Loss of download speed using airport extreme and express.

I have Wifi using an Airport extreme base station and an airport express extender. However, the download speed drops from 21 Mbps to 8 Mbps. Any suggestions to boost the express other than an ethernet connection which would be difficult.

Temporarily, power down the AirPort Express and take speed measurement at that exact location.
Whatever that is.....likely in the 8-10 Mpbs range......is what the Express will try to "extend".
In other words, the Express can only extend the bandwidth or speed that it receives. It cannot make the connection that it receives go any faster. In that regard, the term "repeater" is probably a more accurate description of what the Express is trying to accomplish.
If you want the Express to extend faster speeds, then it must be located closer to the AirPort Extreme. In addition, anything that you can do to reduce any obstructions in the signal path between the AirPorts will help.
Ideally, you want a line-of-sight relationship between the AirPorts to help reduce the amount of speed loss that occurs with any wireless connection.

Similar Messages

I have an airport extreme and express, if I use the extreme as a base station connected to my old router can I use the express to extend the signal while also creating a new network that only I can use?

I have an airport extreme and express, if I use the extreme as a base station connected to my old router can I use the express to extend the signal while also creating a new network that only I can use? Essentially having two wifi connection off the same network? If so how do I set this up?

Extending using a wireless connection always results in a performance compromise.
If the Express is going to extend using a wireless connection, then the Express will need to be located about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the general area where you need more wireless coverage. The more that you have line-of-sight between the Extreme and Express, the better the network will operate.
Remember......the Express can only "extend" the quality and signal speed that it receives, so it needs to be located where it can get a very good signal from the Extreme. Although Apple cleverly uses the term "extend", a more accurate term for the Express would be "repeater".
If the Express will extend by connecting to the Extreme using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection......highly recommended for best performance.....then the Express can be located exactly where you need more wireless coverage. There is no signal loss at all through the Ethernet cable, so the Express gets a full speed signal no matter where it might be located.
Post back to let us know which way to you want to go.

Airport extreme and express & apple TV

I have an airport extreme and express & apple TV. I'd like to do the following:
1) Extend the network via the express
2) Enable the express to stream music to the stereo from the apple TV
I am sure someone has figured this out but I can't find the answer...
Thank you

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Extended Network using Airport Extreme and TC

Our home is mostly concrete which is not that conducive to a great WiFi signal throughout. Currently I have an Airport Extreme connected to the modem on the main floor, and a TC extending the network on the second floor.
Is this the most ideal set up? Does it make any difference which one is connected to the modem, and which unit is extending the network?
Thanks for the inputs.

The ideal setup would have the AirPort Extreme and TC connecting together using a wired Ethernet connection.
Next best might be a setup using Ethernet powerline adapters to send the Ethernet signal over the existing AC powerlines in your home. The theory here is good, but in practice, things may not work quite as well as the theory suggests. Some users have good luck with this approach, while others....like me.....don't have much success.
Last choice is always a wireless connection. Lots of signal loss this way between the devices and other electronic devices in the home can interfere with the wireless signal. If you opt for wireless, try to estabish a line-of-sight relationship between the AirPort and TC, or as close as possible.

Printing with a USB printer using Airport Extreme and Vista

I have a airport extreme and it prints fine with all of my Macs.
I bought a VAIO installed with Vista and the lastest service pack. Here is what I have done
* Installed Bonjour Printing software on the Windows Machine
* Installed the print drivers on the Windows Machine
* Bonjour finds the printer and driver without any problem
* When I test the printer will print either one page or half of one page and then I get an error message.
* I enabled the UDP 5353 port in the Firewall
The printer is a Epson Photo R220
I have no problems with the Macintosh works great and I have no problems with the Windows machine connecting to the Airport for internet usage.
If anyone out there has a solution I would very appreciative.
Thanks

No help from the forum. I used Bonjour for Windows.

Trouble with airport extreme and express

Hey all. I recently bought a new airport extreme and I'm now having problems setting up a network with the airport express. the airport express that we have is connected to a very old G3 iMac because it doesn't have an airport card and is upstairs. I have so far managed to set up the airport extreme so my G4 iBook and my MacBook Pro are both connected via wireless. The trouble seems to be that I can't get the next step set up as i'm not very experienced with networks and I can't get the express to establish a connection with the extreme. i hope somebody could help me sort out the next step. On a side note, this new airport extreme doesn't allow my xbox 360 to connect to it and i wondered if there is any way I can get it to connect again via wireless, either by changing a setting or the security?
Any help and feedback would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

applefan08, Welcome to the discussion area!
To continue to use the AirPort Express (AX) to give Internet access to the iMac G3, you will need to configure the 2 devices to use WDS to wirelessly connect. The instructions start on Page 41 in "Designing AirPort Extreme 802.11n Networks" (http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/DesigningAirPortExtreme802.11nNetworks.pdf).

