Not so trivial question about extending a wireless network

Hello,
I've always had Wi-Fi signal strength issues in my house. Two days ago my Linksys router died and I got the new AirPort Extreme. Things got a bit better signal wise. Feature wise things got a whole lot better! Which got me thinking about the next step.
The two farthest corners of my hose are wired with CAT5E, and I have a gigabit router. My AirPort Extreme is on one of these corners, meaning I have a weak signal on the other corner. My question is, can I add another AirPort Extreme to the other corner, hook it on the wired LAN and have it extend my wireless network? I don't want to see 2 different networks. I want to see just my wireless network and have a strong signal everywhere. Can this be done?

Actually a Linux server is my internet connection (has two NICs). All the computers in my house plug into a Gigabit hub. The AirPort express is configured as "Share a public IP address", instead of "Bridge Mode", because I want to be able to use the "Guest Network" feature (so cool!). Yes I have two DHCP/NAT servers, but they don't interfere with each other, as they are on separate networks. My main network is 192.168.1, my AirPort network is 192.168.2, and my Guest Network is 10.0.42.
I will try both your suggestions and report back. It would be perfect if I could just plug the second AirPort to the Gigabit hub, but I don't mind chaining it to the first AirPort, if that's what it takes.
This is turning out to be a really fun project and I might finally fix the wireless signal in my house after all these years
Thanks!
Erasmo.

Similar Messages

Iphone will not recognize an Airport Express extending a wireless network

Hi. I asked elsewhere in the support community and someone suggested I also ask here. I have two Airport Expresses, one in my living room that is creating a wireless network, and another in the back of my house, extending a wireless network so it will reach in to the back yard. The one in the living room is the new 2012 model, and the one in back is the pre-2012 model. They both have the latest firmware, and I configured them both using the Airport Utility, and can confirm they are working as configured, to create and extend a wireless network.
My mid-2010 Macbook with Lion shifts between devices effortlessly, switching to the stronger signal when I move between the house and the back yard. I can verify this by selecting Option+Click on the wireless widget in the menu bar and checking the BSSID against the Airport Utility. But the signal from the living room unit still reaches in to the back yard, and as far as I can tell, and the iPhone 4S cannot recognize the existence of the extending unit (outside of the Airport Utility). I know the former is a well-known problem, the iPhone is unique in that it will annoyingly hold on to the existing connection for dear life, even when a stronger one is available. I thought I could work around that by power cycling or disabling/reenabling Wi-Fi when out of range of the living room unit to get around that problem but even that doesn't work.
When I go some place out of range of the living room unit but still within line of sight of the back yard unit, say the neighboring field, the laptop can connect to the back yard unit with about -75 RSSI, but the iPhone does not even see the wireless network. Even after a power cycle at that location. If I approach my back yard from the field while constantly scanning Wi-Fi (switching between the front pane in the Settings app and the Wi-Fi pane), the iPhone does not see my network until it sees the living room unit, at which point it tries to connect, and the Airport Utility shows the iPhone is connected to the living room unit, not the back yard unit. This is in contrast to the Macbook which both sees the extending Airport and happily connects to it when it has better signal than the living room unit.
Any idea why the iPhone cannot see the extending Airport Express but the Macbook can?

Anyone? Has anyone had experience with this problem? I've reset the extending Airport and reapplied the settings and still have the same problem.

Questions regarding extending a wireless network

Hi, I have three questions about extending my network.
1- Is the option "Create a wireless network" on a Time Capsule creating a second wireless network if I use the same name and exact same settings as the wireless network created by an Airport Extreme or just extend it?
2- If yes, why using the "Create a wireless network" option to extend a wireless network since there's an option to "Extend a wireless network"?
I've discovered something I don't understand while plugin my Time Capsule. I've set it up using the option "Extend a wireless network" and everything is fine, but if I plug an ethernet cable on my Time Capsule that is relied to my Airport Extreme router that creates the network, I loose all signal.
3- Why I loose all signal if I connect my Time Capsule to my Airport Extreme via ethernet while my Time Capsule is on "Extend a wireless network" option.
Thanks!

