Getting Airport Extreme (gigabit) to extend wireless onto Ethernet network

The people at the Apple store told me I could do this but I'm having a heck of a time figuring it out.
I have a wireless network (satellite internet with a netgear wireless router)...I also have a couple old Mac computers that don't have wireless but DO have Ethernet (the router and the old macs are at different ends of the house and I really can't run a cable).
So what I'm trying to do is get the Airport Extreme to pick up the wireless signal coming from the Netgear router and share it out to the old macs that are currently all Ethernetted together. I was able to accomplish this very easy using my iBook...I just signed the iBook onto the wireless network, went into the Sharing panel and set it to share the connection from wireless to computers using Ethernet...worked perfectly! But I just can't figure out how to do this with the Airport. I don't think this is a WDS situation, so I've been trying to use the 'Extend a wireless network' option in the Airport Utility, but nothing has worked. It seems like one of the main problems is Airport Utility's reluctance to let me use the 64-bit wep password that the netgear router uses. It's a 10 character password that's acceptable by all the computers I have with built in wireless, including my iPhone but the Airport software keeps telling me that it has to be 13 characters.
I'm just lost...any ideas?
Thanks everyone!

Hello Agent*Cooper. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
So what I'm trying to do is get the Airport Extreme to pick up the wireless signal coming from the Netgear router and share it out to the old macs that are currently all Ethernetted together.
This would be an example of creating a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) between the Netgear wireless router and the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn). Unfortunately, most non-AirPort routers are not compatible with Apple's implementation of WDS ... so it very unlikely that your Netgear router can be extended wirelessly with the AEBSn ... unless it's the Netgear WGR614 v6 model.
I was able to accomplish this very easy using my iBook...I just signed the iBook onto the wireless network, went into the Sharing panel and set it to share the connection from wireless to computers using Ethernet...worked perfectly! But I just can't figure out how to do this with the Airport. I don't think this is a WDS situation, so I've been trying to use the 'Extend a wireless network' option in the Airport Utility,
As you already know, Internet Sharing is a feature of OS X and not the AirPort base stations. In addition, the "Extend" feature of the AEBSn is meant to extend the wireless network of an existing AEBSn with another one. Sorry!
I'm afraid that you got a bit of a "bum steer" from the Apple Store folks.

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Airport Extreme / Express: join/extend/wireless/ethernet

Greetings,
I have large house with a bunch of rooms, two home offices, 12+ devices(Mac's, iPad's, iPhone's, PC's & printers) that connect daily.
I have two Airport Extreme's (5th Gen). Primary is downstairts in office hooked directly to cable modem. Second Extreme is upstairs setup to extend Primary network hooked up through Gigabit Ethernet. I get good coverage all over the house with this configuration. Near each base station I get as high as 450 mbs on my 2011 MBP, none of my Mac's get below 144 mbs anywhere in the house. You may be thinking this is all good so what is the question?
My question relates to my 3 Airport Express's (latest model) that are used primarily for AirPlay Music (works great). Right now all 3 Aiport Express's are configured to join my wireless network. I recently had some work done at the house and had Gigabit ethernet drops put in most rooms of my house.
Would there be any benefit in hooking up my Express's to Ethernet to extend the coverage and make it even stronger.
I have read that an optimal wireless network should be as simple as possible to reduce overhead, etc. Would this help, hurt, or have no implact on my network performance? If I could boost my wireless speed in my weaker zones from 144 to + I will get the cables and make it happen. If not, I will just keep it as it is.
Thanks for any input, advice, experience.

I thought about that and was very suprised the AEx did not support Gigabit (I guess it has been out a while with not update). Thinking along those lines, it wouldn't buy me anything and may slow things down. Guess we can hope they release a new AEx with Gigabit support.
I know there are many other range extenders out there that I could buy and would suport Gigabit but I'm not sure how well they would play with all my Apple Network gear (plus my range is fine just wanting close to base station speed)? My question now is should I just leave it alone, would I really see any gains in speed, and would it tax my network performace if I added extra gear anyway.
Leaning towards just leaving it alone - 144mbs in the worst spot is still pretty good I guess
Thanks for the fast response!

