Multiple SSID network; 1 Extreme (current gen) + 3 Express (2011 models)

Hi, I'm looking to set up an Wireless network using Multiple SSID's (Business and Guest) using one airport extreme and three Airport Expresses.
Are the Airport Expresses capable of bridging multiple ssids or extending multiple ssids?
What's the best practice on setting this up?
Regards,
Mike

By default, the AirPort Extreme will provide a simultaneous dual band signal for the "main" network, with both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands using the same wireless network name. You could think of this as your Business network.
Wireless devices will connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band based on their capabilities and distance from the AirPort Extreme.
For example, most iPhones can only connnect to 2.4 GHz, so that is where they will connect. A newer laptop will be able to connect to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
5 GHz signals are faster, but much weaker than 2.4 GHz signals, so the 5 GHz signals tend to be pretty much a line-of-sight or close proximity type of connection. In other words, if a laptop is in cloxe proximity to the AirPort Extreme, it will likely connect to the 5 GHz band. If the laptop moves a few rooms away, it will likey connect to the 2.4 GHz band.
The AirPort Extreme does have an option to enable a Guest Network......IF.....you plan to connect the AirPort Extreme to a simple modem....not a modem/router or gateway type of device.
If you are not sure what you have, post back with the make and model number of your "modem". If you do not have the right type of modem, you will not be able to configure a Guest Network.
Important.....the Guest Network cannot be extended. The signal will only be produced by the AirPort Extreme.
I assume that you want to use the Express devices to "extend" the signal using wireless only.
Since the AirPort Express models that you have are not simultaneous dual band devices, they will be able to extend one band of the AirPort Extreme's wireless signal. In most cases, the Express will extend the 2.4 GHz band, since it is the stronger signal.
Each AirPort Express connects to the AirPort Extreme's signal, so each AirPort Express will need to be located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the AirPort Extreme.
It would be better if you could connect each AirPort Express to the AirPort Extreme using a wired Ethernet connection. This would allow you to locate each AirPort Express exactly where it will be needed.

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Multiple Speakers Supported on first gen airport express?

I recently added a new express to my network and now my old express won't enable using multiple speakers. Is configuration error, or does the old express not support this?
Thanks

LutzKent, Welcome to the discussion area!
Ensure that you are using iTunes 6.0.2 (or better) and the AirPort Express is using Firmware 6.3 (or better).

I have a 2nd gen airport extreme (no time capsule) and 2nd gen airport expresses: is there any new additons I can make to my existing network to improve reach and integrity of signal?

I have the older airport extreme and 2 2nd gen airport expresses in a large house. Lately I have been getting complaints about internet "drop out" and weak signal (orange signal - weak network) in one (oddly enough the nearest one to my extreme). What can I do to insure network and internet integrity going forward. Do I buy a new a. extreme and convert the old one (how is also a question)? Do I buy new expresses? (and why) Do I move the original express out of room and get longer internet cable? Extreme is upstairs in a split level and must remain there because of proximity to modem and its connection to security. The "working" express is all the way on the other side of the house through 2 concrete walls and does ok - though signal is understandable week. The nearer one with the "problems" is at the foot of the stairs less than 50 feet away, behind an always closed door (not tested-belongs to teenager voicing complaints). Incidentally the other bedroom directly across from the closed door one, houses a temporary adult child at home who has no problems with their lap top (2nd gen macbook) and signal.

There is no easy answer to your question, but here are some things to think about.
The newest generation of airport extremes and expresses are dual-band devices. they transmit on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. the 2.4 GHz frequency penetrates walls better than the 5 GHz frequency which is faster in terms of data throughput. they also have improved antennas which may help your signal problems. unfortunately the only way to be sure would be trial and error you can also walk around with a laptop and monitor the signal strength to see where you have dropouts and consider repositioning your express devices to compensate .

