HT4145 Airport Extreme wireless extension VS. TP-Link PowerLine Network extension

I can install either an additional Airport Extreme to extend my network or a TP-Link PowerLine extension. I currently have a DLink network extender with moderate success. Does anyone have experience with the power line extension technology? Does it beat the connectivity of two wireless devices? With the current DLink method it does allow 2.4 and 5g but we end up with 3 SSIDs and thats confusing to the family. Or maybe I should leave the whole mess alone? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Mark

You are always better sticking to one brand for wireless repeater.. since apple cannot extend dlink wireless nor the dlink the apple wireless, you are far better keeping wireless just apple or dlink.
Powerline adapters are a good method to avoid the issues with wireless repeater.. namely extremely slow wireless.. since repeating wireless adds huge amounts of latency into the wireless connection.
Problem with powerline (EOP) is they are dependent on the house wiring and it varies from house to house. Just like wireless it is not able to give guaranteed throughput (only ethernet can do that). It some cases eg wiring on different circuits that passes through a set of breakers.. will simply not work at all or so poorly as to not fix the problem. But if you have the two points on a ring main where there is a direct wired connection it can work extremely well. It will end up far more robust as it is not subject to the same level of voodoo and gremlins as wireless. ie if it works well the day you install it.. it tends to keep working the same thereafter.
So there is just one way to find out.. buy a pair and try them. You must use a power point.. no powerboard as the current breaker on the power board kills the signal. Some models come with piggy back connectors.
At the other end you can setup another wireless router in bridge and create a roaming network using the same SSID as the main wireless.. this then stops the confusion. Albeit roaming does not always work as well as the name suggests. Some devices swap "towers" with ease .. just like your mobile phone.. whereas others attach themselves to the AP they first connect to and refuse to disconnect. (without a swift kick at least).
Your Dlink could be made more home friendly by using roaming as well.. to prevent having multiple SSID. But the quality of repeated wireless is still poorer than single point AP with wired connection.

Similar Messages

  • Does airport extreme replace my old d- link wireless moden

    Does the airport extreme replace my old D-Link modem I need to replace it and would like to buy another apple product as I have an iPad, iPhone,iPod touch and a MacBook air

    The AirPort Extreme is a router only.
    It does not have a modem on board, so you will need to continue to use the D-Link modem you have now, or add a new modem if you want to buy an AirPort Extreme.

  • Can't configure Airport Express to Extend Airport Extreme Wireless

    I have a working Airport Extreme wireless setup running 128-bit WEP. I now have a computer in a remote part of the house that doesn't have wireless, but has a wired Ethernet port. So I was told by a knowledgeable guy at the Apple store that I can have the AExpress pick up the wireless signal, then provide through it's Ethernet port a wired connection for my computer that doesn't have wireless.
    First, is this true? If not, I'll return it.
    Second, this has been a nightmare, hours and hours, and I'm pretty good with understanding networks. The book included with the AExpress is a joke, it basically just says "and let the software walk you through what you want to do."
    The symptom is that I configure the device and update it with all the WEP 128 key info, but the light just stays blinking amber. I've updated the AE firmware.
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    This is clearly a sophisticated device with lots of promise and such, but the documentation and the number of posts to this board reflect that clearly there may just be too much complexity here for most people to handle.

    So I was told by a knowledgeable guy at the Apple store that I can have the AExpress pick up the wireless signal, then provide through it's Ethernet port a wired connection for my computer that doesn't have wireless.
    First, is this true? If not, I'll return it.
    Yes, this is true. You can extend the network wirelessly using the WDS feature of AirPort Base Stations. In turn, you can connect wireless or wired clients to the Remote Base Stations.
    What are the steps for setting up what I need?
    This Apple article should help explain the steps of setting up a WDS between two AirPort Base Stations: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107454

  • HT4628 I recently transferred my internet service to another state. Have not yet moved my imac, just my pc laptop. I cannot get my airport extreme wireless router to work. The green light stays lit when everything is connected but I can't connect to the i

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    I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:
    Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
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    Power-up the AirPort base station; wait at least 5-10 minutes. Note: The AirPort's status light may continue to flash amber after it has intialized. That is because, there may be some additional configuration items necessary, like setting up wireless security, before the overall setup is completed to get a green status.
    Power-up your computer(s).
    If the above steps do not solve the problem, start over with step 1 above, but then perform the next steps between steps 1 & 2. above.
    Disconnect the AirPort base station from the Internet broadband modem.
    While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
    After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
    Reconnect the AirPort base station to the Internet broadband modem. For the Extreme and Time Capsule, be sure to connect the cable to the base station's WAN (circle-of-dots) port.
    Continue with step 2 in the first set of steps.
    In this basic configuration, the AirPort base station will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name (SSID) of Apple Network NNNNNN. Network clients, connected to the base station either by wire or wireless, should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options. Please post back your results.

