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".

Similar Messages

Instructions needed for setting up Linksys WRE54G (wireless range entender)

Hello all,
I've got an SMC Barricade Wireless Broadband Router (SMC7004AWBR, 802.11b, 11Mbps, WEP 128-bit encryption) with a range that I need to extend.
I've purchased the Linksys WRE54G which is supposedly compatible with any 802.11b or 802.11g wireless device as well as compatible with Macs.
Of course I can't use the "Set up Wizard" provided with the WRE54G since that only works on PCs. However, the WRE54G is supposed to be able to "use the Web-based Utility to configure the Range Expander, then connect the Range Expander to your network. Open the web browser of a networked computer, and enter the Range Expander’s IP address, 192.168.1.240"
I tried this, i.e. typing in 192.168.1.240 into Safari with the following combinations:
my Mac's Airport card "linked" with the WRE54G;
my Mac connected via ether net cable to WRE54G;
my Mac's Airport card connected to the SMC Barricade which was supposedly linked to the WRE54G wirelessly;
my Mac's Airport card connected to the SMC Barricade which was connected t0 the WRE54G via an ether net cable;
my Mac connected to the SMC Barricade with an Ethernet cable which was connected to the WRE54G via an ether net cable;
all of these combinations had no luck (Safari just spun) and I could never load a page to configure the WRE54G.
I've seen that other people in these discussion groups have used the WRE54G with success. Could one of those people please give me some hints or instructions on how to get things working?
Many thanks in advance.
Jim

While I was unable to get my Lynksys WRE54G router to function (I’ll explain why in a minute), I did learn some things that may be of benefit to others trying to get this little beast to work.
Most importantly, your base station (whatever the brand) must have “Wireless Distribution System” or “WDS” capabilities, and that functionality must be turned “on” before attempting to auto synch the WRE54G. For Macintosh, there will be a tab on the AirPort Admin Utility (after launching the application, click on your base station, then click “Configure”).
Surprisingly, it appears that many base stations do not have WDS capabilities. AirPort “Graphite” and “Snow” do not; AirPort Extreme and Express do. (Of course, my AirPort is a Graphite, so I was SOL).
However, this experience did point something out to me: Mac people (like me for 21 years now) are used to simply plugging something in and having it work. We don’t understand what’s “behind the curtain” and, when we have to work with that “stuff”, at least I get lost very, very quickly.
A couple of years ago I spent many frustrating hours getting a Lynksys access point to work with an early iMac (it would not accept an AirPort card and thus I had no other choice for wireless networking). Now the WRE54G. I am done with non-Apple gear like this -- it’s just not worth the frustration to save a few dollars.
TiBook 1ghz Mac OS X (10.4.7) proud Mac user for 21 years
TiBook 1ghz Mac OS X (10.2.x)

Bridging network to non-wireless Mac

I have 2 Wireless Linksys routers, 2 Airport Express Base Stations, and 1 Airport Extreme BS 11n. I had been using one of the Linksys routers and one of the Airport Express Base Stations to connect to my DSL modem and host my wireless, connect a couple of wired Macs (2 minis), and a network printer (via the Base Station since the Linksys doesn't have a USB port).
I bought the 11n Base Station and the 2nd Express Base Station in the hopes that I could bridge the airgap between the 11n Base Station and the Express Base Station over wireless and then hook a non-wireless OSX Mac to the Express. It now appears to me though that the ethernet port on the Express is really only for set up of the Express itself and cannot be used to provide network access to a non-wireless-enabled machine. Am I wrong about this? Does anyone have any ideas on how to hook a non-wireless Mac into a network when stringing an Ethernet cable to it from the router isn't a viable option?
Any ideas are appreciated.
Regards.

