Extending the range of Airport Extreme in house with walls

Any sugggestions on the best way to extend the range of Airport Extreme? The base unit is located in an office at one end of a house. I would like to be able to connect from rooms at the other end of the house, some 70' away. There are three walls betgween the base and the far room.

I have essentially the same problem, except that our router is a Netgear product (NOT my choice, my husband is a PC guy). I get a great connection when my G5 is on the desk, but if I put it under the desk (which is where I really, really want it) I get nothing.
Will an Airport Express do anything for me? Or do I need to get an AirPort Extreme router? If I get an Airport Extreme router and locate it closer to my computer can I set it up to work with the same cable internet service we have the Netgear connected to? Or do I have to have a totally separate service? My computer is downstairs, the Netgear is up. Moving it is not an option. Our house is wired for cat 5 throughout. (No idea if this matters, I'm clueless on this stuff). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

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Extending the range of my Extreme n Network with an Express n Airport

Hello,
I've been reading some of the questions but couldn't find my specific situation, so here I am posting again. Sorry for the double-post.
I currently have an AEBS 802.11n acting as my main base station and connected to our DSL modem. In a different room across the house, I have an Airport Express 802.11n which is joined to the network (not extending), and there is a printer connected to it via USB.
I tried to extend the range of my network, but since I'm using it in dual mode (2.4 & 5GHz), the Express gave me an error of "operation not supported...", or something similar, so I just gave up and instead of extending the network to solidify its strength, I just added the device as a client and hooked up the printer to it - which is working fine.
Another reason why I'd like to extend the range of the network is because I spend most of the time in the "remote" room, which is 3 rooms away from the AEBS, so I'm not receiving a very strong signal.
I thought of running an Ethernet cable from the AEBS to the Express, but that would require me to crawl in the attic... not worth the trouble because it's not my home, and I'll be moving out some day.
I'll also add that I'm somewhat tech-savvy, but wireless networks have always been my weak link (no pun intended).
How should I set up my equipment in order to get this accomplished?
Thanks!
Message was edited by: jortuno

Here's the general step by step for setting up the "extend" feature on the AirPort Express.
Because you have a dual band Extreme, you may need to assign different names for the main and guest networks to keep things straight. In AirPort Utility - Manual Setup under the Wireless tab, click on the "Options" button to do this.
The "main" network is setup as 802.11n 5 GHz by default, so that is what the Express will "extend". If you have "b" or "g" devices at your remote location, you will need to change the Radio Mode for the main network to a compatible setting like 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible).
_On the AirPort Extreme:_
Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab just below the row of icons
Wireless Mode should be "Create a wireless network"
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Update to save settings
_On the AirPort Express(es):_
Open AirPort Utility, Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode should be set to "Extend a wireless network". If you don't see this choice, hold down the "option" key when you click on the selection box
When you select "Extend.." your wireless network created by the TC will appear as a choice to extend. Select the main network and enter the wireless password.
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Update to save settings.
Whenever you plug the Express in, it will automatically "extend" the main wireless network from the Base Station. Your computer will automatically connect to the device with the strongest signal, so if you are near one of the Express devices, you will be connecting at that point.
The ethernet port on the Express is also "live" in this setup so you could connect an ethernet device to the Express if you wish.
For more info on the "extend" feature, refer to the Designing AirPort Networks guide, pages 43-44.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Apple_AirPort_NetworksEarly2009.pdf

Help: Using Airport Express to extend the range of Airport Extreme

I am trying to use the Airport Express to extend the range of the network created by my Airport Extreme. The Express works in terms of streaming music from iTunes on the PC connected to th Extreme.
However, I am trying to run a short Cat-5 cable out of the Express to a nearby PC in order to have access to the internet. If the Express is recognized by the Extreme and can play music through connected stereo cables, why can I get an internet connection through the LAN port..??
Here's a real basic representation of my connections...
Cable Modem >>-- Cat5 -->> Airport Extreme >>-- Wireless -->> Airport Express >>-- Cat5 -->>PC#2

To wirelessly extend the range between two AirPorts, you need to configure them in a Wireless Distribution System (WDS).
To facilitate the WDS set up, try the following:
o Perform a "hard" reset on the AirPort Extreme Base Stations & a "factory default" reset on the AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) before setting up the WDS.
o 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.
o To avoid having to "switch" wireless networks during the WDS setup, attach each of the remote/relay base station, via an Ethernet cable, to the main base station. Of course, this would be dependent on the AirPort types used for the main/relays/remotes.
o Be sure to jot down the MAC addresses for each of the base stations to be used in the WDS as these will be required during the setup.
o When enabling wireless encryption, configure the relay/remote base stations first and the main base station last.

Extending the range of Airport Extreme 802.11n

I have 2 Airport Extremes 802.11n. One of the is connected to a DSL modem and it works fine. I have been trying to use the other one to extend the network, but have not been successful.
I used the exact steps in the manual (Designing Airport Network) published by Apple. The steps I used (several times) were under "Extending the Range of an 802.11n Network".
Whenever I compete the steps and update the base station, the one that I want to use as the extension (not connected to the internet) disappears from the Airport Utility Application and the base station blinks the orange light. I did reset the base station and tried the guide several times but no success.
I am doing something wrong or this manual is not complete. Any help from you guys will be most appreciated.
Thanks!

