Best configuration to extend wifi with Time Capsule & Airport Express

In my house I have a Fritzbox wifi router on the ground floor as my primary internet access. I have an ethernet cable going to the 3rd floor study where the Fritzbox signal is relatively weak. I purchased a Time Capsule as a backup device, but also wanted to extend the Fritzbox wifi network by plugging the ethernet cable in to the TC. I was not successful in extending the network, so I had to create a new network. When moving from downstairs to upstairs, my iphone keeps the connection to the (now weak) wifi network and I have to manually change to the (stronger) TC wifi network.
Additionally, I used to be able to successfully extend the downstairs wifi using my Airport Express (and also managed to have my speakers plugged into this for wireless usage), but do not want to additionally complicate my set-up.
So, what is the best way to connect the following equipment, ideally with the same network name, to ensure I always use the strongrst signal automatically:
Third floor:          iMac,    Macbook,   Time Capsule, Airport Express
          Ethernet cable from ground floor to 3rd floor
Ground floor:     Fritzbox wifi connected to internet

You must configure the Bridge Mode setting as the very last step before you Update the settings, otherwise the setting will change automatically.
In other words, you can change the setting to Bridge Mode, but if you make any other changes before you click Update, the Bridge Mode setting will not take effect.
Or, if you see any error messages about DHCP conflicts or Double NAT....the AirPort is not in Bridge Mode...even though you might think it is. Check the settings again.
will I still be able to set up an additional 5GHz network in parallel?
Yes

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HT3728 How is the extended network with Time Capsule Airport 2013? (802.11ac)

I have a Airport Time Capsul 2013. wireless network does not extended. All updates ok. Please help me..

Apple's "extend a wireless network" feature appears to be proprietary to Apple.....and as far as we know....will only work when the Time Capsule connects wirelessly to another Apple wireless router.
So, it would be extremely unlikely that that the Time Capsule could extend the signal from your cable/modem wirelessly.
Instead, to allow the Time Capsule to extend the wireless signal coverage, you will need to establish a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection from your modem/router to the Time Capsule.
Then, configure the Time Capsule to "create" a wireless network using the same wireless network name, same security settings and same password as your modem/router network.
As a final step insure that the Time Capsule is configured to operate in Bridge Mode to work correctly on the network.

Hi I've recenty purchased a new imac time capsule airport express. I've set up a new network, rather than extended the current one. How do I change my new network to an extended one or create an extended network?

Hi I've recenty purchased a new imac + time capsule + airport express.
I've set up a new network, rather than extended the current one. How do I change my new network to an extended one or create an extended network?
Michael

detailed in terms of what focus?
here is a video guide about using the airport utility
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65Jv6m43eIE

Time Capsule-AirPort Express-WDS not working together

According to everything I've read here, I've configured this properly, but it doesn't seem to be working. If anyone can help me troubleshoot this I would greatly appreciate it.
I have a new Time Capsule acting as my main wireless base station; it has a manually-configured static IP address, is plugged into my Verizon FIOS router, and is set to distribute IP addresses over wireless using DHCP. I have it set to run a 5 GHz network in addition to the regular 2.4 GHz network. I have an older AirPort Express that I want to use to extend the range of the 2.4 GHz network (the Express can only do 802.11b/g, not 802.11n), in part because we have some older devices in the house that I don't want to slow down the 802.11n network, and in part because the 802.11b/g signal doesn't reach all parts of the house very strongly. So I told the Time Capsule to make its network extendable, told the AirPort Express to participate in a WDS network as a WDS relay, and entered the MAC address of the Time Capsule's 2.4GHz network as the WDS main. Result: flashing amber light on the AirPort Express, which no longer shows up in the AirPort Utility; I had to do a hard reset in order to get the Express back (and then it had to be reconfigured again, of course). At the moment I have it just joining my wireless network, and that works -- green light -- but of course doesn't allow the Express to extend the range of the wireless network.
What am I doing wrong here?

