Airport Extreme dual band and g WDS

I currently run an n and g network on two individual single radio airport extremes, both configured as access points. I have a couple remote AP Express units conected to the old g model airport extreme in WDS mode. I know, don't fix somethig not broken, but I'm thinking about consolidating my wireles base stations into a single new air port extreme. Since I have older g model air port express units I understand I need to set up WDS on the new airport extreme g radio/network, but I think I'm hearing that WDS on the g radio will also affect the new airport extreme's n radio network performance. Sorry but I'm having some difficulty finding any search or google results, most being years old.
Just wanted to confirm that the n and g radios and networks in the new air port extreme base station are independent.... or not.
I am currently not running any Lion computers, but several are 10.6.8 and I'm using airport utility 5.5.3.
Thanks

So the two aiport extreme radios are not independent?
They are independent, but if you configure the device for WDS, you will in effect have two "g" wireless bands.
With WDS settings, the 5 GHz band will only operate on wireless "a" mode.....54 Mbps..... which is the same speed as wireless "g".
The 2.4 GHz band will operate as if it were a "g" wireless router.
The bottom line is that while you will have two bands, both will operate at "g" speeds. So, there would be no advantage at all to even having dual band if you use WDS. You gain nothing over what you already have.

Similar Messages

WDS between AirPort Extreme Dual-Band and old AirPort Express

I've had a WDS network between two older Airport Express (802.11g version) units for a couple of years, one connected to my DSL-router, and the other one connected to my desktop computer. This way I was able to get my desktop computer on the wireless network.
Yesterday I decided to upgrade the one connected to my DSL-router to an AirPort Extreme, because I needed the extra Ethernet connectors. Since the new AirPort Extreme Dual-Band has some fancy new features, I decided to go ahead and re-configure it all.
However, I'm having issues with the Airport Utility for Windows and WDS when I try to add my Express' Apple-ID to the Extreme's list of WDS externals. My Extreme is the unit I've decided to use as a WDS main. When I try to configure the hardware, I get an error saying in Norwegian (as I run Norwegian Windows and Airport Utility) that translates into something like "WDS requires multiple Apple wireless devices. Add at least one WDS peer." in English. That's pretty bizarre, because I just added a WDS external, and it is indeed an Apple product. Just to be sure, I tried with my other Airport Express - same error.
Now, I've tried to work around this issue by setting up the Express as the WDS main instead, since I don't get the same error message when configuring it. The Extreme was still connected to the DSL-router, but the Express was now set up as a WDS main. This didn't help much. I still got the same error message when setting up the Extreme as a WDS external. And yes, I entered the Airport-ID correctly - I've double and tripple checked them all.
To me it looks like the Airport Utility either doesn't recognize the Apple-ID as an apple one when configuring the Extreme, or it's seriously bugged when handling the list of WDS externals. But I could be wrong.

I am having the exact same problem here.
Any solutions yet?

New Airport extreme dual band and older version.

I purchased a new dual band Airport Extreme base station.
How can I make use of an older version of the Airport Extreme 802.11n (non dual band) in my network?
Can I hook the 2 up together to boost up the range or coverage of the network?
If so, how far apart do they have to be?
Also, does the main AEBS have to be as close possible to the modem in order to work better? my modem is in the basement in the mecanical room. What would be the best to get the best signal througout my house?

Hello mike1970. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
How can I make use of an older version of the Airport Extreme 802.11n (non dual band) in my network?
Two examples would be: 1) Connect the old AEBSn to the new one by Ethernet, and then, configure them for a "roaming" network. In this type of network allow you to roam with a portable wireless device and still be on the "same" network, and 2) Configure the old AEBSn to extend the wireless range of the newer one in what is called a dynamic WDS. The major difference between a WDS and the roaming configuration is that the two base stations would not need to be interconnected by Ethernet.
Can I hook the 2 up together to boost up the range or coverage of the network?
Yes, both only one of the newer AEBSn's wireless radios. Most likely, it would need to be the 2.4 GHz radio as the signal can travel farther and not be impacted by objects ... like walls.
If so, how far apart do they have to be?
That would depend on what would be between them. In a room with no Wi-Fi obstacles, you could probably place the second AEBSn 50-75 feet away to boost the signal another 50-75 feet.
Also, does the main AEBS have to be as close possible to the modem in order to work better?
No.
my modem is in the basement in the mecanical room. What would be the best to get the best signal througout my house?
The best way would be to have the house wired for Ethernet, and then, place a Wireless Access Point (WAP) at each location that you would want wireless coverage.

