Possible to add a non-Apple signal booster to Airport Extreme to improve signal strength?

Good day to you all.
This might seem like a weird question. I've just rencently purchased my first ever MacBook Pro to enter the Mac family
With it, I also bought an AirPort Extreme. Like others today, I've had a lot of trouble trying to get the thing set up. I somehow managed to get it working, but the signal strength in the far room of the house is too weak.
I suppose I could just get a better Wi-fi adapter for that computer to pick up the better signals, but, my question is:
I have a signal booster (repeater?) from Cisco/Linksys that I used for my Cisco/lynksys router. It would connect to the network and bounce that signal from that base off to improve the signal strength to the rest of the house. It worked like a charm. So, my question is is it at all possible to connect a non-apple booster like this to the network to bounce the signal?
I assume it would work, but thought I'd ask anyway just to be sure; to check if anyone else knows about this. I'm going to try sometime soon if this works, but would love to know what others think.
Thank you very much for your time and help!!

Ah, yes. Good idea. Well, in a few year's time, we'll probably move on to better devices, but, for those who do have something that isn't Apple...I encourage you to try it.
I'm using the Cicsco/Lynksys Range Extender that I believe is simply called RE1000; mine was refurbished, too.
Anyway, it came with a set up disc that I'm not entirely sure if it works on a Mac computer. I didn't try it.
You'll run the set up disc (somehow), make sure you follow the instructions on the screen, and it should allow the RE1000 to find the network you created using the AirPort. Once the set up is complete, it'll ask you to move the RE1000 to another electrical outlet in your house that can take the signal and bounce it to a wider area of your house, and presumably the neighborhood (secure your network).
Seemed to work without a hitch. So, if you're not using an Apple range extender (another AirPort type thing), hopefully this helps you. It did work for me, otherwise I would have taken the AP Extreme back for a refund haha

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Can I use non-apple notebook to connect AirPort Extreme?

I
Can I use non-apple notebook to connect AirPort Extreme?

He might be trying to do so to promote his products or may be there was some misunderstanding.
Airport Extreme will work as a wireless router supporting upto 50 systems including Mac computers, PCs, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Apple TV and virtually all 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless devices — all at the same time.
for reference http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD031LL/A/AirPort-Extreme

External signal booster for Airport extreme card

I'm trying to find a solution to boosting the signal receiving capabilities of my Apple 15" Powerbook G4 with an Airport Extreme Card.
I live in an area that receives several WiFi non-encrypted signals, which my Airport can detect (weakly), but I need to boost the signal that the airport receives.
Let me make this clear, I am not attached, or connected to ANY router, or DSL system, I am only receiving open WiFi signals.
I need to find a signal booster, or directional antenna. (I’d rather not crack open the Power Book to attach the hardware).
I’ve looked at several 3rd party options i.e. Linksys, Netgear, Hawkings, D-link, most do not support Mac ( so often)
I currently use a Hawking Tech directional PCI wireless card 802.11 B/G mixed mode. It works well enough with Mac, but it is often buggy, and yes I do turn of Airport when I use it. But I’d rather use the built in Airport with an external booster. I’m open to suggestions, Mac or 3rd Party, though the ‘Pringles can’ doesn’t work. thanks
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Hi mkupman:
Welcome to Apple Discussions!
Here may be a few options for you! http://www.quickertek.com/

Boosting my signal with two airport extremes

I have a wirelessN airport extreme in my basement office. I get a wireless signal for my Tivo on the third floor, but it is around 35% signal strength. So I want to boost the signal to get a stronger signal. Which airport product should I use -- extreme or express? Will pairing these boost the signal?
Thanks

Welcome to the discussion area!
You might want to consider all the options to get the best signal possible to the Tivo.
The absolute "best" way to do this would be to run an ethernet cable from the AirPort Extreme to the Tivo.
If it's not possible to run the ethernet cable, for the "next best" option, you might consider using a pair of ethernet powerline adapters to accomplish the same task by using the AC wiring in the home to transmit the ethernet signal. While not quite as solid as a formal ethernet cable connection, the latest generation of powerline adapters provide performance that is almost as good as a normal cable...and with faster and more reliable performance than wireless.
The last option would be wireless. It's possible for either the AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme to "extend" the wireless signal from the AirPort Extreme. This would probably work OK for normal internet browsing and audio streaming, but an "extended" wireless network may or may not be able to adequately provide the extra bandwidth required to download movies or video, especially high definition sources.
If you decide to try the wireless route, you might want to understand the store's return policy, just in case things don't work out as well as expected.

