Airport Extreme Extending Non Apple Wifi

Hi there, quite simply I want to know if this is possible at all. I have a Wifi network named "XXX WiFi" being broadcast by a powerful 30km+ antena. I want to know if I can use a Airport Extreme 4th Gen to extend that network inside my home?

The Apple Extreme transmits a Wi-Fi signal just like any other router - when connecting a wireless device just match the name and password and security type of the Extreme and you should be fine - I have the same mix that you have and everybody is happy - but keep in mind that it works best if the Extreme is your primary router and you use other Apple products to extend your network - Apple products can not extend non Apple routers wirelessly.

Similar Messages

Airport Express Extending non-Apple AP

For something that "just works", the Airport series is a real mess if not every single device you own is the most recent Apple product. Thanks Apple.
Anywho, before complaining too much, I'd like to set my problem.
We currently have a main Airport Extreme (lets call it AEX) that is connected to some switches. We also have 3 Airport Expresses, for extending our network and AirPlay for 3 stereos throughout the house. Now, our outter most Airport Express (lets call it AE3) only receives a faint signal or none at all. So I set up a D-Link DIR-615 (lets call it DL) to work as an AP and extend our wireless network, to give the AE3 a decent signal. Now apparantly Apple managed to only let devices extend a network if the network that it is extending comes from another Apple router. Very nifty. Very user friendly. Since everybody uses all Apple devices. Practical.
Of course D-Link != Apple, so AE3 can't extend the wireless signal created by DL (connected directly via LAN to AEX). However, I can set up AE3 to only receive the signal of DL. Works fine! No extension of the network unforunately - but at least it works.
Now for the real issue - another Airport Express (lets call this one AE2) is also in the zone of DL. When the signal of AEX get's weaker or AEX is updated and offline for a second, it somehow pairs with DL instead of AEX. Since AE2 is set up to extend the network and not only receive - since that's what they are made for - this forms errors.
Is there really no way to let it extend even if the signal they are receiving is from DL? I just can't understand how hard it can be. Since we have already been forced to buy a AEX along with our AE's (since we had no clue a full-Apple-network was required for AirPlay), I'd like to avoid buying yet another Airport Express to make a signal cross the room.
Now that I'm ranting anyway, I'd like to express (no pun intended) my dissatisfaction with following issues Apple is causing.
First off, the Airport Utility for Windows hasn't been updated in a long time. It isn't available on all versions of Windows either. On top of that, the new version requires iOS6/7, thus making a first gen iPad really not that useful for network configuration.
Secondly, my compliments to Apple to not make the AEX support NTFS for external hard drives. BRILLIANT move there. I really do want to use FAT16/32 on a 1TB hard drive, so practical for my large files! No I kid, Mac OS Extended is of course better use for a hard drive that big, surely since all the computers in house are Windows. The joy's of using Apple products never ends does it! I understand they want to keep everything all-Mac, but selling routers one does expect somewhat compatibility with non-Apple stuff.

Is there really no way to let it extend even if the signal they are receiving is from DL?
Unless you want to use a wired connection between Apple and non-Apple routers the extend feature of Apple routers only works with other Apple routers. This is really no different with the other router manufacturers whether it is D-Link, Belkin, Linksys, etc.
(since we had no clue a full-Apple-network was required for AirPlay)
That's not entirely true. One of the requirements for AirPlay is a network, either wired or wireless. The networking hardware that makes up that network does NOT have to be comprised of any Apple products.
For example, since AirPlay requires at least three things: 1) iTunes "server," 2) Network, and 3) AirPlay "speaker," you could have a fully functional AirPlay streaming with the following devices:
iTunes "server": Synology NAS
Network: A wireless network based on D-Link hardware.
AirPlay "speaker: Denon AVR-991

CONNECTING AIRPORT EXTREME TO NON APPLE ROUTR

Hi
I have just upgraded my broandand from NTL cable to BT ADSL.
My emac(in the bedroom) use to be connected to my cable modem and Belkin Router however as the BT line is in the living so is the BT VOYAGER wireless router which can connect to my powerbook G4 and Windows Laptop but my emac has not got internet access. I bought a airport extreme card but the emac would not start up with it inside. So I have taken it back. My question is if I buy a airport extreme base and connect it to my emac via ethernet will it be able to capture the wireless network from my living room enableing my emac to have internet without an exteme card. I hope you guys understand what exactly I am trying to do.
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)