1- Is the option "Create a wireless network" on a Time Capsule creating a second wireless network if I use the same name and exact same settings as the wireless network created by an Airport Extreme or just extend it?
If you have the Time Capsule (TC) connected by Ethernet to another AirPort or non-AirPort router, then this setting will create a second wireless network. However, if both routers are configured for roaming, both of these wireless networks will perform as "one."
2- If yes, why using the "Create a wireless network" option to extend a wireless network since there's an option to "Extend a wireless network"?
The "Extend a wireless network" option is for when you want the connection between AirPort routers to be wireless. The AirPort that would be extended would have the option: "Allow this network to be extended" enabled as well. Please check out this Apple Support article for more details on configuring an extended network with two or more 802.11n AirPorts.
3- Why I loose all signal if I connect my Time Capsule to my Airport Extreme via ethernet while my Time Capsule is on "Extend a wireless network" option.
It's because you have your network mis-configured for what you are trying to do. Again, that is because this option is only relevant when two AirPorts are interconnected by wireless.

How do I use airport express to extend my wireless network?

How vcan I extend the range of my wireless network using Airport Express?

It appears that you may have "join a wireless network" and "extend a wireless network" mixed up a bit.
The Express can "join" virtually any wireless network produced by any manufacturer's router if it is provided with the correct settings:
name of the wireless network
the correct wireless security settings
and correct password.
"Join" is normally used for AirTunes or to connect a USB printer to the Express for remote printing.
But, the Express does not provide any additional wirless coverage when it "joins" another wireless network.
Apple's "Extend a wireless network" feature, which was introduced about 5 years ago, allows the Express to connect to another Apple "n" wireless router and then "repeat" or "extend" the wireless signal....providing more wireless coverage in the area where the Express is located.
This is a proprietary setting. Apple says it will not work with devices from other manufacturers. To our knowledge, this is correct.
Prior to 2007, Apple used a setting called WDS to allow the Express to be configured to provide more wireless coverage. Attempts were made by a number of manufacturers to standardize the WDS settings, but things were never finalized.
The result is that Apple's older "b/g" routers were sometimes compatible with WDS settings from another manufacturer. There were a handful of products....5 or 6, as I recall....that were said to work. Some did, some didn't. Linksys had a couple of models, Netgear had one, SMC another, etc. Extremely limited.
Since WDS was never adopted as an industry standard, manufacturers developed their own WDS settings. Compatibility was extemely limited and unreliable. That continues to this day with WDS.
Bottom line....It is always best to stick with the same manufacturer throughout your network as far as routing is concerned.
If you have an newer "n" Apple router like an AirPort Extreme, the Express can extend the wireless as can along Extreme. If your Extreme is dual band, and you want to extend both bands, then you need another Extreme.
Another responder suggested to someone that they could connect the AirPort Express to a router via Ethernet. What exactly would that achieve?
That is a completely different subject since this discussion is about extending a wireless network using wireless only.

Question about extending network

I just ordered the brand new Airport Extreme. My current Airport Extreme is about 6 years old so I upgraded to take advantage of the better WiFi speeds. What I'm wondering is what I can do with my old Airport Extreme, which still works fine. Does it make sense to set it up somewhere else in the house to extend my wireless signal further away from my new one, and if so, how do I ensure that I'm not connecting to the slower Extreme signal than the newer one if it is extending the network.

Which old model AirPort Extreme do you have?
Round shaped? Square shaped?
If it's the square version, it can be set up to "extend a wireless network", but the extending AirPort will of course not run at 802.11ac speeds.
how do I ensure that I'm not connecting to the slower Extreme signal than the newer one if it is extending the network.
Wireless devices will connect to the AirPort with the strongest signal, which is also going to be the closest AirPort at the time. No way to avoid that.
If you want to maintain 802.11ac speeds throughout an extended network, you will need two new AirPort Extremes.

It does not cover my question about in what order does the sync work?

