Picking up (and extending) wireless signals at limit of range....

Hello Lists -
I've just had a studio (shed) built in my garden as a home office. I currently have an Airport Extreme Base Station in the house (about 100 feet away). There is a one bar signal that my Powerbook G4 can receive in this new building. If I plug an Airport Express in to a socket in the shed, will it pick up and improve the signal from the house?
Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.
JON.
1.25 GHz PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

When acting as a repeater, the repeated signal does not depend on the
strength of the incoming signal. That would be a very
poor design for a repeater.
I agree, and am excited by the prospect of resolving this simply with an Express.
While I'm aware that Apple couldn't possibly ever produce anything of "poor design", there's plenty of it out there from other manufacturers. Thus my concern. And hopefully my lack of faith will be rewarded with an epiphanic experience where technology reintegrates itself into my life in a wholly satisfying way.
Like I say, I'll post back when I've set everything up next week.
Thanks again. Feeling much more hopeful as a result.
JON.
1.25 GHz PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.8)

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I just moved and Time Warner gave me a new modem and router (Motorola surfboard 6580). Can I now use my airport extreme in the bedroom to extend wireless signal? If so, how?

I just moved and Time Warner gave me a new modem and router (Motorola surfboard 6580). Can I now use my airport extreme in the bedroom to extend wireless signal? If so, how?

Can I now use my airport extreme in the bedroom to extend wireless signal?
Yes, if you plan to connect the AirPort Extreme back to the Motorola modem/router using a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection.
No, if you were planning to have the AirPort Extreme extend the Motorola signal wirelesssly.

Will the express stream music to my receiver and extend the signal radius?

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Hello James,
The flashing WLAN light means activity (data getting transferred). Try disconnecting all your devices and check whether the light is still flashing or disconnect the router from internet and do the check.
Do you have your SSID as linksys or the default one? If your neighbor has the same SSID, then traffic could result from your neighbor's one. Try changing your SSID and password. Make your security WPA/WPA2.
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Extend Wireless Signal -TimeCapsule 500GB + 2 Express 2009 - Not Work !!

Hi
In my home, I use a Time Capsule first gen 500GB as Router Acess Point. Attached to it, I have 1 PC Desk(Wired), 1 Playstation3/PSP (Wireless), 1 Brigde Wifi used in my SKY Decoder, 2 Iphone (one Classic and one 3GS), 1 IPAD, 2 Macbook White 2008 and 1 AppleTV 2G.
My Home has many rooms and walls are trick, which reduces the signal. To improve the signal, I bought 2 Airport Express, but never worked properly.
When I put The express to Extends the signal, my macbook stops the TimeMachine Backup, my PS3 don´t logs on network and my And my browsing speed drops dramatically, but the sign of the signal is full.
I use the TimeCapsule as MIX WIFI (802.11N-b/g 2.4ghz), because most of the equipment working in G ( Iphones, PS3, Sky, PSP).
The configs on TC ( Criate a Wireless Network - WIFI b/g/n 2.4Ghz - Allow it to be expanded - channel 2 - WPA/WPA2 Personal - SSD WIFILNK_N)
The confis on Express 1 and 2 ( Extend a Wireles Network - Same SSID on TC - Allow wifi client - WPA/WPA2 Personal with same Key)
I don´t know what I'm doing wrong, because I tried all modes and settings in Express WDS and Deny Wifi Client Connection)and have the same problem.
I don´t try to put all in True WIFI N (2.4 or 5ghz) because the others equipments.
My last attempt is to share this problem here...
Cleber

cleberpinto wrote:
My Home has many rooms and walls are trick, which reduces the signal. To improve the signal, I bought 2 Airport Express, but never worked properly.
Welcome to Apple's discussion groups.
What some people do wrong with network extension is to put the extending device too far from the main station. Try moving them to a point half way between the main station and the remote client.
When I put The express to Extends the signal, my macbook stops the TimeMachine Backup, my PS3 don´t logs on network and my And my browsing speed drops dramatically, but the sign of the signal is full.
That menu bar icon just shows you a rough indication of the signal from the nearest access point but doesn't reflect overall throughput. If you hold down an "option" key when you pull down that menu bar icon, you'll see a value for "RSSI", which is a better indicator of the signal strength.
Use the advice in this thread on the Time Capsule to investigate the signal and noise levels that each AirPort Express sees:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2347845&start=1
I don´t try to put all in True WIFI N (2.4 or 5ghz) because the others equipments.
I don't know what you mean by "True WiFi".

SOLUTION TO Time Capsule and extend wireless network using AEBS, Printers..

