Is it best to extend a Wifi network using Airport Extreme 802.11ac or Express ?

I previously asked this question with a different emphasis here:
   https://discussions.apple.com/message/24347878#24347878
so have re-worded to be more relevant to the subject.
I have a brand new Airport Extreme 802.11ac which I am now using as my network hub and I would like to extend the network wirelessly.
Is there a benefit to extending the network via another Airport Extreme 802.11ac versus a (cheaper) Airport Express ?
I do not have any 802.11ac clients yet, but likely will do within the expected lifespan of the routers and thus would rather buy another Extreme now if it meant extending the best signal strength.
Per my previous post i would ideally extend using my old Edimax BR-6675nD 450Mbps 2.4GHz/5GHz, however this has been problematic and some previous posts imply that mixing Apple and non-Apple routers is not recommended, if this is not correct please do let me know.
Thanks in advance.

Is there a benefit to extending the network via another Airport Extreme 802.11ac versus a (cheaper) Airport Express ?
Four possible benefits, which may or may not be benefits to you:
1) A second Extreme will extend the faster "ac" speeds of the main AirPort Extreme, while the Express will not.
2) A second Extreme uses Gigabit Ethernet ports....ten times faster than the Express....if you plan to connect devices using an Ethernet connection
3) The USB port on the AirPort Extreme will accept a hard drive while the Express will not
4) The AirPort Extreme has a much better antenna arrangement than the Express, which will provide greater coverage even if "ac" wireless is not used
On the other hand, if you do not need "ac" wireless to be extended, you only plan to use the Express to extend the wireless, and the Express will be located where it can receive a strong wireless signal, then you might save a bit of money going with an AirPort Express.
So, in questions about what would be "best", there are rarely simple answers that apply to all users. The question really is which is "best" for you. Adding another AirPort Extreme would be a no brainer for me, but perhaps not for you.
i would ideally extend using my old Edimax BR-6675nD 450Mbps 2.4GHz/5GHz, however this has been problematic and some previous posts imply that mixing Apple and non-Apple routers is not recommended
It is always the best idea to use products from the same manufactuer for the same purpose throughout the network. Obviously, an Apple AirPort Extreme will be compatible with another AirPort, while a third party device may or may not be.

Similar Messages

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    when extending my wifi network using an Extreme as my main and an Express to extend.. does it help to make sure that both devices are on the same channel or does it even make a difference if they are on different channels?

    Have you even tried the process in which i have described in my previous post?
    Yes, many times.  If you are setup to "extend a wireless network, the screen looks like this:
    If you click the Wireless Options button, the screen looks like this:
    Where is it on this screen that you see a setting to adjust the channel?  It sounds like you are confusing "create a wireless network"....which does allow you to adjust channels.....with "exend a wireless network" which does not.
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  • Can I create a unique subnetwork when extending a wireless network using Airport Extreme?

    My office building has an Airport Extreme to provide wifi to our individual suites.  I would like to create a sub-network using my Airport Extreme for my suite only that uses the wifi signal from our office building and provides internet to the computers (both wired and wireless) in my suite but have it protected so that other suites in my building can't see my computers.  Is this possible and how do I do it?  I have currently set up my Airport Extreme in wifi-mode "extending a previous wireless network" and have the router with its unique router name.  But once I extended the wireless network, I could not find the network name of my router, only the office name (the one I was extending).  The computers connected via ethernet to my Airport have internet access but none of my wireless computers see my airport name, it sees the office building network name.  I'm assuming they are connecting to my Airport since the signal level is much higher than before and it appears that my Airport is rebroadcasting the network name of my office building.  Is there a way to have my Airport broadcast its unique identifier for wifi, still connect to the internet via wifi signal to the Office building airport and maintain segregation between my computers and the rest of my office building?
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    Any thoughts?

    I would like to create a sub-network using my Airport Extreme for my suite only that uses the wifi signal from our office building and provides internet to the computers (both wired and wireless) in my suite but have it protected so that other suites in my building can't see my computers.
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    I use the two router set up all the time at hotels that only provide a wireless signal. The first Express "joins" the wireless network and feeds an Ethernet signal to the second AirPort which is configured to "create a wireless network" in router mode.
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  • Extending Verizon FIOS network using Airport Extreme

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    I have two laptops (one PC and one Macbook). They are connected via wireless network and work fine on the first floor.
    However, both laptops have problems in 2 of the 3 rooms on the second floor of my home. The actiontec access point signal is weak in these rooms.
    Here is my question: Is it possible to use the Airport Extreme to wirelessly extend the range of the Actiontec network so that the laptops can be used in all of the second-floor rooms. And if so, how?
    Some additional information: (1) I cannot connect the Airport Extreme to the Actiontec access point via an ethernet cable; (2) I am told that the Actiontec access point does not work with WDS; and (3) I use WEP security.
    Thanks for your help.