Before there was dual band, we always told users that if they used WDS, the entire network would revert to "g", even if the Time Capsule, AirPort Express, etc were capable of "n" performance.
Your findings seem to confirm that this happens with a dual band as well.
I think it's well worth it to get the AirPort Express 802.11n. Then you can reconfigure the Time Capsule back to "Create a wireless network" and check the box to "Allow this network to be extended"
The Express"n" would then be configured to "Extend a wireless network". I use this setup and would highly recommend it. There may be a slight bandwidth loss due to overhead, but the performance is light years ahead of WDS.
If you are using the same network name for both bands on the Time Capsule, then I believe by default the Express will extend the 2.4 GHz "n", "g" and "b" band. This makes sense for most users since 5 GHz signals do not travel well over distance or penetrate obstructions well.
IF...you want to extend the 5 GHz band, the only way that I know how to do this is click Wireless Network Options on the wireless setup page for the Time Capsule and enable the option to assign a different name for the 5 GHz network.
Then you will have to configure the Express to extend this specific 5 GHz network. I never had much luck extending 5 GHz, and I wanted my iPhone to be able to use the network across the house, so I went with the simpler one network name for both bands and extended the 2.4 GHz network.
If you have a "g" device joining the extended network, it may tend to slow the "n" devices down slightly...when the "g" device is active, but it won't drag everything down to "g" levels. When the "g" device is not active, "n" devices will run at "n" speeds.
BTW, the ethernet port on the AirPort Express is active when you configure it to "extend a wireless network". This can come in handy for hooking up DVD players, etc that need an internet connection for firmware updates and extra features.
Follow up....I tried a very quick reconfiguration of my dual band AirPort Extreme (same router that the Time Capsule users) and AirPort Express using the WDS arrangement and everything did indeed drop way down in speed and performance.
Post back if you have questions. Happy to help.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

How can i switch my att wifi with time capsule

how can i switch my att wifi with time capsule

Sorry I have no idea what you mean.. switch off, switch on, swap over.
Bridge the TC and use same ssid (wireless name), security but different channels..
Or just turn it off.
Please write a question that is a sentence and has sense.

Time Capsule + Airport Express N How to extend

Have been trying to extend my wireless network but have been unsussessful. Here is my setup. Cable modem connected to Time Capsule and Express N connected via ethernet cable. I try to do it with the setup but it will eventually revert to picking up the cable modem IP address 169.etc so I think I might need to manually input the addresses. Will some walk me through this including the ip addresses I should use? The Time capsule is NOT in bridge mode and works perfectly with the internet and other expresses used only for music streaming. Thanks

Mitchell, welcome to the discussions!
You may find it easier to use Manual Setup in AirPort Utility for the device.
The key setting would be under the Internet icon. Look at the bottom of the pane for Connection Sharing, this would be set to Off (Bridge Mode). Under the Wireless tab, you would set the Wireless Mode for "extend a wireless network" and make sure there is a check mark next to "allow wireless clients"
On the setup of the Time Capsule in AirPort Utility - Manual Setup - Wireless tab, make sure there is a check mark next to "allow the network to be extended"
If you have a good wireless signal in the area where the Express will be located, you also might want to try extending your network without using the ethernet cable. Normally, a good starting point for positioning the Express is at a point that is approximately half the distance from the Time Capsule and the area that you want to cover with the Express.
You may also need to reset your cable modem by powering it down for 10-15 minutes and then restarting.
Please post back on your progress.

Time Capsule, Airport Express & iTunes

Hi,
I'm considering buying a Time Capsule but have a question, maybe someone can give me an advice.
Actually I use an Airport Express to stream my iTunes library (which is on an external drive) to my hi-fi and was wondering the following:
Can I move my iTunes library on the Time Capsule and at the same time use the Airport Express to stream to the stereo??? I think I can connect to just one Wi-Fi network, but maybe there's a way to do this?
Thanks.

