Creating "roaming" network

I have two 800.11n Airport Extreme base stations (AE) and an Ethernet network. I connect to the internet via a DSL modem. It is physically connected as follows: DSL - WAN AE1 LAN - LAN AE2. I have read the instruction in the manual on page 40-41. My settings on AE1 are (Internet connection PPPoE) and on AE2 (Connect via Ethernet; Configure using DHCP; connection sharing off (bridge mode)). This is not working. What am I doing wrong? Help!

To setup an 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) as a roaming network:
- Network configuration: DSL/Cable Modem or Internet Router > (Ethernet cable) > [WAN] AEBSn#1 [LAN] > (Ethernet cable) > [LAN] AEBSn#2 [LAN] > (Ethernet cable) > [LAN] AEBSn#X
- Setup the AEBSn connected to the Internet to "Share a public IP address."
Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing: Share a public IP address
- Setup the remaining AEBSn(s), as a bridge.
Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
- For each AEBSn in the roaming network:
-- Connect to the same subnet of the Ethernet network
-- Provide a unique Base Station Name
-- The Network Name should be identical
-- If using security, use the same encryption type (WEP, WPA, etc.) and password.
-- Make sure that the channel is set at least three channels apart from the next AEBSn.

Similar Messages

HT4260 Creating roaming network problem?

HI
I tried to create roaming network at home with help of that article. I just bought new airport extreme for basestation to first floor and new airport express to 2nd floor. I´m planning to connect them with ethernet.
I´m using Mountain Lion on my mac and airport utility 6.1 . I noticed that I don´t have all the option needed to configure roaming network with that new airport utility?
Can some give me working instructions how to create roaming network with those tools?
Thx, Jukka

Sorry - I am a Windows guy and didn't read your post completely - and yes Apple does want you to use this version - but as I understand it, it can be used to set up a basic roaming network - but I don't have Mountain Lion so I can't advise you - however an alternative would be to use someone else's computer with 5.6.1 to set up your network (by the way you could even use a Windows computer) - but I can say from experience that once you set it up, you will be very happy with it - I have an office with 8 Extremes and 2 Expresses on 2 T1 lines and they work great - I would also suggest that you contact Apple and tell them what you think - maybe if enough people complain that it is broken, they will fix it - and again I am sorry about the mix-up - all the different versions and compatibility make it very confusing - many of the gurus feel the same way and suggest some of the things I mention - and you could re-word your question and post it again (this time I won't jump in) and maybe one of the gurus will answer.- anyway good luck - I was only trying to help

Serious packet loss creating roaming network over Ethernet.

Comcast Business Gateway modem/router with static addressing provides one address for an externally accessible web/mail server on one of its four RJ45 LAN ports. The second RJ45 LAN port provides a second external address with NAT & DHCP to an internal private 10.1.10.x network connected to a 24-port Netgear gigabit switch. The Netgear is our home's primary switch, with most of the ports going to different jacks thrpughout our house. We have various PCs and Macs, a home server and other similar devices hardwired through the house jacks back to the Netgear receiving DHCP assignments from the Comcast router.
We've had (1) Airport Extreme base station (last generation, not the tall one) connected to the network, also receiving a DHCP IP address from the Comcast box. It's set to bridging mode, cabled from its WAN port by CAT5e to the Netgear switch and offering a Wi-Fi SSID with WPA2 PSK. NAT/DHCP etc is disabled. IPv6 is set to link-local only. No disks attached. Wireless channels set to Automatically.
At this point we have fairly smooth network performance, everything connects immediately (iOS devices, Android devices, utility boxes, computers, etc) and 0% apparent packet loss.
We have some weak Wi-Fi coverage on the far side of the house and I'd like to establish a roaming network, with a new Airport Express (most recent gen) plugged into a wall jack on that side of the house, cabled by Ehternet back to the Netgear, and set up identically. Same SSID and PSK. But when I activate this, I'm finding the network gets anywhere from 88% to 98% packet loss pinging the Comcast router and going outbound. And none of the iOS devices I tried could establish a functional network connection.
I tried replacing the Airport Express with another similar Airport Express, to same effect. I set the Airport Express to create a second SSID and that seemed to work OK, but then I had two distinct networks instead of a roaming network. I also tried disabling DHCP on the Comcast router and enabling it on the Airport Extreme Base Station, but still had the same packet loss. I also tried setting one, the other, and then both Airport boxes to static addressess bypassing the DHCP for their LAN-side connections (although still bridging) and still too much packet loss. No matter what I do, I can't seem to establish a functional Ethernet-connected roaming network with both Airport boxes.
Any ideas?

