2 iphones and window 7 HP pc)until recently. I have reset to factory defaults over and over but still cannot get on the internet. Any suggestions?

My airport extreme (generation 5) was set up using wifi and has worked flawlessly (on macbook pro 2 iphones and window 7 HP pc)until recently. I have reset to factory defaults over and over but still cannot get on the internet. However I can then take my DSL cord and insert it in a different Ethernet port other than the WAN port and I can get internet on my Mac and iphones but only wifi on my husband's PC. I hate to spend another $179 if this is just something I'm doing wrong. Please help

I'm having a bit of trouble confirming that the ZyXEL is a combination modem & wireless-N router. If it is, then you really won't get any advantages of using the 802.11g AirPort.
If the range of your ZyXEL is limited, you may find that doing either or both of the following will help: 1) Move the ZyXEL so that it is higher vs. lower in the room, that is away from any closed areas or placed in a metal cabinet, and 2) Changing radio channels. The latter is especially important in you live in an area where there are a number of competing Wi-Fi.
A good utility to find out, is iStumbler. You would use this to find these other Wi-Fi and find which have the strongest signal value. Those that do, you would also want to note which channel they are operating on, and then, change yours to one that is at least 3-5 channels away. So, for example, if you find strong ones on channels 1 & 6, change yours to 11.

I just purchased a new airport extreme 802.11ac I set it up and runs fine when i put my mac to sleep i come back and it can not find my airport i have to restart

I PURCHASED THE NEW AIRPORT EXTREME 802.11AC I SET IT UP AFTER I PUT MY MAC TO SLEEP I COME BACK AND IT SAYS CAN NOT FIND AIRPORT EXTREME I HAVE TO RESTART AND IT FINDS IT.

Try the following, in order, until (hopefully) resolved:
1a. Delete Preferred Network(s)
System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Wi-Fi tab
Under "Preferred Networks," delete the network(s) you regularly use from the list.
1b. Delete AirPort Keychain Entries
Launch the "Keychain Access" application located in Applications/Utilties.
In the windows on the left side: Select login for Keychains and "All Items" for Category.
Click on the "Kind" filter at the top, and look for any "AirPort network password" entries...and delete them.
1c. Add Preferred Network(s)
System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Wi-Fi tab
Add the preferred network(s) using the "+" button.
Restart or log out then back in.
2. Move System Configuration Files
(Note: You will have to reestablish your network connections settings.)
Go to /Library/Preferences
Move the SystemConfiguration folder to the desktop.
Restart your Mac. (Note: OS X will rebuild the files that are now sitting on your desktop. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can move the folder back to it's original location.)

On the new airport extreme how do you set up a print thats plugged in to the base station to work on all computer

I pluged in a printer to my new airport extreme and need to set it up so other computers can see it

Plugged is very unspecific.. ethernet and USB are possible and completely and totally different.
If you need help.. we need to know what the printer is.. and using what connection.
Did you read the apple setup guides.
Printer setup.ML
USB and Ethernet.
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10875
Wireless
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11387
IP printer without drivers
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11478
Troubleshoot network printer
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11070

Airport Extreme 5GHz Channel not available

Hi All
My Airport Extreme 5th Gen is now up and running.
The issue I have is that unless I give the 5GHz channel it's own name, my MacBook Pro will not pick it up - instead opting for the 2.4GHz channel. I know that distance and obstacles are a factor but in a test situation the MacBook is only a metre away from the Airport. If I give the 5GHz channel it's own name then I can select the 5GHz network and confirm the connection rate - this also works with Windows 7 machine in the same position with the signal strength being 'excellent'. So why when I have the same name for both channels will my machines only pick up the 2.4GHz signal?
Using two names would be okay exept that when I do this the 2.4GHz network slows completely and is unusable.
Last week I had a pretty good setup with an old Airport Extreme and now with the new 5th Gen unit I can either connect two machines at 5GHz or four machines at 2.4GHz - not a mixture of both. So basically I'm no better off than with my eight year old Airport Extreme.
I'm beginning to think that there is a defect with the new Airport Extreme unit - is there any simple checks I can do on the unit to confirm that it is operating correctly?
I'd really appreciate any help with this.
Phil

Update: Solved. I reset the Airport Extreme a number of times in succession and finally it just worked - not sure what the problem was.

I have an older version of the airport extreme, can i still set it up to be a dual band router like the newer versions?

Wondering if an airport extreme router that I bought back in 2009 will function as a dual band router, similar to the newer versions. I wish to run my mac off of the lesser Ghz and the periphery devices off of the other(ipad, iphone). I also have an apple tV, is this possible?