I bought the 11n Base Station and the 2nd Express Base Station in the hopes that I could bridge the airgap between the 11n Base Station and the Express Base Station over wireless and then hook a non-wireless OSX Mac to the Express.
Yes, this is possible and is known as a Wireless Distribution System (WDS).
Here's how ...
AEBSn - WDS Setup
(Note: To facilitate the WDS set up, place the base stations within near proximity of each other during the set up phase, and then relocate them to their desired locations when complete. Also, jot down the MAC addresses for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS.)
Main Base Station Setup
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the base station you want to set up as the main base station.
o Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh computer, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows).
o Select the main base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base
Station menu, or double-click the base station to open the configuration in a separate window.
o Enter the base station password if necessary. If the base station is using the
default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
o Click Wireless in the toolbar, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
o Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox if you want client computer to connect to this base station.
o Click the Add "+" button and enter the MAC address of the base stations you want to connect to this base station.
o Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS.
Remote Base Station Setup
o Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the base station you want to set up as a remote base station.
o Open AirPort Utility (in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Macintosh computer, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows).
o Select the remote base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu.
o Enter the base station password, if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
o Enter the same network password as the main base station, if necessary.
o Click AirPort in the toolbar and click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
o Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
o Enter the MAC address of the main base station in the WDS Main field. The MAC address is also referred to as the AirPort ID and is printed on the label on the bottom of the base station.
o Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
(ref: Pages 42-46 of "Designing AirPort Networks Using AirPort Utility.)

Adding 802.11b/g AX(s) to multi-Airport Extreme 802.11n roaming network

First, a thanks to folks like Tesserax and Bob for the great ideas on this forum -- the questions & answers I've read have helped me to date, though I still have a question!
My home wireless network today consists of:
One fifth-generation AEBS running in 802.11n only (5 GHz) / 802.11n only (2.4 GHz) mode, on channels 149 (automatic)/11 (automatic) -- provides DHCP services
One second-generation AEBS running in 802.11n only (5 GHz) mode, on channel 157 (automatic) -- bridge mode
There is a wired home network with Cat5e and a gigabit switch in the basement. 30 down/5 up DOCSIS 3.0 service through Time Warner Cable, upstream from the fifth-gen AEBS. The AEBS units are connected in roaming mode via Ethernet.
Using the Airport Utility on my iOS devices, I'm getting "excellent" (59-65 Mb/s) connectivity when I am near either of the AEBS units. It is a large brick house built in the 1920s, and while there are now no dead zones in the house, there are areas where I drop down to 10-15 Mb/s per the Airport Utility. Unfortunately, the two AEBSs are at opposite ends of the house near external walls, one on first floor and one on second -- and the first floor rear AEBS needs to be where it is to serve a breakfast room and sunroom, while the home office AEBS needs to be where I have two Ethernet drops as the cable modem and switch are in the basement.
Before I added the fifth-gen AEBS, I had the older AEBS and two 802.11b/g Airport Express (AX) devices, also in roaming mode. I wasn't thrilled with performance, and while performance is much better with the two AEBS model, I'm wondering about the benefits of redeploying my AX devices elsewhere in the house on the roaming network -- on the theory that I should be getting better 802.11g performance from a device close enough to get max speeds than I am from a farther-away 802.11n AEBS.
However, I am concerned about whether adding back in 802.11b/g devices on 2.4 GHz would restrict the performance of my 802.11n network? I am assuming that might happen because I have 802.11n running on both frequencies... if I stepped back on the fifth-gen AEBS to 802.11n only (5 GHz) / 802.11b/g [or a similar setting] on that device, will that help? Or, am I running the risk of other cross-talk or interference -- or simply of my home network devices being befuddled by multiple access points in a single house?
Alternatively, I could try to replace my 802.11b/g AX units with 802.11n ones -- howeever, having just bought a new AEBS this week, that would encounter cross-talk with my Spousal Budgetary Compliance Unit (SBCU) and I could end up crashing the entire household....
Thoughts and ideas appreciated!

If you use the "b/g" AirPort Express devices in a roaming setup, any computers, iPads, etc in close proximity will connect at maximum "g" wireless speeds.
It's really not possible to predict the actual results in advance. The increased wireless coverage might tend to compensate for the lower speeds that would naturally occur due to signal drop off if you did not use the AirPort Express devices at all.
As long as the wireless access points are in a separate room, or separated by 25-30 feet or so from other access points, there should be no confusion that occurs with your laptop trying to connect. It will pick the strongest signal as it moves through the house.
I think the bottom line here is that this is one of those things where you just will not know unless you try. If the Ethernet cabling is already in place, it should not take long for you to find out how things are working.

