Possible to extend a network of a WRT54G to my TC?

Since a macbook cannot be on 2 networks at once. i'm going to need to have my TC act as my backup and as my network. so the WRT54G is plugged into the modem and the modem is plugged into the wall blah blah blah.. i need to know if my TC can extend the network of the WRT54G so that i can connect to the TC and have internet + backup. if this is possible what settings should the airport utility and the time capsule be on??

Do you have a specific reason for keeping the WRT54G on the network? You can simply replace it with the Time Capsule and keep on going.
If you want to set up two different networks, one 802.11n and one 802.11b/g, you could also do this. I'd set the Time Capsule up in place of the WRT54G and configure it as n-only which will allow you to have faster dual-channel connections. Then, you can connect the WRT54G to one of the TC's LAN ports and allow it to continue to give you the 802.11b/g network.
You would have to set up the TC for DHCP and then disable DHCP on the WRT54G. It is a bit tricky to set up but can be done.
Otherwise, just swap 'em out.

Similar Messages

I have a Cisco/Linksys WRT-54G wireless router and 2 Airport Extremes (the small ones that plug directly into the wall). Is it possible to extend the network from the router using these two AEs? I have a DVD player and Ext HD plugged into the router too..

I have a Cisco/Linksys WRT-54G wireless router and 2 Airport Extremes (the small ones that plug directly into the wall). Is it possible to extend the network from the router using these two AEs? I have a DVD player and Ext HD plugged into the router too. Any ideas? I'm guessing the only way is to do what I've seen in these community pages which states that it can be done but it will drop the bandwidth by 50%. Thoughts?? Thanks!

The Cisco/Linksys WRT-54G was one of the very few routers said to be compatible with Apple's implementation of WDS (Wireless Distribution System) settings.
The info that I have on file indicates that only the WRT-54G versions 4 and under were compatible, so that would be one bridge to cross.
Even if you find that your Cisco/Linksys might be the right version, Apple never published instructions on how to configure the Express devices with other manufactures, so users were left to their own devices to try to figure out how to get things working. Apple's instructions to connect to other Apple devices are in the link below:
WDS network
If you were hoping to use 2 Express devices in this type of configuration...even if it works...the bandwidth penalties will be extremely severe.
The first Express drops the bandwidth (and speed) on the entire network in half and the second halves everything again. So, the result, in effect would be a "g" wireless network running at 25% speed. Few users would consider installing this type of network.
At this point, it becomes one of those things where the fact that you might be able to do something does not mean that there would be much value in doing so. But, it is your decision to decide if you want to try to proceed.

Can I use an Airport Express to extend a network using a Bwrg500 router?

Can I use my Airport Express to extend my wireless network while using a Bountiful BWRG500 wireless router? The Bountiful wireless router has the WDS abilities.
http://www.bountifulwifi.com/Products/BountifulRouter500G/Overview.aspx
Thank you for looking.

It is in fact possible to extend your network using WDS. I say this under the assumption that your statement regarding the WDS capabilities of the Bwrg router is correct. However, keep in mind that you cannot use a WPA or WPA2 password with a WDS extended network. You must either use no encryption or use WEP. Unfortunately some routers require WEP passwords that use either 10 or 26 digits ONLY while the express uses a 13 digit password.
This can be a troubling problem considering that most people need a wifi password to ensure safe and secure browsing.