Hi everyone,
Thank you to everyone who answered my question. I now hav another question. Does the Airport extreme base require a mac with a airport extreme card, or can it be connected by erthernet to a mac without the card. Secondly does the base require and additonal modem to attach to or can it plug straight into the dsl line via the filters.
For those of you who know my orginal question. I have found that if I use my telephon extenstion and plug the adsl filter thing into it it will work. However my BT voyager router 2091 (wireless cd-rom) won't install poperly I get to the second stage and it just does not advance. So I want to be able to buy a base plug the base into my emac and dsl line etc. Is that possible please reply asap.
James
Here is my orginal orginal card.
Hi
I have just upgraded my broandand from NTL cable to
BT ADSL.
My emac(in the bedroom) use to be connected to my
cable modem and Belkin Router however as the BT line
is in the living so is the BT VOYAGER wireless router
which can connect to my powerbook G4 and Windows
Laptop but my emac has not got internet access. I
bought a airport extreme card but the emac would not
start up with it inside. So I have taken it back. My
question is if I buy a airport extreme base and
connect it to my emac via ethernet will it be able to
capture the wireless network from my living room
enableing my emac to have internet without an exteme
card. I hope you guys understand what exactly I am
trying to do.
PowerBook G4(NOT the
intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook
G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook
G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X
(10.4)
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and
EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)
PowerBook G4(NOT the intel one) and EmAC Mac OS X (10.4)

How: Extend a non-Apple wifi signal with Airport Express

I have a Wifi modem provided by the ISP, Tiscali [Italy] unrelated to Apple. I want to use my AE to extend the signal to another part of the house. The Tiscali router was set up with WPA2. I have Airport Utility 5.6.1 [yah, I know, old; haven't moved up from OS 10.8.5 either, MBk Pro] and the Airport Express is MC414Z\A C86L9K02DV3R. Opening the A Util w the AE powered up [yellow light showing] I immediately saw the AE listed at the left, but now that I go back to the Utility and rescan, it doesn't find the AE, altho Airport is one and lists that AE showing a full signal, properly calling it "gatti.11n." Your advice would be most appreciated and likely will be helpful to many others saddled with a non-Apple wifi router.

Apple AirPorts cannot wirelessly "extend" a signal from a third party product. They can only wirelessly "extend" a signal from another Apple router. Another way of saying the same thing is that if you want to wirelessly extend a network using an Apple router, you need two Apple routers.
You have two options:
Option 1. Add another AirPort Express and install it close to the ISP modem/router using an Ethernet cable and configure the Express to 'create" a wireless network. Then, your other AirPort Express can wirelessly extend the signal from the first AirPort Express. The "extending" Express will need to be located where it can receive a strong signal from the first Express.
Option 2. If you cannot run the Ethernet cable....or....you do not want to add another AirPort Express, then a pair of Ethernet Over Powerline (EOP) adapters might be able to send the Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home. These products are also sometimes called HomePlug adapters.
The theory with these devices is that you already have the wiring in place.....you just need the adapters. In practice though, things do not always work as well as the theory might suggest. So, if you decide to try a pair of these adapters, then it would be good idea to understand the store's return policies before you buy.
Any computer / electronics superstore will have a selection of EOP adapters. Ask the salesman what type and brand that he would recommend.

Fios wifi at home with Airport extreme extender?

Have latest hardware Airport Extreme, just got Fios Wifi. Can I use AE to extend the Fios wifi router? and how to do it? Thanks in advance William

The Fios router and AirPort Extreme need to connect using a wired Ethernet cable connection....or if that is not possible....you might be able to use a pair of Ethernet powerline adapters to send the Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home.
Connect from a LAN <-> port on the Fios router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme.
Configure the AirPort Extreme to create a wireless network using the exact same wireless network name, same wireless security settings and same wireless network password as the Fios network.
The final step would be to insure that the AirPort Extreme is configured to operate in Bridge Mode to work correctly on the network.
There are other much more complicated methods to connect the devices together as well, but another user will need to post on details in that regard.