In a Roaming Network, Does the Primary Base Station have to be the only hub, or can spokes come out of an Extended Base Station?

I live in the basement of an old, brick building, in one of 5 apartments, for the building's staff. I have an older Airport Extreme and Express setup that's working for me in my unit, connect to a Comcast Ubee cable modem. The rest of the basement shares a DSL connection through a wired network that includes three routers. I've been asked to build a network that the rest of the staff can share, using my cable connection and any new hardware required. Since ethernet cable is already in place for the legacy DSL network, I'd like to re-use it with new base stations and Airport Expresses, just swapping out the old gear. But the Roaming Network setup instructions show all spokes coming out of the Primary Base Station. This does not match my situation, where my cable modem is in a different apartment from the hub of the old network.
My thought was to get two new Airport Extremes and wire one to my modem, replacing my old AE, and then place the other in my neighbor's apartment, connected by a new ethernet cable. His Extended Base Station would be where all the legacy ethernet cables terminate. I would plug them into the new, Extended Base Station on his end, and put Airport Expresses on the other ends, so each apartment (and the staff room) would have its own wired router.
Will this configuration work? If not, can anyone suggest a better way? I'm an Apple products user but some of the other guys use Windows. My understanding is that this shouldn't be a problem.

What I mean is that ethernet can be wired through switches.. (or bridged routers which are switches).
So you have
Router----Switch--Client
.      .      .   |
.      .      .Switch--Client
.      .      . |
.      .      . Switch--Client
The correct way to do this is
Router----Client
.      |
.    Client
.      |
.     Client
etc.. all clients are ethernet connected back to the router.. no switches. That means loads of ethernet.. one for every client run all the way back to a central area.
What you are proposing is to run switches (bridged routers).. so you are using each ethernet link to connect more than one computer. This is wrong from a purists point of view.
Sorry for the ASCII art work.. but I hope it makes sense.
You do not need fancy gear to make this all work.. what you do need is a main controlling router.
You cannot have two routers.. so you cannot put a switch between the cable modem and use two router. You have cable modem---ROUTER.
That single router must therefore do all the work... part of that work is to provide some way to control usage.. so everyone gets a fair share.. and keep an eye on quotas.. sadly you cannot do both with any cheap routers I know of.. what I propose you do is WNDR3800 flashed to gargoyle firmware.. this is key.. this firmware will be able to track usage and allow each user a fixed amount of your bandwidth.. upload in particular.. as even with high speed on your download you still do not have upload of the same capacity.
As far as end users are concerned they do not need fancy equipment.. they just need a wireless router. So they can get connection by ethernet or wireless.
Talk to me directly if you need more help..email is here.
https://sites.google.com/site/lapastenague/a-deconstruction-of-routers-and-modem s
my email is also in the profile. But I use the gmail more.

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 can I set up an AirPort wirelessly in client mode on a roaming network?

I recently set up a roaming network within my office using a RADIUS server for access control. I have multiple airports connected to our broadband via ethernetcable providing a seamless network over a large space. It works great.
However, now that I've done this, I can't get one of my airort expresses to work as a wireless music box with speakers plugged in. This airport is in a location that has no ethernet nearby, which is fine because I just want to use it to play music, not extend the network. It's MAC address is configured in the RADIUS server as an authorized device.
I've tried this "client mode" setup, and a variety of other combinations of settings like making it part of the roaming network as an extender, with no avail:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1731
Everything I've tried gives me the "AirPort Utility was unable to find your AirPort wireless device after restarting" message, and my AirPort has only a yellow light.
It seems the AirPort Express is totally incompatible with a roaming network. Is there any way to make this work?
Thanks,
Rob

Before we get into details here, do you understand that the Express will not be be able to "extend" the Xfinity wireless network wirelessly?
The Express can only extend a network wirelessly from another Apple AirPort router. Another way of saying the same thing is that if you want to "extend" wirelessly, you will need two Apple AirPort routers.
The Express will need to be permanently connected to the modem/router using an Ethernet cable if you want it to extend the Xfinity network.

How to set up roaming networks in both 2.4 an 5 Ghz.