Configuring WDS w/ Airport Extreme Dual-Band 802.11n & Express 802.11g

I currently have an Airport Extreme Dual-Band 802.11n Model: A1301 (located downstairs) and an older Airport Express 802.11g Model: A1084 (located upstairs) which I had been using to stream iTunes to my upstairs stereo (which worked flawlessly). Recently a friend of mine recommended that I reconfigure my network to a Wireless Distribution System setup which would allow me to create a remote wireless node which improves my wireless signal strength upstairs, allows an interface to Airplay to play our music from our iPod's/Pad's and also provides an hard-wired Ethernet connection for my newly delivered Network Extender for my cell phone. So I followed the URL: support.apple.com/kb/HT4262 to assist in this conversion and found that I was unable to configure my network as desired. While this documentation is very good, there is one snafu that I worked out that finally allowed a successful setup. Follow the instructions for:
- Connecting a WDS main base station to the Internet
- Configuring a WDS main base station
- Configuring a WDS remote base station (See last line of instructions for the correct WDS Main ID)
Ensure all Wi-Fi base stations are powered on and allow them time to appear in the AirPort Menu Extra.
From the AirPort Menu Extra, select an 802.11g Wi-Fi base station to configure as a WDS remote.
In AirPort Utility, select the WDS remote Wi-Fi base station in the Base Station Chooser, and click Manual Setup.
Select the AirPort icon from the Toolbar, and click on the Wireless tab.
From Wireless Mode select Participate in a WDS network.
Click on the WDS tab.
From WDS Mode, select WDS remote.
Enable Allow wireless clients (see the first note below).
If not already supplied, enter the 2.4Ghz AirPort ID of the WDS main, then click Update.
There are two Apple ID's for the dual-band Extreme (2.4 & 5.0Ghz). Be sure to use the 2.4Ghz ID which is listed under the "Summary Tab" of the utility. What is confusing is that in the AirPort Utility, when you position the mouse cursor over the graphic of the Extreme on the left-hand side of the GUI, you are presented with a yellow dialog box which displays the 5Ghz ID and this can be misleading especially when you are trying to connect to an older 2.4Ghz Express ...

My Express is the A1264 802.11n model. My Extreme is the A1354 model.
The most crucial issue is the the Tivo, because the Premiere only works with Ethernet (I dont' have and wont' buy the upgraded wireless doohickey), but of course I would prefer that the Express also act to extend the signal, and I particularly want it do so using WEP access (or nothing, see below), since I have a second Tivo which ONLY works wirelessly and which ONLY works using WEP, not WPA.
Since there were so many different issues and needs going on, I was excited about the Dual Band because it meant I could potentially get 5G speeds for my iPad and perhaps the Tivo Premiere connection, while allowing a completely separate band for the OLD Tivo.
The other option I've been trying out (to accommodate the Tivo2 that can't handle WEP) is having no security, but making the networks hidden.
A third option I tried to make work was to create a "guest network" for just the Tivo2.
But what I'm finding out (it's what I always struggle with...networking is a nightmare.) is that if you take one from Column A, Column B disappears, so to speak.
The way it used to work on the non-dual band Extreme was as I mapped above, and the Tivo2 and my iPad used the wireless signal with no problem while the Express was Ethernet connected to the TivoPremiere, but it did so using WDS, which doesn't even seem to exist as a possibility, forget teh fact that it undermines the speed boost (so I read)
I've frankly never been able to understand the differences between the various modes and structures, and believe it or not I'm very smart and very comfortable with computers and Macs, having worked on them for 25 years.
And one of the biggest reasons I've had such a hard time is because of the many times that I have updated after making changes, Airport Utility tells me it worked, but nothing happens and then after too much frustration I end up unplugging and shutting down every single piece of equipment and rebooting everything and then it DOES work. Sometimes. But I can't be doing that every time I make one tweak, I'll go insane!
And the number of pin-resets I've done on the Express, the Dual band, and even the cable modem would make your head spin!
So there's my story. Kinda. Does it make any sense? At least in terms of my goals?
Your help is more appreciated than you can imagine.

