How can I extend a wireless network with my AirPort Extreme Base Station?

Today I purchased a brand new, dual-band base station to replace my Belkin N router, as I have had a handful of firewall, coverage, and other networking problems in my house lately. First off, I really like this router and it was very easy to setup. My MacBook Pro could use both bands and established a 300 Mbit/s link very quickly. After tweaking various settings to my liking, I was also able to maximize the connections on many of my non-Apple machines and devices. I noticed that the range of its network was better than my Belkin's, but unfortunately, it failed to completely saturate the area sufficiently. Since the Belkin still works well enough, I was hoping I could bridge them together one way or the other.
The Belkin router does not support any bridge mode that I know of, but the AirPort Extreme should be able to join a wireless network and then extend that over WiFi and Ethernet, correct? I would like to place them at opposite ends of my home so I can get strong WiFi signals everywhere inside. However, when I try to get the base station to connect to my preexisting WiFi connection, it tells me that I can't extend the network and fails to join.
So is this possible? And if it is, how would I go about setting it up? I know it would probably be easier if I had a simple range booster such as an AirPort Express, but I didn't buy one while I was at Fry's since I hoped I could make use of the older Belkin. This is its product page, if needed. Thanks for any suggestions.
-MacUser

The Belkin router does not support any bridge mode that I know of, but the AirPort Extreme should be able to join a wireless network and then extend that over WiFi and Ethernet, correct?
Sorry, but no. The AirPort Extreme Base Station cannot "join" a network like the AirPort Express or Time Capsule, but you wouldn't want to do this anyway because in this configuration these devices will only perform as wireless clients ... not routers.
Instead, the AirPort Extreme can either be extended or can extend another 802.11g or 802.11n AirPort ... or a very very few non-AirPort devices.
One option for your Belkin would be to connect it to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet but this may not meet your requirements or be a desirable situation. Otherwise, you would need to get another AirPort to extend your current one.

Similar Messages

  • How do I set up a wireless network with an AirPort Extreme base station and two airport extreme but between apple devices either by ethernet

    How do I set up a wireless network with an AirPort Extreme base station and two airport extreme but between apple devices either by ethernet

    This Apple support document provides good general information on configuring different types of neworks using multiple AirPort routers.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4145
    In particular, you would want to focus on the information regarding a "Roaming Network"

  • Power Mac G3 Pismo with Airport wireless card in Mac OS X 10.4 won't connect to wireless network  with  newest Airport Extreme Base Station set at WPA Personal/WPA 2 Personal encryption.

    My Power Book G3 Pismo with an Airport wireless card  running Mac OS X 10.4.11 will not connect to my new Airport
    Extreme Base Station using WPA Personal/WPA 2 Person encryption.  The Airport firmware is version 9.52.  From
    posts I've read online at different places indicates the Airport card should support the WPA encryption.  Perhaps the problem
    is the Base Station is using a combination setting and the fault is in the base station?
    Thanks for any suggestions

    Perhaps an inexpensive usb wireless adapter would work as well?
    This is probably the simplest way to get the G3 connected to the wireless network.
    I'll have to read up on getting an express and using it as a wireless bridge as I am unfamiliar with the concept.
    The new AirPort Extreme is broadcasting a wireless signal.
    A new AirPort Express could be located close to the G3. The Express will pick up the wireless signal from the AirPort Extreme, then provide an Ethernet connection to the G3 though a short Ethernet cable. 
    This can work very well......IF.....you keep the G3 at a fixed location, since it will always be connected to the AriPort Express using an Ethernet cable.
    I do have an old Linksys Wireless G router.  I wonder if that would work?
    In theory, yes. But it would have to use much older WEP "security", which is easily cracked in minutes using free tools available on the Internet. So, anyone who really wanted to get on the network could do so. It's an option, but not a very good one.

  • Extending a wireless signal with an Airport Extreme Base Station, and an Airport Express as the "repeater".