Extending an Airport Extreme (6th Gen) network with older Airport Express models

I just purchased the latest Airport Extreme (6th Gen) base station to be my main wifi router. I have two airport express models that I used in the past to extend my network with my (very) old retired Airport Extreme (2nd Gen): the 2nd Gen model A1264 (you plug into the wall directly) - I've had it for several years, and the newest 3rd Gen model A1362 (small square that lies on a desk or table) - I just purchaed a couple of months ago.
My question is - will extending my network with either of these Airport Express models diminish my overall network speed (Especially the older model)?
I don't have any AC capable clients yet - so everything is running on the "n" band - and the older Express is an "n" model, but I just have this (perhaps irrational) fear that attaching older routers will slow everything down.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks!

will extending my network with either of these Airport Express models diminish my overall network speed (Especially the older model)?
The A1264 model will be able to extend only one band of the new dual band AirPort Extreme. Normally, the A1264 will extend the 2.4 GHz band since it is stronger than the 5 GHz signal.
The A1392 will be able to extend both bands since it is also a dual band model, providing that it is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from the new AirPort Extreme.
Here, I am assuming that you are asking about extending wirelessly.
You might want to keep in mind that extending wirelessly always involves compromises and loss of bandwidth. The main reason for this is that an extending device can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives.
The wireless signal from the new AirPort Exterme will slow down and lose strength the further that it moves away from the main AirPort. So, the extending device gets a slower, weaker signal to extend. The result is signficantly slower wireless performance in the extended areas.
The way to solve this is connect the extending AirPorts to the main AirPort using a permanent wired Ethernet connection. There is no signal loss in a wire, so the extending AirPort receives a full bandwidth signal to broadcast. The result is higher and more uniform speed on the entire network.

Currently use Airport Express -1st Generation-to access internet -purchased 2014 Airport Extreme base station -can I import Express back up configuration to keep current settings . Or is it best to do new Airport Extreme as a new Network .

Currently use Airport Express -1st Generation-to access internet -purchased 2014 Airport Extreme base station -can I import Express back up configuration to keep current settings . Or is it best to do new Airport Extreme as a new Network .

Just spoke with Cisco about the router. They said the router is compatible with the E1500. They suggested that I contact Apple to see if their default IP address was that same as the router (192.168.1.1). They told me I would have to change it if that was the case. How would I do that?

I'd like to alter my Airport Extreme/Airport Express wireless network so that the 3 Expresses connect to the Extreme via Ethernet. I've been told this will create a more stable wifi signal. How do I configure this using Airport Utility? Thanks.

I currently have an Airport Extreme Base Station connected to my DSL router by Ethernet. Because I have a long, sprawling home, I have 3 Airport Expresses configured to "Extend the Wireless Network" I've established. Because of my home environment--thick walls encompassaing wire mesh, sprawling rooms, etc., it is hard to maintain a continuously-strong, stable WiFi signal. I've been told that I can create a much more stable network by connecting the Express units to the AEBS via Ethernet cable. Since my home is already wired for Ethernet, I'm considering making this change. If I proceed to establish the Ethernet connections, how do I then set up Airport Utility to accomodate this switch from a Wireless-based WiFi network to an Ethernet-based WiFi network?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Phyllis

I don't see anyplace in the Utility to designate HOW the Express units are connected, only how they relate on the network to the Extreme,
As I mentioned in the previous post, when you click the Internet icon in AirPort Utility:
Connect Using = Ethernet (This tells each Express to connect to the Extreme using the ethernet connection)
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode) (This setting allows your AirPort Extreme to function as the "main" router on the network, as it must for the setup to work correctly.
You do not need to configure anything differently on the AirPort Extreme (as long as it is working correctly now) to connect the AirPort Express devices.
The only other question I have is the following: I'm currently already using one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the Extreme-- for my husband's iMac. I really don't think he gains much in performance over how the iMac would run through wifi, so I could disconnect the iMac. If you think the iMac would do better to stay on the Ethernet connection, should I use a switch/splitter to add an extra connection?
Since each AirPort Express must connect using ethernet, you will need to use the 3 LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme for the AirPort Express devices.
I would suggest that you try connecting the iMac using wireless to see if that will work. If the wireless connection is not satisfactory, then you can add a 5 port ethernet switch to one of the LAN ports on the Extreme and then plug all the devices connecting using ethernet....the iMac and the 3 AirPort Express devices...into the remaining 4 ports on the switch. That will leave you with 2 open ports on the AirPort Extreme for any future devices that may need to connect.
When you test out the system, here is a trick to find out which device your computer is actually connecting to at any given time as it "roams" around the house.
When you have AirPort Utility open to configure each AirPort Express, jot down the AirPort ID for each Express. You can do the same for the AirPort Extreme.
As you move around with your laptop, hold down the option key on your Mac keyboard while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device that the laptop is connected to at that time. it should also be the ID of the closest AirPort Express (or AirPort Extreme if the laptop is close to the Extreme at the time).
Let us know how things are working when everything is up and running.