    Here is my question: Is it possible to use the Airport Extreme to wirelessly extend the range of the Actiontec network so that the laptops can be used in all of the second-floor rooms. And if so, how?
    No. The Actiontec is not compatible with Apple's WDS.

  • I'm trying to extend the range of an Airport Extreme 802.11g by adding an Airport Express 802.11n. I set the Express up to join the existing network, but it does not make any difference in the range of the network. What's wrong?

    I'm trying to extend the range of an Airport Extreme 802.11g by adding an Airport Express 802.11n. I set the Express up to join the existing network, but it does not make any difference in the range of the network. What's wrong?

    Let me see if I can help you with the basic WDS configuration steps:
    Note: To help facilitate the setup, temporarily connect the AXn directly to the AEBS LAN port using an Ethernet cable. Once the setup is complete, you can move the AXn to the desired location. For all configuration steps you will be using the AirPort Utility. Before starting, be sure to jot down the AppleIDs for both base stations.
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    WDS Remotes: <enter the AppleID for the AXn here>
    Click on Update and allow the base station to restart.
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    AirPort Utility > Select the AXn > Manual Setup > Wireless tab
    Wireless Mode: Participate in a WDS network (Note: You may have to hold down the Option (Mac) or Control (PC) key to see this option in the list.)
    Manual Setup > WDS tab
    WDS Mode: WDS remote
    Allow wireless clients (checked)
    WDS Main: <enter the AppleID for the AEBS here>
    Click on Update and allow the base station to restart.

  • I have an Itel based iMac on which I created a Wifi network using Airport. My iPhone5 uses the Wifi on my iMac and still works.My problem is that I can't remember the Wifi password and it is not in my Keychain.

    I have an Itel based iMac on which I created a Wifi network using Airport. My iPhone5 uses the Wifi on my iMac and still works.My problem is that I can't remember the Wifi password and it is not in my Keychain. What can I do so that I can connect other devices to my Wifi?

    Read the router's user manual on how to change your password.
    If you are going to select another password, make sure it's one that you will NEVER forget AND no one else can figure it out.  Print it out & keep in a safe place.  A place that ONLY you know about AND never forget.

  • I have airport extreme 802.11AC as a base that connect to Cable modem. How can I connect D-link DIR-655 to AE to utilize as an extender or repeat?

    Hello-
    I have wireless router Airport Extreme 802.11AC that connect direct to Cable modem...how can I setup the D-Link DIR-655 wireless router to AE and act as extender or repeater?. Thanks in advance.

    Apple has done their best to install proprietary software in their wireless routers that is designed to only allow other Apple routers to repeat or extend the network wirelessly.
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    There are no settings on an AirPort Extreme that would allow a D-Link device to extend the network, so all that you can do is experiment with different settings on the D-Link device to see if it might be possible for it to extend the network.
    A post on a D-Link support forum might be a good idea to see if any D-Link specialists have some ideas on this topic.
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  • Extended Airport Extreme 802.11ac - Slow Wi-Fi

    Hi All..
    I have a rather frustrating scenerio here and could do with a few pointers as things arn't going my way
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    Airport Extreme 802.11ac (Upstairs) Version 7.7.1
    Static IP 192.168.0.30 - Reserved at Modem
    DNS 192.168.0.1 - Not sure if this should point to modem, advice here if possible
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    DNS 8.8.8.8
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    I don't think that any of my devices has the AC ability if that matters..
    Further details from 'Option + Wi-Fi Icon' on Macbook Pro :-
    PHY Mode 802.11m
    Channel 100 (DFS, 5 GHz)
    Security: WPA2 Personal
    RSSI -70
    Transmit Rate: 108
    MCS Index: 11
    I appreciate this is probably an odd setup, but any help would be appreciated..

    Ok... netspeed just resolved itself across the wirless back up ro 19Mbps..
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    Any feedback on the dns would also be appreciated though!

  • Extending Airport Extreme 802.11ac using Edimax BR-6675

    I have a brand new Airport Extreme 802.11ac which I am now using as my network hub.
    I would like to extend the network, ideally using my old Edimax BR-6675nD 450Mbps 2.4GHz/5GHz .
    I have configured the Edimax as a universal repeater (on 2.4GHz only, the 5GHz signal does not reach the repeater).
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    When I created a new SSID for the extension I could connect to it on mobile devices, but could not get any internet access.
    I have had more success by keeping the SSID for the extended network the same as on the hub, however sometimes my devices complain that there are two networks with the same name and refuse to connect. In that case re-scanning and re-connecting usually fixes the issue.
    This would make me believe that the extension is not working at all, however contradicting that I find that once I can connect I am definitely receiving much better signal strength and throughput than before I added the extender.
    Connecting the Edimax by ethernet and using a roaming network is not possible.
    I have seen a few articles on here warning against extending networks by combining apple with non-apple products. If that really is my core issue (i.e. that this will never work reliably and I should simply bin my old router and buy another Airport) then is there any benefit of buying a second Airport Extreme over an Express for the extension ? I do not have any 802.11ac clients yet, but likely will do within the hopeful lifespan of the routers and thus would rather buy another Extreme now if it meant extending the best signal strength.
    Thanks in advance