The 2009 model extremes are simultaneous dual band (but the 2007 model was not - it was dual band, but not simultaneous). Your problem is that I know of no way to force a given device onto a given bandwidth on an extreme. Both channels share the same SSID, and a device simple connects via whichever frequency it gets the best connection.
This is unlike other simultaneous dual band wifi routers. I use a netgear wndr4500 (n900), and each radio is assigned a different SSID (and can also be configured independently in terms of security settings, and even turned on or off indepentently). That way, I can force a given dual-band device to connect on a particular frequency by connecting it to that frequency's SSID. The two SSIDs still function over the same subnet, so all 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz connected devices can see eachother on the same DHCP subnet.
But, I do not think you can set up an airport extreme like that - that sort of configuration is simply not an option with those devices.

New Airport Extreme N wireless network setup questions (WDS, D-Link)

I have finally been able to set up my Airport Extreme N network after numerous attempts over the last few weeks. I was getting a very weak signal in front of the house where my wife's G4 is connected wireless to an old Airport card and where all the systems (XBOX 360; Wii and PS3) are also wirelessly hitting the network.
The current configuration is as follows: In the office in the back of the house I have an Airport Extreme N basestation connected to the cable modem and have three workstations (One Mac and two PCs) wired to it. I set up a WDS network, so I set up the Airport Expresses as remotes. In the living room I have another Airport Extreme N basestation (as a remote as well) that is hooking up to the XBOX 360, Wii and PS3. I have enabled WEP security (not effecting the XBOX 360 since it is now "wired"). Here is the weird thing - I have a PC laptop with a D-Link Xtreme N card ( DWA-652) that cannot connect to the network. I enter the WEP password but it does not connect. Am I missing something on the basestation setup? Do I need to add the MAC address of the card anywhere. When I use the laptop's built in wireless it connects with no problem. By creating a WDS network did I disable the n functionality of the base station(s)? I am a lttle condused.
Also, prior to going to an all Apple wireless network setup, I bought the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655). I was regretfully about to return it to Best Buy but I had an idea which may or may not work. I know that the D-Link does not support WDS but if I was to set it up as the main router and added the "main" Airport basestation as a wired bridge could I maintain the WDS network? The reason I ask this is because I would love to keep the gigabit for the wired machines in the office. Also, I am wondering if the D-Link notebook card is incompatible with the Airport network.
All I know is that I have spent alot of money and sleepless nights just trying to set this network up but thankfully Best Buy has a thirty day return policy so I will return what I can't use.
I appreciate any help and advice anyone can give me.
Thanks.
V
MacPro Mac OS X (10.4.9)
MacPro Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Hello!
I have noticed that some manufacturers (Linksys and possibly D-LINK) only accept upper-case WEP keys only.
This drove me nuts when trying to integrate a Linksys PC PCMCIA card into my old "g" network.
As far as using WEP, it's bad and broken; but I understand that your choice of security is limited to the devices that you are trying to network.
For what it's worth, I have my network set up with the AEBS 'n' connected to my Cable Modem, with one of the ports going to a gigabit switch for my wired network. I then have two AirTunes set up as WDS extensions for music & Internet delivery to two separate areas. The AEBS 'n" serves up DHCP and routing for the entire network.
It works quite well; I get 54 mbits/sec for the two WDS AirTunes, and 145 mbits/sec to one of my ATV's. My gigabit wired machines see data rates of 15-27 MBytes/sec (depending on the type of transfer).
Good luck!

I am upgrading wi-fi router from Airport Express to Airport Extreme. I followed set up instructions yet I am still getting the flashing amber light and cannot setup (using manual setup or the continue button). What should I do??

Hello,
I am upgrading my wireless router from an Airport Express to an Airport Extreme. After disconnecting the Express and plugging the Extreme via ethernet cable to the modem, I am receiving a flashing amber light after connecting the power source. I also reset the modem while the Extreme was still powered and plugged into the modem, but no luck. I also tried resetting the modem and the Extreme and still no resolution. Please advise. Thank you!

This error usually occurs when the Windows Firewall and/or anti-virus software blocks the connection attempt from the PC to the AirPort Extreme.
Microsoft Security Essentials can do the same thing.
Things would be much easier if you had a Mac or iPhone or iPad to set up the AirPort Extreme. Otherwise try turning off the Windows Firewall and Anti-Virus programs, etc on the PC.
Restart the PC, then see if the PC can contact the AiPort Extreme. It will likely help to connect an Ethernet cable from the PC to one of the LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme. You can disconnect the Ethernet cable once the AirPort Extreme has been configured.
Re-enable the Windows Firewall, Anti-Virus, etc and restart the PC.