Thank you for the reply. The Netgear switch I'm using is a GS724T -- it has management features which I'm working through, but all the ports are set to auto-negotiate and the port the Airport Express is on is lit for 100baseT. I didn't see any way to set the MTU in the Airport Utility menus/buttons.
When I join the Airport Express to the network, it sets up the roaming network as intended. But then performance all across the switch goes downhill -- even when pinging from a PC attached to one of the switch ports to the Comcast router I get 90% packet loss or worse, so that nothing seems to get out or in until I disconnect the Airport Express.. It's that dramatic a difference. It doesn't make sense to me that a wireles roaming network across the two Airport boxes should kill performance through the router...

Creating Roaming Network Help

Hi,
i want to install one AirPort Extreme and one AirPort Express to create (a better) or to extend my current wifi.
All i want to know is whether the setup which i created with my incredible paint-skillz is possible or if i have do put it as Apple did it?
So that both the APExt. and APExp. are connect (via LAN) to my dsl-router (which i really cannot replace) and send out a single wifi-signal. So i dont want them to create two seperate wifi-networks; or even better: they extend the routers current wifi (as shown in the 'painting') signal via LAN to other areas of my apartment.
Thank you!

Yes, you can do that, just change your drawing so that only one connection (green line) exists between your modem/ wireless router and the Extreme. If your need to connect both the Extreme and the Express directly to the modem / router is due to placement constraints, then purchase an Ethernet switch. They are available for $20 or so, sometimes less.
Since you are using the drawing in this document, just refer to the drawing below the one you modified. In that one, an Extreme is shown between the modem and a switch (the black box in the middle). What you will do is eliminate that Extreme from the drawing, and connect the yellow line coming from the modem to the blue line going to the switch. That's what Apple means by "incorporating a network switch".
Both the Extreme and the Express will act as bridges. AirPort Utility will automatically examine your network and propose that configuration. Use the exact same passwords, security type (Open/WEP/WPA), and network name (SSID) as your existing wireless network, as explained in the support document.

Do I need a Roaming Network or a Wireless Distribution System?

Hello - as the title says, I am confused about which type of network I should create.
My specs: Macbook Pro
Windows XP Toshiba Laptop
White UFO-shaped Airport Extreme Base Station
New White Square-shaped Airport Extreme Base Station
1 USB HP Deskjet printer
1 Ministack USB hub/external hard drive
1 LaCie USB external hard drive
I am in the process of finishing my basement and will finally have an "office" to place all of my stuff. I want to be able to hook up the USB printer and USB external hard drives at the same time for wireless availability, so I bought the new AEBS. I am concerned about placing the AEBS in the basement and its impact on wireless signal strength to the upper floors of the house, so I thought I would connect the older UFO-shaped AEBS into the system to extend the wireless range.
I am confused, however, about whether to set up a "roaming network" or a "Wireless Distribution System". I am not sure of the particular benefits of either system given my situation so any help someone could provide would be greatly appreciated.
My house is fairly new, and has a data line system to each room, and I have a cable modem and router in the basement and can share the internet connection to the whole house in this manner. My UFO-shaped AEBS was hooked up to the internet connection via this method with an ethernet cable into the back of the AEBS on the main floor of the house. The USB printer was plugged into the UFO-shaped AEBS. This worked well. Again, now that the new AEBS will be in the basement, I am concerned about signal strength, and would like to use my old AEBS to help out.
I have looked at the Designing Airport Extreme 802.11n Networks pdf document and while it is very detailed about how to set up each of these networks, it does not seem to adequately (in my opinion) address why I would choose one setup over another. For example, should I continue to connect the old AEBS to the ethernet wall connection to get internet connectivity, or should the old AEBS receive its connection wirelessly?
Thanks in advance.