Airport extreme and express & apple TV

I have an airport extreme and express & apple TV. I'd like to do the following:
1) Extend the network via the express
2) Enable the express to stream music to the stereo from the apple TV
I am sure someone has figured this out but I can't find the answer...
Thank you

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Purhasing an Airport Extreme especially for controlling WiFi in my house.

I am thinking about purhasing an Airport Extreme especially for controlling WiFi in my house. To protect/limit internet use of my childeren. Not just a single guest account but perphaps 2 or 3 with different time settings is this possible? To my opinion it would be ideal to control it via the airport because there is no need for software and via an administration account I should be able to modify the settings

Do you perhaps know of any good parenting tool / app that I can install on the Ipad mini of my childeren.
As LaPastenague says, Apple expects you to set restrictions like this on the device itself. You will select a passcode when you establish the settings that you want. Only you will be able to change the settings that you have selected.....unless you provide the passcode to someone else.
On the iPad....
Tap Settings
Tap General
Tap Restrictions
See Allow, Allowed Content, Privacy, etc.
For more information about this, you need to post in the iPad support area. The link is here:
Using iPad
As far as allowed times, again as LaPastenague notes, Timed Access will allow you to do this for any device that connects using wireless.
For example, you could limit the use of the iPad to the hours of 3 PM to 8 PM Weekdays and 8 AM to 11 PM on Weekends.
Another device could be programmed to use the same "rules", or you could establish different "rules".
At the same time, you could specify "Unlimited" access for your own personal computer, etc.

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"

Is it worthwhile to buy the airport extreme for non intel

I currently am using an airport express for my home network and want to use it on my home stereo(upstairs) so we can play music from itunes. So I need to buy another airport for downstairs. Will I get any benefit from the extreme or should I just get another express?

idadof3, Welcome to the discussion area!
I think iFelix provided a very good answer in your other thread "Is it worthwhile to buy the airport extreme for non intel".

Original Airport Express to extend range of non-Apple WiFi network

I own one of the original Aiport Express devices in addition to an Actiontec PK5000 modem/router. I would like to use the Airport Express to extend the range of the non-Apple router/wifi network.
I heard it is possible to do this using a direct connection with an ethernet cable. Is this possible?
Thanks

With the AirPort Express (AX) powered up, hold in the reset button for 8-10 seconds and then release. Allow a minute for the AX to restart.
Connect the AX to the Actiontec gateway with the Ethernet cable, which I assume is working correctly.
Open AirPort Utility and click Continue to follow the guided setup to "Create a wireless network". Use the exact same wireless network name, WPA2 Security, and wireless network password as the Actiontec network.
AirPort Utility should recommend "Bridge Mode" for the AX, which is the correct setting.
Once the AX is updated with the new settings, be sure to power cycle the entire network. That means powering everything off, waiting a minute, then powering up the Actiontec first for a minute, then the AX, then each device one at time until everything is powered back up.
If the Actiontec is using standard wireless settings, the network will behave as if it is one large wireless network.

I can't use my Airport Express to extend a non-Apple wifi router's signal?

I just bought an Airport Express at the Apple Store, and the genius I asked there told me I could use my Express to extend any wifi router's signal, even if it isn't an Apple product.
We currently have a weak wifi signal upstairs in our home, and I'm hoping to improve the signal.

the genius I asked there told me I could use my Express to extend any wifi router's signal, even if it isn't an Apple product
Unfortunately, the "genius" is wrong if you are trying to "extend" using wireless only.
As far as we know and have tested with many different products from other manufacturers....the Express will only "extend" another Apple router.....an AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule, or another AirPort Express.
Another way of saying the same thing is that it is likely not possible to extend a wireless network...using wireless only...unless you have two Apple routers.

Can AirPort Express Extend non-Airport WiFi?

The description of the AirPort Express at:
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/sharing.html
has this footnote: "AirPort Express can extend the range only of an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless network.”
Is this literally true or just a legalistic disclaimer. Is it possible to make AE work with a Netgear or Linksys router's WiFi? Or not?
One of our user group members does not have a stable connection between her iBook G4 and a Comcast router by Netgear. This is in a townhouse with two floors between them.