802.11n AirPort Extreme and Express

Hello,
Thank you in advance for all your help and replies, I truly appreciate it.
I'm looking to purchase an 802.11n Airport Extreme and AirPort Express. I want to setup the Extreme next to my DSL modem and setup the Express in another room and have it extend the wireless network. The Express will also serve as an ethernet port from my DVR unit. I have read different posts that indicated that if I setup the Express to wirelessly connect to the Extreme, via WDS, or some other method, the wireless network will be downgraded to 802.11g. I currently have a 802.11g wireless network. I have one Buffalo Technology 802.11g wireless router and one Buffalo Technology 802.11g router (setup as an access point) and can do everything I need except connect a external HD via USB.
If at all possible, I would like the entire network (Extreme and Express) to use the same SSID and password. Have the Extreme perform the MAC filtering, provide DHCP address, and service a guest network.
So, do I understand what I have read correctly, that connecting an 802.11n Extreme and 802.11n Express via wireless (WDS, or other method) will downgrade the network to 802.11g? Are there any other recommendations on how I should connect these two devices and provide 802.11n service?
Again, thank you in advance.
--GMReed

When using the "extend" feature with the new 802.11n base stations, the extended wireless network operates in the 802.11n mode. I believe you may be referring to one of two things that may have led you to that conclusion: 1) When extending a network with the older static version of a WDS, the extended network operates in the 802.11g mode. This is true when either or both base stations are 802.11g models, and 2) Non-"n" wireless clients, connected to a "n" network, will bring the network down to the lowest bandwidth level of the oldest standard. Although connecting these types of clients does affect the overall bandwidth available to "n" clients, it does NOT bring the overall wireless network down to "g" or "b" level.
>If at all possible, I would like the entire network (Extreme and Express) to use the same SSID and password.
By default, both base stations must uses the same Network Name or SSID and wireless password to work properly.
>Have the Extreme perform the MAC filtering, provide DHCP address, and service a guest network.
For MAC filtering in an extended network, both base stations must be configured with the same MAC addresses for all clients that you want access to the extended network. The Extreme would provide DHCP service, but (unfortunately) you cannot extend the guest network.

Airport extreme and express not acting as i would expect

i have a virgin media super hub which won't transmit my wireless all around my house so i have set this to modem only mode and have connected it to a 4th gen extreme via a cable and connected 1 desktop pc to the extreme also via a cable. All works perfectly and i get the full 60mb broadband that i pay for and all wireless devices also connected to the extreme achieve this speed. Unfo although better it still isn't enough to transmit through the whole house.
To rectify this i have bought a new express and connected it all up which as expected was a doddle, the problem is that when i connect to the express i get a speed of between 2 and 12mb but never any more. When i spoke to the guy in store i was told that i would get the same speed from the express as i got at the extreme so is this not the case or have i got a setting wrong?

1. EOP (Ethernet over Power) Sometimes called Homeplug. When you don't know stuff.. google it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug
Get trained by little kids on youtube..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i72DM0dbGpc
They are readily available from any of the big computer stores.. in every brand under the sun. Including ones you have heard of and some probably not.. internally they are all about the same.
2. The old roaming instructions are the last apple produced.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4260
Here is my take on it.. with lots of screenshots.
Problems with Airport Extreme Ethernet roaming setup
Here is a joint effort from users here.
Setting Up Roaming - New AirPort Extremes and Utility
Main things to notice.. This is simple. Follow the instruction in my thread above.. and it works.. but I find the airport utility might need a bit of a kick now and then to get the right setup.
3. Make it easy on yourself. You are trying to do too many things at once.
Reset the express.
Plug it into the Extreme by a patch ethernet cable.
Do the setup.. as per..
Problems with Airport Extreme Ethernet roaming setup
Once you complete the setup.. take the express upstairs and plug it into the EOP adapter.
If it fails.. plug a computer by ethernet into the EOP adapter and see if you are connected.. you might be blaming the wrong thing.