Airport Extreme needs to be set-up in "Bridge mode" ??

I am trying to set-up a new intel iMac to a dsl service for my elderly uncle. The dsl people said that their system was compatable with OS 10.4.7 (which is installed) but that the Airport Extreme modem will need to be set-up in "bridge-mode." Can I do that? Where can I find instructions or help with that? When I queried "bridge mode" on this site I get lots of stuff with acronyms I don't understand and stuff about routers and wireless bridges and other stuff I don't understand... I really need help!
Flat-panel iMac, G4 tower Mac OS X (10.4) Setting up intel iMac
Flat-panel iMac, G4 tower Mac OS X (10.4)

Hi Buzz0432,
I think, "yes" - and i think i saw it in the booklet which you get with the AE. However, i'm slightly unsure about this at this instant since i'm not at home where my mac-stuff is.
i'll check on it and will report back lateron...
thomas

HD doesnt show through Airport extreme automatically

Hi,
For some reason my Maxtor external HD doesnt automatically show as being connected to my computer. For it to work I have to double click on my "shared" base station and click on the HD. But this is not very helpful considering each time i turn on my computer each day I have to do this to ensure my backups are able to mount the HD to backup. I want it to automatically show.
Can anyone please recommend a solution.
Thanks

I now about this new Airport Extreme but I had the same configuration for the last 3 years whitout any problems. Maybe there is a issue with the wifi in Yosemite because the problem started after the upgrade. It could be?

I have a new airport extreme and can't set ip up

Hello, first of all I have to say that I'm from Argentina so forgive my English mistakes.
I recently bought an airport extreme and I can't set it up with the airport utility. I have windows 8, I download the Airport Utility and a message says that an error occurred while trying to access the apple device. The Airport has flashing amber light. And I read the manual in English and Spanish and could not find the solution.
I can access internet but only with this laptop and in unsecured way.
Please, someone can tell me what to do.
Thanks.

Be sure that you've installed Bonjour Print Services for Windows:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL999
Connect the AirPort Extreme directly to your Windows 8 computer by Ethernet cable and then run AirPort Utility.

New Mac and Airport Extreme Base Station User - Setup question

Good Morning,
I just received my new MacBook Pro yesterday along with the Airport Extreme Base Station. I was tying to setup the airport extreme but have had no luck. I want to make sure I'm connecting things correctly - make sure I'm not doing something stupid.
I have a cable modem and I previously had a Netgear router. The connection from the cable modem that had previously been connected to my Netgear router - I disconnected it and connected it to the Airport extreme base station instead. And then I plugged it in. Is that all the connecting that I need to do? I get the flashing amber light.
Now I did read a few other threads and it sounds like I may need to install the Airport Utility that came with the base station. So I'll try that when I get home tonight. But I would appreciate any other suggestions - especially whether or not I've connected the airport extreme correctly to my cable modem.
Thanks, Susan
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4)

I want to make sure I'm connecting things correctly
The network configuration should look something like the following:
Cable modem > (Ethernet cable) > [WAN port] AEBSn > (wireless) > MacBook Pro
I have a cable modem and I previously had a Netgear router. The connection from the cable modem that had previously been connected to my Netgear router - I disconnected it and connected it to the Airport extreme base station instead. And then I plugged it in. Is that all the connecting that I need to do? I get the flashing amber light.
Since you changed your network configuration, you should perform a complete power recycle of your network components to allow enough time for them to "synchronize."
Modem/Router Power ReCycling
- Power-off the Cable modem, AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), & computer(s). (Wait at least 30 minutes. If possible, leave the modem off overnight.)
- Power-on the Cable modem; Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Power-on the AEBSn; Wait at least 5 minutes.
- Power-on the computer(s)
Now I did read a few other threads and it sounds like I may need to install the Airport Utility that came with the base station.
Yes, you will need this utility to perform the setup and follow-on administration of the AEBSn.

Airport Extreme does bad selection on BSSID in repeater network (same SSID)

My iMac sees a weak signal, and the repeated signal for a SSID. The iMac always chooses the weak signal from the base station not the stronger repeated signal.
I've tried to override this choice, by using the airport command line utility:
airport --associate=<SSID> --bssid=<BSSID> --password=<passphrase>
The network is WEP encrypted.
The result of the airport command is again a connection to the base station far away.
Does anybody know how to force the airport to connect to a specific BSSID??

