Confused about Dual Band

I picked up a dual band extreme yesterday and replaced my dlink with it. I'm having some very odd behavior, and I'm sure I probably set it up wrong.
I am sitting with my 17" 2009 MBP about 5 feet from the airport. I set up the airport, naming my network and setting my password, all is good.
However, perf is just not great. I'd think sitting right next to it, I'd be flying like the wind, but I'm getting a LOT of pauses. I also am noticing that my "link speed" in network utility is reported as 130, and I would think it should be way faster. So, some questions --
1. I assume the 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz get setup automatically when you create your network?
2. How does the mac decide which band to pick when it connects?
3. Do you have to name the networks separately? I saw an option in there for it, but the help and manual are somewhat lacking in that regard.
Thanks for any help!

I also am noticing that my "link speed" in network utility is reported as 130, and I would think it should be way faster.
130 Mbps would be typical for either 802.11n at either 2.4 GHz or at 5 GHz with wide-channels disabled. To achieve 300+ Mbps, you would need to configure the 5 GHz radio to 802.11n only (5 GHz) with wide-channels enabled. (ref: AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless > Wireless Options)
1. I assume the 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz get setup automatically when you create your network?
Yes, by default, both the radios are configured to support their span of respective clients. For 5 GHz, that would be 802.11a/n; for 2.4 GHz, that would be 802.11b/g/n.
2. How does the mac decide which band to pick when it connects?
Yes. Since, again by default, both radios have the same Network Name, your Mac, depending on its capabilities, will try to connect with the radio with the strongest signal. If you're near the AEBSn, most likely it will choose the 5 GHz radio. Since, the 5 GHz signal tends to dissipate quicker as distance increases, your MBP will probably choose the 2.4 GHz radio instead.
3. Do you have to name the networks separately?
No. But if you want to "force" your MBP to choose the 5 GHz radio, naming its wireless network different then that of the 2.4 GHz radio would allow for that.

Similar Messages

Dual band vs Simultaneous dual ban

I am a little confused about dual band vs Simultaneous dual band and have been searching for hours and cannot find an answer. I am looking to buy a new linksys wireless router with gigabit wired and 802.11n wireless. I understand that Simultaneous dual band lets you use 802.11n in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghx bands at the same time. But if you have just a dual band (no Simultaneous) can you use 5Ghz 802.11n AND 801.11g? I know 11g runs in 2.4Ghz, so I am afraid if I only get a dual band, and have pc's with 11g, i wont be able to run 5.0Ghz 802.11n since the radio is running only in 2.4Ghz.

I understand 11g can't connect at 5Ghz, it only operates at 2.4Ghz. I guess i am having a hard time explain the question. Lets say I get the wrt320n. I have several g devices. I also have several n devices. If I configure the 320n to use 5Ghz N, will i be able to use 11g at all? Or since it ony supports one band, will I have to use 2.4Ghz N to also use g at the same time.
Hope that clears it up.
Agreed the 610N would be best, but trying to save a few bucks and dont need the storage link.

Best way to add new dual band Extreme to existing b/g network

I've been using a Snow Extreme and b/g Express, but have recently been having dropped/slow connection issues. I think this may be at least partially caused from the many other networks and other wireless devices in the neighborhood - I can see 30 or more networks at times. I've also gotten a new Mini and MacBook, both with n wireless, so I decided to get a new dual band Extreme.
The faster connection speed of the new Extreme is very noticeable on my n capable machines. It also looks like the connection issues I was previously having may have been resolved, but its a bit early to tell for sure.
First problem I've had is with setting up the guest network. If I attempt to set it up wirelessly, I get as far as changing the settings and restarting the Extreme. Once I do, it does restart, but then Airport Utility is not able to find it after restart. I am able to see the main and guest network in my available networks, but I am unable to join either. Once I turn guest off (via ethernet since Utility isn't able to see it wirelessly) I am again able to see it in Utility and connect to the main network. If I try to turn on guest via ethernet, I get an error and it does not restart.
Originally the Snow Extreme was the main and the Express was used for wireless printing. My plan was to use the new dual-band as the main, move the Snow to the printer, and use the Express for AirTunes. But now I realize that I'm only able to print and use Airtunes on the main and not the guest network. Since the Snow and Express are b/g, are they going to slow down the main network? I am seeing these as clients in Airport Utility, which I didn't expect. If so, is there a better way to set this up than what I am attempting to do?
I've got the radio mode set to 802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g/n. Am I able to set it up so that the n capable clients use the 5GHz band and the b/g clients use the 2.4GHz band so that they don't slow down the n connection, or would I even want to do this?
Thanks!!!