Hello GUYS
I find the solution: at least I have extended wireless using TC and old AEBS.
: well everybody have same problems to initialize second AEBS, and set it up.
OK follow this steps:
put next to each other TC (time capsule) and AEBS (airport extreme) -> switch AEBS off
If you followed installation TC correctly it should work without any problem.
SETING UP TC PART 1
pres in finder Command + Shift + U =then click Airport utility
set your TC with manual.
On piece of paper record Airport ID:
Click on TIME CAPSULE
I recommend change name not to use deffault long name for TC. Simply call it TC if you want. Set password.
In wireless. Write a name of your Network, keep it simple TC627 what ever. Write it down on paper. security WPA2 personal and password.
Update. and close utility
End of part 1
Part 2:
AEBS setup.
Switch AEBS on: No need to switch off TC
Press reset button for more than 5 sec. so everything is restore to factory settings.
-> in the bar top click wireless and select AEBS. You have to do this otherwise Airport utility will not recognise AEBS.
When you are done. Command shift U
Click airport utility. and manual setup.
-> write down the Airport ID.
Set up your AEBS, name something simple so you know what it is. Password and security.
Here do yourself favor use the same passwords as on TC and security.
NOW ->
click Wireless.
*Wireless network has to be same as on TC.*( it is on the paper)
Select Participate in wireless network
Radio mode b,g compatible or only N it is up to you.
I setup WPA2Personal again with the same password( same on TC)
Click WDS
Select WDS remote
select Allow wireless clients
and now write the TC airport ID into WDS main: number (it is on your paper)
Update.
switch off utility.
no go to right top and change airport back to TC.
Go to manual
Click Wireless:
Select Participate in WDS Network
Click WDS: wds mode to Main
allow wireless clients: and write into WDS remotes AEBS ID, (it is on the paper).
and update.
both airports will restart.
and you are extended.
You made it. Go to Utility Cmd,shift, U and you should be able to see both airports.
Now what you have to do is to take AEBS to different place.
Put it somewhere in second room. Go back to your computer. Leave it for couple of minutes. 10 -15 is ok.
to make sure your TC can find AEBS. If not TC will indicate by flashing green and orange. = >AEBS has to be closer.
correct is that TC has still green light.
Before you start with time machine: read what files to include
hope it helps.

instructions

Help me clarify: Difference between Joining and Extending Wireless Network

I've eventually figured out how to get my AirPort Express to allow my Mac Pro access to the internet Via Ethernet cable by joining an existing wireless network. What's the difference between that and extending it? By extending it I loose my ability to use the ethernet to connect to internet on my Mac Pro. Odd thing is though when I initially used AirPort Utility to set up my AirPort Express, I went through all the options to get it configured to access my existing network and I checked option to allow internet access through ethernet. All is well, but then I still don't have access to the internet through the ethernet and I noticed that the setting is on Extended. Just curious why it would give me the option to use the ethernet, set it on extended and not even work.

I've eventually figured out how to get my AirPort Express to allow my Mac Pro access to the internet Via Ethernet cable by joining an existing wireless network. What's the difference between that and extending it?
When "joining a network," the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) acts just like any other wireless client (laptop, desktop, printer, etc.) You would want to configure the AX to join a network when you only want to use it to share a USB printer and/or stream iTunes.
When "extending a network," the AX can perform as either a main, relay, or remote base station in a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). A WDS is primarily used to extend a network wirelessly.
By extending it I loose my ability to use the ethernet to connect to internet on my Mac Pro.
If the AX is configured as either a relay/remote base station in a WDS, you actually can use it's Ethernet port for Internet access. Of course, this relay/remote must be connected to a main base station, that itself, has Internet access.

Need help extending wireless signal.

Hey all. So here at home we have the BT Home Hub 4 with BT Infinity. Our house is three stories tall, and the router is on the first floor. On the first floor, the connection is fast and reliable. Up here on the third floor (where my bedroom is), the connection to my PC is okay (slower than downstairs but reliable and stays connected), but the connection to any mobile devices is very unreliable and slow (very common disconnects).
I'd like to consider my options about boosting the signal so it's stronger on the third floor. What type of devices can I get to do this? Lets exclude a wired connection for now to save me running cable around the house (I don't know how practical that would be). I saw that BT are selling devices which you plug into the mains and run a cable from that to your device. Out of interest, would that offer any increase in speed if I plugged it in here in my bedroom? Surely because the original signal has the same distance to travel, it wouldn't make a difference? Failing that option, what else is there? I've heard about wireless boosters/repeaters but i'm not sure how well they work and if I need any extra kit to use them.
Also as a side question, does anyone know why my PC can pick up a reliable signal on the third floor, but my phone/games console struggle to do so? My wireless adapter connected to my PC is like 10 years old, so you'd think my newer devices would have better receiving capabilities.
Thanks for any help.