Ok, thanks. I'll read those links but it seems that moving iTunes on TC is not a problem, since it acts like a normal external drive.
As for TC + AE, looks also simple, because citing from the Apple site I found this :
"Party Central.If you already have a wireless network in place, you can use AirPort Express to add music to its capabilities. Let’s say, for example, you have AirPort Extreme set up in your den. There’s no need to scrap this setup and create a whole new network. Simply connect AirPort Express to your stereo in your favorite music room and plug it into an electrical outlet — it wirelessly links to your existing network, letting you play your music in your room of choice without moving anything or connecting anything else."
So, I guess, one creates a WiFi network with Time Capsule, and AE joins it. Wow!

Time Capsule & Airport Express Network Security

I am using my Time Capsule to set up my home wireless network and have extended the network using an Airport Express. Does WPA have to be set on both units (as I have done) or just the Time Capsule for the network to be secure? Since setting up WPA my iPod Touch has had more difficulty connecting and network range seems to have shrunk!

Yes since the AirPort Express (AX) is extending the network it must have the same wireless encryption enabled as the Time Capsule.

Use old AiportExtreme as relay to extend WIFI from Time Capsule

Hi
I have an 24' 3.06 iMac running on Leopard and it is WIFI networked through a brand new dual band Time Capsule 1TB (TC). The setting up worked fine using the updated AriPort Utilities (APU) coming with the time capsule.
I also have an Old iMac 17' which is for the time being ethernet networked to the TC.
I would like now to move my old mac to another room. Unfortunately it has no Airport card so I would like to use my old UFO shaped Base Station AirPort Extreme (BSAPE), that I was using happily last week as my WIFI hub. My plan is to have it as a relay station to pick up the network from the TC, extend the signal to the other side of the house for my iPod and connect the Old G4 to it via ethernet connection. The (BSAPE) got reset using a pen at the back, and the APU has recognised it as a base station with a six didgit alphanumeriacl code! Ther is a orange light in fornt of the BSAPE icon. So far so good.
I tried then to set it up as a relay, first AU asked me to swap device. I did so and tried to reset the base station. Once all done the TC started blinking was blinking. What did go wrong? Is there a guide I could use to get it working. The TC is in bridge mode.
Thank you for your help
N

Welcome to the discussions!
You will need to configure both the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme to participate in a WDS (Wireless Distribution System). The Time Capsule will be configured as a base station and the AirPort Extreme will be configured as a remote, not a relay. A relay is a device located between a base station and a remote. So, you would need a minimum of 3 devices in a WDS to configure a relay.
There is a step by step guide on pages 42-43 in the Airport Networks Guide for configuring a WDS.

Time Capsule Airport Express Best Configuration for Backups & Internet

I have Time Capsule as a main router connected to a cable modem downstairs, plus Airport Express (new with firmware upgrade 7.3.2) in my office upstairs to extend the network. Two things keep happening:
1. Backups work sometimes and sometimes not although I am connected to my WPS secured network
2. Frequently lose internet connection, as in every hour or so; alternately nice and fast, then none at all. Most of the time I have a SNR of about 37.
Is there some optimal configuration settings for TC and Airport Express that could reduce these occurrences? Is there, for example, something I need to do with the Access settings on one or both?
Thanks for any help.

Since it still looks like you will need to support 802.11g wireless clients (your iPhone), the best radio mode for the Time Capsule (TC) will be the default "802.11n (b/g compatible." Since this is running in the 2.4 GHz radio band, you can use iStumbler (or similar utility) to determine if there are other Wi-Fis in the area; find out what channels they are operating on; and try changing channels on your wireless network to see if this will help provide the best SNR.
1. Backups work sometimes and sometimes not although I am connected to my WPS secured network
Are you actually using a WPS, or did you mean WPA?
2. Frequently lose internet connection, as in every hour or so; alternately nice and fast, then none at all. Most of the time I have a SNR of about 37.
If directly connected to the TC by Ethernet do you still lose the Internet connection periodically? If so, how about when connected directly to the cable modem?