The jre is 14,872 KB (j2re-1_4_2_03-windows-i586-p.exe).
If you silently install the JRE then then licensing doesn't appear to be an issue (no dialogs appear). See http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/guide/plugin/developer_guide/silent.html. Silent installation is perfect for us since our customers are very nontechnical and would be very confused about the JRE installation dialogs.
My main question remains: what is the best way to incorporate the installation of the JRE into an existing product. I solved the above-mentioned error 1500 problem by asynchronously starting the silent JRE installation after my product is installed, i.e., after the InstallFinalize step. This results in a bad human interface: the user is prompted with the final dialog with a "finish" button. However the mouse cursor is showing an hourglass intermittenly (kind of like when you logon to Windows after a reboot), for 25-40 seconds after this dialog first appears, until the JRE is installed. I have got to figure out a way to synchronously install the JRE while the user waits.
I chose to do a private install (search for "private" in http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/pdf/plugin-dev-guide-1.4.2.pdf), which works, but I haven't yet figured out the best way to uninstall this JRE -- it appears that simply deleting the directory tree might be the correct way to uninstall.
I have searched a lot of newsgroups for the "generally accepted" method to incorporate some Java programs into a product (i.e., how to install the JRE). I have not found anything. My conclusion is that I must be doing something that isn't done that often, either that or I've taken a wrong turn.

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.

Dual Band Network Problems; Air Disk, Air Tune = AIR ****

Here is my set-up; I have a dual band network. I have my MacBook Pro on the 5GHZ side and everything else on the 2.4GHZ side. I have an external Hard Drive, which houses my iTunes Library in Apple Lossless format, connected to the USB port on the Extreme and I also have an Airport Express attached to it, to transmit the 2.4GHZ network.
Here is my problem; when I play files, the MacBook Pro has to read the files wirelessly from the external HD on the 5GHZ network and then send it to the Airport Express on the 2.4GHZ network. I notice sometimes that the speed of the music speeds up slightly. Like the playback is trying to catch up or something. I only notice it when I play large files, i.e., the Apple Lossless files. It never happens with 128 AAC files or other compressed files and it also never happens when I hardwire the laptop to my audio system via USB cable. I also notice the the time it takes to start, stop and change tracks is considerably longer
Can all this wireless stuff be the cause of my problem?
Macbook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHZ Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Reading I think you are confusing two things. There is Ethernet (hardwired) and there is Wireless.
Ethernet:
The TC has three Gigabit ethernet ports on the back that can give you 10, 100 or 1,000 Gbit/s speed depending what devices you connect. You don't need to configure this as it's auto sensing and negotiates the highest possible speed.
Wireless
This is when you don't have any wires going between your devices and you have different wireless speeds from a/b/g to n. The wireless network will always be only as fast as the fastest device you connect, ie you connect a wireless g device to a wireless n network it will slow down to g. So it's adviceable to have a separate g and n network which you can do with your two base stations.
So back to your case if you hardwire your DirecTV and PS3 into the TC and then the TC back to your AEBS you don't need to worry about them, they will auto negotiate with their Ethernet ports.
Your MBP can then connect wireless to your TC using wireless n network. if you have other wireless g devices suggest you set them up to connect to your AEBS.