I am having the exact same issue. The GUI doesn't provide any option to select the BSSID or channel, and the command line utility seems to completely ignore the --bssid option.
Have you found a solution?

Airport Extreme woes...

Hey guys,
Over the past month and a half or so, I've had issues with my net connection. Sometimes when I type in a URL (say macuser.co.uk for example), it shows the page loading...but nothing loads (shows the little circle constantly loading), and I have to hit the refresh button to get the page to load. Somtimes I have to hit the refresh button or enter the URL again to get it to load. when it does load, it loads quick. I'm trying to understand why this happens.
My setup: Airport Extreme (in the front room - it's the old school, UFO shape version) connected to modem. The software on it is 4.2.1. I have this old software on it because, a couple of years back, I upgraded to the latest software version and my internet wouldn't work. I'd get a green light on my Express base station, but the internet wouldn't work. I had to downgrade back to this 4.2.1 and it started working again. Since then, I haven't upgraded. Upstairs, in the far room, I have an Airport Express base station being used as a WDS (so I can get a connection on my Windows computer there).
Back on track...I've been using speedtest.net to test my speeds on my iMac lately. I'm on an 8MB connection from UK Online. A couple of months ago, speed tests would give me over 6000kbps...which is, from what I'm aware, pretty much expected of an 8MB connection. Lately, I've been getting between 1-3000kbps with pings of around 50. Today, I decided to try and see if there's an issue with my modem/Airport before calling my ISP to complain. I connected my PowerBook directly to the modem and got full speeds on speedtest.net and didn't experience any of the reload issues I described in my first paragraph. So clearly, this isn't an issue with my ISP. I reconnected my modem to my Extreme base station and accessed the net wirelessly on my Powerbook again. I didn't have any issues...full speed at speedtest.net, no having to reload pages to get them to appear etc. I thought I'd sorted the problem. I went upstairs to test out browsing on my iMac, but the same issue still exists on it: I have to reload pages often to get them to appear, and I'm getting slow speed tests on speedtest.net. I brought up my Powerbook to the same room as the iMac, and conducted the same tests...I didn't have any issues. I find it odd that my iMac and my PB perform differently on the same wireless network in the same room! I went over to the Windows computer and got the same poor performance as I get on my iMac. I tried the PowerBook in that room and got slower speedtest.net speeds (but not as slow as my iMac/Windows machines).
Does distance from wireless router really affect speeds/browsing like this? If so, what are possible reasons my PB isn't affected? The room with my Express as WDS has the Windows computer in there and gets really good signal strength...so I don't see why distance should be an issue. Even on my iMac upstairs, I get a full four bars on my Airport icon (iMac is in the middle of the house).
FYI, my Airport Extreme wireless channel is set to 11...should I change it? I will be doing a lot of testing this weekend to see if I can fix it, but would welcome suggestions. Should I upgrade my Airport base station software (both Extreme/Express)? Also, is it worth completely resetting these two and setting up again? This hasn't been done in a long time, and I'm worried they may be clogged up or something. I do unplug my modem/Airport and plug them back in every now and again to 'clear' them out...not sure if that helps matters though.
I apologise for the long post. Thank you for reading if you got this far...I look forward to your suggestions
EDIT: Forgot to mention - the reload/enter addresses again issue is not specific to one browser, it happens in Safari, Firefox and Netscape. It just seems like the page (any page...this is not limited to specific websites) just stalls and pretends to keep loading). This happens throughout the whole day. This annoying problem was solved when I connected my PB directly to my modem, so I hope I'm right in thinking this is not an ISP issue.
EDIT again: I'm using the latest version of Tiger on my macs and have XP on my Windows machine, just incase helpers may have needed to know.

Distance does matter as it affects the signal to noise ratio. Also, try changing the channel. Experiment, it wouldn't hurt. Sometimes you may have a neighbors wireless on a channel that interfers with yours. Also, do you have a satellite dish receiver or cordless phone? Those are frequently sources of interference. Try turning them off or moving them to see if it changes anything.
As far as the page loading slowness... double check that the DNS info is correct. Maybe your AEB is causing a double look up of DNS info? Your ISP may automatically provide it and yet you have some other DNS site that the AEB looks at first, then tries the second or third info. You should have no DNS info in the iMac Networking setup... except maybe telling it to look at the AEB's IP for the info. The AEB should have the DNS info for your ISP set up in it's preferences. Double check that you have the right address there.

AirPort Extreme automatic channel select setting question

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