I have the same problem. I didn't have this issue with the 802.11g version. Are you using the base station in "bridge" mode? Because when I used the "n" basestation in DHCP/NAT mode, it worked fine. Unfortunately, I needed to change to bridge mode for reliability issues with my service provider.
Now I have the same issue as you.

Is there a device that extends the range of airport? it doesn't reach throughout my home.

is there a device that extends the range of airport? it doesn't reach throughout my home.

Another AirPort router will do what you want.

How to extend wifi range using Airport Extreme and Airport Express connected via ethernet cable

Hello,
I'm having an Airport Extreme fifth generation in my living room. I bought yesterday an Airport Express to extend the range of my WIFI in the house and I put in in my bed room. The two devices are connected together via an ethernet cable, from airport extreme (lan 1 port) to airport express to (wan port). Now from the airport utility what configuration I have to set to the airport express in order to extend my wifi range? Inside the wireless tab what i have to select in the network mode?
1. Create a wireless network (use same same wireless network name and pass work as the airport extreme)
2. Join a wireless network
3 Extend a wireless network ?
Thank you

You are way overthinking this. The utility will literally configure everything for you automatically. All that you need to do is name the device and click Next during the setup.
You can use your Mac using Mountain Lion or an iPhone or iPad.
Post back if you need the steps.

The range of Airport Extreme is shrinking or so it seems. How can it be improved?

My Airport Extreme is behind one wall but the signal strength has become weaker over time. Is there any way to improve the signal strength?
Thanks.
Jay

Assuming that your AirPort Extreme is not failing, proper placement of the base station may improve bandwidth performance especially in the presence of Wi-Fi interference.
Check out the following AirPort User Tip for details. Please post back your results.

Is it possible to extend the range of a WRT54GX V.2 with a Netgear N300 WNR 2000 V3 wirelessly?

I am trying to use the Netgear WNR 2000 V3's repeater function to wirelessly extend the range of a Linksys WRT54GX V.2. I have the SSID's and channels the same. I had the Netgear working great as an extender with my Apple Airport Extreme base station (equipped with WDS). As far as I know, the Linksys is not equipped with WDS. Thanks for any help.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

My wrt54g version 3.0 has lazy WDS with the latest cisco/linksys firmware. I'm not familiar with your model and don't know what firmware you're running on it. Maybe update the firmware if it needs it.
Not sure it would be compatible w/ netgear anyway.
You could always try third party firmware such as ddwrt if your linksys model supports it. But not sure if that would be compatible either.

What's the range of airport extreme can the signal reach my basement my house is about 2500 sq ft

Whats the range on the airport extreme is the signal strong enough to reach the basement of a 2500 sq ft home. Thx

The maximum free-space range is 150 feet; slightly more in the 5 GHz band. However, walls, floors, other electronic devices, microwave ovens, etc. will attenuate the signal reducing the range for actual use.
I live in a 2300 SF townhome and wireless works fine from an AEBS on the second floor. I use an Airport Express on the first floor in Extend mode that is configured for my Slingplayer. Apple TV2 does not seem to have any problems. It's also on the bottom floor.
This is a six year old home so the walls are not made of plaster. Plaster on metal lath can prevent AEBS signals from being detected outside of the room where it's located.

Extend the network for airport extreme

Problem overview. I have a timeWarner cable modem that has both wired and wireless output supporting four external ethernet ports. I want to extend my network (bridge) to use the extreme in another room and connect other hardware that has only ethernet capabity only. My test configuration consist of an Imac wired to TimeWarner Modem and a stand alone laptop (Macbook pro). I can connect to both the wireless and wired configuration for TIme warner with out a problem.
If I take the airport extreme, and connect teh Timewarner ethernet output to the WAN input and the laptop to the free extreme ports, then I am able to add capability where the extreme can create a new wireless network and the laptop can gain access to the internet via the new wireless an wired network fine.
This was done as an initial test to verify the extreme was working but really is not what I want. I want a bridge connection. Therefore
1) Using airport express I changed the wireless settings to Extend the Network.
2) Removed the WAN cable from the extreme.
3) Was able to connect to the extreme using the airport utility and show the status as an extended network.
Overview
The network shows to be the ssid of my local network (Walmart)
The IP Address is 192.168.0.6
The serial number is COPJ900JDM72
Version 7.6.1
Status: Extended Network.
Now when I hook my Macbook pro to the ethernet port into 1 of three ports on the extreme.
The ip address shows 169.254.98.37
I never acquire a valid IP address to connect to the network from the Macbook Pro.
What am I doing wrong?

Hi - if I understand correctly, you want to connect the Express wirelessly to the TWC modem/router and then connect your MBP to the ethernet port - is this true?

How can I extend the range of an Extreme network with Express when my mac won't find the Express???