Cannot connect Airport Express N to Dual Band Time Capsule at N speed

Long time reader, first time poster. I am usually pretty good at solving my problems without posting, but I have been attempting to solve this problem for a while without success, so here it goes.
I have a dual band Time Capsule that I want to run at 5Ghz N and 2.4GHz b/g/n (using the OPTION key when selecting "Radio Mode" to select this option). This runs fine on its own. However, I also want to set-up a new Airport Extreme N to run as an extender for the 5Ghz network, and here is where I have problems.
I have already set-up the 5Ghz network to be under a separate SSID. I have also selected to use Wide Channels, Multicast Rate=High, and Transmit Rate=100%. I have also been sure to make sure that I have selected "Allow this network to be extended" in the TC. As of yet, I have not even attempted any WEP/WAP key security, and the SSID is visible.
When I attempt to connect the AEx as a repeater (using the "Extend a wireless network" option on the AEx) the AEx will not see the 5Ghz network name. It will only allow me to select the 2.4Ghz SSID, even though I have a distinct SSID for the 5Ghz.
Note: both my iMac and my AppleTV can see and connect to the 5Ghz network. I am attempting to set-up the AEx right next to the TC before attempting to see how faraway I can move it.
I have additionally tried to set-up the AEx to repeat the 2.4Ghz network. In b/g/n mode it will repeat, however it only ever seems to get the g speeds. If I set-up the TC to only do N networks (ie one SSID as the 5Ghz N Network and one SSID 2.4Ghz networks) the other clients (the iMac and the AppleTV) can see and connect to each, however the AEx won't connect at all.
What am I doing wrong? I feel that I have been very thorough with my approach. Any help would be very welcome.

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

Dual-Band help

I just purchased a WRT400N dual-band router, and have it all set up and running. However, I am a bit confused about its capabilities. (I am very new to wireless networking)
When i purchased it, I thought i would be able to run two simultaneous connections on my one computer, one in 2.4gh and one in 5gh, however I dont seem to have that option available.
Many review sites said that with this router, I could set things such as downloads or media streaming to one bandwith while leaving the other for internet surfing, etc.
Does anyone know how to achieve this?

Do this,
Open an Internet Explorer browser page on your wired computer(desktop).In the address bar type - 192.168.1.1 and press Enter...
Leave username blank & in password use admin in lower case...
For Wireless Settings, please do the following : -
Click on the Wireless tab
2.4GHz Wireless Settings :
-Here select manual configuration...Wireless Network mode should be mixed...
-Provide a unique name in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) box in order to differentiate your network from your neighbours network...
- Set the Radio Band to Wide-40MHz and change the Wide channel to 9 and Standard Channel to 11-2.462GHz...Wireless SSID broadcast should be Enabled and then click on save settings...
Please make a note of Wireless Network Name (SSID) as this is the Network Identifier...
For Wireless Security : -
Click on the Sub tab under Wireless > Wireless Security...
Change the Wireless security mode to WPA, For Encryption, select AES...For Passphrase input your desired WPA Key. For example , MySecretKey , This will serve as your network key whenever you connect to your wireless network. Do NOT give this key to anyone.
NOTE : Passphrase should be more that 8 characters...
Click on Advanced Wireless Settings
Change the Beacon Interval to 75 >>Change the Fragmentation Threshold to 2304 Change the RTS Threshold to 2307 >>Click on "Save Settings"...
5GHz Wireless Settings :
Wireless Network mode should be mixed...
-Provide a unique name in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) box in order to differentiate your network from your neighbours network.
Set the Radio Band to Wide-40MHz and change the Wide channel to159 and Standard Channel to 161-5.805GHz...
For Wireless Security : -
Click on the Sub tab under Wireless > Wireless Security...
Change the Wireless security mode to WPA, For Encryption, select AES...For Passphrase input your desired WPA Key. For example , MySecretKey , This will serve as your network key whenever you connect to your wireless network. Do NOT give this key to anyone and remember the key.
NOTE : Passphrase should be more that 8 characters...
Now see if you can locate your Wireless Network and attempt to connect...
Use the 2.4GHz band to access the Internet and use the 5GHz band for downloading or media streaming...