Is this literally true or just a legalistic disclaimer. Is it possible to make AE work with a Netgear or Linksys router's WiFi? Or not?
Pretty much. There are only a very very few non-AirPorts that are WDS-compatible. One is the Linksys WRT54G ... and only with a specific firmware version. You can do a quick Google-search, using terms like: Linksys AirPort WDS, and find at least a dozen references.
But, this is not really any different with the other vendors as most of their equipment, if extend-able, only do so with their own.

Airport extreme connect to my wifi router (wep 128bits) but no extend

hello,
as i said, my airport extreme connect to my router, get an ip by DHCP, say it's connected to my network but it's say it can't extend the network.
when i launch the airport utility on a computer connected to my router it discover the airport extreme but can't configure it (get error 10057), but it see the airport extreme, this mean it's connected to my lan...so why it can't extend the wifi network ? an idea ??
best regards
Chris

Yes, even an Airport Express....
Extreme
Express
Time Capsule
See this Apple document:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Must be Apple Airport devices in order to extend a wireless signal.

Slow wifi on Airport Extreme Extended Network

My network is Time Warner Cable (NYC) wideband cable modem to first generation Time Capsule 80211.n (Speed of wifi is great)
Then I extend the network on the same floor wirelessly using an 80211.n Airport Extreme access point. (The speed of the wifi is still great)
When I extend the network a second time to downstairs - using an 80211.n Airport Extreme access point the speed slows down.
The wireless network remains fast upstairs at the two access points, but internet access at the downstairs access point is very very slow.
- I have all three boxes updated to the latest firmware 7.6
- I have cycled the power so the cable modem is on first and then the time capsule and then the other two Airport Extreme access points
- I have returned the devices to the factory settings and reconfigured from scratch
- I have set up the Time Capsule to only make an 80211.n network
- I have used the default channel settings and also tried individual channels to avoid any interverence. It seems like it makes no difference
- I'm connecting iPads and Mac laptops to the network
QUESTIONS:
- Why is the internet speed plumeting only on the downstairs aiprort extreme?
- The downstairs access point was configured wirelessly and is seen by the upstairs access point. It puts out a full signal, but might it be too far from the original access point to put out fast internet?
- The airport extremes are first generation. They do have 80211.n but might upgrading them speed up the internet access?

- Why is the internet speed plumeting only on the downstairs aiprort extreme?
Think of the 802.11n extended wireless network as a wheel, with the base station being extended at the hub and each of the extending base stations as spokes on that same wheel.
With the extending AirPort Extreme (downstairs) farther from the hub than the other extending AirPort Extreme, you can expect lower bandwidth to be available as the signal quality of the extended Extreme will be much weaker at the location of the downstairs Extreme.
- The downstairs access point was configured wirelessly and is seen by the upstairs access point. It puts out a full signal, but might it be too far from the original access point to put out fast internet?
Correct. However, you may still find that by just making small adjustments to where this extending base station is located, that you may get better bandwidth performance. You can do this by taking SNR measurements with a Mac laptop if you have one available by using the OS X System Profiler utility.
SNR (in dB) = Signal (in dBm) - Noise (in dBm)
ref: Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar > About This Mac > More Info... > Contents > Network > AirPort > Interfaces > en1 > Current Network Information > Find your wireless network > Signal / Noise
While your still in the System Profiler, note the value for Transmit Rate.
These values should be negative numbers. For example, mine currently read: -67 dBm / -95 dBm, with a transmit rate of 27 (Mbps). Plugging in these numbers yield: SNR = -67 - (-95) = 28. My Mac Mini is about four rooms away from my AEBS with about five walls between them. As you can see, the signal is still quite useable ... but the bandwidth is minimal, especially for streaming.
SNR Guideline
40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal
You will want to place the downstairs extending Extreme at a location where the SNR is 25+dB.
- The airport extremes are first generation. They do have 80211.n but might upgrading them speed up the internet access?
Upgrading to the latest generation of AirPort will not affect the Internet speed provided by your ISP. However, the latest generation models do offer better WAN-to-LAN throughput over the earlier generations so theortically, if you use an Internet speed testing program, you should see better results between the test site and your computers.