Having problems extending wireless network

I'm trying to extend a wireless network using a number of bits of hardware and would like to know what is the best way of doing it. I've had a good play around with things already, and have read a few tutorials/forum posts but I don’t think I've quite got it right.
The problem:
The current position of the wireless modem/router is in an upstairs room at the front of the house. While this works well with internet connectivity generally (Apple TVs are connected wirelessly in two upstairs front rooms and the living room downstairs, also at front), there is poor signal at the back of the house downstairs where we have another Apple TV that keeps dropping out.
This Apple TV is on the other side of what was the house's external brick wall (the house was extended, so this is now a kitchen/diner that is in a conservatory extension). So a floor, some distance and a brick wall separate this Apple TV.
What I have tried:
Initially I tried using an Airport Extreme Base Station (AEBS) to extend the BT Home Hub (BTHH) signal but had problems with this. According to BT, it should not be possible to extend the network in this way. So instead I tried this:
In upstairs front room:
* BTHH - transmitting 1 wireless signal (which I *could* use but …)
* Connection from BTHH ethernet into AEBS which is then transmitted wirelessly (And *this* is the wireless network I will use for Home Sharing/Apple TVs)
Downstairs, near back of house:
* An old Airport Express (first gen A1088 device), which I configured to extend the existing wireless network (the one transmitted by AEBS, not BTHH). No physical connections here - it's just done wirelessly
This *appears* to be OK, at least from from Airport Utility tells me (I used an older version - 5.6 - to configure the Airport Express, V6 to configure the AEBS). However, the proof is in the pudding, as they say - the Apple TV with the weak signal remains weak (3/5 bars according to Apple TV signal strength indicator), despite the Express being just a couple of feet away inside the house.
So, what can/should I do?
I think I have some more options. I have Powerline sockets that I can use, so I could connect ethernet in the upstairs room and then have the socket downstairs plug straight into the Airport Express.
What is the best way to set it up?
BTHH ---- ethernet ----> [Powerline] ---- ethernet ----> Airport Express
BTHH ---- ethernet ----> AEBS ---- ethernet ----> [Powerline] ---- ethernet ----> Airport Express
Or is there a simpler way I could do it?
I know that I *could* do this:
BTHH ---- ethernet ----> AEBS ---- ethernet ----> [Powerline] ---- ethernet ----> Apple TV
And have that TV use a wired connection instead of wireless, but I'd prefer not to do that for a couple of reasons:
1) The TV is against a wall, with limited space behind for cabling/sockets and there is no immediate power supply (so I'd have to run it all through trunking)
2) It's better if I can extend the wireless signal generally, not just for that Apple TV, but for all devices that might need to connect at the back of the house.
Appreciate any suggestions of what I can do here. I know this is a long note, but I wanted to be clear about what I have tried, what I've got at my disposal, etc.

Thanks for the welcome.
I have checked the settings and have set both up from scratch a number of times. The TC is set to allow the network to be extended and the Express is set to extend the network and to allow wireless clients.
I have also tried a number of different positions for the Express including in the same room without improvement. The network extension does work but with a significant deterioration in network performance when connecting via the Express. I would expect some deterioration in performance for the signal to pass from Express to TC but this seems extreme. The effect is even more pronounced with iPhones (3GS, 3G and 2G). the connection is actually quicker over the mobile network even for the 2G phone.
Cheers

Extending a Network Wirelessly with 3 or more N Devices is it possible?

I need to setup my Wireless network to cover a large U shaped apartment ( lots of concrete and 330 sq Metres Long and thin network would need to go back about 30 metres through walls and around corridors ). I think I will need at least 3 devices (ie one at front main devive where cable modem is, one somewhere in the middle and one in one of the back bedrooms). What I have currently is:-
1. Time Capsule N...would run this as N only
2. An Airport Express Would run this as N Only
3.Would buy a new dual band Airport Extreme - This would run and N network and a seperate g Network. ( I assume this would need to be the main station)
I would plan to use the Extend Network Feature, in airport utility, as explained in Apple's documentation. However Apple talks about using just 2 N devices. Is it possible to just keep adding devices to extend a network. i.e set up the main and every further N device as extending the Network. Questions:
1. Will This work?
2. How much bandwidth would I loose on the 2nd and 3rd base unit
3. Would the Bandwith loss be across the entire network, or progressively across the units added.ie main unit un-affected and each subsequent unit progresively less.
Thanks in advance for the help and also any other tips you have.
Thanks
James