It does not cover my question about in what order does the sync work?
Does the first signed on computer copy its information to the cloud?
Does the second computer/pad/cell then download the information from the cloud overwriting the information on the second device even if some of the information is different?
What happens to the information on the second device that is not in the cloud?
If you delete a record (eg a bookmark) from the second device how does it then delete it on the first device?
What are the keys to the different types of information?

Hi I have answered you questions inline below:
Does the first signed on computer copy its information to the cloud?
Yes when you first set up the account or when you first add a device to the cloud, if it is not the first time, it will merge with the other data
Does the second computer/pad/cell then download the information from the cloud overwriting the information on the second device even if some of the information is different?
By default it merges. There is no option to change this.
What happens to the information on the second device that is not in the cloud?
It will sync at the next sync interval if that data is selected to sync.
If you delete a record (eg a bookmark) from the second device how does it then delete it on the first device? What are the keys to the different types of information?
It resolved the entry the next time the first and second device syncs. Can you elaborate on the second part of this question?

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

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

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

Extend Existing Wireless Network

I am trying to extend my existing wireless network. I think I have it set up correctly, but I have a question about it. I initially had the network set up with a 2WIRE modem (AT&T) and an Airport Extreme. It has been really sluggish as of late, so I re-positioned the modem and AE (out of entertainment cabinet) and now it's more out in the open.
After doing that my Macbook which I use upstairs was running pretty fast, but the iMac which is downstairs and on the same level as the modem/AE was running very slowly. So, I thought I'd extend the network using an Airport Express. I think I have it set up correctly, since everything seems to be working just fine, BUT the question I have is...does the Express HAVE to be plugged int the modem in order to extend the network?
I thought the whole point of using the Express to extend the network is that you could have the Express in between the modem/AE and the computer - on the same level of the house or another level, or at least in another rom on the same level.
I hope I've explained my situation well enough for anyone to be able to provide assistance. Everything is working fine, but I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that I've done things correctly
and maybe a better understanding of how extending a network really works.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Julie

Hello Julie
To extend your wireless network I suggest you do the following;
Take the express and extreme into the same room. Ideally, plug the extreme into your modem using an ethernet cable and have the express hooked up to power on its own in the same room.
I would reset both device to their factory defaults and start over. To reset the devices to factory defaults, unplug them from their power source, hold down the recessed reset button while plugging them back into to power and continue to hold the reset button until the one LED begins to flash rapidly.
Do this with the extreme and the express. Now open airport utility, select your airport extreme and set it up from the start using the continue button and answer all the questions. Once the extreme is setup, you should see a large green checkmark. See the mac you set it up with can connect to the internet.
If you are on the internet through your extreme's wireless network you're almost there.
Step 1. Using airport utility select the airport express and click continue. The key here is to ask the express to join an existing wireless network when the question arrises.
This should do the trick for you.
Alternate to step 1. If you want to you can skip step 1 above and select your extreme using airport utility, go to the Base Station menu and select Manual Setup, click the Airport icon from the manual setup window, click the Wireless tab and put a tick next to "Allow this network to be extended". This will instruct the extreme to allow its wireless network to be extended. Update your extreme after turning on this option and give it about one minute to update itself.
Now, using airport utility, setup your express to using the continue button and instruct it to join an existing wireless network when the question comes up.
So you have two options, either should do.
Hopefully this was not too difficult. Airport utility will still see the two airport routers but from your airport menu you will always see only one network because the extreme and express behave as though they are one large network.
Consider unplugging the express now and moving it to the other floor. After you take the express upstairs, give it a minute and if it is in range of your extreme it will assume a green light, if on the other hand it continues to flash amber it's possible that it's too far from the extreme. In this case consider plugging the express into a wall socket nearer to the express.
Does this help?
Most of what I explained might be better explained by Apple, see page 43 of http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Apple_AirPort_NetworksEarly2009.pdf. The steps on page 43 are what you would do with your extreme - to extend its wireless network.
Let me know how it goes.
If your devices are under 90 days old you still have complimentary phone support. If you have an AppleCare protection plan on your mac one of your devices are covered for hardware support and the 3 years phone support. If you are eligible AppleCare will be able to walk you through this.