Time Capsule disk access SLOW! 2TB - Dual band

I have a Time Capsule (2TB, Dual Band, Firmare at 7.4.2)
Its been working like a dream, backing up 3 Macs for the last 8 months.
I also use it for connecting two or three other disks via USB and then making those accessible over the LAN, and there is also about 100GB of data on the Time capsule disk itself that i use as a dump for files so i can get to them from anywhere on my LAN.
Lately I started to notice EXTREMELY slow disk access, even when i am connected via ethernet (1000 base) - and equally when I am connected via wifi (n)
for example, copying over a 2Mb photo can take minutes when it should take seconds.
i've been trying to figure out whats going on here for a while and so i checked out the sizes of the backup files.. the sparseimages that time machine creates.
one of them was nearly 1TB, while another was around 500GB and the other was around 120GB
that plus my data meant there was only about 300GB free on the 2TB disk.
I have a feeling the slowness could be down to extreme fragmentation of the drive... ??
so i decided to dump the backup files and copy off my other data and do a erase of the disk and start again.. but get this.. i can't even delete the 1TB file ! I have been trying for about 3 days now and it just will not delete.. i get the Deleting msg box and it just sits there, literally ALL night...
i know it isn't just hanging on the Mac (10.6.4) because deleting the other two images also took a long time (but not this long!)
i can't just wipe the disk now because i can't get my other data off either.. I have tried copying it over the network and onto a USB disk connected directly to the Time Capsule, but 3 days later and i'm still copying files..
to put some context into this, I copied over 1.8Gb today and it took about 4 hours...
has anyone had this problem before?? what on earth is going on?? is it down to fragmentation, or something else?? the TC has been working fine up until a few weeks ago when i started to notice slow speed.
any ideas ?
thanks
Adam

if anyone ever has this issue ....
it must have been EXTREME fragmentation. I bought another 2TB external disk, connected it to the TC, did a complete archive, which took around 24 hours... then i wiped the TC and put stuff back... it now works fine again...

How can I get Wireless N 5MHZ Capabilities Dual Band up to 300MHZ on my DV7 Laptop?

How can I get Wireless N 5MHZ Capabilities Dual Band up to 300MHZ on my DV7 Laptop?
Question for 4/18 experts ...
Or specifically, how can I replace my wireless card on a DV7-6B32US and upgrade to Intel Centrino 6230?
I have a relatively new DV7-6B32US puchased on 11/2011. Still under warranty. purchased 2 of the laptops. (also own 3 hp desktops and 1 HP All in One)
Existing card is wireless N but does not support 5GHZ or dual band. It is Broadcom 4313 wifi card and I am just realizing that the Broadcom card does not do the dual band 5GHZ wireless N. I have Linksys e4200 router which supports 5GHZ and dual band speeds up to 300 Mbps.
I called tech support and with their help identified Intel Centrino 6230 as the correct upgrade, and with their help ordered 631956-001. In the Maintenance Manual for DV7 laptop, this part number was listed for Intel Centrino 6230. Turns out HP sends an Intel Wireless N 1030 card, which is no better than my existing card. I called HP and they acknowledged that some manuals use part number 631956-001 for Centrino 6230 and some use 631956-001 for INtel 1030. So HP support said they would give refund but case manager was of no help in solving the upgrade problem. Said it was unavailable but here is your money back.
So after more searching, I see others have used part number 636672-001 to order Intel Centrino 6230, specifically for HP ProBook 4530s, 4230s, 4730s. And if I use part number 636672-001 and go thru parts store at HP, I can purchase it.
But will it work??
First, will the Intel Centrino 6230 with part number 636672-001 from HP parts, work in my HP DV7-6B32US, even though the part number is NOT listed in the Maintenance and Service Guide for my specific laptop. I see postings about whitelists and changing bios, etc, and am hoping someone can provide some guidance. I have been thru 2 tech support calls and one case manager and have gotten 3 different feedback from HP, from yes it will work and ordering the part, to buy it on amazon, to it will not work and here is your money back.
Second, I see some postings about Centrino 6230 and multiple antenna's. When I replaced the Broadcom 4313 with the Intel 1030 card, I simply unattached 2 wires and reattached the wires. And it worked. I am wondering if the reason HP doesn't list the 6230 card for DV7 is that DV7 does not have the antennas required to support 6230. Does the Centrino 6230 require 3 antennas?
Thanks for any suggestions. The existing cards do work but I paid extra for the Linksys e4200 Router and just assumed a winter 2011 $700 laptop from HP would use the latest wireless n technology, otherwise I would just keep existing cards.

I have went thru the exact same problems trying to upgrade the wireless card in my DV7. It is very frustrating that the wireless card can't be upgrade to one that supports 5Ghz. Here is my post from the network forum. http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Wireless-Internet-Home/Unsupported-Wireless-LAN-6230/td-p/1419595 Doesn't sound like it is possible to upgrade to the Centrino 6230 without it being added the the "white list". Sound like HP doesn't update the list after shipping the notebook. I feel your pain. HP needs to help out the consumer in upgrading the wireless cards. I see we are not the only ones that have had this problem.