Extend Airport Extreme Network via Ethernet to Airport Express

I am trying to extend a gen 4 Airport Extreme by hardwiring ethernet to a 2nd gen Airport Express and will add a second Airport Express if I can get the first one to work. I have a large network with a 24 port switch and aiport utility 6.3.2 (most recent as of this date)
First question:
When expanding my network using the hardwired Airport Express can I name the new network anything I want or should it be exactly the same as the Extreme Network. I would prefer to name it differently so I can keep track of which network my devices are acturally joining but I will be happy simply to get this to work either way.
Second question:
After repeated attempts to configure my hardwired Aiport Extreme, I get the following yellow status error:
Yellow Internet Connetion
Yellow No DNS Servers
Yellow Conflicting DHCP Range
Observation:
Many of the suggestions here and the link posted in a previous post are not based upon the most recent Airport Untility software so that may contribute to my lack of success so far. I am using the most recent version.

Even though the express was hardwired to the extreme during the set up process it was choosing to "extend" the 5 ghz network which I have activated on my extreme. I assume this is okay. It seems to be. It offered me no other option during the set up.
Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands will be extended if the extending device supports dual bands.
I configured the express by plugging it directly into the LAN port of the Extreme. Once configure, I plugged the express into my 24 port switch. It worked.
That's a good way to do things. If the Express works when connected directly to the Extreme, and doesn't when you connect it elsewhere on the network, then you know that you have a wiring or switch issue somewhere.
I choose to keep the express network name and base station name the same as those on the extreme. They worked. Since I really want to keep track of which network I am logged into, I later changed both the network name and the base station name for the express and it seems to all work under the new names.
Either will work, as long as you don't mind logging on and off of networks to switch. Most users prefer to have one "big" network. Then, they can walk a laptop from one area to another, stay on the same network and the Mac will automatically switch to pick up the strongest signal from the closest access point.
I activated the 5 ghz on the newly configured and newly named express. It seems to work.
As it should.
While configuing the express I got the error message metioned above a couple times. I kept trying the same procdure with out changeing anything and eventually it worked.
I can't duplicate that issue, but glad that things worked after a few tries.
Since my AppleTV on the second floor has difficulties connecting with the extreme, I am thinking of plugging it in to the express directly. How do you feel about this? WOuld I be better off running another separate ethernet wire off the switch?
Always the best plan to connect any network devices using Ethernet if you can. The best networks are the ones with an Ethernet "backbone". You can connect the Apple TV to the Express or the switch, whichever is easier. Personally, I prefer to connect devices to a switch if possible just to keep things simpler and make any troubleshooting easier.
This whole system with an extreme, 3 expresses, 3 appletvs, 12-14 cameras, a 24 port switch and up to 50 devices on the network at one time (computers, phones, ipads, etc, etc) works reasonably well considering the demands I put on it.
That's quite a home network. Glad that things are working. I am sure that you notice better wireless performance now with the two AirPort Express devices wired into the Ethernet backbone.
If we could get more users to set up their networks this way, most of the complaints that we get about slow wireless, intermittent connections, etc would go away.
It's not easy to run the Ethernet cable for some users, but I have yet to hear from the first user who ever regretted doing it.

I told my wireless network to forget two airport expresses so that I could rename them. Now the network does not see them even when plugged in about 10 feet away from the airport extreme base station. Does "forget" mean forever? How to reset?

I told my wireless network to forget two airport expresses 1 1st gen, 1 2nd gen so that I could rename them. Now the network does not see them even when plugged in about 10 feet away from the airport extreme base station. The network does recognize a totally new 2nd gen express. Does "forget" mean forever? How to reset?

The network does recognize a totally new 2nd gen express.
Then, it sounds like you have already reset the 2nd Gen Express, and now you need to set it up again, like you did the first time. Only, this time, assign the device name that you want to the AirPort Express.
Do NOT use the name that Apple suggests.....which will be something goofy like........Sueswimsf's Red Apple AirPort Express
Assign a simple name.....something like 2ndGenExpress

I can not join my Apple extreme with the Apple express. I shows a conflict in the network! I've tried everything. How can they join on the same network?

I can not join my Apple extreme with the Apple express. I shows a conflict in the network! I've tried everything. How can they join on the same network?

It says that my DHCP has to be changed! How? to what?
It is 802.11g.express. but is set to default by the computer (Macbook Air).
The other is 802.11n. (express)
Extreme is 802.11.g. Is the Main Airport.
It is on ethernet & wep 128 security.