HT1178 I have BT Infinity at home with the BT modem connected to the phone line and then to a BThub which delivers the wif signal. I have purchased an airport extreme to improve wi fi strength if how do I connect up to hub it states connect modem to WAN o

I have BT Infinity at home with the BT modem connected to the phone line and then to a BThub which delivers the wif signal. I have purchased an airport extreme to improve wi fi strength if how do I connect up to hub it states connect modem to WAN on back of Airport Extreme.
Instructions do not mention connection to BT Hub and the BT modem has only one output which you dicsonnect from Hub and connect to airport extreme leaving. Once you do this Hub has no signal.
How do I rectify
Paul

you can also set up the Airport extreme to extend the wireless by hitting the wireless tab in the airport menu then click the drop down menu to select extend
Apple's "extend" function is a proprietary setting that was designed to only work with other Apple routers.
It would be extremely unlikely that this setting would work with a BT product, or any other manufacturer's product for that matter.
But, I haven't tested this with a BT product...and I suppose anything is possible.
Still, I would be extremely surprised if this worked.
The AirPort Extreme might "join" the BT network if you try this......but the AirPort does not provide any additional wireless signal coverage when it "joins" a wireless network. In fact, it really does nothing when it "joins" a network except enable the USB port.

I am trying to extend my airport extreme signal to another airport extreme can this be done? I have tried several time using the automated set up but it keeps failing... What am I doing wrong?

I am trying to extend my airport extreme signal to another airport extreme can this be done? I have tried several time using the automated set up but it keeps failing... I have selected every possible security/password encryption level... What am I doing wrong? If it os possible where can I find step by step instructions? Please & Thank you!

The challenge with the older round AirPort Extremes are that they are "g" wireless devices.
When you configure them for WDS, the speed on the wireless network is cut in half...and probably will not have the bandwidth required to stream video reliably from either AirPort Extreme since both are affected by the WDS setup.
There is not an "automated" setup for WDS. You have to do this manually on both AirPort Extremes. Unfortunately, it is not an easy configuration and it's easy to make a mistake and hard to recover without starting all over again.
Apple's instructions for WDS are here if you want to give it a try.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4262
It is possible that it might work. Keep us posted on your progress
Adding a single AirPort Express will unfortunately not help. You have to have "n" wireless devices at all router points.

How can I strenghten a weak Airport Extreme (2nd Generation) signal?

I have been having a weak WiFi signal in my Airport Extreme. Even when I am in a room that is less than 30 ft away.
Here are the details:
AirPort Extreme 802.11n (2nd generation)
     Version: 7.6.1
     Wireless Mode: Participate in a WDS network
     Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2 Personal
     Channel: 6
     Connect Using: Ethernet
My Airport Extreme is on the second floor of the house and is connected to a D-Link DIR 825 router that is on the first floor.
Sometimes when I am on the second floor, I get a better signal from the D-Link router than from the Airpot Extreme.
How can I strenghten the signal?
Thanks in advance

Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click on the AirPort Extreme
Information about the device will be displayed in the area to the right
The 3rd Generation product was the first Apple simultaneous dual band router, introduced in March 2009. Minor changes were made in the chipsets between the 3rd Generation and 4th Generation versions with some antenna improvements added in the 4th Generation versions as well. The 4th Generation version was introduced in October 2009.

What's the range of airport extreme can the signal reach my basement my house is about 2500 sq ft

Whats the range on the airport extreme is the signal strong enough to reach the basement of a 2500 sq ft home. Thx

The maximum free-space range is 150 feet; slightly more in the 5 GHz band. However, walls, floors, other electronic devices, microwave ovens, etc. will attenuate the signal reducing the range for actual use.
I live in a 2300 SF townhome and wireless works fine from an AEBS on the second floor. I use an Airport Express on the first floor in Extend mode that is configured for my Slingplayer. Apple TV2 does not seem to have any problems. It's also on the bottom floor.
This is a six year old home so the walls are not made of plaster. Plaster on metal lath can prevent AEBS signals from being detected outside of the room where it's located.

Can I use Airport Express to extend signal from my Airport Extreme and then run Ethernet from Express to my TV which requires ethernet to access internet?

As stated in title. I want to access Netflix but my TV requires ethernet connection. I would like to use Express to repeat Exreme sigal and then to TV via Ethernet. I only have one access point in house for cable modem so I'm using Extreme to broadcast though house. Will need to be able to input network key for Extreme secure network. Thank you.
Mike

Are both your AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express 802.11"n" devices?
If yes, you can configure the Express to "extend a wireless network" and it will provide more wireless coverage and the Etherent port will be enabled so that you can connect an Ethernet device.
This assumes that the Express is located where it can receive a strong signal from the AirPort Extreme.