How can I tell if I need a Dual-Band Wi-Fi Dongle ...

Hi
I've just placed an order for BT Infinity 1 and have been advised I will be receiving the new BT Home Hub 5.
Can someone explain if it would be advantageous for me to order a Dual-Band Wi-Fi Dongle 600 or not?
How can I check if my laptops - Dell Studio 1749 and HP ENVY dv6 - can already handle dual band connections, if that is what we are talking about here?
Any advice / help appreciated.
Thanks
Solved!
Go to Solution.

To be honest, you are unlikely to see any speed improvement by adding a wifi dongle, also the 5GHz band has very limited range.
I would wait until everything is working, before ordering any more stuff.
There are some useful help pages here, for BT Broadband customers only, on my personal website.
BT Broadband customers - help with broadband, WiFi, networking, e-mail and phones.

Setting up/extending a Dual Band network

Any recommendations regarding dual-band vs. the n/b/g blended network? Is it possible to set up a dual-band network on an AEBS-n and also boost the "n" side of the network with an AX-n? I've searched the discussions but have not found much on the topic, other than some comments regarding iMacs not liking "n" or 10.5.3 or airport utility 5.3.1 or maybe the "automatic" channel setting or possibly something else.....
A little history:
We have 3 iMacs (new 3.06 Ghz, 17" late 2006, 20" late 2006), 3 MacBook Pros, and one dual-2.5 Ghz G5 that all shared internet access through a Motorola modem/Comcast cable via an Airport Extreme Base Station b/g. The AEBS was in the basement and configured as a WDS with an Airport Express b/g that served to extend the network's reach to the second floor and remodeled kitchen (new steel beams). This setup has worked nearly flawlessly for years until recently, when both of the older iMacs started experiencing intermittent airport signal drops--supremely annoying. The modem seemed to work fine, however, and the AEBS light stayed green and the G5 and MBPs weren't having issues (some running Tiger, some Leopard).
I thought that upgrading to Leopard (erase and install) might take are of any weird settings or corrupt files and thus improve the iMacs' airport connections, so I upgraded the first one, and it seemed to fix the problem--no drops of airport or internet for several hours. I then decided it was time to upgrade the network as well--swapping out the old b/g AEBS and AX for a new AEBS-n and AX-n. (Yes, I know, not too smart to change both the OS and the network at the same time ... but here we are.) Since the G5 in the basement can't connect to an "n" network, I decided to set up a Dual Band network with the AX-n acting as the old AX b/g had to extend the network.
This is what it looked like:
cable modem ------>
AEBS-n ------> wireless to Airport Extreme-n ---> wireless to older iMacs and MBPs
AX b/g (connected via ethernet to AEBS) -----> wireless to the G5
This worked, sort of, in that all but the G5 could all pick up and join either the "n" or the b/g network. Problem was, the network was very unstable-- the airport signal would suddenly drop out for no reason then recover, or the airport icon would show a full 4 bars but have no internet connection. This was happening on all of the macs, perhaps more so on the two older iMacs, while the modem itself showed no change in status, and the AEBS-n light would remain green. When I removed the AX-N from the setup to see if that was causing a hiccup, the drops were a little less frequent but the kitchen iMac was marooned with 1, maybe 2 bars in the airport icon and the signal strength on the second floor was decreased. Oh, and the drops continued to happen. I've now reverted to a b/g-compatible network, which is better, but still hasn't prevented all of the drops.
My questions are:
1-Any ideas about why the airport is acting wonky? Are 'n' networks proving to be more problematic than the old ones?
2-Is it possible to use an AX-n to extend the range of the "n" side of a dual band network?
2-If so, any ideas for improving the network's reliability?
3-If not, will going back to a b/g-compatible network negate the supposed speed benefits of 802.11n? Would I go back to using a WDS setup then?
I've tried so many different settings, combinations, configurations trying to get this up and working, that I'm ready to pull my hair out. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Message was edited by: wiswic