I have two Airport Extreme base stations, both separately ethernet-connected to our wired LAN. They are configured as a roaming network (both have the same SSID and security credentials). The roaming works pretty well.
However, when I flip the 5 Ghz option on on both stations, I get two different network names for the 5 Ghz WLAN.
Our regular (2.4 Ghz) network name is "Apple Network" -- and we only see one instance of this in the airport menu of any computer in range of both.
However, we see two different 5 Ghz network names show up: "Apple Network (5 Ghz)" and "Apple Network(5Ghz)" (note the missing space between the "k" and the opening parenthesis in the 2nd one).
When I look in Airport Utility, the 5 Ghz network names are identical (both network names have the space between the "k" and the opening parenthesis). So, the base station seems to be changing one of the names on purpose, I am guessing because they need to be unique?
However, this isn't the case for the 2.4 Ghz WLAN name (the 2 stations have identical SSID's, and the SSID only shows up once).
This is annoying and confusing for our users, since there are three networks, as follows:
"Apple Network"
"Apple Network (5Ghz)"
"Apple Network(5Ghz)"
My question is: is there a way to make the two 5Ghz network names the same (which they already appear to be in the Airport Util config), and also only appear once in the airport menu of the WLAN clients?
Thank very much.

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab located just below the row of icons
Click the Wireless Network Options button
Enter a check mark in the box next to 5 GHz Network Name
When you do this, "5 GHz" will be added to the SSID
Click Update and allow 25-30 seconds for the AirPort Extreme to restart

Question about upgrading HW in an existing roaming network...

I have a roaming network with the following configuration:
First Generation AirPort Extreme (i.e., first square model) acting as the base station connected to my DSL modem. I have a First Generation Airport Express connected to the Extreme via cable acting as a roaming network. This Express extends my network as a roaming network and also provides wireless printing. I also have another First Generation Airport Express joining the same WiFi network (i.e., with the Extreme) to run AirTunes.
For years, this has worked just fine. However, my Express (set up as a roaming network) keeps needing to be reset once a week (by unplugging and plugging back in). I have tried everything to correct this rather new problem. I suspect that it is either interference, the Express is now faulty, or (long shot) my MacBook Pro which is really old is causing some interruption with the Express (it loses it connection a couple times a week, yet all my other Macs don't. And, it had its first Kernel Panic last week). I am getting a new MBP any day as it needed to be updated anyway.
So I am wondering if I can swap out the Express (i.e., the one in roaming) with a new Extreme. I'd like to set up the Extreme in N-mode (something I have not been able to do with my current Extreme since I had b/g Expresses. I would also like to move to 5 Ghz to help minimize interference. That said, do I need to also replace the Express that is used for AirTunes to allow N-mode and 5 GHz??? Or, could I connect the older Express to my Extreme via cable and have AirTunes, while running a 5 GHz N-mode WiFi?
Also, I understand the new Extremes simultaneously run at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Does that mean I am running two WiFis or one WiFi being broadcase on two frequencies? I would want to enjoy 5 GHz, but still have my iPhone connect to the WiFi.

As you are aware, your iPhone will not connect to a 5GHz network and neither will your old Express...
I don't see any need to update this unit as this time if you are just streaming music using Airplay...
However, if you want to spend the money, you could buy a new Airport Express to replace the older "g" version.
I'm sure others here will have other ideas...
If I were to do this set up (i.e., have the old Extreme replace the old Express, and have the new Extreme be the new base station), would the old "AirTunes" Express be able to join the new Extreme simultaneous 2.4/5GHz network because it is connecting to it vis-a-vis 2.4 GHz? In other words, this would elimate the need to directly plug the old "AirTunes" Express directly into the new Extreme... correct?
Also, I assume that the new Extreme (via USB) can do the wireless printing like I currently use the old roaming Express for. Is that right?