"Extend a Wireless Network" seems to be... broken?

Hey guys,
Here's the scoop.
I have one Airport Extreme 802.11n that's connected to a cable modem. It's set to "Create a Wireless Network". It's at 5 GHz, and "Allow this Network To Be Extended" is checked. It works fine!
I have another Airport Extreme 802.11n upstairs that's set to "Extend a Wireless Network". I've then entered the network name and password of the original network. It successfully connects just fine to #1, and gets an IP address.
Then, I wander about.
When I get poor signal from the original base station (#1), and I enter the range of the extender station (#2), the laptop switches over to #2 and the network COMPLETELY DROPS OUT.
I.e., I can ping 10.0.1.1, but I cannot access the internet, no web pages can be loaded, etc. I'm stuck -- Airport is dead and I have to power down #2 and reboot.
Has anybody tried using two 802.11n Airport Extremes in this kind of configuration? With both set to 5GHz 802.11n only, and one sharing, the other extending?
If so.. what's your secret? Or is this just a striaght-up bug?
Thanks, Cabel
PS: Don't forget, this has nothing to do with WDS.

Hey guys,
Here's the scoop.
I have one Airport Extreme 802.11n that's connected
to a cable modem. It's set to "Create a Wireless
Network". It's at 5 GHz, and "Allow this Network
To Be Extended" is checked. It works fine!
I have another Airport Extreme 802.11n upstairs
that's set to "Extend a Wireless Network".
I've then entered the network name and password of
the original network. It successfully connects just
fine to #1, and gets an IP address.
Then, I wander about.
When I get poor signal from the original base
station (#1), and I enter the range of the
extender station (#2), the laptop switches over to
#2 and the network COMPLETELY DROPS OUT.
I.e., I can ping 10.0.1.1, but I cannot access the
internet, no web pages can be loaded, etc. I'm stuck
-- Airport is dead and I have to power down #2 and
reboot.
Has anybody tried using two 802.11n Airport
Extremes in this kind of configuration? With both
set to 5GHz 802.11n only, and one sharing, the other
extending?
If so.. what's your secret? Or is this just a
striaght-up bug?
I have the same identical configuration EXCEPT that I am not using 5GHz. Works beautifully. 100% coverage on 3 floors of my house.

What is the best way to extend a Wireless network?

Hi,
We have 3 devices,
1) Our Primary Network Router (which creates our office Network and has DHCP enabled).
2) We have and Airport Extreme, which is used to create our Wireless Network (THIS IS SET TO “Create Wireless Network”), it has DHCP Enabled, its DHCP IP Scheme is set to 192.168.2.x, where the IP Scheme of our Primary Network is set to 192.168.181.x.
3) We have an Airport Express that we are trying to use to EXTEND our Wireless Network.
The most important thing we are trying to accomplish is to isolate the Wireless Network from our Primary Network, so Wireless Clients can access the Internet, but CAN’T SEE or ACCESS the Shared Network Volumes AVAILABLE ON THE PRIMARY NETWORK.
At the moment, the Wireless Clients can access the Internet and receive an IP in the range of 192.168.2.x from the DHCP Server in the Airport Extreme. That part of it is working, but the Wireless Clients can unfortunately still SEE and ACCESS the Network Volumes available on the Primary Network. WHICH IS NOT WHAT WE WANT!!
Question 1: How can we have the Airport Create a separate Network, so the Wireless Clients CAN’T SEE or ACCESS the Network Volumes from the Primary Network, but can still get access to the Internet through the Primary Network?
Question 2: What is the best way to use the Airport Express to “EXTEND” the Airport Extreme’s Wireless Network? I have tried WDS “Main” for Extreme and WDS “Remote” for Express, but all that doesn’t allow you to use the Extreme to Create a Separate Network, it uses the DHCP Server built into the Primary Network’s Router. Also tried to set the Express to “EXTEND WIRELESS NETWORK”, which seems to work, but I am not sure why. Because I don’t have a cable from the Extreme to the Express, which is sounds like you have to when it is setup that way!!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Kalagan