Thanks for your reply. Looking back at my sorry attempt at a diagram, I realize I wasn't clear about a couple of things. The modem is connected via ethernet to the AEBS-n. The AEBS-n is connected via ethernet to the AE-b/g, which provides wireless coverage to the G5 and others. So far, everything is in the basement.
We live in an old house--no way to set up the network via ethernet--and so rely on the airport network to provide internet access to the computers on the first and second floors. In our old network, I had an AE-b/g as a WDS remote located in the kitchen that provided the first and second floors with their internet connection.
When I upgraded our network, I set up the new AEBS-n as a 5.0 Ghz an-only network (create a network/allow network to be extended) and connected the old AE b/g to it (bridge mode/create a network) to provide wireless internet for the G5. The iMac in the kitchen could hardly pick up the "n" signal at all, and it could receive only a weak signal from the b/g network. Lots of dropped airport signals and also lots of dropped internet connections. Strangely enough, the MacBookPros on the second floor could pick up both signals pretty strongly, but they, too, had lots of drops. The 2nd floor iMac was even worse than the kitchen iMac--spotty reception at best, and lots of drops. The G5 and the iMac in the basement, meanwhile, were fine--strong signal and only intermittent drops.
Hoping to extend the reach of the "n" network and thereby eliminate the drops, I added an AE-n to it (bridge mode/extend the network) and put it where the old b/g had been. This boosted the "n" signal to the kitchen and 2nd floor, but the drops seemed to become more frequent and for longer durations. Perhaps this was merely coincidence, but it made me question whether adding the AE-n in a dual-band network was advisable. Not finding any info that specifically addressed that scenario, I turned to the discussion forum for guidance.
Further research leads me to believe that the iMacs' issues may be more due to their being iMacs in the first place, but I was still left with a very unreliable dual band network for the rest of the Macs. Reconfiguring the AEBS-n and AE-n as an n (b/g compatible) network has led to far fewer drops, but like you, I'd prefer to keep my "an" devices separated from the G5 to make use of their higher wireless speed.
So....I guess what I need to know is whether anyone else been having so many dual band dropouts? Have you had any success in eliminating them? Have you successfully extended the "n" side of their dual band without adversely affecting stability?
As long as I know this isn't a lost cause, I'll give it another go and keep tweaking settings in hopes of finding a stable setup....

Dual Band Network: Time Capsule (N only) and Linksys (B/G) Works *Long*

Ok, so this was more tedious than I thought it would be, but things actually seem to be working at this point.
Goal: Create a Dual Band network with Time Capsule (N only) and a Linksys WRTSL54GS (B/G)
Time Capsule: 1000BaseT wired, and 802.11N 5Ghz only wireless
Linksys: 100BaseT wired, and 802.11G 2.4Ghz wireless
Airport Utility 5.3.1
Time Capsule v. 7.3
I set Time Capsule up first, following the step by step directions for "Create a wireless network"
802.11N only, 5Ghz
WPA2 Personal
DHCP 192.168.1.1 (kinda important)
This worked fine-tested on a C2D iMac, both thru ethernet and wirelessly thru N. Time Machine backed up fine.
Now the tricky part, configuring the Linksys.( I just want to mention I had to reset this thing completely about 10 times to get it to work, using a miniscrewdriver)
Starting with a freshly reset Linksys, I connected from my MacBook ethernet port to one of the Linksys ethernet ports (Not the WAN)
I disabled Airport
I logged in to 192.168.1.1 using blank for login, admin for password (default for Linksys)
I did the following:
1) Confirmed Internet Connection Type was "Automatic Configuration-DHCP"
2) Changed Network Setup to "DHCP Server-DISABLED"
3) Turned off the Firewall settings in Security (not sure if this is necessary)
4) Changed the Operating Mode from "GATEWAY" to "ROUTER"
5)Changed the SSID to "LinksysG_ONLY" or something like that
After each one of these steps, I had to save the configuration, thru the Linksys browser interface-which blows.
6) Finally, I changed the Local IP Address of the Linksys from 192.168.1.1 to 10.0.1.251 (thanks to Henry B. for that)
7) And....I no longer had access to the Linksys at all! This stumped me for a while, until...
8) I checked my Ethernet settings (in System Preferences/Network): 192.168.1.1 was set as default router address. But my Router (at least for configuration purposes) was now 10.0.1.251, so it could no longer find it.
9) So I added a new Ethernet port (using the "+" sign), called it Ethernet-Linksys. Set it to Manual. Put in an IP of 10.0.1.250, and a Router IP of 10.0.1.251.
10) I got access to the Linksys setup page again! (Note: I'm sure there is an easier way to do this, but this is how I got mine to work )
11) I set up WPA security again, set it to an unused channel (2 in my case), mixed b/g network.
12) Finally, I moved the ethernet cable from my MacBook directly to one of the ethernet ports on the Time Capsule. I did NOT hook up the other end to the WAN on the Linksys (which for some reason I had done 100 times before) I left it in one of the 4 ethernet ports on the Linksys. Repeat, the WAN (ethernet) port remains empty.
13) I then turned Airport back on the MacBook, connected to "LinksysG_ONLY", and...I was online. And everything seems to work.