Unable to get Airport Extreme (new) to recognize wireless printer

I have setup my wireless printer (Canon MP620) with a USB cable and was finally able to print with it. However, my Airport Extreme is not able to recognize it or vice versa. I have an Apple Care subscription, but Apple support is of no use if they are not open when I am able to be at my computer to be walked through this setup. Does anyone know how I can get these two darn things to talk to one another? I'm sure it is some simple thing that I have missed.

Hello alienated, welcome to the discussions.
Apple will walk you through these steps, so you might want to give it a shot to save some phone time and report what you have already tried when you speak to them.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1253
Hope this helps.

How do i set up time capsule to work with airport extreme base to extend wireless network?

i have a airport extreme base, how do i set up a time machine to extend the wireless network i have with airport extreme? i have also 3 airport express's connected to the same network to extend my wifi all over my house. thanks in advance.

Much better graphics, thanks.
You can leave the Time Capsule connected by Ethernet from the Linksys and configure for a "roaming" network as mentioned previously.
To do this, open AirPort Utility - Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Same name as the AirPort Extreme
No check mark needed next to Allow this network to be extended
Radio Mode = Same setting as the AirPort Extreme
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Same setting as the AirPort Extreme
Wireless Password = Same password as the AirPort Extreme
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon, then the Internet Connection tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings and allow the Time Capsue to restart
Then power down the entire network
Wait a minute or two
Start the modem first and let it run a full minute
Start the AirPort Extreme the same way
Power up the switch
Power up the Time Capsule for a minute
Keep starting devices one at a time about a minute apart
Now, your computer will automatically pick up a wireless signal from either the AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule, whichever device is closer and providing the stronger signal.

Airport extreme won't extend wireless network

I have two airport extreme base stations (the 802.11n versions, both of them), both with the latest firmware. One is the main base station, connected to the cable modem. The second is set up to extend the network where the signal from the first is weak.
After working flawlessly for about 6 months, the second airport extreme, the one that extends the network, will not do anything but blink yellow. I have turned the power off and on, restored default settings through Airport Utility, and performed a hard reset. After the latter two, I am able to "see" the unit again, and configure it again to extend the network, but immediately after doing so it goes back to non-functioning blinking yellow signal.
Is this just likely a hardware problem so that I need to bring it in? Or is there something more I can try?
Many thanks.

Is this just likely a hardware problem so that I need to bring it in? Or is there something more I can try?
Before bringing it back I would suggest that you temporarily relocate the extending Extreme into the same room as the Extreme it is extending. Go ahead and reconfigure them for an extended network. This time does the extending Extreme provide you with a steady green status light?
If this is the case, you may find that just need to reposition the extending Extreme in a different location so that it is within a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) range greater than 25 dB. Let me know if you would like for me to provide you with step-by-step direction on how to calculate SNR jusing a Mac laptop.
The other thing would be to verify that there isn't some new form of Wi-Fi interference present that is preventing the extending base station from receiving a quality signal.

Best way to configure Airport Extreme Gigabit 802.11n

Hi, new to this router stuff. Just bought the Airport Extreme Gigabit 802.11n. Seems to be working much better than my old router furnished by my cable company. Still, wondering how to get the most out of it. So, have a few questions...
1. How do I know If I'm getting the "n" connection. Don't know if the modem they gave me works with this. Is there a way to see which connection is working? G/B/N?
2. Channels: I'm on 6 by default. Is it worth trying others to see if one is faster than another? How?
3. Firewall: I was told the router already has a firewall in it. So, turned off the firewall on my mac 24. If true, do I still need to configure this firewall on the router side? HOw? To what? Don't know the best configuration to use as a rookie.
4. Any other ideas to tweek this baby to get the most out of it?
Thanks all. I'll defer to the experts now.

Please check out the following Apple Support article for details on the various options available to you with using multiple base stations for extending a wireless network. If you have any questions or need further assistance please don't hesitate to post back.