I am confused, however, about whether to set up a "roaming network" or a "Wireless Distribution System".
A roaming network uses Ethernet to connect the base stations. Therefore they all transmit good quality wireless data signals. Physically adjacent base stations should be configured to use channels 3 or more apart to reduce interference with each other. Everything gets full bandwidth.
A WDS network connects the base stations via wireless. Therefore the remote and relay base stations can only transmit data with the same quality as they receive it wirelessly. So if a remote station receives a lousy wireless signal from the main base, all of the clients of that remote station will get a lousy data rate. Also each WDS link cuts the available bandwidth in half.
Since your house is already wired for Ethernet, I would use the "roaming network".

Can you use a roaming network and wireless extender at same time?

Greetings community - I've been struggling with an attempt to extend my wireless network for some time now. Please forgive my ignorance on the topic - I realize how 'simple' this is for many of you. Let me summarize:
What I have functioning:
1. Comcast telephony modem
2. 5th gen Airport Extreme as main wireless router connected to modem via Ethernet (corner of floor 3)
3. 2nd gen Airport Express as wireless extender (hooked to a stereo on floor 2)
What I want to accomplish:
1. I have poor wireless signal on my sun porch (corner of floor 1 opposite side of building as modem)
Extra equipment I have:
1. Another 5th gen Airport Extreme
2. Another 2nd gen Airport Express
What I have tried (and failed at):
1. Initially I set up the second Airport Extreme as a second wireless extender and placed it at a further point away than my first wireless extender. I quickly realized that set up does not function appropriately and one cannot connect to the further extender (I read about that on the apple forums).
2. I tried placing the second Airport Extreme in a different part of the house at equal distance from the main router as the first wireless extender. It's capability to extend was minimal if any.
3. I tried connecting the Airport Extreme to the main router via an Ethernet cable with the hopes of creating a roaming network (which I read about on the apple forums). I would have to come up with a way to run the Ethernet through the house but I'm willing to cross that bridge later. Once I got that set up, the 2nd gen Airport Express which was previously set up as a wireless extender is no longer recognized. Argh!!
Questions/Theories/Suggestions:
1. Is it possible to have a wired extender (via Ethernet) function at the same time as a separate wireless extender all connected to the same router? If so how do I do it?
2. I thought about keeping Airport Extreme #1 wireless connected to Airport Express #1 and call that Network 1. Then plug Airport Extreme #2 directly into the modem to create Network #2 and use Airport Express #2 as wireless extender. When I tried plugging both Airport Extremes into the modem, they both stopped functioning.
3. Do I get a second modem to put somewhere else in the house and use Airport Extreme #2 and Airport Express #2 in that fashion? My guess is Comcast will try to charge me a separate internet access fee to do that (boo!!).
I know there are a lot of brilliant folks out there. I'm sure someone can read this and see the 'obvious errors' in my ideas and attempts. I'm certainly open to new suggestions as well.
Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
- The New Guy