  • Connecting 2 Airport Extremes wirelessly....can it be done?

    Connecting 2 Airport Extremes wirelessly....can it be done?
    I have 2 Airport Extremes. I'm only using 1 of them right now connected to a cable modem. It works well. I can get a wireless signal in most of the house and even outside a bit. However there are upstairs bedrooms on the other side of the house that I don't get a very strong signal on. No "big" deal really but here is what I thought.......
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    Is this possible? I can't find it mentioned in my Airport Manual.
    If so, what is the term for this? That way I can search for information on how to configure all of this. If you have any other ideas on how this might able to work please let me know.
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    OK, you will need to make configuration changes to both of your Extremes.
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    Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
    Click the Wireless tab under the icons
    Look on the wireless setup page and make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended". This may be under the Options tab on the wireless page. If you have a dual band Extreme, you can only extend the main network, not the 'guest" network.
    Update to save settings
    For the remote Extreme, temporarily locate it near your computer so that you can configure it:
    Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
    Click the Wireless tab
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    Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
    Update to save settings
    That should do it.

  • I have an Airport Extreme wireless router & I can not connect my Kindle.

    I have an Airport Extreme wireless router & I can not connect my Kindle.  Also, my password will not work when a visitor uses it for a laptop (even a Mac) or any other device that uses the internet.  It says the password is incorrect.  I easily connected a Kindle last year, but I got a new one & now I can not connect wirelessly.  I see no tab to create a guest network.  I do not mind giving my password to visitors, but that does not work.

    If you temporarily disable wireless encryption on your 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn), can the Kindle connect to the router and gain access to the Internet now? If so, then I would suggest that you reconfigure the AEBSn to use "WPA2 Personal" for the Wireless Security setting, and then, try connecting with the Kindle again.
    As far as establishing a Guest Network, the AEBSn must not be in bridge mode. That is, it should be the only router in your current network and directly conncted to the Internet modem. If it is, then you would find the Guest Networking option on the AirPort > Guest Networking tab:

  • How many AirPort Express stations can be supported by an AirPort Extreme wirelessly?

    I got one AirPort Extreme in my home and would like to extend the wireless network by purchasing additional AirPort Express.  Wanna know how many AirPort Express stations can be supported by an AirPort Extreme wirelessly?
    Thanks.
    Tony

    Bob -- question for you which I can't answer as I don't have an airport extreme. The newer Extremes can create both G and N networks and can create the N network in the 5 mhz band. Can you increase the number of Express units you can connect wirelessly if you split the load between the 2.4 mhz G and 5 mhz N networks created by the Extreme. (recognizing that the 5 mhz band has less range than the 2.4 mhz band)
    Not an issue for me as I only have three connected wirelessly, but I've always wondered about this. Of my three AX units one connects to a G network created by a Linksys WRT54GS and two connect to the N network created by the AX.
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  • Password protect Airport Extreme wireless backup disk?

    Hi all,
    First of all, the details of my computer below are not correct in this case--I'm asking about my girlfriend's computer.
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    Ideally, we'd like a situation in which someone can connect to our network using the network password but NOT be able to access the drive that's connected to the airport extreme.
    Thank you.

    Hello Ecualung,
    The best protection for your data is to maintain the data as a encrypted disk image. Creating a "sparse image" will require a password to open:
    I would follow the instructions provided by the Apple Support document below on how to make this happen.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1578
    Hope this helps.
    B-rock

  • Can i connect a new airport extreme wirelessly to an existing airport extreme to extend range? if so, how?