Hi kjk et al,
I've been searching the boards for something like what you have described in such nice detail. Before Time Capsule, I used a Netgear g router connected to the cable modem and an older Apple base station connected to the Netgear as a bridge. I removed the Netgear and set up my Time Capsule as the primary. The newer computers in my network can access the Time Capsule, but the old Dell with a 802.11g wireless card cannot. I don't remember seeing where I could access TC to change a setting of "N only" or b/g, but I am guessing that it is running N.
I tried to follow the steps you used for Linksys. The pre-step 1 thing, resetting it "10 times to get it to work" - how do you know when it is really reset? With Netgear plugged into electricity, I stuck a paper clip into the hole labeled on the diagram as "restore factory settings" and watched the color of the IO icon change from green to amber to green. I did it again for good measure.
I plugged ethernet from PowerBook G4 into Netgear not-WAN ethernet ports (like your MacBook to Linksys). I disabled Airport. Using Safari, I logged into 192.168.0.1 and got to the Netgear SmartWizard configuration assistant. It says, "No Internet Connection Detected. Please check the connections to the Internet WAN port and cable/DSL modem" - so I looked at your instructions but see no mention of connecting the router to the modem.
Trying to follow your numbered steps...
1. In SysPrefs: Network, Location showed Automatic, Configure showed Using DHCP.
2. I don't see an option in Network to "DHCP Server-DISABLED", but I can choose Configure: OFF. I clicked Apply but browser still gives same message.
I don't know how to continue the steps.

Time Capsule (Dual Band), iTunes and tv

Here is my little story.
I had an airport extreme, with a usb disk holding my iTunes library. I run two tv's (wirelessly) and things were fine. At times iTunes would give me a spinning beach ball, but streaming tv shows and movies to the tv,s worked well.
Then came 7.4.1 (airport extreme)
Streaming tv or movies became impossible with tv re buffering every 30 secs.
Downgrading to 7.3.x fixed the problem.
Being an apple tragic and living 650 klm's from my wife and children, I convinced myself that I needed a new toy, so of to the apple shop (150 klm's away) to get the new dual band extreme. I didn't even think of the firmware issue, thinking the new one would just work!!!
Somehow I left the store with a shiny new 1TB TC (blast apple)
Well of course after waiting 6 hours for my itunes library to transfer to TC, I fired up the tv and set about watching an episode of Damages.
Unfortunately the TC and firmware version 7.4 (shipping firmware) was as bad as the external disc and the airport extreme on 7.4.1
I upgraded the TC firmware to 7.4.1, there is no before 7.4, blindly think this might fix things, but no luck.
I reverted to plugging in the usb disk and running iTunes via the TC to the usb drive, again no luck, stop start streaming.
I then plugged the usb disk into my laptop and surprises surprise, streaming via network to tv was flawless, like my good old days.
Not a long term solution, I have spent two days reading all the posts on 7.4.1, TC and tv.
Tonight I hooked up the extreme, connected it via cable to the TC, turned off the extreme radio and plugged the usb disk in to the extreme. the extreme is running 7.3.x.
Pointed iTunes to the library on the usb disk, sat down and watched the episode of Damages.
Amazingly this arrangement works, and streaming is smooth.
Now I am no tech wizard, but something is clearly amiss with 7.4.1 and disks.
If anyone knows away to get the TC playing nice with streaming to the tv then it would be nice to hear, otherwise ebay will have to wait for the old extreme!
Anyway just wanted to share, after many frustrating hours.