Airport extreme (gigabit ethernet) b/g not working

I have an airport extreme (gigabit ethernet) that I use as my base in an extended network. I Have always had it in Wireless N mode with b/g compatability. the other day my speeds went from being super fast and happy to less than 1mbps. I went and plugged directly in to the airport via ethernet and got blazing fast speeds again.. I switched my radio mode to n only and wireless speeds were fast again.. switched back to b/g compatible and they are in the toilet.. is it possible for the b/g compatible antenna to just crap out? if so this is very disoncerting as I have several wireless devices in my home that operate on b/g and don't want them to be left out in the cold.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

what I did with the b/g testing was I changed the name of the base station to another name so none of the b/g devices that were connecting to it could.. and so it was only the laptop I was using to run the tests.. and still the speeds were terrible.. of course then when I changed it to "n" only mode they were fast again. so I know that my laptop was the only client connected wirelessly or otherwise to the base station when running both tests.
I am extending the network with an airport extreme base station dual band. The solution I have in place currently is to basically swap them. I Have the Dual band running as the main base station in N mode with b/g compatability, and I have the Gigabit ethernet AEBS running as the extender... so far my speeds haven't suffered at all and hopefully it will hold that way. but I still can't understand why the AEBSn would suddenly just stop providing any kind of speed when running as the base in b/g compatibility mode.

Can I use an old Airport Extreme as an extender with a new Airport Express

Hi All, I have Verizon Fios and the data line runs into my bedroom. I purchased a new Airport Express today to replace the Airport Extreme (from 2006). Can I use the old Airport Extreme as an extender (I'd like to set it up in the basement as I get poor connectivity there). I tried using the Airport Utility - Other WiFi Devices to find the Airport Extreme, but it's not registering. Is what I'm attempting possible? If so, how do I set it up?

Can I use the old Airport Extreme as an extender
Is this the "round" or "dome" shaped AirPort Extreme?
If yes, then it is not possible to have the AirPort Extreme wirelessly "extend" the signal from the AirPort Express.
However, the older AirPort Extreme can probably be set up to provide more wireless signal coverage if it will connect back to the LAN <--> port on the AirPort Express using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection.
In this case, the setup of the older AirPort Extreme will require that you have an older version of AirPort Utility installed on your computer. If it is a Mac, then the Mac must be running Leopard (10.5.x), Snow Leopard (10.6.x), or a PC with AirPort Utility could be used to set up and configure the older Extreme.
f you have the "square" or "flat" version of the AirPort Extreme, then everything becomes much easier. Post back if you do.

Airport Extreme wont pass internet through via ethernet OR wireless ...

I have an iMac in my house that can receive internet flawlessly when plugged directly into my ethernet jack in the wall (connected to my router). I can fwd (share) that through airport to my computers in my detached garage.
I have a spare AExtreme i plugged into the ethernet wall connector and then to the iMac and internet pages wouldn't load nor would wifi airport work when joined to that AE network.
My routers firmware is on the latest edition so i dont think that's it. This AE has been sitting in the box for months so maybe its software/firmware is out of date? how do i update AE firmware?
Any clues as to whats my issue?

I am running into the same problem.
My setup was working fine until a few days ago when I noticed the flashing amber.
My setup is/was:
iMac 2GHz Intel Core2Duo
OS X 10.5.2
Airport Extreme Gigabit
Comcast Cable: Modem to AE via ethernet - AE to iMac via Ethernet - AE wireless to powerbooks.
(This setup was working fine for the last 2 months when i bought the AE - I was not using Airport on the imac since i was connecting via ethernet.
Now using that setup, I get a green light on the AE, Network status via System Pref all seem OK, but cannot connect.
Right now, I can only connect directly via ethernet to my modem. I turned on the iMac Airport, it recognized the AE and downloaded a firmware update. But this did not change the situation. I did do a reset a couple of times, as well as just left the AE off all day.
Not sure what to do next. I am currently using internet sharing sparingly in the house via iMac airport.
HELP

How to add old airport extreme 11g to new airport extreme 11n to extend network?

I am trying to use my old Airport Extreme 11g to extend my wireless network from my newer Airport Extreme 11n. Are they compatible?

They are, but you may want to think twice before using this approach. The reasons are: 1) The extended network will only operate in the 802.11g Radio Mode, and 2) The overall bandwidth will be reduced by half for each base station added. Since this will be a "g" network, you'd be getting around 25-27 Mbps maximum of bandwidth.
If you still would like to pursue this, please check out the following Apple Support article for the details.

