Reason not to extend network?

When setting up an Airport Express, I'm asked if I want to use it to extend my wireless network or only use it for AirTunes. Based on the other posts in this forum, I assume that selecting "extend network" does not disable AirTunes. So is there any reason not to select "extend network"? Can it cause any harm? Why isn't this just done automatically instead of making it an option?
Mac Mini & Airport Express (x2)   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Extending the network requires using WDS. Each WDS link cuts the available wireless bandwidth for the entire network in half.

Similar Messages

  • Airport express for airplay only, not extending network

    I have just bought an airport extreme and airport express.
    The extreme is plugged into modem, and the express is in my living room, plugged into some older speakers.  The point of the express is to airplay-enable these speakers, not to extend the network.
    I've got both set up and they're working, except that the audio drops out of the airplay every so often, in light of which a couple of questions:
    1.  Even though I the point of the express is not to extend my network coverage, I guess it is doing that by default anyway?
    2.  Isn't a downside of that that accessing the network via the express will be slower than accessing it via the extreme directly?
    3.  Also, might the reason the express drops the audio be that other devices are using it to access the network?  If so, and this is the BIG QUESTION:  is there a way of continuing to use the express to airplay-enable my speakers, but not allow devices to use it for anything other than airplay?
    thanks lots
    d

    is your point that devices near the Express but far from the Extreme will tend to receive a weaker signal since they're not permitted to use the Express (which in Join mode is restricted to communicating with the device that's streaming music to it) hence must communicate with the Extreme, which is some distance away?
    Yes
    had thought that communicating with the Extreme rather than the Express might be faster (provided the Extreme is close enough for an adequate signal) since the Extreme is simply a faster bit of kit, but you've already said that might not be right -- I'll do a speed test.
    You can make the argument either way that you want, but you won't know what the actual results will be in any given situation until you try things out in your own particular installation. In other words, there is no one "right" way to do things that will be correct in every situation.
    I get five bars indicating good wifi signal strength but sometimes (as now) very very sluggish internet connection.  I thought the Extreme/Express combo might solve that but not really.
    There are so many things that can affect wireless performance at any given time, that it is almost impossible to list them all. And, things are changing all the time.....cordless phones, other wireless networks, radio and TV broadcasts, wireless security systems.
    As far as the AirPort Express is concerned, remember that it can only "extend" the quality of signal that it receives from the AirPort Extreme.  In other words, if you have an AirPort Extreme at one end of the house and an AirPort Express at the other end, the Express will receive a poor signal to extend.
    In this example, the correct location of the Express would be a point that is about half way between the AirPort Extreme and the other end of the house.
    The way to solve the wireless strength issue with an AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express.......is connect both devices together using a wired Ethernet cable connection. Then, you can locate the Express exactly where it is needed, since there is no signal loss in a wire......and a lot of signal loss whenever a wireless signal must pass through a wall or other obstruction.

  • My devices not automatically switching between Airport Extreme and Airport Express in extended network

    I have setup an extended network in my home using an Airport Extreme and an Airport Express. The Extreme is connected directly to the FiOS modem and the Express is being used as the extender. The nework is setup fine, but my devices (MBA, iPhone, iPad) are not switching base stations when the signal becomes poor on the one it's connected to. For example, I am upstairs with my MBA and a great signal as I am connected to the Express. When I move downstairs to where the Extreme is setup, the Wi-Fi connection becomes poor even though I am litterally sitting next to the Extreme. To force it to connect to the Extreme, I need to shutoff the Wi-Fi on the MBA and turn back on. At this point, the MBA will connect to the Extreme with a excellent signal.
    Any thoughts on why the MBA is not automatically switching?
    Thanks for the help!
    Brian

    The first troubleshooting step for any kind of network "issue" is a complete power cycle of the network. This gives everything a "fresh start" with new connections.
    Power off the entire network.....all devices....in any order you want
    Wait a minute or two
    Start the modem/router first, and let it run a full minute
    Start the AirPort Extreme next and let it run a full minute
    Keep starting devices one at a time about a minute apart until the entire network is back up
    Check the network again with the MBA and report on your results
    Do not worry about the iPhone and iPad....they are pretty much hopeless as far as automatically switching from one access point to another....but the MBA should if it is working correctly.

  • Extend Wireless Network using a Telstra technicolor Gateway wireless Router to Airpot extreme but Airport will only except join not extend and I can not get a network on the Airpor Extreme ethernet ports but can ping Airport extreme from Technicolor Rout/

    Extend Wireless Network using a Telstra technicolor Gateway wireless Router to Airpot extreme but Airport will only except "join a wireless network (which it does) not "extend a wireless network" (Led turns yellow and I can not get a network working on the Airpor Extreme ethernet ports but can ping Airport extreme from Technicolor Router.
    Airport gets it address DHCP.