Question 1: How can we have the Airport Create a separate Network, so the Wireless Clients CAN’T SEE or ACCESS the Network Volumes from the Primary Network, but can still get access to the Internet through the Primary Network?
There is no way to do this. Any of the wireless clients of the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) can see any device connected to the AEBS's WAN port. Clients of a subnet can see anything on the supernet.
You could configure you network like this:
Internet-> (WAN) AEBS (LAN) -> Primary router
As long as the Primary router was providing DHCP/NAT the things on the LAN side of the Primary router would be hidden from the AEBS clients.
A better solution may be to have 2 completely separate networks OR invest in some type of network security firewall device to actively isolate your Primary network.
Question 2: What is the best way to use the Airport Express to “EXTEND” the Airport Extreme’s Wireless Network? I have tried WDS “Main” for Extreme and WDS “Remote” for Express, but all that doesn’t allow you to use the Extreme to Create a Separate Network, it uses the DHCP Server built into the Primary Network’s Router. Also tried to set the Express to “EXTEND WIRELESS NETWORK”, which seems to work, but I am not sure why. Because I don’t have a cable from the Extreme to the Express, which is sounds like you have to when it is setup that way!!
WDS is 802.11g's method of wirelessly extending a network.
"Extend wireless network" is 802.11n's method of wirelessly extending a network.
Neither of them require the AirPort Express (AX) to be cabled to the AEBS.

Using Airport Express to extend my wireless network

I recently purchased a Time Capsule but found that I could not see the wireless signal from my bedroom. To solve this I purchased an Airport Express to extend the range. I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network. Everything looked fine from the point of view of the Airport Utility. Unfortunately my iPod Touch still can not see my wireless network from my bedroom. I new iPad can see it but the signal is very weak, even when I hold it right next to the AE. Is there a setting I missed?

Rick, welcome to the discussion area!
I plugged the AE into an outlet in my bed room and set it up to join my existing network.
You need to configure the AirPort Express to "Extend a wireless network". The AX does not provide any additional wireless coverage when it is set to "join".
First, you need to check a setting on your Time Capsule as follows:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab (below the icons)
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Update to save any changes
On the AirPort Express move it close to the Time Capsule for configuration:
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network" (Hold down the option key on your Mac if you do not see this choice appear when you click the selection box).
Wireless Network Name = Same name as your Time Capsule Network
Check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Security = Same setting as your Time Capsule
Password = Same password as your Time Capsule
Confirm Password
Update to save settings
The AirPort Express can only "extend" what it "receives". Most users position it too far away from the main router and consequently, the Express extends a weak signal. Try a location that is about 1/2 to 2/3 the distance between the Time Capsule and the area that needs move coverage. Then experiment a bit to find the best signal.
Post back on your results.

Extending Sky Wireless Network with Airport Express.

I spent most of last night trying to extend my Sky Wireless Network using an Apple Airport Express. The Apple Store salesman told me that it would be simple to set up but he's either wrong or I'm completely stupid!
Does anybody know if this is possible and if so, can they please advise me how I do this. (I am using Windows 7 on my Dell laptop)

I spent most of last night trying to extend my Sky Wireless Network using an Apple Airport Express. The Apple Store salesman told me that it would be simple to set up but he's either wrong or I'm completely stupid!
Unfortunately, the salesman may not have understood your question, or he may have given you incorrect information.
It's possible to have the AirPort Express provide more wireless coverage if you connect it using an ethernet cable permanently to your Sky router.
But, the AirPort Express cannot "extend" the wireless network produced by the Sky by connecting using wireless only. The "extend" feature will only work if you have an Apple to Apple wireless connection. This feature is not compatible with the products of other manufacturers.

Time Capsule - Extend a Wireless Network Disappeared

I was going in my Time Capsule settings within the Airport Utilities... I wanted to extend my wireless network so I clicked on this option. When I clicked it... the Time Capsule restarted and now is not showing up in Airport Utilities and there is a flashing amber light on my TC. Any way I can remove the extend my wireless network and put it back to Join a Wireless network?
Any help would be awesome...
Thanks.

