Delayed connection to internet after joining wireless network

Question

This is a strange one.
I have an Extreme-N (Gigabit) connected to my DSL modem and distributing IP addresses via DHCP, and an earlier Extreme-N (100base-T) conncted via WDS. Using 5Ghz wide channels, WPA encryption. Firmware 7.2.1.
Until the pasty few days, my iMac C2D, MacBook, and MacBook Pro could connect instantly to the internet.
Now, any system will connect immediately to my wireless network, obtain a valid IP address, and can talk to my printer, AirDisk or other machines on the local network, but there is a delay of several (sometimes more than 5) minutes before they are connected to the internet.
Resetting of all network equipment had no effect.
This is a real head-scratcher. Would appreciated pointers.
cheers...
......curt

Answer 1

On first and second reading, it sounds to me like a DNS issue - and probably an external one at that. The devices all receive an IP address and the address of the gateway/router. The Router (the AEn) in question is able to query the router for addresses of other devices on the subnet. When any devices queries for a domain or IP outside the subnet, your router is supposed to pass on the request to the DNS server(s) it gets from the ISP through the DSL. So without further info, it's hard to tell whether fault lies with your AEn or with the DSL modem or further down the line.
Here's a list of things to try in order:
1. Remove the older model AEn base from the network completely, power it down. It is possible the WDS is screwing things up. Test as before.
2. If no change, then I'd save the configuration files from each of your units, load them up on the other, and effectively swap their duties, the older one connected to the DSL, the newer AEn connected via WDS. Also, set IPv6 on both units to "Link-Local"
3. If no change, I'd put it back the way you want it and test it just to be sure that everything works the same, then I'd put some different DNS servers into the main AEn's config - the ones from openDNS (http://opendns.org) are good to try. This effectively cuts your ISP's DNS servers out of the picture. So if everything now works immediately, it's pretty good evidence that the ISP needs to fix something.
4. If STILL no change, I'd do a hard reset on your main Airport, then tinker with the settings, such as force it to WPA instead of WPA2 (hold down option while selecting the wireless security mode) and perhaps force 802.11g & b (no 'n', also by holding down option while choosing Radio mode). Also change the multicast rate. Tinker to your heart's content, you can always load back up your saved config file. Your object here is to remove the AE from suspicion.
You'll also be asked if you hooked up a single workstation to the DSL connection if you call your ISP for support, so you might as well try that too.
Good luck!