Airport Extreme Dual-Band Base Station Is excessively slow

Let me start off by stating this is my first apple support discussion and I have no experience in these forums but rather forums elsewhere.
My Airport Extreme Dual-Band Base Station is completely updated as of DEC. 30, 2012 running version 7.6.1 and I have the latest airport utility, so bare in mind some of the previous fixes I've Read seem unavailable to my setup
Our household has 7-13 of the following devices connected in a 24 hour average:
5-6 iPhones all running iOS 6 (1, iphone 3gs; 2-3, iPhone 4; 2, iPhone 5)
1 iPad 2 wifi only running iOS 6
2 MacBook Pro 13" early 2012 models one running mountain lion and the other running lion
1 mac mini early 2011 model running mountain lion server and is connected outside the network as a public server
1 Apple TV latest model(1080p) latest updates
1 LG 47" 1080p 3D TV
3 blueray players
2 Windows 7 PC one a laptop and the other a desktop
1 HP All-In-One Printer
1 AT&T MyCell Antenna
My problem is as follows:
My network is running rather sluggish. the base station is getting at the very minimum good signal strength to all my devices most of them getting great signal, so I doubt it be the result of range. I've tried messing with the channels and radio settings but have yet to find a correct optimal settings. I've tried searching around these forums as well as in other areas and have not found a suitable solution. my apple TV lags and jitters a lot. I have trouble airplay to it because of what I've read elsewhere which is latency issues. I have no clue how to test latency. I have realized that it isn't a matter of noise in the area because noise doesn't pass 15% and signal is optimal in all areas. of where the devices are. I've noticed connecting my server directly gives me 47Mb/s as compared to the Ethernet connection of 32Mb/s so I am clueless as to a solution. I know that with my old router the wifi speeds were outstanding but that router kept disconnecting wifi clients and then reconnecting them. sadly this is happening again with the apple router. last night my iPad would not stay connected and our network had so much lag that I couldn't even load the youtube app let alone a video. also buffering takes an odd amount of time sometimes 3 minutes. for a 30 second video on youtube. I have no guest network active and I have a wpa2/wpa personal encryption set on the network. I could use some serious help. the people of my household have no problem returning the apple router but I think to urge otherwise. if I could get some help in a solution that would be fantastic.
Thanks in Advance,
Blaine Miller

Can you tell us whether your "modem" is a simple device with only one ethernet port or is it a "gateway", which is a combination modem/router with 3-4 ethernet ports?

How to get Powerbook G4 12" OSX 10.3.9 to access Airport Extreme Dual Band

I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro 13" V 10.5.7 and a new Airport Extreme Dual Band.
Prior I had been using a Powerbook G4 12" OSX 10.3.9 and an older version of the Airport Extreme (old saucer dome shape) and they worked no problem.
Now I have the new airport Dual band set up. The new MacBook accesses it no problem. The Powerbook will not access for some reason. The Airport ID shows up on airport icon menu on the powerbook, but when I enter the password it will not access. It says wrong password. It is the correct password for the Macbook though?
How can I get the Powerbook to access it?
If you need more info please ask and I will provide.

I had the same problem with dual-band Time Capsule connected to G4 Powermac DP running Leopard and Powerbook G4 667 running 10.3.9.
After trying many things, I finally ran software update on my Powerbook, then found there is an Airport update 4.2 addressing a password / security compatibility issue.
Powerbook connected with TC just fine!

Airport Extreme (Dual band) with Time Capsule (Dual band) Extension problem

Hi
I have an airport extreme (dual band) set up with a dual band Time capsule extending the 5ghz band .. however the mac address that the time capsule says its using is the 2.4ghz band.. I only noticed this while setting up static IP addresses on my network... does this mean it is extending the 5ghz network on a 2.4 ghz band? how do i set it up to just extend the 5ghz properly.. any clarification would be appreciated.
thanks in advance

See my answer to your other post.