The BT devices you are referring to send the ethernet signal through your mains wiring, so you get a "wired" system without having to install any new wiring. You can get models that just have an ethernet socket, or ones that have a WiFi hotspot as well. Be aware that the speed you get through them is very much dependent on the nature of your mains wiring. The claimed 500Mbps speed is only achievable under laboratory conditions.
If you go for the WiFi ones, you get a second wireless point in your home, and your devices can connect to whichever gives the best signal. Most gadgets can remember multiple WiFi passwords, so it's easy to hop between your Home Hub and the hotspot.
For your side question, it will depend to a large extent on the size and orientation of the wireless antenna. As gadgets keep getting smaller, the antennas do as well, which may well wipe out the gains from the more advanced circuitry.

Macbook pro cannot maintain extreme and express wireless signals while all PC's in vicinity can

I have a 2006 Macbook Pro whose Airport Utility cannot locate the Extreme and Express network in the house while every PC in the house is fine and can get the signal even in the basement.

This sounds like the internal antenna connector in the laptop has likely lost its connection, or the wireless card may be acting up. Suggest that you take the MacBook Pro to an Apple store to let them have a look.

What's the difference between WDS and Extend Wireless Network?

Hi,
I have a situation where my main computer (Mac Pro) is wired to an Extreme (n), and I have an Express (n) in another room in the house to Bridge to other computers for better wireless reception.
The manuals say I should be connecting the wireless computer via WDS. The way I have it connected right now is as such.
Extreme:
Create a wireless network
Allow this network to be extended is checked
Express:
Extend a wireless network
Allow wireless clients is checked
Is the above method correct, or should I be setting the Extreme and Express via: Participate in a WDS network?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Message was edited by: Imagine
Message was edited by: Imagine

I am not an expert on wireless networks but here is what they do in a nut shell:
WDS is a network composed by access points that work together to expand your network without the need of "wired" connectivity. so one of the bases will be wired, the rest are not , they just relay info to other computers... good for small to medium size business / homes
EWN is a network composed of wired & wireless networks/access points that work together to expand your network. pretty much you could have 5+ bases plugged in to a LAN / WAN covering different areas of your company / home (long range for medium / big business / Bill Gate's home, etc.).

Cannot access login page and no wireless signal

Hello, I am using a WRT54G ver 2 router, everything was working fine until a couple of days, when just out of the blue my wifi stopped working, the wireless light does not lit on the router, I tried resetting, disconnecting the router and modem, and upgrading the firmware(which I cannot because I cannot access the setup page) and nothing seems to work, hopefully someone here can help me,
Thank you
JB

After a firmware upgrade you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
To reset your router to factory defaults, use the following procedure:
1) Power down all computers, the router, and the modem, and unplug them from the wall.
2) Disconnect all wires from the router.
3) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
4) Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds, then release it, then let the router reset and reboot (2-3 minutes).
5) Power down the router.
6) Connect one computer by wire to port 1 on the router (NOT to the internet port).
7) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
8) Power up the computer (if the computer has a wireless card, make sure it is off).
9) Try to ping the router. To do this, click the "Start" button > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. A black DOS box will appear. Enter the following: "ping 192.168.1.1" (no quotes), and hit the Enter key. You will see 3 or 4 lines that start either with "Reply from ... " or "Request timed out." If you see "Reply from ...", your computer has found your router.
10) Open your browser and point it to 192.168.1.1. This will take you to your router's login page. Leave the user name blank, and in the password field, enter "admin" (with no quotes). This will take you to your router setup page. Note the version number of your firmware (usually listed near upper right corner of screen). Exit your browser.
If you get this far without problems, try the setup disk (or setup the router manually, if you prefer), and see if you can get your router setup and working.
If you cannot get "Reply from ..." in step 9 above, your router is dead.
If you get a reply in step 9, but cannot complete step 10, then either your router is dead or the firmware is corrupt, or your firewall is still turned on. In this case, turn off the firewall, and if you still cannot complete step 10, then use the Linksys tftp.exe program to try to reload your router with the latest firmware. (If you have already reloaded the firmware with tftp.exe, and you still cannot complete step 10, then the router is dead.) After reloading the firmware, repeat the above procedure starting with step 1.
If you need additional help, please state your ISP, the make and model of your modem, your router's firmware version, and the results of steps 9 and 10. Also, if you get any error messages, copy them exactly and report back.
Please let me know how things turn out for you.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 03-26-2008 02:10 AM