HOW do I get my Extreme base station and Express to join a Linksys network?

OK... so I have FINALLY enabled my SLINGBOX to view remotely by totally removing my Airport Extreme & Express from the network look. I was told they are both routers and I have to pick one. The Linksys network works fine for all networking purposes... what it WON'T DO is connect my USB printer or stream iTunes to remote speakers. NOW, I have been told by using the Extreme & Express in "client mode" I can do this.
Basically HOW do I get my Extreme base station and Express to join the exsiting Linksys network?

Sorry but the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) does NOT have a client mode.
The AirPort Express (AX) does have a client mode. The directions are in KB 302153, AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode.

Wireless Network Management with Multiple SSIDs in one Wireless Profile

Could anybody explain me about how Multiple SSIDs in one Wireless Network Name (Network Profile) ? Configuration will be pushed to Windows 7 Pro from Wins Server 2008 R2.
Objective: Multiple office locations will have different SSIDs and when the laptop user travels one location to another, he/she could connect to wireless networks at any offices without any configuration change but utilizing "Automatically use my Windows
logon name and password (and domain if any.)" setting in EAP MSCHAPv2 properties.
Network Name: Enterprise
SSIDS: SFO-WIFI, LAX-WIFI,CHI-WIFI,NYC-WIFI,
Network Type:Access Point
Security Type: WPA2-Enterprise
Encryption Type: AES
Network Authentication Method: Microsoft:Protect EAP(PEAP)
My question is: (1) Will Windows try all the SSIDs in order to get connected to the Wireless Network at the office? (Let's say, user is in NYC, but will Windows try to find SFO-WIFI SSID first, wait until time out, retry?, and moves on to LAS-WIFI SSID,
wait until time out, retry?, and moves on to CHI-WIFI and finally tries NYC-WIFI SSID and found the SSID in the beacon from Access Point and authenticates through RADIUS?
(2) If the answer is YES, what is the waiting time/timeout setting for one SSID before moves on to another?
(3) If the answer is NO, what is the process to get user connected to NYC-WIFI SSID when he/she is in NYC office within the range of that SSID?

Hello Ninjago_2224,
About the multiple office location have different SSIDs, does the location A has the signal used in
location D?
Please go to Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center
, and then click Manage wireless networks.
The windows will try to connect to these networks in the order listed.
Please check if the four SSID pushed by Windows Server 2008 is listed as mentioned above.
If the location A have the location D SSID and the location D SSID has higher priority, the Windows will connect to
location D SSID.
So about the question 1, the Windows will try the SSID in order.
About the question 2, I can’t find the accurate time that test one SSID and move to another. But based on my test, it is very fast.
For more information, please take a look at the following article.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/27067/change-wireless-network-priority-to-make-windows-7-choose-the-right-network-first/
Please note: Since the website is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN
Fangzhou CHEN
TechNet Community Support

I have just changed my network provided and now i can't find my 1st gen airport express with airport utilities

Hi, can anyone help. I've just updated my network with a new hub and now i cant find my 1st gen Airport express with the curreent Aiport utilities.

From your description, it sounds like the AirPort Express was configured to connect to your "old" router or hub...and, to do that, the Express remembered the specific ID of that device as part of the connection credentials.
The Express is likely still looking for the "old" device for which it still has the settings to connect.
Since you changed to a new hub or router, the Express has no idea how to connect to this new device.
If this is the case......then the solution will be to reset the Express back to factory default settings....and then configure it again to connect to your "new" hub.

Network is created with extreme, devices dont see expresses

Hello everyone, i will try to explain my dilemma as clearly as possible.
Recently we recived the 2WIRE u-verse ATT router, which is terrible on giving a wireless signal.
So i decided to buy an airport extreme, and 2 expresses.
I disabled the wireless of the 2Wire router,
Then set up the network with the Extreme,
and placed the expresses in the room that has terrible signal.
(other rooms do not have any ethernet ports, but do have the phone line things on the walls)
The issue that i am having is those two other rooms.
The room with the Aiport Extreme is fantastic, and runs smoothly.
And yet my iPhone and iPads, cant receive a signal, the computer can but its so slow. And yet the Expresses are in those rooms.
The Expresses are set to extend the range, and the signal to the extreme is "excellent"
The ony information i could find to resolve this is to buy a powerline adapter, is that the only way?
If so/If not, how do they work?
I did every confiquration possible, very rarely the connection would be great, but dead again the next day.