We need a bit more information to understand your setup.
What version of AirPort Utility are you using? If you are not sure, open AirPort Utility and click on the AirPort Utility menu at the upper left corner of the screen. Then click on About AirPort Utility. Post back with the version number that you see there.
The Time Capsule cannot "extend" a wireless network unless it is connecting to another Apple router....an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or another Time Capsule.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766

"Participate in WDS.." or "Extend a wireless network" ?

I've got two AEBS's, one is to be used as a main base station and the other is to be used as a remote base station. I aslo have an AXBS that will be used for Airtunes.
The main AEBS is connected to my dsl modem and is hardwired via ethernet to the 24" iMac. It also has a shared usb printer connected to it.
The remote AEBS is connected to an older iMac via ethernet cable, and also has a shared hard drive connected to it.
The AXBS is used only for Airtunes.
I also have a laptop running Windows XP that I can connect wirelessly to the network for internet access and Bonjour printing to the shared printer.
Currently, I have the network cobbled together by "creating a wireless network" with the main AEBS, and "extending a wireless network" with the remote. It is unclear to me whether I need to allow wireless clients for the remote.
Is this the best way to set up the components described above, or might it be better to set up a wireless distribution system (WDS).
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
-- MissyT

Thanks for the help Duane.
The AEBS operating as a "remote" is being used with a shared hard drive (which to my understanding is only capable by using an AEBS, rather than an Express). It is also being used to provide an older iMac (with no Airport card) the ability to connect to the internet wirelessly.
So you've pretty much answered my question regarding the use of WDS. I didn't know that WDS operates at "g" speeds, so it makes no sense for me to use to 802.11n devices at the slower 802.11g speed.
My only remaining question is whether I need to check the "Allow wireless clients" box under the Wireless tab in Airport Utility when setting up the so called remote AEBS. If I do not, I still seem to be able to connect to the shared hard drive with either computer -- the older iMac wired to the Extreme with the shared hard drive, as well as with the newer iMac that is wired to the other (main) Extreme.) This seems like a really dumb question but, what exactly does this "Allow wireless clients" checkbox do?
Thanks,
MissyT

How can I boost signal by extending a wireless network?

I have an Airport Express serving Wi-Fi and Airplay in my living room, and the signal is just strong enough that my devices will remain connected all the way in my back yard, which would be great for outdoor parties but the signal isn't strong enough to stream reliably. I thought I could resolve this problem by getting a second Airport Express to extend my wireless network and it would act as a repeater. However, it doesn't work when my devices (specifically an iPhone 4S) will not disconnect from the first Airport Express.
Is there another configuration I can use to get a more reliable Wi-Fi network in my back yard, one that doesn't require stringing an ethernet cable between the Airport Expresses? My base station is stuck in its location since that's where my cable modem and stereo are. Thanks!

Okay, after further experimentation, it appears the iPhone's Wi-Fi refuses to even recognize the existence of the extending unit. I walked out to the neighboring field, far enough away that the base station's signal cannot reach, but the extending unit still has line-of-sight. The MacBook has about -77 RSSI from the extending unit (verified BSSID is that of the extending unit with Airport Utility) and decent throughput - I was able to load a webpage rapidly - but the iPhone cannot find my network at all.
I also walked to the far end of the field with the iPhone, power cycled it, and performed Wi-Fi scans as I approached my house. It did not detect my network at all until it could connect to the base station, which I could verify in Airport Utility where it shows the iPhone connected to the base station unit and only the Macbook (still sitting under the extending unit) connected to the extending unit.
Anybody know how I can fix this so that I can apply the suggested workaround (power cycle the iPhone when outside of range of the base station but within range of the extending unit)?
Firmware checks verify all devices have the latest firmware. 7.6.1 for the older, extending Airport Express, 7.6.2 for the new hockey puck base station Airport Express, and 5.1.1 for the iPhone.

Not so trivial question about extending a wireless network

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