Cable modem. Properly working Apt Extreme router (g), but inadequate range to upstairs home office. I want to entend with an Apt Express and have a networked USB printer working off the Express unit placed in my office. Mac mini running Lion can't/won't find the Express.
Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
SULLOQUY

If you were able to access the AX using the AirPort Utility but your PC is still not able to connect. I would try performing a "factory default" reset on the AX to see if that helps before going to the store. This type of reset will put the AX back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration which would broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a network name of something like: Apple Network NNNNNN. If your PC still cannot "see" or connect to this network, then a visit to the store would be in order.

I have an airport extreme attached to cable, then one airport express to extend the range. when i try to add an additional airport express to extend range in another area of house, can't get it to work. unility says it has found a new base station

i have an airport extreme attached to cable, then one airport express to extend the range. when i try to add an additional airport express to extend range in another area of house, can't get it to work. utility says it has found a new base station and asks if i want to use it. if i click yes, then the old setup is disabled.

Ok, thanks for clarifying which models you have. Please see the following Apple Support article on how to configure these older base stations for a Wireless Distribution System (WDS).

Can I use an airport extreme to extend the range of my wireless modem

Can I use an Airport Extreme to extend the range of my wireless modem?
At one end of my house I have a dual band wireless ADSL modem which provides my internet connection and I want to extend (improve) the wireless coverage to the other of the hosue where my Apple TV (2nd gen) is located. I have being trying to extend my wireless network with an Airport Extreme but so far without success. I can get the Airport to join the wireless network, but I suspect that it is only acting as another client and not actually extending the wireless range. There is a setting in the Airport configuration to "extend and existing network", however when I choose this option the Airport no longer connects to my existing wireless network and I am beginning to suspect that this fuction only works with another Apple device (Airport Extreme or Express).
Has anyone been able to extend the range of a third party wireless router / modem with an AirPort Extreme? If so, any advice that you can offer wold be appreciated.
Regards
Michael

Thanks Tesserax,
Your answer has confirmed my suspicions.
Option 1 from your suggested solutions is not a goer because the modem and Airport Extreme are in different parts of the house making it impractical to run a cable between the two devices.
I did try option 2 and bought a Netgear range extender, which according to Netgear it would work with my D-Link modem - not.
However I have managed to work around the problem (sort of) by using the Airport Extreme to create a wireless network between my iMac 27 and my Apple TV. The idea is that the iMac will act as a router between ethernet connected ADSL modem and the wirelessly connected Apple TV.
The good news is that I am now able to play the content from my iTunes library on my Apple TV without interruptions due to a poor wireless connection . Although the connection from the Apple TV to the internet is not working I think this is most likely just a configuration issue and for me it is not really a show stopper.

I have an airport extreme and am trying to extend the range of the wireless network with an airport express. I set it up with the help of apple support, both lights are green on both airports, but the range didn't change. What could be wrong?

I am trying to extend the range of my wireless network by adding an airport express to an airport extreme. I configured it with the help of apple support, but it hasn't changed the range that I can access the internet wirelessly in my house. What could be the problem? Does weather affect the wireless network??

So, on the Extreme you checked the box to "allow this network to be extened" ?
Correct?
And on the Express, you set it up to "Extend a wireless network" ?
Correct?
See this Apple article and see if you missed anything...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
To learn about other options for expanding your Wi-Fi base station wireless network and things you should consider before expanding your network, click here.
Set up: Components of an extended network
➊ Primary Wi-Fi base station (this is the base station connected directly to the Internet)
➋ Extended base station
Configuring a wireless extended network
To create a wireless extended network, you must place any extended Wi-Fi base stations within range of the primary Wi-Fi base station.
Start with the device that will be configured as the primary Wi-Fi base station. Then configure your extended Wi-Fi base stations, ensuring that each is within direct range of the primary Wi-Fi base station.The physical location of extended Wi-Fi base stations will vary according to the building environment and may require some experimentation.
If you have configured your Wi-Fi base stations in the past, it may be helpful to do a factory default reset of each Wi-Fi base station that will be part of the wireless extended network before you begin.

Can i extend the range of an airport extreme with another airport extreme and use the ports on the airport extreme i used to extend the network?

That seems like a complicated question.
I have a Time Capsule (which the HD *****, but that is matter for another discussion) and want to extend the range with an Airport Extreme because I have 2 devices in one room that do not do wireless but have Ethernet ports.
The room has iffy WiFy connectivity too.
I want to know if the 3 ports on the Airport Extreme still work after configuring it as an extender rather than a router.

The thing is that I want to know if I can put the Airport Extreme at the edge of the room where the existing Base does not reach.
This will not work.
Remember, an "extending" AirPort can only extend the quality of wireless signal that it receives. For that reason, it must be located where it can receive a strong wireless signal in order to work effectively.
For example, let's say that your "main" router was on one end of the house and you want to extend the signal to reach the other end of the house. In this case, you would locate the "extending" AirPort about half way between the main router and the other side of the house.

Extending the range of Airport Extreme in house with walls

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