Optimizing Time Capsule + Airport Express configuration for best reception?

Hi --
I've been trying to set up a 1st generation Time Capsule with an Airport Express to extend the range of our wifi network in our new house (see http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2722259 for background).
As I understand it, the primary drivers for connectivity are:
1. Technical specs of the wifi hardware.
2. Physical positioning of the devices (base station or AE).
3. Configuration of the network (e.g. channels)
We don't have many options of where to place the base station, so I've been working with placement of the AE, which doesn't do much good. The issue seems to be the raw distance between the two devices, and possibly interference from other household items (e.g. wireless baby monitor, etc).
Is the a straighforward way to cycle through any of the configuration options to see whether that will make an impact? For example, I started cycling through the channel settings by hand, but that is very time-consuming as I have to wait for both the TC and AE to update, plus run back and forth between the base station and the laptop sitting at the other end of the house to trigger a speedtest.net run. Are there any tools or utilities that would help me with either the positioning or optimal configuration settings?
Thanks,
Ramon

The general rules of thumb for "extending" is that the AirPort Express should be positioned about 1/2 the distance from the Time Capsule to the area that needs more wireless coverage. This assumes there are no major obstructions in the signal path.
A typical sheetrock and 2x4 wall will absorb about 15-20% of the signal, on average. A ceiling will absorb proportionately more since it will be thicker.
Frankly, it's more art than a science to get an extended network working well. A quick test would be to power down the Express and take your laptop to the proposed area where the Express will be located and see if you can get a good, solid internet connection at that point. If you can, the Express may work at that position.
Users tend to place the Express much too far away from the main wireless router when they try to setup an extended configuration. When this occurs, the Express has very little to work with because.....this is very important to remember.....
+The Express can only extend the quality of signal that it receives.+ It does not "boost" the signal, it takes the signal that it receives and makes it go further.
If you want to download a utility like iStumbler, this can be useful to figure out a good location for the Express by "looking at the numbers"
But, there are never any guarantees with wireless. I wish that it were different, but unfortunately, no one can predict wireless performance in advance for any given situation. Post back if you want a few more pointers, or if you want to take a look at the Inspector feature in iStumbler.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Cannot extend wifi from Time Capsule

Hi all
I have a time capsule (TC) in bridge mode connected to a livebox router. Internet access is fine, wirelessly and wired from the TC. I have disabled the wireless from the livebox router, to keep things simple.
I was hoping to extend the wifi through the house, using 2 airport expresses (AEXS), one as a relay, one as a remote.
I have ticked create wireless network in airport utility, on the TC, and extend wireless network on the AEXS, but cannot get the network propagated from the AEXS. The AEXS's are set to pick up the lower frequency channel from the TC, and I understand that this has a longer range than the 5 GHz band.
I also have broadband running through the mains circuit (we call this homeplug in the UK) but connecting the AEXS to the homeplug ethernet socket does not work either.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Peter

Here's how to do what you want with the furthest Express (AX):
You may be able to simply change some settings on the AX, or if that is not possible, you'll need to hold the reset button in on the device until you see the amber light begin to flash more quickly.
I prefer to setup devices by connecting an ethernet cable from the Mac directly to the device...the AX in this case, but you can also configure using wireless only if you prefer.
On the AX, Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons. Your setup should look like this:
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your Time Capsule (TC) network
Radio Mode = Probably 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) would be a good choice here, but you could choose 802.11n 5 GHz if all of your devices are capable of connecting to 5 GHz.
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as your TC
Wireless Password = Same setting as your TC network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings. This will provide you with extended wireless coverage and devices will be able to stay on the same wireless network as they move around and connect to the access point with the strongest signal.

Can I reuse my old Belkin wireless router as an extender to extend wifi from Time Capsule?

I plan to buy the new Time Capsule and use it as my wireless router. Would it be possible to use my existing Belkin Play router as an extender of the "new" wireless netword provided by the Time Capsule?