    My mother has an airport extreme hardwired to a modem for wireless connection in her home.  she is trying to get a wireless connection in her shop, about 250 away and i was wondering if i can use another airport extreme wirelessly to connect to the wired extreme to extend the range

    And, by clear line of sight Bob means nothing between the two but air space. Windows, walls, trees, bushes, etc. all act to attenuate the signal substantially, thus reducing the effective range.
    If you are willing to spend lots of money you can purchase amplifiers that can extend the range. Check this out at QuickerTek.com.

  • My laptop compaq presario will not connect to the Internet anymore after buying airport extreme. Why? It detects the network, accepts my password, but will not connect to Internet.

    My laptop compaq presario will not connect to the Internet anymore after buying airport extreme. Why? It detects the network, accepts my password, but will not connect to Internet. I tried to repair connection, tried to reboot modem several times, I even updated my computer. Nothing. All it says is that it does not detect modem. Why?

    Welcome to the support community group.
    First, are you sure that your AirPort Extreme has been configured correctly and is properly connected to your modem?
    Begin by telling us how you have things connected and if the Airport Extreme is replacing a previously owned router or is this an entirely new installation?
    First be sure that your modem is working and properly connects you to the internet using an ethernet cable directly connected to your laptop.  Once you're sure that's working, reset the AirPort to factory defaults by disconnecting it from power and pressing and holding in the small reset button on the back  for 15 - 20 seconds while you reconnect it to power.  Then turn everything off for 5 minutes. Connect the Airport to your modem with and ethernet cable to the Airport WAN port on the back (check the user guide to make sure you connect the cable to the correct port) then connect a second ethernet cable between the laptop and one of the LAN ports on the AirPort Extreme.
    Then power up the modem first, wait 5 minutes and then power up the Airport, wait 5 minutes and finally power up your laptop.
    Then run the airport configuration utility from your laptop.  Since you're not using an Apple computer, be sure that all of your firewall, and virus blocking and checking software is disabled before you run the airport configuration utility.  Once you run the utility, it should detect your AirPort and allow you to use the configuration wizard to set things up.
    Check back if you're still having problems.

  • I have a 1st generation AirPort Extreme and want to create a guest network, can I? If so, how? Can I do this by adding an Airport Express?

    I have a 1st generation AirPort Extreme and want to create a guest network, can I? If so, how? Can I do this by adding an Airport Express?

    I have a 1st generation AirPort Extreme and want to create a guest network, can I?
    This version of the AirPort Extreme does not have guest network capability.
    Can I do this by adding an Airport Express?
    Why not simply buy a new Airport Express.....which does have main and guest network capability*.....and sell the AirPort Extreme?
    * The AirPort Express will need to connect to a simple modem.....not a modem/router or gateway type of device.....for the guest network feature to work correctly.

  • Can't Get Time Capsule to Extend Airport Extreme Wireless Network

    I've searched this forum and read dozens of listings, but nothing I've found gives me a answer for the problem I'm having.
    I had an existing network consisting of three Airport Extreme routers, one the master/DHCP server and the other two to extend the network. All of the routers were configured for 802.11n 5 GHz only service.
    After much frustration trying to use Time Machine to back up to external disks attached to Airport Extremes as well as disks attached to other Macs, I gave up and bought a Time Capsule.
    I have been trying for about six months on and off to get the Time Capsule configured as an extension to the main Airport Extreme as the other two Extremes are.
    Nothing I've tried will cause the TC to extend the network. It always comes up with a yellow light and error messages saying that there is a problem with the wireless network and a problem with the internet connection and, sometimes, a third message that I don't remember.
    After my initial efforts, I just gave up and plugged the danged TC into the remote AE that is closest to where I use my MacBook Pro and it worked. But I wanted it to REPLACE that AE instead of being an appendage to it.
    Due to TC/TM problems, I've twice lost the entire TM backup off of the TC, and tonight I decided it was time to start over. I've encountered the same problems as before, and so finally moved the TC to my home office rack where the main AE is located and plugged it into the AE directly. TM is now backing up, but at a snail's pace (which is why I wanted the TC to be located in the same room where I use the laptop).
    Has anyone had success or failure extending a multiple-unit AE network with a TC on 802.11n 5 GHz (not WDS)? If not, has your experience been similar to mine; if so, what did you do that I haven't?
    Any specific help will be greatly appreciated.