Setting up airport extreme and express

i purchased both the airport extreme and the express. i have cable modem and use a router (to it i have connected vonage phone and an external drive). from the router, i have successfully hooked up my airport extreme.
i now want to hook up my airport express in another room, so i can use it to connect to speakers and listen to music.
when i plug in the airport express, i dont get a connextion (amber light blinking). i have not bought the speakers/system yet, so i dont have any cables hooked to it. could this be the reason as to why i am not getting a connetction?
i also thought that i did not need to hook up anything to it, since this would just extend my wireless connection (i use a macbook and ibook)
any thoughts?
g5., imac, macbook Mac OS X (10.4.8) fairly new to apple

You will want to set up the AX as a wireless client...
To set up AirTunes on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), using the AirPort Admin Utility, connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, try these settings:
AirPort tab
- Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
- Wireless Mode: Join an Existing Wireless Network (Wireless Client)
- Wireless Network: <select the existing wireless network>
Music tab
- Enable AirTunes on this base station (checked)
- Enable AirTunes over the Ethernet port (optional)
- iTunes Speaker Name: <whatever you wish>
- iTunes Speaker Password (optional)
In iTunes:
iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
- Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

Setup a wired network between Time Capsule, Airport Extreme and Express

I currently have a Time Capsule, Airport Extreme N and an Airport Express N. They are currently connected wirelessly via the "extend network" mode. So I do have wireless connection throughout my home but I notice that it is slow especially compared to gigabit Ethernet. I now like to do the same but then connect the three devices over Ethernet as I have on each floor also Ethernet connections available that are connected via a wired switch.
How can I configure the three devices in such a way that they use the gigabit Ethernet wired connections as their "backbone" and then give wireless access to each floor as if it is one wireless network, and where I can connect other wired gigabit devices via the time capsule and airport extreme Ethernet ports?
I have one Internet connection that comes via Ethernet from my cable modem. This is now connected to my time capsule who creates the internal network and assigns internal IP addresses.
Can anybody advise how to configure each device? And to which ethernet port I should Airport Extreme?
Thanks
Alexander

Welcome to the discussion area, Alexander!
+How can I configure the three devices in such a way that they use the gigabit Ethernet wired connections as their "backbone" and then give wireless access to each floor as if it is one wireless network, and where I can connect other wired gigabit devices via the time capsule and airport extreme Ethernet ports?+
You will be setting up what is known as a "roaming" network using the etherent backbone for your network. This will produce the best possible bandwidth on your network for both ethernet and wireless connections.
_On the Time Capsule_
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Remove the check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended" (This is only checked if you are extending your network using wireless only and you will be using ethernet to connect your devices, not wireless).
Update to save changes and the Time Capsule configuration is complete.
_On the AirPort Extreme_
Connect an ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule to your ethernet switch. Then connect another ethernet connection from the switch to the WAN (circle icon) port on the AirPort Extreme.
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network (Not extend as you might think. Extend is only used if the Time Capsule and AirPort Express are connecting using wireless only)
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your AirPort Extreme wireless network
Radio Mode = Same setting as your AirPort Extreme
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as your AirPort Extreme wireless network
Wireless Password = Same password as your AirPort Extreme wireless
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save changes and configuration is complete
_On the AirPort Express_
You can connect an ethernet cable from the switch..or..from one of the LAN <-> ports on either the Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme, whichever is easier.
Set it up exactly the same as the AirPort Extreme above and update to save changes.
Power off the Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express for a few moments. Then power up the Time Capsule first and let it run a moment, then power up the AirPort Extreme and then the AirPort Express.
If you have a laptop running Leopard or Snow Leopard, you can move your computer around and check to see which device it is connecting to for wireless. Hold down the option key while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen and look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected at the time.
To get the AirPort ID of each of your Apple routers, open AirPort Utility and click on a device on the left. On the right, you'll see the AirPort ID for that device.
For ethernet connections, you can plug into an available port on the switch, the Time Capsule, or the AirPort Extreme.
You should be all set. Please post back on your progress.

Can't get Airport Extreme and Express to join same network

I recently bought an Airport Extreme so I could create a wireless network with my Airport Express. THis way I could browse the internet and stream music to my stereo at the same time. After spending hours trying to get both AP Extreme and Express linked together in a WDS network, I have failed time and time again. I have no problem setting the AP Extreme as the WDS main. My iMac and laptop connect to the AP Extreme just fine. I can set up the AP Express to stream music via iTunes to my stereo without problems. But to get them working together in the same network has got me stumped.
I've set the AP Extreme as WDS main and Express as WDS remote. They are both set to same wireless channel. Where am I going wrong? Is it a 802.11n/802.11g compatibility issue?
I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks.