Welcome to the discussions, James2509!
Think of Apple's "extend a wireless network" as if the main base station were the hub of a wheel and the remotes are spokes. Unfortunately, there is not an option for a configuration consisting of a base station, relay and remote with this architecture.
As a test, I would place a router in the position that the main base station would occupy and using your laptop, check different locations for signal strength. Obviously, the AirPort Express or Time Capsule must receive a strong enough signal to be able to extend it.
You could use an AirPort Extreme as the main base station, but note that only the "main" network can be extended, not the "guest" network. Ideally, the main base station would be located in a central location (hub of a wheel) so the remotes (spokes) will function correctly to extend the wireless signal.
I believe that there is an approximate bandwidth loss of 10-15% for each "remote" device added to the system in this type of configuration. As I understand it, the bandwidth loss is system wide. In other words, you probably would not want to use more than 2 or 3 extending devices although it is possible to configure more devices than this.
It's tempting to think of using "n" only at 5 GHz, but remember that the higher frequencies in this band are absorbed by walls and any obstructions much more quickly than signals in the 2.4 GHz band. It's also quite possible that you may find that "g" works better than "n" in your installation for the same reasons.
Ideally, you would run ethernet cables from the main router to the remote locations and setup the remotes in a "roaming" configuration. This would significantly limit the bandwidth loss on the network, but the construction of your apartment may not allow this. If it is not possible to run ethernet cables, you might also take a look at ethernet powerline adapters for this purpose.
I'm sure some other users will have ideas as well.

Ist it possible to extend a wifi network with sevral Airport Express's?

Hi, I live in a house with 3 floors. My router and my timecapsule are located on the 2nd floor and I want to extend my network wirelessly to the first floor and the ground floor by adding several (2) Airport Express stations to my network. Is this possible?
Basically like on the picture linked:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/g8mvrbgo4r38lzr/5uCsbQ5E2w?v=1mci
Somehow it works brilliant but, once I add the second AE my MacBook won't sign into the second AE but will stay in the first. Resulting in just not extending my network.
Thanks

Somehow it works brilliant but, once I add the second AE my MacBook won't sign into the second AE but will stay in the first. Resulting in just not extending my network.
That's because you can only wirelessly "extend" the network one time, not two.
Apple's "extend" setup works like the hub and spokes of a wheel. The Time Capsule would be your hub. There can be multiple AirPort Express devices, but each Express resides at the end of a separate spoke...and it communicates directly to the hub....not to another device at the end of another spoke.
The second extender is "joining" the network, but it provides no additional wireless signal coverage when it "joins".
You will need to move the second AirPort Express closer to the Time Capsule.....to the point where the display indicates that both Express devices are connected to the Time Capsule.
Another approach might be to move the Time Capsule to the central area on the 1st floor, then locate an AirPort Express above and below that area. That would work.
If that is not possible, then you will need to think about a wired Ethernet connection from the AirPort Extreme to the location of the second AirPort Express.

If I set up separate 2.4 and 5GHz networks on my Airport Extreme base station, is it possible to extend just the 5HGz network?

If I set up separate 2.4 and 5GHz networks on my new Airport Extreme base station, is it possible to extend just the 5HGz network with another AirPorrt Extreme that has duel, but not simultanous, frequencies?

Yes, configure the "extending" AirPort Extreme to connect to the 5 GHz network name when you set it up.
Temporarily, locate the extending AirPort Extreme close to the main Extreme for the setup, then move it to the remote location.
But, be advised that it is not easy to extend 5 GHz using wireless. You will almost need to have line-of-sight between the two AirPorts for this to work.

Is it possible to extend an Airport Extreme Network with a normal router ?

Hi everyone !
I know this question as been asked a lot before, but not in this way, I always saw : How to connect an Airport Extreme/Express to a Normal (D-Link, Linksys, Ect.) Router. What I wan't to do is connect a normal router to my existing Airport Extreme to extend the range of it. I know you can extend the network with an Airport Express, the thing is, i wan't to try with the router I replaced by the Airport Extreme. It's an D-Link DIR-615. If someone know how to do this it will be very nice and helpfull for me! I know on Apple website it says that it's not possible but some people seems to get it to work!
Thanks a lot !
(Sorry for my bad english i'm french Canadien)

You can extend the wireless range of the AirPort with a D-Link or the other way around ... BUT only if the connection between them is wired. This would be the basis of a roaming network. If you must have them interconnected by wireless, then it will NOT work.