Is is possible to rename the AEx 2 a different network name from the AEx1 and AE 1 (even though they are all connected to each other)? And say it is possible, would that potentially preventing the jumping?
No, in extend wireless the names must be the same..
However since you are creating a network on AE2 which is extended by AEx2 then you can indeed use a different name.. but it must be both,, AE2 and AEx2.
2. Even more crazy - if I did (could) give the AEx 2 a different network name, could I use my AE 2 as a wireless extension to that second network? Or is this just getting out of hand now?
You have lost me now.. there are ways and means.. but let me recommend a better solution.
Use EOP (homeplug in US) adapters if you cannot run ethernet. Multi-storey houses where you have heavy concrete construction are never going to work well with wireless alone. You are much better getting ethernet properly installed (which is the only 100% guaranteed method).. or buy a set of EOP adapters and give them a try.. they work in some cases and not others.. but better than wireless when they do work.
Otherwise I think you need higher power wireless routers.. but I can suggest you do the setup in a more controlled manner.
In other words do not use auto as per the airport utility.. use very short wireless names, different for both bands.. and fixed wireless channels.. then test which band works better.. Then you can do a link.. which will be slow but might give you better performance.
So..
Link1 Main AE1---- AEx1 This is wireless extend.
Link2 AEx1--ethernet--AE2. AE2 is in bridge mode and is also set to create a wireless network. (Use different wireless name here to prevent confusion).
Link3 AE2-----AEx2 Second wireless extend.
This overcomes the Apple limitation on multiple extends. It is not great setup but might get wireless to where you need it.. And better speed than you can get now.
NOTE>. I would personally never do this.. I will run ethernet forevermore.. having tried and tried in various places and using all kinds of equipment.. my conclusion is.. wireless is not suitable.. unless you can get enough signal in from one AP.. everything behind it must be ethernet.
It is much more expensive in some cases.. but ethernet works.. nothing else can be guaranteed to work.

How do I know "Roaming Network" is working with Airport Express and Airport Extreme and should I use extended wireless network for third Express?

Attempting to eliminate a dead spot in Wifi coverage [and implement AirPlay] have one Airport Extreme 802.11n and two Airport Express 802.11n's.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
The Airport Extreme is of course connected to cable modem and Ethernet switch, and one Airport Express is connected to the Ethernet network. As per instructions for creating a "Roaming Network", Airport Express is set to same SSID, security type, and Password.
Questions:
1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to? In other words, will it switch to the closer WiFi transmitter automatically? The WiFi reception problem is intermittent in the fringe areas so what I do not want it for it to stick with the more distant Airport Extreme in the basement when the Airport Express which is closer will work better.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
The third Airport Express will be in a third location - I was planning on using it also for expanding coverage but after reading the warnings about performance suffering when purely using WiFi for the expansion in this location ("Wireless Extended Network" without an ethernet connection) I have figured that the single wired Airport Express will be adequate and will use the third Express to do Airplay only.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
Question: Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
Mitch

1. How does the client device know which Airport to connect to?
The Mac computer will automatically connect to the wireless access point with the strongest signal...which is probably the closest AirPort. An iPhone or iPad may not do this and will tend to stay connected to one AirPort.
2. How can I tell which of the Airports the attached client device is using?
On a Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility. Click on one of AirPorts. In the area to the right, locate the AirPort ID and jot that down. Then do the same for your other AirPort.
Move your Mac near one of the AirPorts and log on to the wireless. Hold down the option key on the Mac while you click the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected.
If you are close to the "remote" AirPort, and you see the AIrPort ID of the "main" router when you are testing, then you know that the network is not configured correctly.
Can I use this second Airport Express to extend the wireless network via "Extended Wireless Network" while the other two are in "Roaming Netowrk" configuration? Without bogging down??
There will be a modest 10-15% bandwidth loss with the "extend" setup, assuming that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort to which it is associated. You can avoid the bandwidth loss if the Express is also connected via Ethernet as part of the roaming configuration.