adrian,
I have done this a dozen time today with different base stations like yours.
The only thing I can think of is this:
1. With the WDS Main, make sure you have the address of the Remote in the box.
2. With the WDS Remote, make sure you have the address of the Main in the box.
3. Make sure both base stations have the same network name in the wireless tab.
Then restart both base stations.
Let us know what you find out.
Joseph Kriz

Internet connection loss using Airport Extreme and Netgear DG843

Hello,
I am accessing internet via a Netgear DG834 router (not wifi), connected to an Airport Extreme base station. Most of the time, I can access internet through the Wifi network of the AEB without any problem. But around once a day I am experiencing connection loss and the only way I found to restore it is to reset the Netgear Router by physically unplungging it.
Both the Netgear and the AEB have up to date firmware, so I suspect some kind of problem in my setup, as I am not an expert in setting up networks.
Is it possible that using a Netgear Router connected to the AE (which is also a router if I understand correctly) could cause connection problems ?
I am at a loss, and do not even know how to describe the relevant informations of my current setup. If a kind soul could help me nonetheless, I would be very gratefull.
Mr Pedrito
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Is it possible that using a Netgear Router connected
to the AE (which is also a router if I understand
correctly) could cause connection problems ?
Yes.
Ensure that that the AEBS is configured to not distribute IP addresses.
Also ensure that the AEBS is on a different channel to the DG834G.
iFelix

Very slow transfer speeds with Airport Extreme and MacBook

I have been using a new Airport Extreme without problem at my home for the past six weeks. The speed and range was excellent with both my MacBook Pro and the MacBook which I purchased a few weeks ago. I came out to Greece with both laptops and a new AP Extreme box for my home network here. After set up I noticed that internet access was lethargic on the MacBook and file transfer between the two computers was extremely slow. The problem seems to be with the new MacBook (although it was working well in London). I've done some speed tests and the internet download speed is only 48 kpbs! I also notice that the range is very poor--in the room next to the router I am down to five bars. If I connect to the AP Extreme with cable I get the full 1Mbps I would normally expect here in Athens (ADSL nominal 2Mbps). The MacBook Pro has no problems with wireless access speeds or range, so I am assuming this has to be a problem with the AP extreme card in the MacBook. Is there anything I have overlooked? Perhaps something to do with setting up the new AP Extreme here in Athens?

By process of elimination I realised that the only cause of the sudden slowness must be software that I had installed recently. The only software I had added was a wifi utility to detect available networks--open or protected. Unlikely as it sounds, quitting the utility (which I had set to load on startup) made a dramatic improvement in performance.

Slow wifi speeds with airport extreme and win 7

i have an airport extreme router that i love. i recently noticed that my wifi was running slow. after performing a speed check i confirmed that my speeds were about 3-6mb/sec. this was done on my win 7 pro machine. while seated in front of my pc, i ran the same check using my iphone and i get 50mb/sec. this continues to be the case now for like a week. does anyone know if a recent windows update has done something. router has been restored to factory settings to no avail. when i first set up the router a few months ago, both machines were getting 50mb/sec downloads. not sure what has happened. any help would be appreciated.thanks

By process of elimination I realised that the only cause of the sudden slowness must be software that I had installed recently. The only software I had added was a wifi utility to detect available networks--open or protected. Unlikely as it sounds, quitting the utility (which I had set to load on startup) made a dramatic improvement in performance.

Using Airport Extreme and External HD as Destination for iTunes Movies

I have a 1TB external HD hooked up to my Airport Extreme base station. It has 2 partitions since I only have a 160GB MacBook Pro. I would like to use the other half of the hard drive as a destination for my iTunes movie down loads, or for my aperture photos.
Is this possible?

bender031177 wrote:
How do you do it?
in iTunes > preferences > advanced, you have the option to change the +iTunes media folder location+. with the external mounted on your desktop, click on change and navigate to the external. iTunes will put all newly added content there.
if you want content added to the iTunes folder on your startup disk, point iTunes there via the advanced preference tab.
if you want to move selected content that already is in your library (on your startup disk), point iTunes to the external, select the content (e.g. all your movies), then right-click (or ctrl-click) and choose +consolidate files+ from the pop up menu. this will copy the selection to the specified location and you can delete the original files from your startup disk using the finder.
if you then want to purchase a new movie from the iTunes store, first check where iTunes is pointed, then download the file.
if you want files (e.g. music) to be added to the iTunes folder on your startup disk, temporarily point iTunes back there and import the files, then point iTunes back to the external.
JGG

Loss of download speed using airport extreme and express.

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