Airport Extreme dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi & new XBOX 360 Slim

I'm having issues getting my new XBOX 360 Slim to connect to my dual-band Airport Extreme when using wireless n. I can get it to connect with n but my connection speed on the 360 drops to 1 or 2 mbps, even though the signal remains strong. I can see the speed drop of the 360 using Airport Utility on my laptop. All other devices on the network are fine. When I switch the 2.4 GHz band on the AE to b/g only, then the connection speed on the 360 shoots up to 54 mbps. That of course neuters the rest of my wireless n devices to g speed since most connect to the 2.4 GHz band due to the limited distance of the 5 GHz band.
Short of finding a solution, my next step is to try a different router brand. I'd rather stick with Apple, but have had more issues with 2 AE models than all of my other Apple hardware combined.

I had a three year old XBOX 360 before with a newer external n adapter. I use the 360 to do a lot of streaming video from my computers so the n definitely came in handy. The external n adapter worked great with the AE. Unfortunately that 360 died so I bought one of the new ones as a replacement. They must be using different hardware for their new internal n adapter than their previous external n adapter.
My first step will be exchanging the new 360 tonight to see if it is isolated to just that machine. If it isn't, I'm going to try a new Logitech router just to see if that makes a difference.
Again, I can maintain a connection to n just fine with the AE, but the speed is dismal. In g the speed and connection are just fine.
I have not tried disabling encryption simply because I wouldn't run my router without it.

Extending an existing wireless network using an Airport Extreme (dual band 802.11n)

Hello,
I currenlty have a wireless network set up inside my apartment using a Linksys E1000 wifi router. I would like to extend the network into a second room using my airport extreme. However, I have tried to set up the airport extreme to extend a network and it tells me that it cannot extend my currently network. I have already restored my airport extreme to its factory settings (using the reset button on the back of the airport extreme) as I used to use the airport extreme as the main base station in my previous apartment.
Help please!

Unfortunately, Apple's "extend a wireless network" function was designed as a proprietary feature that only works with other Apple routers.
It would be extremely unlikely that it would work with a router from another manufacturer if you are trying to "extend" using wireless only.
Suggest that you use another Linksys "repeater" or "extender" to insure compatibility with your current router.

Airport extreme base station and express WDS?

Greetings,
Before I continue to struggle with this, I'm wondering if someone can confirm the viability of the following scenario:
N wired to AE wds'd to ABS wired to switch wired to other PCs
N = existing ethernet network
AE = Airport Express config'd thru WDS as a 'base station', though not distributing IPs etc (that is handled through N)
ABS = Airport Base Station config'd thru WDS as a 'Remote base station'
The problem is, when I connect an Airport client computer to the network (by choosing the AE) I cannot see the PCs at the end of the chain. I'm testing this connectivity through pinging.
Am I missing something? Is it possible that an AE cannot be a base station?
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions/tips!
PowerMac, Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Thanks, Don. Yes, that link was a big help. A couple of key points for anyone else trying to do something similar:
- You can use WDS to bridge two different ethernet networks, providing that only there is only one gateway and one machine/router doling out IPs via DHCP
- Use the same network name for all APs in the WDS network
- Assign the APs IP addresses manually
- The ethernet port on an AP Express can only be used to extend a network when WDS is employed

Airport Extreme dual band extended network, 1 airport drops off

Greetings,
I have 2 brand new airport extreme base station purchased (2-2011)
I setup them up correctly and it functions fine for about an hour or two, then the extended airport (the one not connected to my LAN via ethernet) drops off the grid. I can't ping it (Statically assigned IP) and Airport Utility can't find it. iStumbler reports it's still up for an additional 10 minutes. The light is steadily flashing. If I reboot either one of the airport extremes it all comes back up automatically, however only for a few hours. I tried this with firmware 7.5.2 and 7.5.1 with the same results. I also reset both to factory defaults and re-configured once again. same results?
Thoughts?
LJS

Hello,
Have you resolve your problem?
in airport utility - Internet - DHCP - DHCP Lease what is the length of the lease ?

Best way to use Airport Extreme dual band with Netgear FR114P?