Airport Extreme + Time Capsule Roaming Network

Ok, I'm completely lost here and haven't found any solutions specific to my situation. I currently have two ethernet jacks in my condo, both have fiber optic internet connection which provide access when connected to a computer and no router. I'm assuming there is a router somewhere in the building but alas it's not in my unit.
My home office is in the den where I have one ethernet jack. Connected to the jack is my airport extreme (dual band, 7.5.1 software). The second jack is located in the living room where I have my Time Capsule connected. I have it set this way because the wireless signal from the den does not extend well into the living room.
Basically I have two jacks, a TC and an AE and I'd like to create a roaming network. Both of them are set to bridge mode with the same SSID, WPA2 security, same password, etc. When I open airport utility on my main computer I can see both the AE and TC which is good because I have files I need to access for work on the TC. The problem I have is some of the wireless devices will not get an internet connection but instead get the self assigned IP address. My iPhone and iPad work all the time as well as the xbox and PS3 that are hardwired into the TC. Macbook laptop only connects about 1 out of every 4 times and other guests with iPhones have been getting the self assigned IP too. It's confusing because sometimes the devices connect flawlessly and sometimes they don't.
Sorry for the long-winded post but this situation has been very irritating for a couple months so I thought I'd finally seek answers here. I guess my basic question is what is the proper setup for an AE and a TC roaming network using two different ethernet jacks with no modem in my unit?

Welcome to the discussion area, Junkcanoe!
I don't have a setup like yours, but might be able to offer some assistance.
Basically I have two jacks, a TC and an AE and I'd like to create a roaming network. Both of them are set to bridge mode with the same SSID, WPA2 security, same password, etc.
This would be the normal way to set up a roaming network, but the wild card here is that we don't know anything about how the main router that supplies the ethernet connections (valid IP addresses) to the condos might be configured.
For example, most apartments, hotels, etc that provide ethernet jacks usually limit the number of devices that can connect to each jack. Hotels tend to limit this to one or two devices. I counted six devices that you say will work properly plus a few more. Since you have two separate ethernet jacks, you may be looking at a situation where each jack is allocated a total of 4 devices, or valid IP addresses.
The bottom line here is that we won't be able to make much progress until we know more how the main router there has been configured. Is it possible for you to ask the complex manager (who will probably need to ask the IT guy) how many devices are allowed to connect per ethernet jack? Another way to ask the same question is how may valid IP addresses will each ethernet jack allow?
If you can, could I ask you to perform an experiment? Rather than have both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule each connect to a separate ethernet jack, can you temporarily move one device near the other and connect them together using an ethernet cable? (Or, use a long ethernet cable if you don't want to move either device) LAN <-> port on one to LAN <-> port on the other. In other words, you'll only be using one of the ethernet ports in the condo for this experiment.
Any difference in performance or number of devices allowed to connect?
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

How do I configure a roaming network?

I presently have a network configured as follows: Three airport extremes, one connected to the internet, the other two set to "extend" the wireless network created by the first airport etreme. This has predictably not given the speeds needed. I have since connected the two airport extremes to the first vie cat 5 wire. I think I want to configure a roaming network from reading other posts here.
1) How does one accomplish this within the airport utility?
2) Can an Airport Extreme work as both a wired and wireless router at the same time?
3) I have several devices to connect to each airport extreme via ethernet, while at the same time providing wireless access.
Any assistance would be appreciated.

Following this advice, generally:
Bob Timmons wrote:
1) How does one accomplish this within the airport utility?
Configure both devices that are now configured to "extend" the network (using wireless) to "extend" (using Ethernet) as follows:
Power off one of the devices for the time being
Perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device using the information in this Apple support document:
Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ
Then connect the Ethernet cable from the main router to the device and wait a full minute
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click on the tab in the upper left corner of the window that reads Other AirPort Base Stations (1)
Click on the AirPort name in the next window
Wait a minute while AirPort Utility analyzes the connection and then announces that the device will be setup to "Extend" the network (using Ethernet)
Enter a name for the device and click Next
Wait another minute while AirPort Utility configured the device to connect using Ethernet and "extend" the network
When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done
Then, perform a Factory Default Reset on the other device and configure it exactly the same as above
You now have a roaming network
2) Can an Airport Extreme work as both a wired and wireless router at the same time?
Yes
3) I have several devices to connect to each airport extreme via ethernet, while at the same time providing wireless access.
See answer to 2)
I have an Extreme as the main unit with one Express connected via ethernet and another Express wirelessly connected. The roaming network now works well. But could be a bit faster (I'm getting 130 from the Expresses and as high as 450 from the Extreme). The Extreme is set to "Create a wireless network" and the Expresses are set to "Extend a wireless network". Should all be set to "Create"? Would the network run faster that way?
Thanks, Steve