    Funny how I can ping the Extreme but the Hard Ethernet ports dont seem to work correctly.
    When the AirPort Extreme is configured to "Join" a wireless network, the Ethernet ports are not enabled.
    Oddly, the AirPort Express has a special feature that will allow it to to "Join" virtually any wireless network.....and the Ethernet port can be enabled. So, an Express would work for your purpose to provide an Ethernet connection to the media player. This assumes that the Express is located where it can receive a strong wireless signal from your main router.
    Note that the Express will not provide any additional wireless coverage when it "Joins".

  • Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will - Help

    Iphone will not connect to airport express extended network - macbook and ipad will without problems.
    iphone will connect to base station no problems, I've restored settings and started again but still the same, the iphone picked up the network for the last couple of months, but not now ?

    I'm having the same issue. My AExpress used to give a good signal strength on the far side of the house extending he network created by my Extreme. However, I've noticed lately that my iPhone does not receive the same strong signal it once did. AE has a green light, I've rebooted it, and my Extreme but there is no change in signal strength. Other than the green light, how can I tell if the Express is working if I don't get a good network signal?

  • Timed Access not working on Airport Extended Network

    I've had an Airport Extreme wirless networking working fine except for some wifi disconnects at the far end of my house.  So I bought an Airport Express to extend the network.  I'm got the Airport Express configured and running an extended network.  Everything shows "green" in the AirPort Utility, but it required me to set the Timed Access option to "Not Enabled".  If I enable Timed Access on the Airport Extreme, the Airport Express dissapears from the AirPort Utility and starts flashing the amber light.
    Is it possible to configure an extended network that continues to support the Timed Access restrictions?

    Well,
    I succeeded in making it work. Yes it can work!!
    Yesterday I had a brainwave. You have to put the mac adress of the airport that extends your network also in the timed access table.
    My timetable looks like this:
    default: access from 06:00 - 22:00
    Devices that have an exception:
    My ipad: every day, all day
    Airport Express: every day, all day
    The trick is that you have to use the mac adress of your airport express of the WiFi interface. The airport has 2 mac adresses one for the wired and one for the WiFi. First I used the ethernet mac adress.
    So now it works like a charm.
    Success!!!!!!!
    BTW: You only have to enter the timed access rules in one airport. It propagates further to the "extenders"
    Message was edited by: jeroen.vd.poll

  • I had no problem with my IPad 3 connecting to my wi-fi but for some reason lately it tell me can not connect to network.  I reset both my wifi and my ipad and I still get the same error.

    I've had my IPad 3 for awhile and had no problems with it.  The other day I went to connect to my wi-fi and it told me could not connect to network.  It recognizes my wi-fi but won't connect.  I have shut off my wi-fi and still the same problem.  Today I reset my ipad back to factory and when I get to the wifi setup I still get unable to join the network.  What is wrong

    Dont use a password to connect the ipad and try if unable to join happens try another network. After that it is a repair. Now most likely it is the password on router. typically you access your router with http://192.168.1.1/ BUT it may be different if you changed it or your router uses different one.

  • Would like my macbook pro to only connect to time capsule and not to airport express that is extending network.  Is there a way to do this?

    I have a network set up with a main time capsule and airport express.  The airport express is configured to extend network.  While its fine for our iphones and ipad to connect to the express, I would like the Macbook pro to only connect to the time capsule as it seems to run faster.  Any way to do this?

    You are extending the 2.4ghz.. as that is the only way you can connect iphones.
    But if you have Gen2 or later TC you can setup 5ghz to use a different wireless name to 2.4ghz.. and it is much faster.. you need to be close to the TC though.. like in the same room.
    Make sure you download 5.6 airport utility if you haven't already.. go to the wireless options and the extra wireless area.. set a different wireless name (SSID in everybody but apple's book). Then you can deliberately select it.

  • Difference between a roaming network and a extended network?

    I am looking to set up 5 new Airport Extremes at the office.  Looking online for the best setup, I came across two network types; roaming and extended.  Which one will be faster.  I have a feeling that a roaming network would be, but I am unsure.  The office is rather large, so I also had a feeling that this would slow down an extended network.  Any thoughts?
    Also the network will have around 40 PCs, 20 Macs, and possibly 4 Apple Tvs.