Years ago a friend connected via ethernet our G4 (10.4.11) and an old Blueberry iMac (10.4.11) to a Netgear FR114P Router(?) which is connected to a modem from TimeWarner Cable on our second floor. We also have an ethernet connection downstairs for a Windows XP laptop. We can all get on the internet easily, but we have never been able to connect wirelessly or to let one printer serve everyone in the house. My grandchildren now all have these wonderful Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, iPods, Macbooks), and I would like them to be able to connect wirelessly, and I would like to have a real network so we can all use the printer and scanner, but still preserving the integrity of our hard drives. We just bought 2 refurbished iMacs, an Apple Extreme Base Station (dual), and an Apple Express access point. How best to proceed to achieve the desired outcome? If the language is not too technical, I think I’ll be able to follow the directions.
I am reluctant to mess with the Netgear connection which is working. I am hoping I can remove the hard-wired G4 and put the 27” iMac in its place. Then, I am hoping I can connect the AEBS to the Netgear router and somehow magically create a situation wherein all the computers & some of the devices can talk to each other and to the peripherals wirelessly? Is that possible? I’ve read some of the discussions, even one about a Netgear FR114P, but it was dated 2007 so I’m not sure it applies to my situation. Should I just get rid of the Netgear? I don’t want to spend 20 hours without any kind of internet connection and get into a frustrating situation as one of the previous writers did. I am happy to proceed methodically and get it right the first time. Thanks so much for reading this long-winded thing. If this problem is already recently addressed in this forum, perhaps you will be kind enough to give me the link.

Years ago a friend connected via ethernet our G4 (10.4.11) and an old Blueberry iMac (10.4.11) to a Netgear FR114P Router(?) which is connected to a modem from TimeWarner Cable on our second floor. We also have an ethernet connection downstairs for a Windows XP laptop. We can all get on the internet easily, but we have never been able to connect wirelessly or to let one printer serve everyone in the house. My grandchildren now all have these wonderful Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, iPods, Macbooks), and I would like them to be able to connect wirelessly, and I would like to have a real network so we can all use the printer and scanner, but still preserving the integrity of our hard drives. We just bought 2 refurbished iMacs, an Apple Extreme Base Station (dual), and an Apple Express access point. How best to proceed to achieve the desired outcome? If the language is not too technical, I think I’ll be able to follow the directions.
I am reluctant to mess with the Netgear connection which is working. I am hoping I can remove the hard-wired G4 and put the 27” iMac in its place. Then, I am hoping I can connect the AEBS to the Netgear router and somehow magically create a situation wherein all the computers & some of the devices can talk to each other and to the peripherals wirelessly? Is that possible? I’ve read some of the discussions, even one about a Netgear FR114P, but it was dated 2007 so I’m not sure it applies to my situation. Should I just get rid of the Netgear? I don’t want to spend 20 hours without any kind of internet connection and get into a frustrating situation as one of the previous writers did. I am happy to proceed methodically and get it right the first time. Thanks so much for reading this long-winded thing. If this problem is already recently addressed in this forum, perhaps you will be kind enough to give me the link.

Cannot create WDS with Airport Extreme 802.11n and Airport Express b/g

I have gone through all the steps to set up a WDS with my Airport Extreme Dual Band and my Airport Express b/g.
Every time I try to set it up and update the AX the AX disappears from the airport utility and I can no longer see it. I can however set it up to "join a network" just fine.
Anyone have any idea why I cannot do this? I haven't seen anything saying that the AE is not compatible with the AX.
Ideally what I would like to do is have the AX extend the network and then use an ethernet cable to connect it to an imac g4, thus giving the computer "wireless" internet.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks

So just to clarify even if I was to buy a new "n" AX I would still be relegated to "g" speeds?
That's correct if you use the WDS settings on both the AEBS and AX.
But, if you had the "n" AX, you could configure it to "extend a wireless network" and maintain "n" speeds on the network. There would still be some bandwidth loss...10-15% or so...that's unavoidable unless you go to an ethernet connection method.
Do you think for my application it might be better to just buy a reputable wireless usb dongle?
If I understand correctly, you need an ethernet connection for a computer. Why not consider a pair of ethernet powerline adapters? One device plugs in near your AEBS and the other near the device that needs the ethernet connection. The pseudo ethernet signal is conducted over the AC powerlines in your home. This is the next best choice when you can't run an ethernet cable through the house.
This would be a faster and more stable connection than any type of wireless application. It's plug and play. In addition to the powerline adapters, all you'll need are two short ethernet cables to connect one adapter to a LAN port on the AEBS and another short ethernet cable to connect from the adapter to the G4's ethernet port.
Any electronics superstore will have a selection to look at. The cost is approximately $75-125 for a pair depending on how much speed you choose.