    Universal repeater can be unreliable.. security is a big bugbear.. setting at the highest level with dissimilar wireless chipsets will often not work.. but it is lucky draw..
    Your edimax is Ralink.. the Apple is Broadcom.. bad combo.
    Try setting security down to wpa + wpa2 but that can have bad effects on the N wireless in the AE.
    If you cannot wire them.. sometimes people can use EOP (homeplug) adapters and they work very well.
    I do not have any 802.11ac clients yet, but likely will do within the hopeful lifespan of the routers and thus would rather buy another Extreme now if it meant extending the best signal strength.
    I have not tested AC extend wireless on the Apple but I have done it on another identical pair of routers.. the results were disappointing. With range so poor on full AC speed.. the very thing you want to extend will also likely make it extend at poor speed. So the end result is ... you may as well employ a cabler and get a piece of ethernet put in properly.
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  • Airport Extreme 802.11AC + 5th Gen and guest network access

    I have the current gen Airport Extreme 802.11AC with a 5th Gen extending the network. With this setup, I am unable to login using our guest network setup. I have tried using guest network with a password and one without but its the same results. When a guest logins, it stuck attempting to login with no error messages.
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    Please review what I said originally.......that the guest network function on the AirPort Extreme is designed to work with a simple modem......so the AirPort acts as the main router for the network..
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  • I have an 2tb time capsule 802.11n Wi-Fi base station can I use this as an external hard drive and use a new airport extreme  802.11ac Wi-Fi for my wifi?

    I have an 2tb time capsule 802.11n Wi-Fi base station can I use this as an external hard drive and use a new airport extreme  802.11ac Wi-Fi for my wifi?

    You can use the 2 TB Time Capsule as a network drive. That means that it must connect to one of the Ethernet LAN <--> ports on the new AirPort Extreme, or connect to the network using wireless.

  • Airport Extreme 802.11ac wifi stops working - requires reboot

    I have an Airport Extreme 802.11ac which has worked fine for me for several months.  However, in the last 2 weeks, my wifi disappears from all devices about once every other day.  The light is green on the Extreme, but no devices see the wifi.  After a power cycle, the wifi comes back up and works fine, for a while (24-48 hours)
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    software version is 7.7.3
    Router Mode is OFF (Bridge mode)
    DHCP is disabled too.
    2.4Ghz and 5Ghz channel selection is set to auto.
    I have no usb disks plugged in.
    Is anyone else having this issue?

    The light is green on the Extreme, but no devices see the wifi.
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    This is important.
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    Have you tried a full factory reset... and clean new setup?
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    eg AEgen6 and AEwifi for basestation and wireless respectively.
    Even better since the issue is more wireless use AE24ghz and AE5ghz with fixed channels as this also seems to help stop the nonsense.
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    3. Ensure the AE always takes the same IP address.. this is a problem for you as bridged you will need to set dhcp reservation in the main router.
    4. Check your share name on the computer is not changing.. make sure it also complies with the above.. short no spaces and pure alphanumeric..
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  • How can I rename an established wireless network using airport extreme?

    How can I rename an established wireless network using airport extreme?

    Thanks for the info.  On your Mac......
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    Click on the picture of the AirPort Extreme
    Click Edit in the smaller window that appears
    Click the Wireless tab at the top of the next window that appears
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  • Best Cable Modem for Airport Extreme 802.11ac ?

    I own an Airport Extreme 802.11ac.  I am preparing to purchase a cable modem.  I have pretty well selected a - Cisco Model DPC3010 and was wondering if anyone had experience marrying the two? 
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    ISP:  I am working with TimeWarnerCable in Clarksburg WV area. 
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  • HT4262 Can I extend a WiFi Network, using a 802.11n Airport Base Station with a 802.11g Airport Express?

    Having a new Apple AirPort Extreme (802.11n) I need to extend the network since even the AirPort Extreme provides after about 30 Feet maximum only 50% signal strength in 2.4 GHz and maximum 41% signal strength in the 5 GHz band.
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    Any intelligent answers available? Thanks.

    This is very confusing. The AirPort Express Base Station has three settings (under "Wireless" in the AirpPort Utility 5.6) "Create a wireless Network", "Participate in a WDS network" and "Join a wireless network".
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    The way as I see this it is, that if I can pickup an existing network, created with an AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g/n with an AirPort Express 802.11b/g and have the option to "Join a wireless network" such AirPort Express should be able to broadcast the picked up and joint network. Otherwise the setting options for the AirPort Express are nothing else than a distortion of reality to me.
    Also, before I got the new AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g/n I had an AirPort Extreme Base Station 802.11b/g (gray) and there I was able to extend the network via the AirPort Express 802.11b/g.
    So the above comments do not make sense to me.
    Hope you understand that and have a better explanation available.

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