Roaming Network Problem

Hi everybody
In my home I have setup a roaming network using the following base stations:
AirPort Extreme connected to modem over ethernet - creates a wireless network
AirPort Express 1 connected to AirPort Extreme over ethernet - creates the same wireless network
AirPort Express 2 is set to "Join a wireless network" for AirTunes
Everything works fine except one thing: I want to place the AirPort Extreme in a different room. I have an ethernet cable that links the room of the modem an the new location for the Extreme. Now the problem is that I have no more possibility to connect Express 1 to Extreme using ethernet. I could connect Express 1 to the modem instead to the Extreme, but this is not the correct setup for a roaming network, right?
Has anybody a solution for this? Thanks in advance..

If you forget about AirPort Express 2 for now.....
You cannot have a "roaming" configuration unless the AirPort Extreme is connected to the modem by Ethernet and AirPort Express 1 is connected to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet.
If you cannot connect AirPort Express 1 to the AirPort Extreme with an Ethernet cable, you could connect using a pair of Ethernet power line adapters.
If that is not possible, then you have no other option except to connect AirPort Express 1 to the AirPort Extreme using wireless only in an "extend a wireless network" setup. This will not be a "roaming" network, of course.

Roaming Network Extreme to Express

I am trying to set up a roaming network using a powerline ethernet connection from my Extreme base station to a 2nd Gen Express.
I have no problem extending wirelessly but I want to have a wired connection.
My airport utility is version 6.3.2 and the interface is different to the interface shown here and I can't figure out how to do it. Any help appreciated thanks.

The interface is slightly differnet but the same rules apply.
On your Express unit, choose these settings
1. Under the "Wireless" tab, choose "Create a wireless network" and then put the exact name of your main base station, same security and same passwords.
2. Under the "Network" tab, choose "Off (Bridge Mode)
3. Under the "Internet" tab, choose DHCP
That should do it.
Let us know if it works for you.

Max IPs in a DHCP range for Roaming network?

Setting up an AirPort roaming network comprised of a dozen or so AirPort-Extremes all connected via a Fast Ethernet backbone.
The Master base station has a Public IP on it's WAN side and is Set to 'Share a Public IP address' and DHCP - but it seems no matter which network prefix I choose for the LAN side, I can not create a DHCP range larger than a single Class C. Is there a way to give out more than 254 IPs? Or can you have a single roaming network with multiple base stations set to DHCP?

Is there a way to give out more than 254 IPs?
No, as the "main" router, providing DHCP server service is the limiting factor here.
Or can you have a single roaming network with multiple base stations set to DHCP?
This may be possible, but NOT with the Apple routers. When configured as bridges, as required for a roaming network, both their NAT & DHCP services are disabled.