Problem using Airport Express to extend wireless network.

I'm trying to extend my wireless network with an Airport Express (brand new, bought last week), but can only seem to do so by connecting it via cat5 to the router, which doesn't actually extend anything. I have a Linksys WRT54GS with DD-WRT, and want to have the Airport Express in a different room so cat5 isn't an option.
I'm using WPA2 Personal security on my network.
I've tried to follow several sets of instructions from these forums and on blogs, but the only things I've been able to do are...
1) connect via cat5, selecting "Create a new network" with the same SSID and such, but it doesn't give me any more range.
2) connect wirelessly selecting "Join an existing network", but that doesn't extend the network at all either, even if I put the AE at the edge of the network now.
Thanks in advance. All I really want to do is access my wireless from the other half of my house.
Zack

It was possible to create a WDS between the older 802.11g AirPort Express and the Linksys WRT-54GS and this (as you know) has been documented on the Internet. However, I do not know of anyone that has been successful doing so with either of the 802.11n generations.
The two methods that you have tried would not work as neither is the proper method to set up a WDS. Please check out the following Apple Support article for more details. If you are successful in setting a WDS between them, please post back your results.

Problems wirelessly extending 5Ghz network with Time Capsule

Summary:
My Time Capsule wirelessly extends a 5Ghz "n" network provided by my Airport Extreme, but the Time Capsule frequently fails and stops providing Internet access to connected computers. I'm not sure if the problem is with the Time Capsule or with the Airport Extreme it's connecting to.
Setup:
Airport Extreme (dual band) connected to cable modem. It provides a 5Ghz "n" network and a 2.5Ghz "b-g-n" network. This is in the bedroom.
Time Capsule (non-dual band) joins the 5Ghz network and extends it. This is in the office, maybe 40 feet away, line-of-sight. There is a laser printer connected to the Time Capsule via ethernet.
My MacBook is set to join the 5 Ghz network, and since it's in the office, it ends up joining via the Time Capsule. This is the desired behavior, as connecting through the Time Capsule seems to result in the fastest possible backup speed.
There are no wireless devices, such as cordless phones, in the house. The microwave is NOT in use when the problems arise.
*The Problem:*
Frequently, the MacBook loses its Internet connection, though it is still connected to the 5Ghz network through the Time Capsule. When this happens, it can only see the Time Capsule it's connected through (and other devices that are connected to it) but no other devices on the network.
When this happens, other devices that are connecting to the 5Ghz network through the Airport Extreme can no longer see the Time Capsule or any devices connected to it, such as the laser printer or my MacBook. This includes the living room computer, which has never been able to complete a backup due to this problem.
The Time Capsule's and the Airport Extreme's indicator lights both stay green.
If I change the Macbook's connection to the 2.5Ghz network, it can see the devices connected to the Airport Extreme, but can no longer reach the Time Capsule.
*Unsuccessful Solutions:*
This was happening in a previous incarnation of the network, when I had a non-dual band Airport Extreme providing the main network, the Time Capsule connected via 5Ghz, and an Airport Express connected via ethernet to the Time Capsule to provide a b-g network.
I replaced the Airport Extreme with a new dual-band unit to simplify the setup, but it did not solve the problem.
Since the Time Capsule seemed to be the weak link in the network, I reported the problem and got the unit replaced, but the problem still persists.
I've reset both the Airport Extreme and the Time Capsule to their factory settings numerous times, and set them up again from scratch (no imported settings). I've gone in and made sure that there were no WDS settings leftover from the earlier configuration, as the 5Ghz network does not need it to extend itself.
*Plea for help:*
Is anyone else experiencing a similar problem?