Good post thanks for that. I agree something is wrong with 7.4.1 on both extreme and express as well. I had a lot of problems extending my network and only managed to fix things by reverting back to 7.3.x
I'm planning no getting TC and appletv soon, so l'm hoping the a revised software update emerges before then. It looks like you've had some real dramas.
Good luck.

Time Capsule 2TB vs. Netgear WNDR3300 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless Router

Hey everyone, I just bought the Time Capsule 2TB since I was running out of space at home and wanted a solution for both PC and MAC machines. Upon installation I learned that the TC can actually be my Wireless Router! Right? For some reason I never knew it could do this - I thought it could just be a wireless harddrive.
Ok, so I already had a wireless router (the Netgear WNDR3300 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless Router). So my questions are the following:
1) Is the TC a completely safe and equal replacement for the Netgear Wireless Router that I have?
2) Currently the TC is setup as a wireless HD on my network (where the Netgear is the router) and the transfer speeds I am seeing are pretty darn slow! I am assuming it is because the data needs to go from LAPTOP -> Router -> TC. Right? So my question is, if the TC is setup as the actual wireless router, then would the data transfers be faster? Since I would only have to go from LAPTOP -> TC to store the data.
One more side question regarding the TC and connecting a printer:
3) If the printer has scanning capabilities, then where does this scanned document file go when the printer is connected to the TC ?
Thanks for your help!
John

John, welcome to the discussions!
I can provide a few thoughts and hopefully, others will as well.
"1) Is the TC a completely safe and equal replacement for the Netgear Wireless Router that I have?"
It appears to offer essentially the same features and performance at a glance. If you are using ethernet devices, the TC has 3 LAN ports, while there are 4 on the Netgear.
"So my question is, if the TC is setup as the actual wireless router, then would the data transfers be faster?"
I think it will be about the same. You could of course hook up the TC and try it, but I doubt that you would notice any measurable difference.
"3) If the printer has scanning capabilities, then where does this scanned document file go when the printer is connected to the TC ?"
Assuming that your printer is compatible with the TC you will be able to print, but advanced functions such as copying, scanning, maintenance, etc. will not work. You will need to connect your all-in-one directly to your computer if you need these other services.

Where can I download 7.4.2 firmware for my Simultaneous Dual Band II AE

After upgraded to the latest firmware, the time machine disconnect randomly, so does my NAS' file shareing.
As other topic says, I want to downgrade my AE to 7.4.2. I remember days before upgrading firmware, everything's well.
I can't find any download for my Simultaneous Dual Band II AE, only Simultaneous Dual Band (no II). Can someone tell me where I can download it?
Thanks.

Michael,
This may or may not help.... But it just might get someone to either tell us I'm right or point us in a better direction....
I have one AE and three AX's. All recent "n" models. My AE was using v7.5.1 and the three AX's were on v7.4.2. My version of AirPort Utility is v5.5.2. All was well WiFi land....
I recently updated all of them to firmware v7.5.2. They are working OK, but I have lost some of my RSSI. It is about three clicks worst than it was. It went from a constant -58 ~ -59 to -62 ~ -64. (My iMac is not in the same room as my AE.)
If I weren't so "anal" I'd just live with it..... But I'm thinking of reverting them back.
AE from v7.5.2 TO v7.5.1
AX's from v7.5.2 TO v7.4.2
I have found v7.5.1 and v7.4.2 in the following folders:
(users)you>Library>ApplicationSupport>Apple>AirPort>Firmware>107>v7.4.2 & v7.5.2 / 114>v7.5.1 &7.5.2
Once located I think that we go to AirPort Utility, Select the AE or an AX, click Manual set up, Click "Version" on the first screen, then at the drop down select "Other". Next using the now opened Finder, go to one of the above folders and select the version to revert to and update.
I think this just might work..... *Again maybe someone can advise on this.......*
Oh, it's a good idea to locate the AE and AX's close to your computer. I just plug one at a time into an outlet next to my computer.
Hope we hear from an "expert" on this.....

Confused about Dual Band

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