    I understand that I can extend Airport Extreme wirless "reach" with an Airport Express, but how?  I've read through the posts and they say to "connect" the Airport Express.  What does that mean, to an outlet, to an ethernet cable, what?

    I understand that I can extend Airport Extreme wirless "reach" with an Airport Express, but how?
    Enable the option on the AirPort Extreme to "Allow this network to be extended"
    Then configure the AirPort Express to "Extend a wireless network"
    If you do it this way, the AirPort Express connects to the AirPort Extreme using wireless only.
    If you have the ability to run an Ethernet cable from the AirPort Extreme to the AirPort Express and leave it connected permanently, that will provide better performance than the "wireless only" type of connection.

  • Trouble extending a wifi network with 2nd Airport Extreme base station.

    I have added a second Airport Extreme in order to extend a network. I connected it to the network via an ethernet cable into one of the three ethernet ports. I have configured it using these instructions (http://systemsboy.com/2009/02/extending-an-airport-network.html). I get green lights for both units.
    My network works until I update the second unit. As soon as I update the second unit, my entire internet connection goes down. Even computers in the office that are connected via ethernet cannot access the internet. As soon as I unplug the second base station, the internet connection is "live" again. I don't know how to proceed. I think my brain is fried. Any advice would be helpful.
    Thanks,
    Rich

    Based on the information in your post, the article that you referenced will not provide the correct configuration that you need for your network. In summary, the information in the article is for extending wireless network using wireless only. You are connecting your two routers together using ethernet, correct?
    To confirm, your post indicates that +I have added a second Airport Extreme in order to extend a network. I connected it to the network via an ethernet cable into one of the three ethernet ports+
    If this is correct, the Wireless Mode for your "main" router should be set to "Create a wireless network".
    For the second AirPort Extreme, you will use exactly the same setting, "Create a wireless network". The network name, security and password should match the settings of your main network exactly. This is probably confusing to you, but these are the correct settings when you have the second AirPort Extreme connected to the first using an ethernet cable.
    It is critical that the second AirPort Extreme be configured as a "bridge" in order to function correctly on your network. When you are in AirPort Utility - Manual Setup, click the Internet icon at the top of the setup page. Look for the Connection Sharing setting at the bottom of the page. This must be set to "Off (Bridge Mode)". The configuration to "bridge" should be the last step before your click the Update button at the lower right of your screen.
    Post back if you need more information or details.

  • How can i access my hdd hooked to my airport extreme base station at home, from another place,office,school..?

    i have an airport extreme base station ,i conneted a hdd and i want to acces the hdd with my macbook from another place ...office...school....

    I would appreciate if someone could tell me how the AirPort Extreme differs from any regular router.
    The AirPort Extreme is a combination router, wireless access point, and Ethernet switch. It also provides both external USB hard drive and printer sharing. So, it is not much different than most other routers on the market today. The one main difference is how you administer it. Unlike most other routers that employ a web-based administration interface, the AirPorts use a dedicated utility, called the AirPort Utility.
    I do not have any OS X devices, but I have a lot of iOS devices.  If my understanding is correct, I can set up the AirPort from an iOS device.
    Yes. There are versions of the AirPort Utility for OS X, Windows, or iOS devices.
    Also, I need to know how I would connect my Synology NAS system to the AirPort Extreme network via an Ethernet cable.  I would need to be able to acces the files on the NAS through Windows clients.  My Synology NAS currently has a web interface....would I still be able to access that web interface with the AirPort?
    Your Synology NAS would connect to the AirPort Extreme pretty much the same as for any other manufacturer's routers. That is, you would connect it to one of the available LAN (opposing arrows) ports on the Extreme. You would still use the same web-based interface as before.
    Note: When connected to an Ethernet port, the NAS would still function as usual. The AirPort Extreme would not provide any file sharing functionality when connected in this manner. All file sharing features would be the responsibility of the NAS device.

  • How can I extend my wireless network with the Time Capsule?