Retina MacBook Pro is not connecting with Airport Extreme 5 GHz signal

I believe I have done my due diligence to find the answer to my question here and other places but I must be missing it. I have a Retina MacBook Pro that as far as I know should select the 5 GHz signal from my Airport Extreme (Generation 1 with 7.6.4 firmware) which is literally 3 ft. from my computer. When I click on the Airport icon in the menu bar, it is indicating a 2.4 GHz connection. I have looked at discussions which say I can give separate names to to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. I can't seem to find that. I also read where you can reorder the order of signal preference. I can't seem to find that either. Interestingly, I have an Airport Express that is extending the network. When option clicking on its icon in airport utility, I can see both the 2.4 and 5 GHz information. I don't se that in the Airport Extreme. I am thinking about gettng the newest Airport Extreme but if I don't need to...
Thanks for any help!

as far as I know should select the 5 GHz signal from my Airport Extreme (Generation 1 with 7.6.4 firmware) which is literally 3 ft. from my computer
A Generation 1 AirPort Extreme is not a simultaneous dual band wireless router. It can produce either a 2.4 GHz....or....a 5 GHz wireless network signal, but not both simultaneously.
If you want the Gen 1 Extreme to produce and deliver a 5 GHz wireless network, it can do so, but any 2.4 GHz devices that you have will not be able to connect to the 5 GHz signal.
A new simultaneous dual band AirPort Extreme will produce both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signal simultaneously. Wireless devices will automatically connect to the best signal quality based on their capabilities and location in relation to the AirPort Extreme.

Suggestion: add a "non Apple" Applications topic folder under Applications

Doing so could make it easier to organize tops that are not made by Apple.
Don't get me wrong, I wish I could use ONLY Apple software. But for now, there are still a few non Apple apps that are useful.
Just a thought to help people know where to look on the Apple Discussion site for apps that are not Apple in order to help them solve their problems with Non Apple apps to make that easier to find.
Thanks for listening.

I still like your idea, powerbook.
When I've had a particular problem with, say Word, it would have been nice to have a specific place to post it in. I hesitate to post it in "Tiger Use" - there are so many more issues going on in that forum that I wonder what the chances would be of it being spotted by someone who can help.
I've found that the Microsoft discussions (and Adobe if I remember right) are much more difficult to navigate through and so prefer to use Apple discussions. Then again, maybe I'm just not as familiar with those boards.
I can understand why Apple wouldn't feel responsible for providing a support forum for a product that isn't theirs. But it is the Mac version of these softwares being used with the Mac OS, so maybe it could be seen as justifiable on those grounds.
Anyway, sure would be useful…

Best signal booster for airport express

Need to boost the signal in my house for better coverage. I have a model A1264 Airport express.
What is the best and easiest way to increase signal coverage without having to to move the location of the airport.
Thanks,
JJ

Add another AirPort Express and configure the setup to "extend a wireless network". Keep in mind that you will need to locate the new "remote" AirPort Express where it can receive a strong signal from the "main" Express.
Apple's instructions for this setup are here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259
The example pictures two AirPort Extreme devices, but the set up for two AirPort Express devices is exactly the same.

Airport time capsule, add Airport extreme for stronger signal

I have a new Airport Time Capsule set up and running. My old Airport Extreme (5th gen) is sitting unused. I'd like to hook it up because I can't get a USB drive to work off of the TC (according to posts here it requires a powered hub).
I've read posts about setting up more than one Extreme, but feeling overwhelmed by all the terms. Also, much of the advice, including articles here, pre-dates the TC. From what I've read, the version of Airport Utility makes a difference too. I have the latest, 6.3.1.
First question: Can somebody explain, or point me to current articles, the differences between hardwiring (ethernet) the old AE to 1) the TC or 2) my wired Internet router (Verizon). A third option is, I think, is to set up the old AE stand-alone, connecting via wifi only, in a different part of the house.
Here's what I'm trying to accomplish. I live in a big old house with internal brick walls. I want to strengthen the signal throughout the house. One network, one password, security not a huge problem because we're rural.
I'm all Apple (Windows is banned from my house), and all software and OS up to date (10.8.4; I forget what cat it is).
Second question: depending on the answer to the first, am I looking to do an extended network, bridge network, hidden network (what is that?), roaming? I see these terms but am unclear on the distinctions. I'm sure many lurkers will have the same question.
Thanks,
Steve