Update
The other day, I modified the setup so that the Time Capsule doesn't extend the wireless network wirelessly, only through Ethernet (so the attached printer will work, but the computers will connect directly to the AEBS. The Time Capsule stayed connected long enough for me to do a full backup (125GB) from the downstairs computer.
I thought I had it "solved" (though extending the 5Ghz network would be preferable so the office computers can have faster backup speeds.)
But yesterday, I went to print to the Ethernet-attached printer, and it got only one page out before it disappeared off the network again, and the print job failed. I noticed it did it again, today.
So the problem is not tied to wirelessly extending the network.

How do I extend a network with an AirPort Extreme from an Arris TG862?

I'm using Comcast as my ISP, and after some issues with a previous Motorola modem, they supplied me with an Arris TG862 Router/Modem combo tower. I have two AirPort Extremes, one of which was previously connected to the old Motorola modem to send wireless into the house, but it only reached halfway, so I had the other AirPort Extreme in the middle of the house to "catch" the signal and then broadcast it out to the rest of the house. This worked fine for a while.
But with the new TG862, it doesn't seem to be an option. From what I've read, if I have the TG862 in one room (connected to the cable), AirPort Extreme #1 in the middle of the house, trying to join the existing network (or extend it?), and AirPort Extreme #2 in the far end of the house (to extend from AirPort #1), it won't work. Apple's "extension" technology isn't compatible with all other modems or routers, and even if it was, I'd have to somehow configure the TG862 to "allow to be extended."
So my question is, IF there is a desktop utilizing the TG862 as a direct connection (because it has no built-in Wi-Fi), is it possible to put the TG862 into bridge mode, connect one of the AirPort Extremes and have it act as the router so I can use AirPort Extreme #2 to extend that network out to the rest of the house? I want to ensure the desktop still has a connection, but there's Wi-Fi that actually goes out through the whole house.
The connected-to-the-cable-desktop is a PC; we have multiple iPhones, iPads, and anywhere from 1 Mac laptop to 1 iMac in the house at any given time.

pcbjr wrote:
Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?
Hiya.
You can absolutely extend a network with an Extreme. I've got a 5th gen. Extreme extending a network created with a 3rd gen. Time Capsule. On the Extreme, you'll have the option to allow (or not) WiFi clients. I recommend having all units updated to the current firmware (7.6.1 as of this writing). Note that extending doesn't work in daisy-chain fashion, meaning that your Expresses or Extremes will each connect to and extend from the TC. As such, you'll want the TC to be in as central a location as possible to offer the best coverage.

Multipmultiple Airport Extreme Base Stations: WDS Or "Extend Wireless Network" To Have Wired -- Wireless Bridge?

Hello there!
I've been looking for this info, but have as yet been unable to find it. Here's my scenario:
I have two Airport Extreme Base Stations (both are dual band) and 3 airport expresses. The main internet connection in my house is in one room, where I have an AEBS as the main wireless router. In another room, I have a bunch of ethernet-only devices. I'd like to use the 2nd AEBS in this room, plug the ethernet devices into it and have the 2nd AEBS act as a wired <--> wireless bridge (connected to the same wireless network as the 1st AEBS). I've attempted this via "extend a wireless network," but the ethernet devices don't get past the AEBS they're plugged into. Should I instead be implementing WDS?
I mention the airport expresses as I'd like to have airtunes & wireless signal in other areas, but would like to keep the set-up as simple as possible (i.e., not config the AXes for WDS unless it's required).
Thanks in advance for any help!

Unlike the 802.11n AirPort Express Base Station (AXn), the 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBSn) cannot be configured as a wireless Ethernet bridge.
However, there are at least two ways to configure it to provide wired clients access:
Connect the second AEBSn back to the first by Ethernet; reconfigure the second AEBSn as a bridge and disable its wireless radios, or
Reconfigure both AEBSns into an extended wireless network. For 802.11n AirPorts, this would be called a dynamic WDS. The AEBSn, connected to the Internet would be the "main" base station and it would only require that you enable the "Allow this network to be extended" option in the AirPort Utility. The extending AEBSn would need to be configured with the option, Wireless Mode = Extend a wireless network, enabled.
In both configurations, the second AEBSn's Ethernet ports would be enabled for wired clients.