    I recently bought a Time Capsule and set it up, backed up all my data, etc. It is currently plugged in to my AT&T Uverse wireless router via a LAN CAT5e cable. I am wondering if it is possible to wirelessly extend my preexisting network with the Time Capsule so I can move it somewhere else in my house where it can still pick up the signal but extend it. And if possible, how so? Or does it ALWAYS have to be wired'connected to my router for the internet to work?
    Thanks in advance.

    I am wondering if it is possible to wirelessly extend my preexisting network with the Time Capsule so I can move it somewhere else in my house where it can still pick up the signal but extend it.
    Sorry but no.  Extending using only wireless would require that the Time Capsule connect to another Apple router that is producing the wireless network.
    Another way of saying the same thing is that you must have two Apple routers to be able to extend the signal wirelessly.

  • How can i extend a wireless network with time capsule

    How can i extend an existing wifi verizon wireless network with time capsule? the router is connected on the bottom floor. want to boost the signal to a home office on the top floor, four flights up. connect time capsule via ethernet cable to iMac on 4th floor? Do I have to start a second wifi network or can I set it to just boost the one I have? thank you

    How can i extend an existing wifi verizon wireless network with time capsule?
    It all depends on what you mean by "extend".
    If you plan to "extend" by connecting the Time Capsule to the Verizon router using a wired Ethernet cable, this can be accomplished.
    If you were hoping to connect the Time Capsule to the Verizon router using wireless only, unfortunately the Time Capsule and Verizon products are not compatible for that purpose.
    Check with Verizon to see if they offer an "extender" or "repeater" that could be located very close to the Time Capsule.
    This would provide both more wireless coverage and also allow you to connect the Time Capsule using an Ethernet cable from the "extender" or "repeater".

  • Can I extend a network with an AirPort Extreme Base Station Rather than with an Express?

    Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
    I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
    We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
    So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?

    pcbjr wrote:
    Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
    I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
    We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
    So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?
    Hiya.
    You can absolutely extend a network with an Extreme. I've got a 5th gen. Extreme extending a network created with a 3rd gen. Time Capsule. On the Extreme, you'll have the option to allow (or not) WiFi clients. I recommend having all units updated to the current firmware (7.6.1 as of this writing). Note that extending doesn't work in daisy-chain fashion, meaning that your Expresses or Extremes will each connect to and extend from the TC. As such, you'll want the TC to be in as central a location as possible to offer the best coverage.

  • Extending a wireless networking with two AirPort Extremes...

    Hi All,
    So I have two AirPort Extremes (both are 4th generation) and I have been using one as a network extender with my DSL and all was working perfectly.  I was getting about 5MB downstream with my DSL, with my iMac hardwired to my extended AirPort.  Yesterday, I switched my service provider to Comcast and, of course, I rebooted all of my devices.
    Now, when I use the hardwired iMac connection with my extended AirPort, I get very low throughput - like 2 MB downstream.  If I wirelessly connect to the AirPort that is wired to the Comcast modem, I get crazy high speeds - like 60MB downstream.  (I'm using http://speedtest.net/ to judge these speeds...)
    What the heck is going on???
    Here's some more info:
    Both Extremes are on the latest firmware, 7.6
    The extended Extreme is showing that the upstream Extreme is wirelessly connected, with a Signal of -62, Noise of -68, rate of 144, Type Wireless (of course).
    I've tried allowing wireless clients on the extended Extreme and not, both ways have the same behavior.
    Lastly, and I don't think it matters, but my iMac has the latest version of Lion installed, 10.7.2.
    Anyone have any suggestions???
    - Thanx!
    - Jon

    Hi Again,
    I'm pretty sure that this issue is going to be pushed farther and farther down in the discussion board.
    I would really like to get it solved.  Would any AirPort gurus out there like to make 10 bucks?  I'm happy to PayPal you if you solve my issue...  If not, I remember that there was a website where you could submit an issue and make an offer of payment for solving it.  Anyone know what that is?
    - Jon

  • Can I extend my wireless network with my old Airport?