    A "roaming" network is one in which all of the wireless access points are connected to a common Ethernet "backbone".
    Since there is virtually no bandwidth loss in a wire, the overall performance of this type of network is superior to any other type of extended networks.
    In an "extended" network, the wireless access points are connected together wirelessly. Since a wireless signal loses strength and speed quickly through the air, or any obstructions in the signal path, this type of network is far less desireable than a "roaming" network.
    In addition, an "extended" network is much more likely to pick up wireless interference, which will further degrade the operation of the network.
    Check with any networking pro and they will quickly confirm that an "extended" network using wireless to connect access points would not be suitable for a business or any other application where there will be a number of users on the network simultaneously.
    Speaking of a network pro, a modest investment that you might make to have an IT specialist come to your site, take some measurements and discuss your requirements with you.....then present you with a written proposal specifying what the network can and cannot do would be a wise thing to consider.
    This will undoubtedly save you more money in the long run than trial by error, not to mention the numerous headaches that will occur along the way. Unless you have done this type of thing in the past with success, it might be best to put egos aside and let the pros tackle a job for a pro.
    One final thought.....Apple wireless routers are designed for home use.....not commercial applications. There just might be a reason that you will not find Apple routers in the control room of an Apple store. 

  • HT4259 With extended network, which device do I connect to?

    I set up my Time Capsule as my base station and extended the network using an Airport Express. My question is, when I am logged onto the base station, will my computer automatically select whichever signal is stronger, the time capsule or the airport express... OR do I need to manually select whichever one is stronger?
    I am guessing it will automatically select but I have not read this anywhere and would like to confirm.
    THANKS!

    will my computer automatically select whichever signal is stronger, the time capsule or the airport express...
    Yes, that's the whole idea behind having an extended network.

  • Time Capsule Access Control and Extended Network Question

    I have a Time Capsule where I have set up a wireless network access list…and extended the network using an Airport Express unit. The Airport Express unit also has settings for an Access Control list. Do these need to be the same as the those for the network from TC that it is extending…or does that happen automatically…and if not what on earth are they for?
    Thanks for any help…this doesn't seem clear from what I've read/seen.
    James

    I have a Time Capsule where I have set up a wireless network access list…and extended the network using an Airport Express unit. The Airport Express unit also has settings for an Access Control list. Do these need to be the same as the those for the network from TC that it is extending…or does that happen automatically…and if not what on earth are they for?
    Unfortunately, they are not automatically applied to each base station in an extended network. You would have to manually enter the exact same list in each base station.

  • Packet Loss When Extending Network?

    Hi there, everyone.
    I just purchased the Airport Extreme AC after upgrading to 802.11AC devices in the home. On its own, the Extreme AC performs flawlessly - consistent connections, max speed my ISP provides, no-lag, no studdering, no packet loss. I was dissapointed with the range of the device at the far ends of my home, so I set up my previous generation Airport Extreme to extend the network.
    It extends the network fine, speeds are about half of what I get at the source, but the issue is that when it is part of the network, I experience packet loss, anywhere from 3% to 8%. I've tested this multiple times, unplugging, testing, replugging, testing. It happens both wirelessly and through ethernet. The issue is no question caused by the previous gen Airport extending the network.
    Any help here would be great!
    Setup:
    - Motorla Surfboard SB6141
    - WAN into Airport Extreme AC
    - Previous generation Airport Extreme to extend the network, no special settings.
    Don't be afraid to use techincal terminology to help me. I can follow and understand the majority of it, as I'm pretty into all of this.

    I'm not aware of anything that has changed in the 802.11ac version of the AirPort base stations that would induce the packet loss that you are seeing with an extended network over using an earlier generation. I am assuming, of course, that you are extending another Apple wireless router ... correct?
    Typically I would recommend that you would review the placement of the extending base station to be sure that it is in the optimal spot to reproduce the signal with the greatest amount of bandwidth possible. (Ref: This AirPort User Tip)

  • Is there a way to use an "Extended" network on an AT&T iPhone

    hello all! I have an iPhone 5 on AT&T. In some spots I have spotty coverage, and I'm wondering if there's a way to "Rollback" to an Extended or Partner network like the Verizon iPhone does? Thanks!

    I found the following on a Verizon web page entitled "Determining Verizon Wireless Service Coverage":
    "When the roam indicator is flashing or the banner display reads Extended Network, home airtime rates still apply, but additional features and services may not be available.
    "When the roam indicator is solid or the banner display reads Roaming, roam rates apply and digital features and services are not available."
    The distinction seems to be mainly one of price, but also of services.
    As far as I can tell, AT&T has only one sort of (domestic US) roaming, but Verizon has two different terms.
    As far as I can tell, since AT&T doesn't charge for domestic voice roaming, there is no switch to enable or disable it. You can switch data roaming off and on.

  • Can I create an extended network with a brand new TC and 2 first gen. AE units?