Without knowing the exact layout of your home, it may be possible that both of the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Stations (AXn) may be just outside of the useful signal range coming from the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) to successfully extend it.
One way to find out, is to make Signal-to-Noise (SNR) measurements at the locations where the AXns are placed to see if the signal quality is sufficient enough.
SNR (in dB) = Signal (in dBm) - Noise (in dBm)
For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.
SNR Guideline
40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal
If you have a Mac laptop handy, I suggest downloading a copy of iStumbler. You will use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to capture the Signal & Noise values. Be sure to power-off each AXn as you only want to measure the SNR of the AEBSn. Start with your laptop near the AEBSn, note the readings, and then, take the same measurements at each of the locations where the AXns are placed.
The SNR, as measured from the laptop, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.
If the SNR is 25dB+ at each of these locations, then you should be getting reasonable signal quality from the AEBSn at all of these locationst. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating either of the AXns until they are within a 25dB SNR range.
If, after relocating the AXns, you still do not get a high enough SNR, then you may want to consider employing Powerline adapters.

How to extend the range of my Airport Extreme network by adding an Airport Express

How to extend the range of my Airport Extreme network by adding an Airport Express?

You have to make sure that the AirPort Express is in Factory Default Settings. If it is straight out of the box, it is ready to be configured.
The instructions that I will provide are for using AirPort Utility 6.0, which you have.
Locate the Express in the same room as the AirPort Extreme for the configuration. Power it up and allow a full minute for the Express to display a blinking amber light.
Make sure that the wireless is turned on your Mac
Open AirPort Utility 6.0 and look at the small rectangle in the upper left hand corner of the display. It should now read something like "Other AirPort Base Stations (1)"
Click on the rectangle, and then click on the AirPort Express xxxxxx listing
AirPort Utility will take a minute or two to analyze the settings on your network and then suggest that the Express be configured to "Extend" your wireless network.
Edit the Base Station name to your liking, then click Next in the lower right hand corner
Allow a full minute or two let AirPort Utility do its work
When you see Setup Complete, click Done at the lower right of the window.
Now move the AirPort Express to a location that is approximately half way between the AirPort Extreme and the area that needs more wireless coverage.
You should be in business.

2nd Gen Touch & WiFi & Hidden SSID networks

I have tried to read all of the (many, many) existing threads on WiFi issues with the new iPod Touch -- frankly this ought to be a HUGE embarrassment to Apple.
Let me add to the list of problems -- the many strikes against this otherwise quite lovable device:
It doesn't play well with networks that use hidden SSID, so-called "closed" networks. All of the known existing problems with Touch 2Gen and ordinary WiFi networks (failure to join automatically, needing to have the device reset before joining, needing to turn off/on/off/on the wifi on the device before joining, etc. etc. etc.) -- are replicated and worsened when attempting to join and remain connected to a hidden-SSID network (yes, even one running on Apple's own wireless router!).
The worst is that, very often, one has to repeat going through the entire process of entering the network name and password -- as if the network had been 'forgotten.' (Although, it can be proved the iPod hasn't 'forgotten' the network, as the device will remember details such as a Static IP to associate with the network -- it just forgets to join it in the first place!)
Apple, Apple, Apple!
Are you determined to make me stop buying your products in the future?
Do you intend to fix the very buggy WiFi on this device?

Have you (or anyone who replied on this thread) actually opened a support case with Apple?
I just got a new 2nd Gen touch a couple of weeks ago and have been having the same problems described by you and the others here in my office (which uses a hidden SSID + 128bit WEP). Usually, the connection is lost when the unit comes out of sleep and it won't come back until I do a reset of the network settings and re-enter all the connection parameters.
I have 2 other co-workers with 2nd gen units and they have the exact same problems (worse actually, since they are both farther from the nearest access point).
There are 2 other folks here who have 1st gen units and neither one has ever had any problems here in the building. So this does appear to be a 2nd gen only issue.
I installed the 2.2 update which didn't help or hurt, but I was having the problems with the older 2.1.2 software.
It would be encouraging to at least hear from someone that Apple has acknowledged this is a real problem. If there is some sort of workaround, that would be even more encouraging.
Thanks,
Mark Edington

Multiple SSID network; 1 Extreme (current gen) + 3 Express (2011 models)

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