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 without effect

Hi guys
¨¨
I need some help. I have 2 airport extremes (A1143, one of them is 1 gen and the other is 2 gen) and have made a roaming network in my 120 m^2 appartment, but i dont really feel a difference !
in the utility on my imac i have same ssid name, same password, same protection and same channel settings (set as automatic as apple recommend)
One of them is DHCP distributor and the other is in bridge mode, I know that.
They are separated form each other at 7-8 meters. I have tried to turn my network down and turn it on again, no really effect.
I can however see that my wireless devices are connecting to the router with bridge mode when that is nearest and same with the other router.
Still its not ok. What is the problem ?
The 2 routers are not placed near metallic surfaces or anything.
I suspect that maybe my wireless phone are disturbing the network. The situation is that my wireless phone is situated in the same room as my router with bridge mode but there is only interference when the phone is calling and ringning ? or also when its in stand-by and not ringing ??
Thanks in advance

I must be the only guy in the world to have a set up like this. The Ethernet in our building, of course carries the internet signal all over the building to not only other Airport Extremes but to computers (mostly PC's) that are hardwire connected to the internet and to our local ethernet network via that ethernet cable.
When I ran the cat five cable from the Quest modem to the WAN port on the first Airport Extreme and then ran the Ethernet cable that supplies the whole building via various routers "patch panels" and "switcher" etc. out of that same Airport Extreme LAN port it didn't work. There was no Internet signal to the hardwire ethernet network throughout the building.
Before that supply cable (supplying the whole building and AE's with the internet) was hooked directly up to the Quest modem and now that it's back in place I (on my lone MAC in the building) have internet back again via the hardwired ethernet.
Why could I not use the AE LAN port to supply hard wired ethernet to the rest of the building? Why must that wire, apparently, be connected directly to the Quest modem? That same modem has four "out" ports. One supplies the whole building with said ethernet (which I temporarily disconnected to hook into the AE LAN port, hoping that the Internet signal would go from Quest modem to AE#1 WAN port, THROUGH that AE#1 and out to the rest of the building via the AE#1 LAN port, but that doesn't seem to work)
What am I missing?
I've got internet to the whole building: hardwired via the ethernet and wireless if one is willing to start up at each new location with a restart as described above, but roaming. Nope.

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

Can I use two different frequencies on a roaming network?

I have a roaming network with a first generation Airport Extreme (i.e., first square model), with a first generation Airport Express connected via cable to make up the roaming network. This is for a detached office that is about 50 feet and several walls away. It has worked wonderfully for years until recently.
I believe I am now experiencing some interference to the Express. Basically once a week I have to unplug the Express, count to 10-15, and plug it back in. Then all is well... for about another week. Oddly, the Express light stays green (why if no internet??). Interestingly when I had my iPhone with me (office is primarily used for my MBP), it could still see the Express' SSID. However, like the MBP, its wifi "fan" icon is not able to show a signal.
I have tried changing the channel to one that isn't being used by my neighbors, nor my Extreme. For a while, I was also experiencing interference on the Extreme. But that seems to have been resolved after I changed the channel on that unit. I noticed that my all my neighbors run in 2.4Ghz. So I'm wondering if I should buy a new Express that can run in 5Ghz. But that means I lose wifi connection to my iPhone. I can live with that inconvenience in the detached office, but not in my home (i.e., where the Extreme is).
So my question is: In my roaming network, can I have my Extreme run in 2.4Ghz (to allow iPhone wifi connection) and my Express in 5Ghz?
Side question: I noticed in Airport Utility that my Extreme's frequency is updated (Manual Setup > Base Station > Options) is updated weekly. Could that be somehow causing my Express to stop having a wifi signal and require the Express rebooting (i.e., unplugging)?

So my question is: In my roaming network, can I have my Extreme run in 2.4Ghz (to allow iPhone wifi connection) and my Express in 5Ghz?
Yes
Thanks. Good to know!
Update Frequency specifies how often the Express will check to see if any updates are available...which would have nothing to do with losing the Wi-Fi signal or other problem.
Thx. I feel like an idiot!
Btw, two other questions, if I may:
1. If there is no wifi signal, why would the Express light still be green?
2. When there is interference, why would the Express need to be rebooted? Why wouldn't it simply regain it's connection once the interference subsided? The reason I as is that I have exprerienced interference with the Extreme before and there is no wifi signal. After a minute or two, it would reestablish internet connectivity on its own (i.e., without me unplugging and re-plugging it).

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

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