    I purchased a TC 2TB yesterday and replaced my non apple router with the TC. I have 2 older AE units that I suspect to be first generation. TC is in basement and I have placed AE in garage where I spend most of my time. Signal in garage is weak and lags. Air tunes off of AE in garage connected to boom box works fine. I run AirTunes from 3 iPhones, iPod touch, and 2 iPads with no problems. The options in manual setup for the AE don't offer make this an extended network, I suspect because they are too old? I don't want to create a WDS network and sacrifice the bandwidth. My main machine is an iMac 27 that is one year old, this is in the kitchen pretty much midway between the TC and the AE in the garage, if that makes any difference?
    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    The options in manual setup for the AE don't offer make this an extended network, I suspect because they are too old?
    Please take a look at the faint print on the side of both AirPort Express (AX) devices that you have to identify the Model No.
    You will need # A 1264 to do what you want. If you have # A 1084 or similar, the devices that you have are not compatible with the "extend a wireless network" setup.
    What are your findings?

  • Time Capsule & Airport Express Extended Network loses connection!

    OK, so I am an Apple virgin of 2 months experience, after many many years with Windows based PCs, so please be patient and gentle with me. Sorry about the long explanation.....
    My set-up comprises of a Time Capsule, which is connected to the Internet via a NetGear ASDL modem. Both pieces of equipment are situated in my wife's office on the first floor of our house. My office is on the ground floor, where I have a 27" iMac and an Airport Express which is connected to a printer via the USB port. The Airport Express is sited about 10 feet from the iMac.
    All software and firmware are lastest versions - TC v7.5, AX v7.4.2 & Airport Utility v5.5.
    For the past 2 months, I have only been using the AX to print wirelessly and the set-up has worked faultlessly.
    Earlier this week, I decided change the configuration to extend the network to allow me to use my laptop & iPhone in areas of the ground floor where I had no signal. I followed the online instructions and first changed the TC to check the box to 'allow this network to be extended', after updating the configuration successfully I moved to the AX. Here I changed the wireless mode to 'Extend a wireless network', selected the network name and checked the 'Allow wireless clients' box. This also updated successfully.
    Everything ran correctly and the range of the network was greatly increased.......great, job done...not!
    After about 3 hours the iMac lost the connection and the TC disappeared from the Airport Utility pane and refused to reappear. I checked but also couldn't connect or see any network on the laptop or iPhone, so have dismissed a fault with the iMac. I finally got things back up after doing a power reset of the TC, but after a few hours same problem occurred, and occurred and occurred. By clicking the Airport Utility icon on the top right of the screen and following the prompts from 'no Internet connection', I can at least get things up and working without a power reset of the TC, but the connection still drops after 2-5 hours each time.
    My first call to Apple Support led to a full reset and re-config of both the TC and AX, setting the extended network up as I had done originally. The only difference was an iMac reset (alt/cmd P&R on power up) and changing the 2.4Ghz channel from 1 to 11. This had no affect and the connection drop-out problem continued.
    My second call to Apple Support led to me being passed to a Level 2 Techie, who first suggested that I tried disabling the Guest Network - tried it, and it made no difference. I was then told to try a WDS network, which whilst not losing connection, is slower and has less range than the original extended network and frankly sounds a cop-out.
    Has anyone had a similar problem, anyone solved the problems, can anyone offer any help or advice please.. I'd appreciate any input....thanks.

    Similar problem here. Cable Modem (Moto SB6120)->AEBS (802.11n dual-band)>AX (802.11n) for wireless connection to MacBook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6.2. AEBS configured as dual-band: 801.11a/n at 5GHZ and 801.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHZ. AX configured to wirelessly extend the AEBS 5GHz 802.11a/n network. I am able to run on the extended 5GHz network (via AX) for varying lengths of time, until the internet connection dies. When this occurs, I am able to switch over to the 2.4GHz network to get back online. Solution up until now has been to unplug the AX, then plug it back in. After the AX restarts, I am able to hop back onto its 5GHz signal and get to the internet. However, the internet connection on this band will drop again after some time.
    I was on the phone with Apple Support twice in the past week to get this resolved, but no joy. Senior Advisor seemed to think that my AX was working properly, and that that the problem could be with my AEBS -- perhaps the 5GHz antenna might be bad in my AEBS? Seems odd to me, since both my AEBS and AX are less than 2 months old...
    I just read the post from LocoDoc and decided to see if I could replicate the problem. Sure enough, when I am connected to the internet via my AX extended 5GHz network signal and a Time Machine backup starts, the internet connection quits. Only recourse is to restart the AX. Note that I do not experience this problem with Time Machine while connected wirelessly straight to the AEBS 5GHz signal. Only when I am connected to the "extended" signal via the AX.

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