Airport exytreme dual band with a wired ethernet card

Hi!
i just want to know if it's possible connect my airport extreme dual band, without a wireless card, just the regular pc etherneet cards?
Thanks

Hello milolopez. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
i just want to know if it's possible connect my airport extreme dual band, without a wireless card, just the regular pc etherneet cards?
Yes, you can connect a wired device to one of the LAN ports on the DB AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), by Ethernet, for connectivity.

WDS networking issue - Airport Extreme (802.11n) and remote Airport Express

*Background Info:*
Airport Extreme 802.11n (Fast Ethernet)
Version: 7.2.1
Wireless Mode: Participate in a WDS network (set as main)
Network Name: @Home
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Channel: 1
Airport Express
Version: 6.3
Wireless Mode: Participate in a WDS network (set as remote)
Network Name: @Home
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
Channel: 1
Radio Mode: 802.11b/g compatible
Connect Using: AirPort (WDS)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
Issue
Please help as I'm having issues with my WDS network. I've setup using both the wizard and manual and also hard reset on both units to setup again but cannot get them both to communicate to one another. Both units are showing green LED under their configuration. For my last attempt, I've tried adding the Airport ID (MAC) of the Airport Express to the Access Control and also DHCP Reservations on the Airport Extreme but still no luck.
The Airport Express (setup as remote) does not even show up in the Airport Extreme's Summary as Wireless Clients. In the WDS tab, the Airport Extreme is set up as WDS main, Allow wireless clients box checked and WDS Remotes has the Airport Express' AirPort ID in the list. On the Airport Express, WDS is set up as remote, with Allow wireless client box checked and the Airport ID of the Airport Express in the WDS Main.
I can connect clients to both units. Both units are configured using the same Network Name and have the same WPA/WPA2 security key. The Airport Extreme (main) however is connected to my broadband so any devices or clients connected to it are able to get outside. Connected devices or clients are assigned IP address via DHCP with IP 10.0.x.x. If wifi devices or clients connect to the Airport Express (remote) they are assigned a completely different IP addresses 169.254.x.x, they are not able to browse the internet or talk to other clients connected on the 10.0.1.x network. The Internet Connection configuration on the Airport Express (remote) is Connect Using Airport (WDS) and Using DHCP. I've even tried manually and entered the IP address 10.0.1.199 that I had assigned to the Airport Express from the Airport Extreme and Router Address as IP of Airport Extreme (10.0.1.1).
I think I've tried everything but I'm still having this problem. The remote Airport Express is not extending my existing Airport Extreme network. Any ideas???

Christopher,
This may or may not be helpful, or it may be something you've already tried or are aware of so I apologize if that's the case.
I have been researching ways to set up the Dual Band Network supported by the AEBS and came across your post. I've got an AEBS and (2) AirPort Express set-up currently (AEBS is main and the Express are participating in the WDS as remotes) and I'm trying to configure one of the Express to utilize a 802.11b/g compatible network while the AEBS runs a 5Ghz 802.11n Only network.
AAR, since the AirPort Express are 2.4Ghz 802.11b/g ONLY (no support for 802.11n), you have to be sure to set-up your AEBS first and select "802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)" in the Radio Mode drop-down on the AEBS before you attempt to connect an AirPort Express. The AEBS should be set-up as your "WDS main" and the Express should be set-up as a "WDS remote" for the network you established when you set-up the AEBS.
Bottom line here is the Express won't be seen by the AEBS unless the AEBS is 'looking' in the 802.11b/g 2.4Ghz frequency.
Hope this was helpful.

Airport Extreme dual band and g WDS

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