    Yes, I suppose I could do that. But if the wireless extension isn't working in one direction there's no guarantee it'll work in the other direction; and I was trying to avoid upending my entire setup.
    And no, I'm not bridging the units with hard-wired cabling; I'm attempting to use wireless to extend them...NOT WDS, which is for 802.11B/G mode, but the 802.11N wireless extension mode that's available on these Apple products.

  • NEED HELP! Connecting Airport Extreme wirelessly to an Xbox 360!

    Hi there,
    I just purchased an Apple Airport Extreme 3 days ago and I can't get it to fully work with my XBox 360 with the official wirelessly networking adapter. I've spent the last 2 days trying every conceivable option and setup to get these devices to work.... but can't. When I turn on my Xbox it DOES connect to Xbox Live and the wireless network created by the airport. I do the "Test Xbox Live" thing, and everything comes back "Confirmed" or "Okay", I can search marketplace and download game demos and such. But whenever I go to play a game on Xbox Live it say it "can't connect to server" or "no games found" etc.... I've tried this with 4 games; Halo 3, Halo 2, Gears of War, and Call of Duty 3 - and I can't play on Xbox Live with any of them. They did work fine like 10 days ago on an old D-link router I had before it broke, but now I have NO IDEA what the ** is going on. I've tried everything - I've set the router to b/g only, turned off all security, manually set the IP address on the xbox, etc... and I still can't play any games on live. I know my Xbox live subscription is still good and I've downloaded all the latest updates and firmware for my Xbox, router, and computer - and still nothing works. So any help out there would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks!
    John

    Hello John Groshko. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
    Unfortunately, the AirPorts are not listed as Xbox Live-compatible routers.
    The following web blog does a great job explaining the NAT issues with Xbox Live. Basically what it comes down to is that although you can get an Internet connection for the Xbox or Xbox 360 with the AirPorts, you may not get the necessary NAT setting (Moderate or Open) for the Xbox Live game that you want to play.
    Other articles on the matter:
    o http://www.jakeludington.com/xbox/20060103xbox_live_connectionproblems.html
    o http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/01/02/xbox-live-connection-problems-heres-a-ti p/
    o http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908874

  • Mac G5 drops/loses connection to Airport Extreme wireless base station

    When I power up my Mac, it connects normally to the AE wireless base station. After some time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) the connection will be lost, although all indications are that it is operating normally, i.e. the AE icon at the top of the screen shows that there is a connection, there are no error messages. The G5 is just not connected to the Internet: the browser won't connect to a Web site, I can't upload or download files to my Web space.
    I originally had the problem with a D-Link wireless router so I replaced that with an AE base station. I have replaced that AE base station with a new one (it's the one that looks like a flying saucer) thinking that I might have gotten a faulty one from the factory, I've replaced the original wireless card in the G5 with a ndw Airport Extreme card, I've moved the AE base station into the same room as the G5 (right now it hangs on the wall directly above the G5). I also connect a PC laptop and a MacBook Pro to the Internet via the AE base station and have no problem with either one of them. The G5 and MacBook are running Mac OS X 10.4.10, the PC is running Windows XP.
    Also, when I connect the router directly (hardwire) to the G5 it works fine.
    The router is a new Siemens Speedstream 4100 (this is also a replacement for the original router).
    Since all the equipment in my system has been replaced with the exception of the G5, I assume that the problem lies within the G5.
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    I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
    Thank you,
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    I could find no solution in the troubleshooting and set up pages. The only thing I couldn't check out was "Hardware access control" since I don't know how to access this control and no instructions that I could find were given as to how to do this.
    I ended up hardwiring the G5 directly to the Airport using the Ethernet ports. This is less than ideal since I am required to locate the Airport near the G5, defeating the purpose of having the Airport, at least for the G5. I am still able to connect my PC and MacBook Pro wirelessly, though and, ironically in the case of the PC, have never had any trouble with these. I am still baffled but don't have the time to "play" anymore and at least I have a functioning, if not ideal, system.
    I don't see the point in purchasing a new AE, since I have had this same problem throughout with various configurations and pieces of hardware and the problem persists in exactly the same way no matter what I swap out. I recently purchased and installed the latest issue of AE card in the G5. I think the problem is in the G5, either in the configuration or in the hardware.
    Thanks for your suggestions.
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