Airport - Roaming Network

Hi everyone,
I've set up a roaming network using a brand new Airport Extreme as my main wireless network and then a 2nd Generation Airport Express to extend this network via Ethernet.
I created the network by first creating my main network on my Airport Extreme and then factory resetting my Airport Express and switching it on and then letting Airport Utility detect and decide to 'EXTEND my network via Ethernet'.. Airport Utility configured this all automatically...
My Airport Extreme is upstairs and my Airport Express is Downstairs.
My Network Printer is also Upstairs.
Now as far as devices go they comfortably switch from upstairs to downstairs no problem, so the roaming network is working as it should.. .. But when I bring a device (iPad or iPhone) downstairs and try to print to the network printer, the printer can't be found on the network. As soon as I bring the device upstairs to print it finds the printer..
Now I'm not yet 100% sure if the device itself is problematic or if it's actually the network because in one instance, one device actually did find the printer but maybe this is because it was still connected to the upstairs network.
Anyway.. What I want to know is, how does a network printer tie in to or be 'related' a roaming network? Is it just the fact that the roaming network has the same SSID, Password and Security type and bridge mode? Is there anything else that my device (iPhone) is looking for when looking for a network printer?
As I try to troubleshoot I noticed that Airport Express which is the extension in Airport Utility in the NETWORK MODE tab, it has 'Create a Wireless Network' as the type.. Shouldn't this be 'Extend a wireless network'?
-Frankie

As I try to troubleshoot I noticed that Airport Express which is the extension in Airport Utility in the NETWORK MODE tab, it has 'Create a Wireless Network' as the type.. Shouldn't this be 'Extend a wireless network'?
No, it is correctly setup as create a wireless network.. but it might well work better in extend.. slower but better.. it might be worth a try if this is an issue for you.
Disconnect the ethernet connection and then try using the setup by extend wireless.
Why is this failing??
It is hard to answer but I think apple is falling down in keeping their networking quality up to date. The simple fact is.. they are overreaching trying to do too much hairy stuff with peer to peer video transfers.. for example.. and forgetting the basics.
Fundamental local DNS and routing is not working as well as it should.
The idevices have always had roaming issues.. whereas the OS X products have handled it well.. this suggests that the problem may not be the airport but rather the iOS ability to locate network resources.
There is very little however I can suggest to fix it.. since airprint is unique apple protocol.. to get around the problem you would need to use specific iOS apps that supply printing outside of apple method.. there is a number of these and it may be worth seeing if your particular printer has some method of printing apart from airprint.

HT4260 setting up extended roaming network

I have an Airport Extreme and a new Time Machine. Because of the logistics of my house, the Airport Extreme base station must be the primary connection. When I go to set up Connection Sharing on it I get a conflict message stating that the IP address conflicts with that of the base station and the network does not work.
If both the A.E. base station and the Time Machine are set to Off (Bridge Mode) the network works fine.
I do not know how to configure an IP. Can the network function as it is (both devices set to Bridge Mode) or must I change the IP for the base station?
(computers connected --- Older Mac Pro (no wireless or bluetooth --- connected via ethernet cable) plus two iMacs and a MacBook and phones connected wirelessly)
thanks
Ron

hi
The situation described sounds a lot like the setup I have been thinking about for my home.
I have been reading the forums and apple's articles about the roaming network - this seems clearly the way to go if you can have the cabling, and you need more than one Airport basestation for better coverage and/or airtunes speakers.
However, in my home, I do not want the airport extreme to be providing the dhcp services.
The reason is that in this case (as I understand HT4260) I need two LAN cables to the primary airport extreme (=AE1) - one from the adsl-Modem+router to the AE1, and another cable from this AE1 back to the switch. From that switch I can reach the other Airport Extreme and Airport Express via the LAN cables. But, I don't have two cables available from a reasonable location where the AE1 can be placed with some useful coverage. I can set it up as described, but then the AE1 is stuck away in a closet with lots of concrete around it in a place where I don't really need coverage - wasting one AE1.
So... what I would like to do is the following:
-           phone line with adsl
\ and = cat 5/6 LAN cable
------ ADSL+router ============= (wan) AE1      (create the same network; internet as bridged)
         (runs DHCP)
               \       \============== (wan) AE2       (create the same network; internet as bridged)
                 \================= (wan) AX3       (create the same network; internet as bridged - add the speakers)
          add more as needed
and Optionally:                                AX4               (extend - so wirelessly - the same network; internet bridged - add the speakers)
My questions:
a) Would this create a good roaming network?
b) Would this create a good roaming network on both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz - assuming AE and AX are both the latest models?
c) Would the optional AX4 - which is not wired to the main switch - be able to extend this network - just so that I can get the music in the room I like - actually outside on the terras; of course in parallel to the other AE/AX at the same time?
d) Would this wireless extension slow down any of the other connections? Or only the clients of AX3 (as an example) to which AX4 connects wirelessly?
I am trying to get some feedback before buying one or more AE or AX to replace/extend my old 1st gen n model Airport Xpress.
Which leads me also to:
e) will the 1st-gen-n A xpress work nicely with n-speeds on the 2.4 band together with all the other ones?
     Obviously I would loose my 5Ghz network and guest-networks in the area covered by this older AX?
     (I very likely use this older as my "AX4" in the example above.
Thanks for your help!
Robert