Slow WiFi transmission and low signal power (Airport Extreme extended by Airport Express)

I am experiencing slow wifi transmission between my notebooks and my base stations and I am hoping someone can help me fix it.
My wifi configuration is the following:
1 Airport Extreme base station (acting as router, wifi "creator" and DHCP server)
1 Airport Express base station (connected to Airport Extreme with a LAN cable, set up to extend wireless network)
1 Lenovo T410 notebook with Intel Centrino Ultimate N-6300 AGN WiFi antenna (I will call this one "Lenovo"), connected to wireless network, running Windows 7
1 MacBook Pro purchased in 2009 (I will call this one "Mac"), connected to wireless network, running Mac OS X Lion
1 QNAP T209-II NAS, connected to Airport Extreme via UTP cable
Airport Extreme (AXTRM) is creating a 802.11n wireless network with WPA2+PSK security with MAC address filtering. The other base station, Airport Express (AXPRS) is connected to AXTRM via a UTP cable. AXPRS is set to extend my wireless network.
My first problem is low signal power. My appartment is 90m2 in size and is in one floor. It is a new flat with high ceiling and modern layout, meaning little walls, big rooms and wide corridors. Still my notebooks, iPhones and iPad can barely reach AXTRM when I am on the other side of the flat. This was the reason why I purchased AXPRS and placed it in the middle of the appartment. My notebooks are placed just on the other side of the AXPRS's wall (less than 1 meter of distance and a simple 10cm brick wall in between), yet signal strength is only at about 80% (measured on my Lenovo using Lenovo Access Connections tool).
My first question is: Is it normal that in a 90m2 flat with not unusual obstacles, I need 2 base stations and even then have a rather poor reception?
My second problem is even more disturbing. I think I have catastrophic transfer speeds via wLAN. It takes over 1 hour to transfer cca. 1GB of files (average size 8MB) from my Lenovo or Mac to my QNAP. My Lenovo is showing about 250kb/s transfer rate when copying files. At the same time, Windows 7 show connection speed 144Mbps. This mean about 18MB/s. I know these numbers are theoretical and that actual transfer speeds are lower. But hey, 72 times lower? Furthermore, if I copy files from my Mac and my Lenovo at the same time, transfer speed is slightly lower. On the other hand, if I connect my notebooks to AXTRM via LAN cable and copy files to QNAP, transfer speeds are a few megabytes per second.
To make things even more confusing for me: if I transfer files from the internet, I get download speed at about 700kb/s, which is quite in line with my internet download speed. I don't understand why transfer speeds within my local network are so much lower.
Therefore, my second question is: How to set up my base stations and my routers to get a decent wifi connection?
I hope someone could help me. If you need any more information, just ask. Thanks!

From my experience of setting up the Airport WiFi for family members and friends, I have learnt the following :-
1. Airport Express is not as good as Airport Extreme, for being as extender, the difference can be quite a lot.
2. There is always a dead cornor (bad reception) in a house
3. Even moving the Airport Extreme / AE a few inches, the performance can be improved quite significant
4. If possible, always choose 5G 802.11n than 2.4G, unless there are many thick walls.
My suggestion will be as follows :
1. Moving out the AEBS out of a closet, is a good idea
2. Always try to locate the AEBS in the centre of a area, instead of the two sides
3. Try to test the AEBS without an extender, and find the best location area (don't place on the floor, neither above 6 feet height)
4. After finding a best location, set the extender closer to the AEBS, and then moving apart from it (check the performance after every move), it is better that both devices can face each other.
5. I can't tell you the reason, and some people may not agree with me, the new 2013 Airport Exteme performance is better and may be is a good idea to replace your Airport Express, and use it to connect with your router, and old AEBS as an extender
6. Some Powerlinks (in case you can't use a wired ethernet connection between the two devices) work and some don't work with Apple Airport products, therefore, if possible, have an option to return them to the shop if they do not match
Good luck

Airport Extreme Extending Non Apple Wifi

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for