Very Slow BB and Wireless Signal Dropping

Hi, I have a HomeHub 2 which has worked reasonably well over the years. Recently my BB speed seems pretty slow and the wireless signal keeps dropping every 5 seconds or so.
We have several laptops in the house (not all online at once) and this problem affects them all. I have installed inSSIDer and it shows 6 other hubs in the vicinity. I have tried changing the Wireless channel, changing from b/g/n to just b/g, reducing the roaming aggresiveness settings but nothing seems to be working. My hub settings are below
Line state
Connected
Connection time
5 days, 00:27:21
Downstream
3,776 Kbps
Upstream
448 Kbps
ADSL Settings
VPI/VCI
0/38
Type
PPPoA
Modulation
G.992.1 Annex A
Latency type
Interleaved
Noise margin (Down/Up)
5.0 dB / 17.0 dB
Line attenuation (Down/Up)
54.4 dB / 31.0 dB
Output power (Down/Up)
5.8 dBm / 1.4 dBm
Loss of Framing (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
Loss of Signal (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
Loss of Power (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
FEC Errors (Down/Up)
30808 / 1223
CRC Errors (Down/Up)
1376 / 32
HEC Errors (Down/Up)
5162 / 37
Error Seconds (Local/Remote)
574 / 36
inSSIDer shows my SSID as -46 (goes as low as -20 when im next to the hub).
Can anyone make any suggestions as to how i can sort this problem as it's driving me nuts.
Thanks in advance.

Hi the link was produced byanother of thecommunuty members Keith the link has now beennoved to another server as the BT web space in no longer available I will ask him to repost his link to you
You do seem to have a lot of wireless in your area which is making it very difficult to have a completely free channel all you can do is find a channel that has the weakest signals on It and try that hopefully Keith will post the link and maybe some further ideas
If you want to say thanks for a helpful answer,please click on the Ratings star on the left-hand side If the reply answers your question then please mark as ’Mark as Accepted Solution’

Wireless Signal Flashing On/Off

Hi, the wireless signal on my MacBook keeps "blinking" on and off and I am unable to connect to the wireless provider i normally use. What could be causing this? It is strange because my other computer is connected fine. This has happened before and it eventually just stops and the wireless signal remains full. But I'm curious why this would be happening... anyone know?

More info:
Just booted back into Leopard. Sitting 1 metre from the Belkin AP, and still getting packet loss:
getafix:~ johngibbs$ ping 172.16.1.1
PING 172.16.1.1 (172.16.1.1): 56 data bytes
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=0 ttl=64 time=533.363 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=1 ttl=64 time=2.424 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=2 ttl=64 time=291.563 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=3 ttl=64 time=55.201 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=4 ttl=64 time=272.656 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=5 ttl=64 time=34.345 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=6 ttl=64 time=11.042 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=7 ttl=64 time=32.551 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=8 ttl=64 time=51.944 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=9 ttl=64 time=9.620 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=10 ttl=64 time=29.732 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=11 ttl=64 time=10.026 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=12 ttl=64 time=186.801 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=13 ttl=64 time=86.103 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=14 ttl=64 time=746.532 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=15 ttl=64 time=7.174 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=16 ttl=64 time=224.493 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=17 ttl=64 time=161.922 ms
64 bytes from 172.16.1.1: icmp_seq=18 ttl=64 time=20.619 ms
^C
--- 172.16.1.1 ping statistics ---
20 packets transmitted, 19 packets received, 5% packet loss
round-trip min/avg/max/stddev = 2.424/145.690/746.532/195.534 ms
Web browsing performance is a bit poxy as well. All was fine in Vista.
JG

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I have one of the newer Airport Extremes sitting directly beside me and my wireless signal is two bars, and I cannot see any of my neighbours wireless (not that I need them, but the fact that I cant see annoying). Before I updated to snowleopard my signal was full everywhere in my house and I could see about 10 other networks. Nothing changed but the update from Leopard to Snow Leopard.
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I should note I have the AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x86).

Two wireless signals stopped while wired connections are fine

I have several computers wired to a router with good Internet access. For several years, my Airport Express and Netgear wireless signals were available to Macs, PCs, and an iPhone in the house. Now neither the Airport Express or Netgear wireless signals are available on Macs, PC, or iPhone. The signals were intermittent at first and now don't appear at all. Suggestions?

I have several computers wired to a router with good Internet access. For several years, my Airport Express and Netgear wireless signals were available to Macs, PCs, and an iPhone in the house. Now neither the Airport Express or Netgear wireless signals are available on Macs, PC, or iPhone. The signals were intermittent at first and now don't appear at all. Suggestions?

Picking up (and extending) wireless signals at limit of range....

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