Help with extending the range of Motorola cable modem

After struggling with AT&T DSL (with slow speed and intermittent drops), I switched to Time Warner Cable, and now sport blazing-fast connection via Ethernet cable into my 27" iMac. They gave me a Motorola Surfboard sbg6850 wi-fi modem, but I'm finding the range of the wi-fi to be totally inadequate... I get drops and unreliable connections only 20 feet away with iPads and Macbooks. I want a pleasing dome of wi-fi all over my house!
Through other discussions on this board, I see that Airport Express is NOT compatible with the Surfboard, a fact which surprised and disappointed me. What are my options for extending the wi-fi range?
—Could I buy a non-Apple product (router) to extend the wireless range? Can it be managed from a Mac?
—Could I connect an Airport Extreme to the Surfboard via Ethernet cable, and use the Airport Extreme as the router to extend the network via Airport Express?
—Could I use the Airport card in the ethernet-connected computer (in this case, a 27" iMac) to create a network that COULD be extended via Airport Express? (I'm using it now to share the Internet, rather than connecting directly to the Surfboard, but when the iMac sleeps, the network is unavailable.)
There's got to be a way...

Since you went with your option 2, you basically have the fundamentals for a roaming network as both routers are interconnected by Ethernet. This also means that the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) should be reconfigured as a bridge, i.e., Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode) in AirPort Utility (v5.x). This would allow the TW combination cable modem / wireless router (or gateway) to provide both NAT & DHCP services for the entire network.
Now with the AEBSn configured as a bridge, you can add the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn), via a wireless connection to the AEBSn, in an extended network configuration. Note: The extended network works in a "wheel" like fashion with the extended base station at the hub of the wheel. Each extending base station would be spokes on that same wheel ... so how successful you will be extending the wireless network will be based on proper placement of each of the extending stations for full coverage. Please take a look at the following AirPort User Tip for proper placement details.
The other thing to take into account is the potential Wi-Fi interference between the TW wireless gateway and the AEBSn. Either disable the gateway's wireless radio, or be sure to allow for sufficient radio channel separation between radios on the same band.

Similar Messages

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.

How do you set up an Airport Extreme to extend the range of a Verizon router?

Basically I want to know if the new Airport Extreme can be used fro extend the range of a Verizon modem/router?

Not by wireless. The apple routers can act as repeaters only to another apple router.
You can use ethernet or homeplug (EOP adapter) to place the Airport in another location where you need wireless and set it up in bridge mode.
Or you can buy another airport.. a cheap second hand extreme is very possible.. plug that into the Verizon by ethernet and extend with the second apple wireless.. but nope.. you cannot do it directly.

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.

How to extend the range with a second Airport Express? Do I need a DSL cable?

How to extend the range with a second Airport Express? Do I need a DSL cable?

Thanks, now we need a bit more information, please, in order to provide you with the correct information that you need.
I assume that you already have one AirPort Express.....either a model A1264 or A1392.....set up and operating OK, is that correct?
If yes, you can extend the network either by using wireless or an Ethernet cable with a second AirPort Express.....either the A1264 or A1392 model. A wired connection is the way to go, if possible, since it provides better performance. But, wireless might work OK for you if you want to try that.
Let us know "how" you want to extend......wireless or wired?

How do I add an Airport Express to extend the range of my WIFI network with my iMac as a base station?

Hi people
I need help to configure a new Airport Express only to extend the range of my WIFI network.
My ethernet cable from modem is connected directly in my iMac and I am sharing the internet by WIFI inside home very fine.
Now, I would like connect my devices on my garden on backyard.
I can't move my iMac from their place and i just want add a Airport Express between the iMac and backyard to extend the range of WIFI.
But I can't to configure to that. On Airport Utility appear the Airport Express connected directly to internet globe, but don't work.
So, what can I do? What is wrong?
Thanks all and best regards.
Carlos Sgrillo, from Brazil.

The AirPort cannot do what you ask.
The Airport needs to connect to a modem, or another router......not to a computer.
The Express can only extend a wireless signal that has been provided by another Apple router.

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.

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

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.

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 extend the range with an Airport Extreme?

Hi there,
Is it possible to extend a wireless network's range with an Airport Extreme (just like you can do with an Airport Express)? Currently I have a Billion wireless modem/router but need to extend the range so I can use my PS3 in my bedroom. I would rather get an Airport Extreme instead of an Express so I can take it with me when I move out. Just need to know if the Extreme will do this as it doesn't mention it on the website.
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Daniel

Welcome to the discussions!
+Is it possible to extend a wireless network's range with an Airport Extreme (just like you can do with an Airport Express)?+
The AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and even the Time Capsule can "extend a wireless network", +but... they are only compatible if you have another Apple router as the main device.+
Sorry, but none of the Apple products would be compatible to extend the range of your Billion wireless router using wireless only. You might want to check to see if Billion has a "range extender" or similar compatible device.

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.

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.

Is it possible to extend the range of one airport express with a second airport express?

Hi,
We have a Time Warner router and have it hardwired to an Airport Express. Is it possible to extend the range of that one airport express with a second airport express?

... The new AirPort Express that I have is an 802.11n version, but the second one is an older model and I don't know which version it might be. Also, the system recently updated so I'm using the AirPort Utility 6.1.
If you are using Mountain Lion, AirPort Utility 6.1 is the version installed by default. It will not be able to administer "older" AirPort base stations.
For them, use AirPort Utility 5.6 which contains the features you need. It can administer your older Express as well as current production base stations.
AU 5.6 is compatible with Lion as well as Mountain Lion, however, the installer app will refuse to install it on Mountain Lion.
This dilemma is easily solved though. You simply need to extract the app from the installer package using a package extractor like Pacifist.
Download Pacifist here: http://www.charlessoft.com/
Download AirPort Utility 5.6 here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
If you happen to have an archived copy of the AU 5.6 app somewhere, such as a Time Machine backup or equivalent, you can simply restore it or drag the app to your Mountain Lion system's Utilities folder. It will run without complaint. It is only the package installer that is the problem.
Mountain Lion will not allow you to delete its existing version of AirPort Utility. Just ignore it. It and the older version (which will bear the unique name "AirPort Utility 5.6") can peacefully coexist.
Note: For those with Leopard or Snow Leopard systems you need AirPort Utility 5.6.1 (this is confusing - a later AirPort Utility version for an earlier OS X version - but it is correct).
Download AirPort Utility 5.6.1 here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1536

Can I use an airport express to add airplay to (and extend the range of) a network with a netgear N750 Router?

I have a Netgear N750 router. Can I buy an airport express and configure it to extend the range of my current network and allow me to use AirPlay from anywhere on that SSID?

You can configure the AirPort Express to "join" the wireless network that is being provided by the Netgear router for use with AirTunes.
But, the Express will not be able to "extend" the range of your wireless network.
The "extend a wireless network" feature only works if you have an Apple router as your main device. This feature is not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

Help with extending the range of Motorola cable modem

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