Apple designed the "extend a wireless network" function as a proprietary feature to only work with other Apple routers, so it would be extremely unlikely that a Belkin product would be compatible with the Time Capsule if you want to extend the network wirelessly.
If you can connect the Belkin router to the Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet connection, you should be able to configure the Belkin router to provide more wireless coverage that way.

Extending Wifi using time capsule

Hi, i have just bought a tc 2tb 4g. I have a macbook pro, ipad and iphone. My current router (netgear 802.11n) is connected to the modem downstairs. Signal is very good. If I place my TC upstairs can I essentially boost my wifi signal upstairs by creating a second network (by joining my TC to the netgear wirelessly)? I suppose this is based on the assumption that a better wifi signal would be achieved upstairs (whilst accessing upstairs) via my TC as opposed to the macbook going directly to the netgear downstairs.......Also, if this were too work then I assume that my macbook etc would have to automatically connect to the strongest signal upstairs. How is this achieved (if possible)?

If you are connecting the Time Capsule to your Netgear using a permanenet Ethernet connection, then the Time Capsule settings would look like this:
Use AirPort Utility - Manual Setup to configure the Time Capsule
Click the Wireless tab just below the row of icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as the Netgear network
Check Mark next to Allow this network to be extended
Radio Mode = Automatic
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as the Netgear network
Wireless Password= Same password as the Netgear network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and let the Time Capsule restart
Then power down the entire network and restart the Netgear device first, then the Time Capsule, then devices one a time. The Time Capsule will receive its network settings automatically from the Netgear router.
Your computer(s) will connect to either the Netgear wireless or Time Capsule wireless depending on which device is closer and has the stronger wireless signal.

Need help setting up WiFi - Xfinity with Network Switch, Time Capsule, Airport Express and Apple TV

Hello - I recently got Comcast Xfinity service. We had switched from a different service. Our wifi service was never great, but prior to Xfinity, it worked decently. But now that we have Xfinity, our wifi is much worse and very unreliable. I am seeking advice on how to setup my various Apple wifi devices in my home. I have attached a diagram that illustrates what I am dealing with. We have a large old house with stone walls. Comcast does not support this issue.
To explain the attached diagram, we have a total of 4 levels in our house - an unfinished basement, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and 3rd floor. The Xfinity router is in the basement and it is connected to a NetGear 10/100 network switch. I already have ethernet cables running from the network switch in the basement to various locations throughout the house. So I have ethernet connected to my time capsule and ethernet connected to each of my 3 Airport express devices. The dark lines running from the network switch to the various devices represents ethernet cable.
The immediate problem that we are having is that we are unable to connect to our wifi networks. The networks show on my mac laptop and my iPhone, for example, but I am unable to connect. I know that I am inputting the correct password, but most of the time, we cannot get in. Sometimes we can..... Very frustrating! Also, due to the fact that I setup what I have over several years, I have multiple network names. I once tried to fix that issue, but was unable to tackle it due to my lack of understanding.
Here is what I am looking to accomplish:
1. Seamless wifi access throughout our house.
2. One name for our wifi network. Right now we have multiple names for multiple networks. Just want to simplify and have only one network. (I guess that an additional "guest network" would be ok, but not absolutely necessary.
Also, if you think I should disable the Xfinity wifi, and just rely on my mac wifi devices, I am perfectly fine with this. Just tell me how to do so.
I have no idea how where to start or how to set this up. I imagine that I would need to disconnect everything and reset and start from scratch? Can someone tell me what I should do? Even general advice would be helpful, but the more specific, the better, given my limited understanding. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Your photo link is not working. Click on the camera icon to load an image. (Shorten the name of the file to something like WifiNetwork.jpg)
Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240
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http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/
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Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”
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http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm
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iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
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http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
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http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad
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Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
 Cheers, Tom

Best configuration to extend wifi with Time Capsule & Airport Express

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