Sky Hub (SR101) configured to roaming network on Airport Extreme?

Hi,
Im trying to find out if it is possible to connect a Sky SR101 Hub to a Airport Extreme to create a roaming network with 3 Airport Extremes?
If so is the procedure of connecting it as follows:
1. Sky Hub ethernet port connected to WAN port of 1st Airport Extreme
2. Ethernet Cable from the 1st Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 2nd Airport (in another room)
3. Ethernet Cable from the 2nd Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 3rd Airport (in another room)
What is the best way for the DHCP?
Do I set the 1st Airport that is connected to the Sky Hub do the DHCP and turn the Sky Hub wireless and DHCP off?
I am a bit confused when it comes to the DHCP side.
Thanks for your help in advance.

The Sky SR101 is a modem/router that provides both DHCP and NAT service.
So, in a "roaming network" configuration, each one of the AirPort Extremes would be configured to "create a wireless network" using the exact same wireless network name, same security setting and same wireless password as the Sky modem/router. Each AirPort must also be configured to operate in Bridge Mode.
Here, I am assuming that the Sky SR101 will be creating a wireless signal. Optionally, you could turn off the wireless on the Sky modem/router and use it only as a wired router if you prefer. In this case, the 3 AirPorts would be providing your wireless network.
1. Sky Hub ethernet port connected to WAN port of 1st Airport Extreme
2. Ethernet Cable from the 1st Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 2nd Airport (in another room)
3. Ethernet Cable from the 2nd Airport LAN port to the WAN port of 3rd Airport (in another room)
This will work, but better wiring practice.....if possible.....would be to connect each AirPort directly back to one of the Ethernet LAN <-> ports on the Sky modem/router. This is called "home run" wiring.
The reason for this is that your proposed setup makes use of what is known as a "daisy chain" configuration.
While the "daisy chain" type of setup will work....if everything is working.....let's say that you configure the network as proposed in 1), 2), and 3) above.
If the 1st AirPort Exteme has a problem, it will take out AirPort Extreme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 as well. Or, if AirPort Exteme 2 has a problem, it will take out AirPort Extreme 3 as well.
With the suggested method of connecting each AirPort directly to the Sky modem/router in a "home run" wiring configuration, you might have a future problem develop with any given AirPort, but this will not affect the operation of the other AirPorts.
As far as DHCP and NAT service, it might be possible to configure the Sky SR101 to operate only as a modem with DHCP and NAT functions disabled.
But, even if you can do this, your service provider may not support this type of setup, so you would want to check with Sky first to see 1) If this is possible, 2) How to do it, and 3) Verify that they will support that type of configuration.
If you decide to go this route, then AirPort Extreme 1 would be configured to provide DHCP and NAT service. AirPort Exteme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 would still both be configured in Bridge Mode. In this case, you would connect AirPort Exteme 2 and AirPort Extreme 3 directly to AirPort Extreme 1.

Creating "roaming" network

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