Airport Extreme (4th generation) and "Wireless Client Mode"

Hello All,
I am using an Airport Extreme (4th generation) and I wonder why in "Wireless Client Mode" I am unable to connect my network using the Ethernet connection.
Basically, what I wish to do is a bridge between a Base Station Wireless N <--> Base Station Wireless N (Airport Extreme) distributing the connection via its integrated Ethernet ports.
Thanks,
Sebastian

I wonder why in "Wireless Client Mode" I am unable to connect my network using the Ethernet connection.
The Ethernet ports are not enabled if you configure the AirPort Extreme to "Join a wireless network". Oddly, the USB port is enabled.
If you have another Apple "n" wireless router as your main base station, you could configure the AirPort Extreme to "Extend a wireless network". This would provide more wireless coverage and enable the Ethernet ports on the device.
Ironically, the less expensive AirPort Express 802.11n will do what you want.
When the Express is is manually configured to "Join a wireless network", there is a special feature to "Enable Ethernet clients", which will activate the Ethernet port.

Can't get Airport Extreme card to work in G5 Powermac

I'm probably being a dummy, but I need some help.
My main computer is just under two years old and has funcioned on a network through ethernet. Internet access comes through cable and I have a Linksys wireless router. My G4 ibook has operated on this network with an airport card quite successfully.
I decided to get rid of some cables and put the G5 on wireless. I installed an Airport Extreme card, connected the antenna. The Network Status panel tells me that the Airport card is turned on but not connected to a network. The signal indicator on the menu bar is greyed out.
Any attempts I have made to find a network signal or configure the card seem to be doomed.
What am I doing wrong?

IF those are the only two options, I don't know what it could be.
Going backwards,
Double check your antenna on the card.
Pull up Software Update, perhaps an update will come up for this situation.
Boot to an OSX install disk, Run Disk Util and run a Disk Repair then Disk Permissions Fix. Unlikeley bit worth a shot
Return the card?
Sorry man...

RF Polarization of Airport Extreme Gigabit Internal Antennas

I've taken a "Snow" Airport apart and there are two approximate 1/4 wave elements mounted in an almost slant 45 degree orientation which would give the Airport a good mix of Horizontal and Vertical polarization.
The Airport Extreme Gigabit mechanical configuration is different. Does anyone

I seem to be having issues with a wired connection as well.
With wireless I can load the CNBC homepage in a second, and wired it can take almost 30 seconds to load.
I talked to support twice and we ended up replacing the 2TB Time Capsule.
Same issues with the new one.

I have both a simultaneous dual band and a regular dual band airport extreme on an extended network will the 5ghz work at its full potential if its the one that is extending the network?

I have a A1143 model Airport extreme with dual band capabilities but not simultaneous, i'd like that to run on the 2.4ghz band, while i have a A1408 model airport extreme as the "extender" but i want to make sure that even though im running the 2.4 and the newer model is extendeding it, my simulataneous dual band will still work to its full potential (ie: 300mbs i think is the max for the 5ghz)..?
notes: no i can't use the newer model as the primary and the older model as the extender.

I am assuming that your simultaneously dual-band Extreme is using the same Network Name for both radios. If that is the case, and depending on the distance between AirPorts, the extending Extreme is most likely just extending the 2.4 GHz radio. That would leave the 5 GHz wireless network basically "untouched."

Settings to use airport extreme as an extender to the Comcast Gateway (3)?

I have been using my airport extreme in bridge mode, but now want to use it as an extender without connecting the ethernet cable to the Comcast Gateway (3). I can't seem to get the Gateway software to recognize the airport extreme as an extender. What settings do I need?

I install a lot of AirPorts, and I recommend if you can't run ethernet, then use a power line extender to feed the AirPort. You will be disappointed extending your network with wi-fi.
If you must, then fully reset the AirPort and start over. It should find the existing HOME-xxxx network and want to use as a bridge. If it doesn't find the network, then with your browser go into the GUI on the gateway at http://10.0.0.1 and find the trusted device page, you might need to modify the setting if the MAC address of the AirPort shows up. Logon is admin and password is password.
Depending on the location of the equipment, you might want to bridge the gateway and use your AirPort as your main router and wi-fi, since it's far superior over a gateway.

Getting Airport Extreme (gigabit) to extend wireless onto Ethernet network

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