Using time capsule to extend a network with security

I have a time capsule and my roommate and I use the same wireless network. I want to add my time capsule to the network we both share but want to be sure only I will be able to access data on my time capsule i.e. external hard drive, back ups etc. Is this possible?

The Time Capsule can only extend a network wirelessly if it connects to the wireless signal from another Apple router.
So, the first question here would be whether or not the existing wireless network there is being provided by another Apple router.
If yes, what model of router would this be?
If no, then the Time Capsule will need to connect to the existing wireless router using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection.
If you do it this way, you have the option to have the Time Capsule produce a separate wireless network, or you can turn off the wireless on the Time Capsule and use it only as a wired hard drive.
No matter how the Time Capsule is set up, you would want to set up a separate Disk Password for the Time Capsule, so only those users who had the password could access the Time Capsule hard drive.

How do I install a new airport express and link a second airport express to extend the network of the first airport express?

I currently have a linksys wireless router attached to the Internet. I have an A1264 Airport Express connected by Ethernet to the linksys router. I have two network names, one for each wireless network.
I purchased a new A1392 Airport Express to replace the linksys router and join to the A1264 Airport Express, and I want to have one network name as a result.
How do I do this? I realize that I have to reconfigure the A1264 device so that it is an extension of the A1392 device.

You have a fairly complicated set up, so I suggest that it would make sense to tackle things in stages, testing each stage as you go, before proceding to the next stage.
Stage 1 would be setting up the A1392 first to the cable modem, and then making sure that everything is working correctly on the A1392 Express
Stage 2 would be adding the Netgear switch and testing each port with a laptop connected via Ethernet to make sure that everything is operational on the switch
Stage 3 would be connecting the A1264 Express and testing to make sure that it is extending the network correctly
Stage 4 would be adding other Ethernet devices to the Netgear switch and testing each one at a time before adding the next device. There is some question about whether an iOS device can print to an Ethernet connected printer....even if the printer is AirPrint compatible. You may need to connect the HP using wireless...not Ethernet....to gain full AirPrint functionality, or use another application that will allow printing like Printopia or Print Central using the Ethernet connection on the HP.
Stage 5 would be adding the printer to the A1264 AirPort Express.
You do not mention how the printer will connect to the A1264 Express, but I assume that it will be USB from your description. Most printers will work, but you really will not know if your printer will work until you try.
Remember that only printing will be supported at the USB port of the Express. If you have an all-in-one type device, scan, maintenance, and other advanced features will not be operational whent the device is connected to the AirPort Express.
If you want to print from an iOS device like an iPad or iPhone, plan to add additonal software like Printopia or Print Central to possibly allow this function. There are no guarantees here as far as the iOS devices.

Can I extend a network with an AirPort Extreme Base Station Rather than with an Express?

Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?

pcbjr wrote:
Topic title pretty well sums up the question.
I have a TimeCapsule Base Station with two Expresses for extending the network through the house.
We're doing a 3 room addition, and there is not a convenient place to put an Express in a wall outlet in the middle room of the addition, but there's a perfect place to put an Extreme on top of a piece of furniture.
So, can the Extreme act as an "extender" only, in lieu of using an Express?
Hiya.
You can absolutely extend a network with an Extreme. I've got a 5th gen. Extreme extending a network created with a 3rd gen. Time Capsule. On the Extreme, you'll have the option to allow (or not) WiFi clients. I recommend having all units updated to the current firmware (7.6.1 as of this writing). Note that extending doesn't work in daisy-chain fashion, meaning that your Expresses or Extremes will each connect to and extend from the TC. As such, you'll want the TC to be in as central a location as possible to offer the best coverage.

Possible to extend a network of a WRT54G to my TC?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for