Hi Again.. !!
There are two basic methods of connection.. wired by ethernet.. much the superior method to be used in every case possible.. (less gremlins!!). Even homeplug (EOP we call them here).. adapters are a better alternative to..
Extend wireless. This is apple terminology for what everyone else calls wireless repeater.
Wireless repeater as the name suggests.. picks up the wireless signal from a wireless source and retransmits it.. in the process it slows all transfers by half.. or more.. so it is inefficient.. only use where wire cannot be run.
Now to your specific question.
First question: Can somebody explain, or point me to current articles, the differences between hardwiring (ethernet) the old AE to 1) the TC or 2) my wired Internet router (Verizon). A third option is, I think, is to set up the old AE stand-alone, connecting via wifi only, in a different part of the house.
If the verizon router is the main router of the network.. with the TC plugged in and working in bridge mode.. then you can plug the old AE into TC or verizon router.. it will make no difference. The TC is working as a switch and AP only.. so plug into one or the other both are handled by the verizon router which does not know or care where the devices are plugged in. There is one consideration.. the TC and AE are gigabit.. the verizon is likely to be 100mbit.. so if you can plugging into the TC will provide gigabit link. Only relevant to ethernet connected computer on the AE and TC talking to each other.
AE stand alone is useless to you.. in stand alone you connect to it but have no connection to the rest of your network or the internet.
Second question: depending on the answer to the first, am I looking to do an extended network, bridge network, hidden network (what is that?), roaming? I see these terms but am unclear on the distinctions. I'm sure many lurkers will have the same question.
If you connect by ethernet you set up roaming.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260
If by extend wireless you simply set the extend.. it is by its very nature nothing but a repeater so must use the same wireless name and password etc.

Is it possible to turn off the wireless signal on the Airport Extreme?

Is it possible to temporarily turn off the wireless signal being emitted from an Airport Extreme whilst still remaining connected to the internet via ethernet? If so, what do you need to do to turn off the wireless signal?
Also, how strong is the wireless signal? If placed in a basement of a residential property, is it likely that the signal would reach two floors above?
Thanks very much for your answers.

Welcome to the discussions!
Is it possible to temporarily turn off the wireless signal being emitted from an Airport Extreme whilst still remaining connected to the internet via ethernet? If so, what do you need to do to turn off the wireless signal?
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab located just under the row of icons
Wireless Mode = None
Update to save your new settings
You can reverse the process to turn the wireless back on when you are ready.
Also, how strong is the wireless signal? If placed in a basement of a residential property, is it likely that the signal would reach two floors above?
It's just not possible to accurately predict wireless performance in advance for any installation. A guess would be that the signal will be very weak, and likely unusable, but you won't know for sure until you try it out in your house.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Apple Airport Extreme No Wireless Signal

Other than downgrading firmware, re-installing software or reinstalling an older OS (Windows style thinking), does anyone have a solution to this problem
I have an Apple Airport Extreme that has recently become useless because it emits or receives no radio signals.
I was running a Wireless Distributions System for a couple of years without any problems. The Extreme was the base connected by Ethernet to a cable modem. I had an Express as a relay station.
One day the Extreme stopped. Naturally, the WDS died. I played with the Extreme for a 1/2 day, but couldn't it too work. I made the Express into my sole Wifi base. Workable but not ideal, I now have dead zones in my house.
I finally found time to spend (waste) another day trying to get the Extreme working again. No luck. Some observations:
- the only useful advice I found to date, was to set the Extreme from automatic to a specific channel, the Extreme worked for about 20 mins. Strangely, my iBook couldn't find the signal, but my Dell PC could!
- I can get Internet access when use the LAN Ethernet outlet on the Extreme
- the centre status light is one, the LAN is on, the wireless is out
- Amazingly, at one point disconnected the LAN cable between the Extreme and my iBook, and launched the Airport Utility and it found the Extreme wirelessly!!!
- Not only that, but I could configure the Extreme wirelessly!!
- Yet during that time and after, the Extreme emitted no wireless signal - checked by Windows and Mac Laptop
- So if the hardware is emitting a signal that allows for configuration but not simple internet access, it is probably not a hardware problem and sure looks like a software problem, most likely between the OS and firmware.
- I have upgraded the Extreme to 5.7, many posts say go back to 5.5 but only a few claim this actually works.
- I am running Mac OS 10.3.9 on all my various Macs. Apple software updates are current.
This wave of posts reminds me of time when iBooks had a faulty motherboards. This looks like an easier fix, a firmware or software patch.
If anyone has a real solution, as opposed to an experimental one, I would appreciate it. Other posts recommend switching to more reliable third party hardware, I guess it might come to that.
Thanks.
iBook, Mini Mac, iMac Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Sounds like possible interference from a new neighbor's wireless network. Have you tried other wireless channels to see if you can find some clearer airspace?
AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Wireless Tab (below the icons)
Hold down the option key on your Mac as you click on the Channel selection box to see more choices.
You might also want to download a utility like Air Radar to display all of the visible networks in your area. Click on Scan at the lower right of the main window. Look for the channels that other networks are using and set your router to a channel that is as far away as possible.

Possible to add a non-Apple signal booster to Airport Extreme to improve signal strength?

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