    Can I extend my wireless network with my old Airport? I have the airport extreme 802.11n & my old Airport (translucent white) base station. Can I mix the two to expand my range?

    No problem; ask as many questions as you need to.
    How do I reconfigure the Snow as a bridge to allow the AEBSn to continue to provide both NAT & DHCP services for the entire network?
    I don't have a Snow to verify this, but it should be similar to the later base stations when using the AirPort Admin Utility.
    To set up the Snow base station as a bridge, either connect to the Snow's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the Snow, and then, using the AirPort Admin Utility (located in the \Applications\Utilities folder), make these settings:
    Network tab
    o Distribute IP addresses (unchecked)
    o Apply the new setting.

  • How can I extend my wireless network using Airport Express and an Airport Extreme on BT Infinity?

    I have BT Infinity and I am using the Time Capsule with Airport Extreme as my router. Working well (even on wireless). I want to extend the wireless network with an Airport Express, but I cannot work out the settings necessary in Airport Utility. I am using Mountain Lion 10.8.2 on a Mac Pro. Please help!

    BT,
    I've read several of your posts, thanks for taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge.
    I'm in a situation similar to the one described by 'scoutusmaximus'.  Seeking the flexibility of a standalone router, I finally upgraded my 4-yr old ATT DSL gateway (modem+router) to a Comcast standalone modem + the ASUS RT-AC66U: http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTAC66U/
    Typically, I stick with all things Apple but the ASUS router seemed fairly superior to the current-gen base station (on paper, anyway; time will tell when it comes to performance) so, for once, I jumped ship.  My plan was to extend the ASUS wired/wireless network using my TimeCapsule and 2 Airport Expresses in bridge mode, however, a google search turned up several unhappy customers that claim those devices don't play well with non-Apple routers, especially when it comes to 'extending' a network. 
    Questions:
    1. Can I successfully extend the wired/wireless network created by the ASUS router using the 3 airport devices listed above w/out negatively impacting performance?  I'd rather have 1 wireless network as opposed to creating a new wireless network with the TC and then extending it with the AP Expresses... though I'd consider that option down the line if it came to that.
    2. Will the LAN ports on the TimeCapsule remain functional?
    Btw, my house is wired so, I can reach all 3 devices via ethernet cable coming off of a central, managed switch.  Supposedly, you only lose the LAN ports on the TC if you extend wirelessly.
    Any advice would be appreciated.

  • HT4259 I have a Netgear wndr3400 and I can "join a wireless network" but can not "extend a wireless network" on my Airport express.  Does anyone know why?

    I have a Netgear wndr3400 and I can "join a wireless network" but can not "extend a wireless network" on my Airport express.  Does anyone know why?

    Sorry, but "Extend a wireless network" is a proprietary Apple setting that will only work if you have another Apple router.
    It is not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

  • Can I use the Ethernet Port for a computer when it is also used as a wireless network with an Airport Extreme as the access point for the wireless network

    Can I use the Ethernet Port  of the A1264 Airport Express to connect to the Ethernet port of a computer that does not have wireless capability when the Airport Express is also used on a wireless network with an Airport Extreme 5th generation as the access point for the network?
    I have AE 5th gen
    looking to buy (from ebay) the AEX A1264
    Various computers, printers and hubs for the network
    Is this possible to do?

    Bob, Thanks for the info. I have read different articles that said yes, but I wanted to make sure before I commit to buy. I have an older A1084 which I could not use the Ethernet port. I know at one point I was able to when I was on 10.4. Now that I am on an Intel processor and 10.8 I am going to have to upgrade some of my Apple wireless hardware.
    Thanks Again.

  • How many devices can I use with an AirPort Extreme Base Station?

    How many devices can I use with an Airport Extreme Base Station? Devices included a mac, iphone, ipad and pc laptops.

    The AirPort Extreme will support up to 50 wireless devices and 200 wired Ethernet devices. I would imagine that this would probably be adequate for most homes.

Maybe you are looking for